Downtown event a hit with college crowd 

By JOEL ELLIOTT
Staff Writer

WATERVILLE -- It was 7 p.m. Thursday -- a time when activities usually are winding down for the evening on this particular spot on Main Street -- but at Jorgensen's coffee shop, college students from four different area schools strolled in by the dozen.
At least 40 already lounged at tables, many taking advantage of the coffee shop's wireless Internet connection while three men played folksy music from a corner of the dining area. At this point, a local band called Raffi D. and the French Connection had the stage, but band member Raffi Der Simonian invited those in attendance to come up and sing, recite poetry or give some other sort of performance.

Der Simonian, who helped organize the event through Waterville Main Street and assistance from Colby College's Goldfarb Center, said during a break between sets that he was pleased with the turnout.

"The objective of this event was to create an occasion to allow college kids in the area a chance to come and enjoy downtown on a neutral ground," he said. "The whole idea is that, if this goes well, we'd like to do it again on a regular basis."

Der Simonian said students at various area colleges helped spread the word about the event through e-mail blasts and notices on Facebook, Myspace and other popular online networking sites. Students from Unity, Colby, Thomas and Kennebec Valley Community colleges mingled and sipped free coffee.

"It's a different environment," Tori Arnolds, a Unity College student said, explaining why she and several classmates had come out that evening.

"It's good people, good music and a nice environment," fellow Unity student Josh Youse agreed. "It's like a college thing, so we can go out and mingle together."

Kennebec Valley Community College student Matt Giroux said "It's actually a good turnout. It's a good place to get out and meet new people. (Free) Coffee doesn't hurt."

One high-top table near the wall provided a place for several Colby College students to talk and watch the music performance.

"There's actually an a capella group here that we liked," Allison Stewart said. "And Jorgensen's is great."

But why Jorgensen's, rather than one of the bars in the area?

"Well, we're not 21 yet," Hallie Atwater said.

Regardless of why they came out, owner Ginny Bolduc was happy to have them.

"We're excited," she said. "We love it. Anything to get people out and having fun."