SKOWHEGAN -- In a bit of a departure from a standard downtown stroll by U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe Thursday, the senator was stopped by a fan on the street.

For a few minutes, talk of the flagging economy and soaring fuel prices was suspended, when a striking woman in braids and a white hat stepped onto the sidewalk, a big grin on her face.

The fan was Victoria Rowell, who described herself as an admirer of Snowe, who just "wanted to meet the Senator."

Rowell, a film star, dancer, author and NAACP Award winner, may perhaps be better known to followers of the daytime soap opera "The Young and the Restless" as Drucilla Winters. She is also known for her prime-time role as Dick Van Dyke's medical examiner, assistant and pathologist, Dr. Amanda Bentley on "Diagnosis: Murder."

Rowell, who was in Belgrade Wednesday signing her book, "The Women who Raised Me," said she was in Skowhegan talking with her literary agent. She appeared to have come from a car parked across the street from the Empire Grill restaurant.

Her memoir tells the sentimental story of her incredible journey in the Maine foster care system, and pays tribute to the many women who mothered, mentored and motivated her to become a success. Rowell has become a passionate voice and leading contributor to endeavors that benefit foster children. For more than a decade her foundation, The Rowell Foster Children's Positive Plan, has provided the means for foster children to reach their potential through participation in fine arts, sports, and employment opportunities.

The author-actress shared some of the details of her early life with Snowe and state legislator Donna Finley, R-Skowhegan, who was along on the tour. Rowell told them she was born at Mercy Hospital in Maine and was raised near Berwick, and that Maine remains dear to her heart. When asked if she would ever return to her role as Drucilla, she said she was headed for India next.

Rowell said HBO was interested in turning her book into a series and she hopes to do some of the film work in Maine.

Snowe told Rowell she is a champion of tax incentives for making films in America and in Maine and hopes to talk further with people such as Rowell who are of the same mind.

Meanwhile, Snowe tackled some of the tougher questions of the day, such as, where is the money coming from to pay increasing fuel bills this winter?

Snowe, talking with a small group assembled at The Blueberry Cupboard on Water Street, said it was time for Congress to solve the questions around fuel costs instead of "just talking, and talking and talking. At some point we have got to go across (party) lines and work together."

Snowe, along with other state and local officials, discussed how businesses, who can find little in the way of subsidy, will have a tough time surviving with fuel bills that have doubled and in some cases tripled.

The senator also said there must be a way to cut paperwork for senior citizens who have been approved for fuel assistance in the past. Time should be devoted to new applicants, she said.

Up and down Water Street, Snowe heard from business owners who said they are struggling through tough economic times, but are in it for the long haul.

It's time for the government to step up, Snowe said.

Darla L. Pickett -- 474-9534, Ext. 341

dpickett@centralmaine.com