Windham resident awarded research grant from NASA

This summer, Saint Joseph’s College hosted a Maine Space Consortium Grant MERITS student, Annie deCastro from Falmouth High School, as part of its communications nanosatellite research team. (L to R): Annie deCastro (Falmouth High School) and Kevin McWilliams ’20, Dr. Ryan Dorland, and Dr. Steve Jury (all of Saint Joseph’s College) stand behind an array of sensor boxes that they designed and built for several research projects. Photo: Patricia Erikson

The NASA-Maine Space Grant Consortium held their Celebration Day for the Maine Research Internships for Teachers and Students (MERITS) Program on the Saint Joseph’s College campus on Friday, August 3rd. The MERITS Program provides six-week summer research opportunities to Maine high school juniors in host institutions across the state.  

Windham resident Dr. Ryan Dorland, Assistant Professor of Sciences at Saint Joseph’s College, was awarded a one-year research grant for $20,000 from NASA through the Maine Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) to introduce satellite science and build nanosatellite prototypes in introductory calculus-based physics labs. This funding led to the creation of the nanosatellite team research project.

Celebration Day provided the opportunity for research presentations by students who were hosted by Saint Joseph’s College, University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, Colby College, the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, RLC Engineering, and Mobility Technologies. MERITS students are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields and want to experience “real-time” applications of STEM in a research-focused work world conducting research and technology development.

As one of the hosting institutions, Saint Joseph’s College brought Annie deCastro (Falmouth High School ’19) onto a research team that is striving to build a communications nanosatellite and to help Maine launch its first Cube Satellite, in collaboration with the National Air and Space Administration (NASA). 

Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Dorland explained, “We are one of the first colleges in the state working on this; we’re on the ground floor with NASA. The goal is to connect the sensor boxes together wirelessly and gather fine-grained data from a dispersed area all at once. Then we can connect to small satellites to gather data in remote locations where no cell or radio signal exists. Designing a small satellite is part of this project. We won’t be building the satellite, but we will complete a conceptual design and build a prototype.”

deCastro said “I do robotics at school. These electronics and trouble-shooting skills overlap a lot with what I’m doing here at Saint Joseph’s College. I had an inclination toward engineering already, then, I applied to the MERITS program and got in. They helped place me into a project here at Saint Joseph’s for the summer for six to eight weeks. This gives me hands-on experience and an opportunity to confirm my interest in STEM.” deCastro spent the summer building sensor boxes and testing them on a number of NASA-funded projects on campus, in collaboration with Saint Joseph’s College students and faculty.

Award winner from Raymond receives full tuition scholarship

Maine Adult Education Association was proud to feature several awards at the 2018 Conference held at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. Theme for the conference was “Better Together” and educators came together to learn about teaching methods and much more.

Dr. Carol Leary, President, Bath Path University and the American Women's College and Gloria Collins, Windham/Raymond Adult Education full scholarship

For the first time, The American Women's College at Bay Path University awarded one full-time scholarship to a woman from Maine served by the Maine Adult Education Programs. The winner, Gloria Coffin, Raymond, of the Windham/Raymond Adult Program will have the opportunity to enroll in the fall of 2018 and begin her journey towards completion of her undergraduate degree.

The American Women's College is the first 100% online program in the nation exclusively for women. Through the accelerated, online format, the recipient can choose from over 20 career-focused degrees and graduate within as little as one and a half to three years. The program is based on a unique award-winning online platform known as SOUL, Social Online Universal Learning, designed specifically to help women complete a college degree by monitoring academic progress in real time and connecting students with classmates and faculty in innovative ways.

Students at The American Women’s College benefit from the Women as Empowered Learners and Leaders program, also known as WELL, to develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge to achieve their goals and are also assigned educator coaches who support the student from the start to the finish of their degree.

Raymond pools resources with other towns for purchase of Animal Control Officer vehicle by Lorraine Glowczak

It is mandated by the State of Maine that each municipality employ an animal control officer (ACO) to investigate mistreated animals and control those that are deemed dangerous, abandoned or lost. For smaller communities, an ACO is often employed by more than one town.

This is the case for Jessica Jackson, the Animal Control Officer who provides the required state services for the towns of Raymond, Casco and Naples.

Jackson has been the area’s ACO since 2011. She has performed her job and responded to calls, concerns and complaints by using her own vehicle in the 125 square miles that comprise the three communities. Until recently, that is.

Through the collaborative efforts of the three towns, a 2014 Ford Explorer Interceptor was purchased from Maine State Surplus Property. “This newly acquired used vehicle was previously utilized by the Maine State Police and came with extensive interior improvements to safely transport a police dog already installed,” explained Don Willard, Raymond Town Manager. “The vehicle has two separate climate-controlled cage areas, a second and third row aluminum interior liner and features a remotely actuated electric-hydraulic rear passenger side entry door. We [the three towns] were able to pool our resources together to purchase this vehicle all equipped, at the reasonable cost of $3,000 per town.”

Once the Ford Explorer made its way to the Lakes Region, it received a new look with graphic lettering on the side doors and rear hatch establishing it as an Animal Control vehicle representing the Towns of Casco, Naples and Raymond.

Jackson states that the new vehicle delivers not only a safety factor but imparts a distinct visibility as to what she is doing in the area and why she is present. “With the marked vehicle, I am more visible to the community and it acts as a deterrent for the mistreatment of animals,” she said. “It also offers more security for me as an officer because people can clearly identify me. From a safety standpoint, people know the purpose of my being in the location. People are now approaching me because they know who I am and who I represent. This was not the case when I was driving my own personal vehicle.”

Jackson is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the company supplied vehicle adds a little relief for the demanding travel of the job. “It was a natural progression from Jessica using her own vehicle to one that is provided for her,” Willard said. “All three towns appreciate Jessica’s expertise and dedication and we want to make the job more accommodating for her in terms of travel and safety. We are examining ways to establish a more reasonable schedule, as well.”

Jackson encourages people to contact her with any concerns regarding domesticated animals. “I want people to feel comfortable asking me questions and sharing anything that may concern them regarding domestic animals,” she stated. “I’d rather have a concern go unfounded than unreported. Also, I prefer to be proactive rather than reactive. Most often, with a little communication and education, many issues can be resolved if you catch them in the early stages.”

Jackson, who is also a licensed wildlife rehabilitator specializing in wildlife predators, urges everyone to keep a watchful eye on their animals, report them missing promptly, and attach ID tags along with registration tags. If they do go missing, please report it promptly.

To report missing, abused or abandoned animals, Jackson can be contacted by calling the Cumberland County Dispatch Center at 800-501-1111.

Bruce Marshall to open Loon Echo Land Trust’s Acoustic Sunset Concert Series

Loon Echo Land Trust's popular Acoustic Sunset Concerts Series on top of Hacker's Hill Preserve on Quaker Ridge Road in Casco, ME returns Wednesday, August 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for its seventh season. This summer's opening concert will feature the vocals and guitar work of nationally renowned Accessible by car, the open, grassy fields of Hacker’s Hill’s beautiful land allow for comfortable seating and extraordinary sunset views of the Lakes Region with the White Mountains acting as a backdrop for the performance. Bring a picnic dinner, a lawn chair or blanket and soak up the splendor of the sunset while listening to the music. There is a suggested donation of $10/Adults and $5/Child to benefit the ongoing stewardship efforts of Hacker's Hill. Hacker's Hill is car accessible. Parking is available by driving to the road into Hacker's Hill Preserve on Quaker Ridge Road in Casco, approximately one mile south of the Route 11 intersection and four miles from the Route 302 intersection.  Parking at Hacker’s Hill is limited so carpooling is advised. For more information about upcoming events or ways you can support Loon Echo Land Trust, go to their website www.lelt.org or call 207-647-4352.    musician Bruce Marshall. A tireless performer with great originals, an expressive, soulful voice and accompanying guitar style on acoustic and steel dobro, he’s earned a reputation as one of New England’s best.

Annual Kelli 5K – an event that keeps giving in more ways than one by Lorraine Glowczak

Saturday, August 11 at 9 a.m. will mark eight years since the first Kelli’s 5K run/walk occurred. The event was created to honor and remember Kelli Hutchison who passed away at the age of 10 on February 16, 2010 of GBM brain cancer. The intention of the 5K is to raise funds for upkeep and expansion of a playground in her memory. It has also morphed into a way that honors Kelli’s loving and caring approach for life, by donating a portion of funds from the race to local projects and organizations that help others who face difficulty in some way.

“There is a lot of hardship in the world,” stated Michael Hutchison, Kelli’s father. “With Kelli’s 5K we are able to help others in need. Kelli would have been thrilled with where the funds have been contributed over the years.”

The first two years (2010 and 2011), the funds were dedicated to building the Kelli Hutchison Memorial Playground. The playground is located at 40 Windham Center Road on the grounds of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church where Kelli and her family have always attended services. The playground was built to not only honor Kelli’s memory but to be a “fun and welcoming place to enjoy the spirit of childhood,” as stated on the church website. The playground is not only open to its church members, but to the children of the great lakes community as well.

Dan Wheeler, a church member and former member of the playground committee stated in a previous interview. “There are always children playing on the playground. It is very well used and that makes us happy.”

After the playground was built, the yearly 5K funds provided the upkeep and future expansion to the playground. “In addition to adding mulch periodically, we have been blessed to be able to add umbrellas, tables, trees and in the near future a patio to the playground with the funds raised,” stated Melissa Hutchison, Kelli’s mother. 

But it was also decided that the monies made from the event would either be split equally or a portion of the funds shared with other projects and organizations. 

The following projects or organizations have also benefited:

2012 - Make a Wish Foundation.

2013 - St. Ann’s Capital Campaign for church expansion and Windham Primary School playground

2014 - St. Ann’s Capital Campaign for church expansion and Windham Primary School playground

2015 - Tools for Schools (provide school supplies where necessary).

2016 – Windham High School Project Graduation (Kelli’s graduating class of 2017)

2017 – Nolan Cyr, local student who is now cancer free and the RSU14 Activity Fees

2018 – RSU14 Activity Fees

Giving to local community organizations is not the only way the annual 5K honors Kelli. There is another form of giving involved and that is the giving that comes from others to make the 5K a success.

“It’s really been amazing how many volunteers give their time and local businesses give prizes and sponsor the event,” Michael said. 

Kelli's parents, Melissa and Michael

Kelli’s mother, Melissa added, “We are very indebted to our sponsors and volunteers that support us year after year. We are also very thankful for the committee members who work throughout the year with their big push in the very busy summer months.” 

The Hutchison’s would like to give a special thanks to Kelli’s 5K developers, Barney Boynton and Mike Cushing, for their yearly commitment and expertise. They map out the course and provide guidance on timing the participants. “They are our experts,” Michael said. “I don’t know how we would run the race without them.”

The race will take place at the Windham High School’s cross-country course. Located at 406 Gray Road, the event will begin at 9 a.m. with two courses to choose from. The first, a challenging and timed 5K run that will include rolling terrain, a series of bridges and a steep path. The second course is a non-timed walkathon around the Windham High School Campus.

Registration for the annual walk/run has already begun and will continue to be accepted up to 30 minutes prior to the race. 

Although the run/walk may have been precipitated by somber beginnings, the true focus of Kelli’s 5K is to spread light, friendship and the art of giving to others, which represents Kelli’s true-life expressions.

“Kelli would be so proud of her community,” Melissa reflected.

For those who have not yet registered for the run/walk and wish to do so, it is not too late. To register, go online at www.kellis5k.com. The cost to register is $20 before the event, $25 the day of the event. To make a donation or for further information about the playground, please contact Melissa Hutchison at 2hutches24@gmail.com 

Raymond Board of Selectmen hold a Special Town Meeting and Public Hearing by Lorraine Glowczak

A crowd gathered at the Broadcast Studio, 423 Webbs Mills Road in Raymond on Tuesday, July 31 to provide public input at a Special Town Meeting and Public Hearing.

The meeting began at 6 p.m. to discuss moratoriums on registered caregiver retail stores as well as on mobile homes in the Limited Residential/Recreational 1 and Limited Residential/Recreational 2 shoreland zoning districts. The public hearing on the proposed referendum question regarding withdrawal from the RSU14 immediately followed.

A vote for and the unanimous election of Joe Bruno as the Special Town Meeting moderator began
the meeting.

First on the agenda was the discussion of the moratorium on registered caregiver retail stores, which is a facility or location where registered medical marijuana caregivers sell harvested marijuana to qualifying patients for medical use through a storefront. The purpose of the moratorium consideration was due to concerns of public safety and welfare, the increased requests for storefronts and the fact that the Town’s existing ordinances do not provide an adequate mechanism for regulation and to control the location and operation of storefronts. This moratorium would be applied for 180 days with possible extension by the Board of Selectmen or would end 90 days after the Legislature adjourns from current special session, of which the Maine Marijuana Act would take affect and supersede the moratorium.

Most of the Raymond citizens who addressed the Board, spoke out against the moratorium, making the argument that medical marijuana provides relief for many ailments. They argued that to limit storefronts could hinder safe use of the product and create cost increases unnecessarily.

After careful consideration, the moratorium on registered caregiver retail stores was voted upon and failed.

The second item on the Special Town Meeting agenda was the discussion regarding the moratorium on mobile homes/manufactured housing in shoreline zoning areas. A majority of the public spoke for the moratorium and it passed. It will be in effect for 180 days. During this time the Town of Raymond will work on developing appropriate land use regulations regarding this form of housing.

The Public Hearing for the Board of Selectmen to receive public input on the proposed referendum question regarding withdrawal from the RSU14 began at 7 p.m.

The referendum was proposed after many expressed concerns about the Board of Education cost-sharing agreement with Windham. The greatest concern regarding this agreement was the recent vote above stated concerns but have not received any responses.
that was passed by Windham residents to build a new Shared-Maintenance Facility Building, located in Windham. “This is a $9.3 million facility of which the Town of Raymond is responsible for paying $1.2 million,” stated Board Selectwoman and Chair, Teresa Sadak. Sadak also stated that the Board has worked with the Town attorneys to have conversations with the school board as well as with the Town of Windham to discuss the

Attorney Daniel Stockford was present and explained the process it takes to withdraw from an RSU.

Concerns and comments from the public were expressed about the withdrawal that included but were not limited to the following: Concerns regarding the quality of Raymond students’ education if
withdrawal occurred, the cost of providing quality education and the loss of sense of community among the students after middle school. It was also suggested to have a plan in place prior to starting any withdrawal process.

All Raymond residents will have an opportunity to vote on this ballot question on Tuesday, August 14 at the Jordan Small Middle School cafeteria. The question to be voted on is as follows:

“Do you favor filing a petition for withdrawal with the Board of Education, authorizing the withdrawal committee to expend $50,000 over 2 years and authorizing the Select Board to issue notes in the name of the Town of Raymond or otherwise pledge the credit of the Town of Raymond in an amount not to exceed $50,000 over 2 years for this purpose?”

Music with a Mission features the concert “Broadway & Beyond”

Singers Emily Ann Cain, Kelly Caufield and Matthew Small, along with pianist Dr. Laura Artesani, will perform “Broadway & Beyond” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 4 at the North Windham Union Church as part of the organization’s Music with a Mission series. 

The upcoming concert will mark the sixth straight summer concert for this popular local ensemble. This original “Broadway & Beyond” team of friends has joined forces to perform musical theater, pop standards and more for nearly two decades; often in support of worthy causes, including Special Olympics Maine and others. These New England-based entertainers relish the opportunity to connect with one another and their audiences through music.

Aside from their many concert appearances as soloists and ensemble members, Cain, Caufield and Small have appeared together with the University of Maine Singers, UMaine School of Performing Arts productions, Renaissance/The Maine Steiners acapella groups, Schoolhouse Arts Center at Sebago Lake and other performing arts organizations. Dr. Artesani worked with the trio of singers for several years as their music professor at UMaine.

The Music with a Mission concert series is sponsored by the North Windham Union Church, which donates a portion of the proceeds to area non-profits. Now in its sixth season, MWAM has provided
over $57,000 for mission support to the church and other community organizations. The “Broadway & Beyond” performers have once again decided to support Special Olympics Maine with the community proceeds from this concert.

Tickets will be sold at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for students, children, and seniors. Tickets are also available in advance on-line at www.mwamconcerts.com and through the church office from 9a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. The box office opens at 6:00 p.m. and the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The North Windham Union Church is located at 723 Roosevelt Trail in Windham and is air-conditioned for your comfort. For more information please call 892-6142 or email MWAMconcerts@gmail.com.