On Wednesday, the first of three public meetings on development of a master plan for Lewiston’s so-called Riverfront Island was held at the Franco-American Heritage Center.

The area of the city under scrutiny includes the Bates Mill Enterprise Complex and Bates Mill No. 5, Simard-Payne Memorial Park, upper Lincoln Street and the neighborhood around the Franco center. Dozens of people turned out to talk about — and dream about — what could be done to improve the downtown riverside.

It’s interesting to note that just south of this study area, where Lincoln Street is being widened to accommodate better flow of commercial traffic, a fair amount of tree trimming has been done along the Androscoggin River side of the street.

For anyone who has driven that section of Lincoln Street, it’s a much-changed landscape that now offers a delightful and unexpected river view.

We encourage anyone who hasn’t yet seen the progress of that street and landscape work to get out there — by car, bike or on foot — to soak in that river view, and then make an effort to participate in the idea factory that will result in a Riverfront plan for the Main Street end of Lincoln.

It’s a matter of maintaining momentum on improvement.

For information, go to: riverfrontislandmasterplan.com.

? ? ?

It’s been a long couple of months for motorists in Carrabassett Valley who had to endure miles-long detours after Tropical Storm Irene brought down the Brackett Brook Bridge and the North Branch Bridge on Route 27 in early September.

The Brackett bridge was unofficially reopened a couple of weeks ago, and the North Branch Bridge reopened in a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday. According to Maine Department of Transportation spokesman Ted Talbot, the $3.6 million reconstruction projects were done on time and under budget.

The repairs have restored the well-traveled Route 27 corridor, which is enough cause for celebration, but the effort of construction efficiency in both time and cost should bring a smile to the face of every taxpayer motoring across the new bridges.

? ? ?

People volunteer for all kinds of reasons, and not enough of those volunteers are thanked for their time, energy and commitment to their communities.

On Thursday, 10 Rumford residents and former residents were publicly thanked for their collective years of volunteerism.

Ed Flynn, Joe St. Pierre, Angela Arsenault, Jolan Ippolito, Mary Hickey, Marsha McKenna, Brian Gagnon, Peter Perry, J. Arthur Boivin and Frank DiConzo are people who volunteer in local schools, on municipal and charitable boards, and have worked with animals and children over a period of decades.

In praising the group, Town Manager Carlo Puiia said of DiConzo, in particular, “He was always willing to give a little bit extra, to volunteer for things maybe other people didn’t have time to do.”

DiConzo, and people like him, are what make ordinary towns into caring, sharing communities.

We join the town of Rumford in recognizing these volunteers, and all of the other volunteers who take the time to do that little bit extra to help their neighbors.

It’s the Maine way.

? ? ?

At precisely 6:06 p.m. today, the Leavitt Hornets will take the field at Fitzpatrick Stadium to face the Wells Warriors in a battle for the Class B state football championship.

It will be the third consecutive year the Hornets have reached this level of play, and we wish coaches and players well in this contest.

? ? ?

Auburn’s Christmas tree has been installed at Festival Plaza, and today marks the opening day of the sixth annual FEZtival of Trees at the Kora Shrine.

We haven’t even sat around the dining table to consume our Thanksgiving turkey yet, and there’s probably still some Halloween candy kicking around, but we’re off and running toward the holiday season of celebration and shopping.

Let us be the first to wish everyone a merry and safe holiday season filled with kindness and goodwill.

jmeyer@sunjournal.com

The opinions expressed in this column reflect the views of the ownership and editorial board.

Copy the Story Link