Lincoln Jeffers hands a paddle to Kenadid Ahmed, 9, Tuesday during Lewiston Rowing’s Touch-a-Boat event in Lewiston. The event was funded by a mini-grant from Healthy Neighborhoods, focusing on renewing connections. Jeffers, the city of Lewiston’s economic and community development director, is a longtime avid paddler, comparing sea kayaking to cross country skiing. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Wil Libby demonstrates using a throw bag to rescue Cody Malpass at Lewiston Rowing’s touch-a-boat event Tuesday in Lewiston. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Amy Smith points out the parts of a rowing shell to campers from The Root Cellar Day Camp at Lewiston Rowing’s touch-a-boat event Tuesday on the corner of Pine and Bartlett streets. The event was designed to introduce the benefits of the Androscoggin River to the Tree Streets neighborhood. In July, the organization will co-host Lewiston’s first Riverfest Regatta exhibition. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Connor Dorr, 12, laughs with Jackson Plourde, 12, Tuesday at Lewiston Rowing’s touch-a-boat event. The event was part of an effort to connect the Tree Street neighborhoods to the Androscoggin River. The two were there with Lewiston Recreation’s Camp Smiles. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal