I’m writing with a heavy heart, thinking back to a time when College Avenue in Waterville felt like home. I can still recall the smell of fresh donuts from the corner bakery, sweet and inviting, and the savory aroma of onions cooking on the diner’s grill, mixed with the crisp air of fall or the warmth of summer.

Those scents told the stories of our community: early risers grabbing coffee, families eating lunch and students chatting and laughing. That was Waterville, a place with a clear sense of itself.

Now, driving down that same street feels very different. The scents of donuts and onions have been replaced by the strong smell of marijuana from cannabis shops that have popped up everywhere. Their bright signs promise something new, but the sidewalks now feel littered and empty, with people wandering aimlessly.

Some call this progress, saying it brings freedom and economic growth. To me, it feels like we’re losing something. The history of College Avenue, our bakeries, diners and unique character, is being erased.

This so-called progress seems to be obliterating the stories and spirit that made our town special. I miss the days when the air felt like home, filled with the smells of donuts, onions and the sound of a lively Waterville. I hope we can hold on to what’s left before it’s all gone. The leaders of our state are allowing this to happen and it’s pretty sad.

Henry Carter
Albion