Public welcome at Grand Opening for East Windham Conservation Area

By Ed Pierce

It’s said that every goal we reach has once been part of a dream that we thought would never come true. With the official Grand Opening of the East Windham Conservation Area next weekend, that dream has become a reality for generations of future residents of Windham.

The East Windham Conservation Area will hold
a Grand Opening Ceremony from 10 a.m. to noon
Saturday, May 4 at the Lowell Preserve Trailhead 
in Windham. COURTESY PHOTO

Creating the East Windham Conservation Area was achieved through a partnership between the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and the Town of Windham. A special dedication ceremony will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4 at the Lowell Preserve Trailhead in Windham marking the completion of the first phase of the project. The first phase includes a trailhead parking area, signage, five miles of trails, and views of the western mountains.

Land at the site is 99 percent forested and includes 661 acres with 1,545 feet of undeveloped water frontage on Little Duck Pond, some 38 acres of wetlands and numerous headwater streams. Through its conservation the area will directly help protect the water quality for Little Duck Pond, Highland Lake, Forest Lake, and the Pleasant River. It is the largest wildlife habitat, clean water, and recreational trail corridor in Greater Portland and provides a 30-mile trail network connecting Windham’s Lowell Preserve, Falmouth’s North Falmouth Community Forest and Blackstrap Hill Preserve.

The new multi-use trails have been built at the site by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and the area also includes a 150-acre Deer Wintering Area, a traditional site for hunting by permission, and the 580-foot Atherton Hill, the tallest site in Windham.

Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts said the town is grateful to the Lands for Maine’s Future organization for helping to fund this project.

“The timing of this land being available to be conserved for the future with recreational usage combined with the state’s renewed commitment to funding with the Land for Maine’s Future program has been ideal,” Tibbetts said. “The LMF Board’s award to grant the town nearly $1 million for the acquisition of this property is an opportunity we couldn’t afford to pass up.”

Since the 1990s, Windham residents have identified the East Windham Conservation Area as an important area site to conserve during increasing concerns about local development. It features large undeveloped habitat blocks and superior water quality protection.

Windham’s Open Space Plan identifies developing and maintaining open space partnerships and relationships as key mechanisms to grow conservation efforts in the town and when the Windham Town Council formally adopted the Open Space Plan, Windham reached out to the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust in 2021 to be an open space partner by holding a conservation easement and sharing responsibility for the trail management on the adjacent 308-acre Lowell Preserve.

In a press release issued by the Town of Windham, Windham Town Councilor Brett Jones said that the conservation of the East Windham Conservation Area property, and the open space it provides are consistent with the town’s long-term comprehensive plan to preserve Windham’s rural character.

“When you combine its 700 acres with other already established preserves, it will provide Windham and surrounding area residences with access to 2,000 acres of unspoiled nature and four seasons of outdoor recreational activities,” Jones said.

Funding to create the area was about $3.7 million and included a $1 million grant from the Land for Maine’s Future initiative. In 2021, voters from Windham approved a $1.8 million conservation bond using open space impact fees and another $400,000 raised privately from public donations. A Land and Water Conservation Fund federal grant for $500,000 also was obtained to pay for the infrastructure improvements at the site.

A town-wide survey in Windham conducted over a six-month period in 2021 and 2022 concluded that conserving the land to remain undeveloped for wildlife habitat, water quality protection and rural character was the top benefit to be derived from the project. The survey also ranked the second-highest community benefit for the site is to provide multiple-use outdoor recreation and create access for the whole community.

Land for Maine’s Future officials say it was exciting to be part of such as expansive and significant conservation project which will provide recreational opportunities for future generations of Mainers.

“We have been excited about this project since the Town of Windham and Presumpscot Regional Land Trust first brought it to our attention in its exploratory phase,” said Steve Walker, Director of the Land for Maine’s Future. “This project embodies the best of public and private partnerships working together to protect the places that support our wildlife, our quality of life, and our economy.”

In addition to holding the conservation easement, the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust will have a shared management agreement for the conserved land with Windham.

“This regional scale project, which is both a destination for outdoor recreation and critical for wildlife habitat, has only been possible due to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Land for Maine’s Future Program, the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Town of Windham’s conservation bond, lead business partner Gorham Savings Bank, numerous private foundations, and over 400 local individuals and families donating to make this project a reality,” said Will Sedlack, Presumpscot Regional Land Trust’s Executive Director.

Phase two work will begin this fall and see the remaining five miles of trails built, including a universal access trail, which can be navigated by those with limited mobility. This trail will lead to a scenic overlook with views of the Western Mountains, ensuring everyone can experience the wonders of Maine’s great outdoors. A third phase of the project, planned for future years, will include an observation tower providing panoramic views from the top of Atherton Hill.

The public is invited to attend the Grand Opening event which is free, but space is limited, and registration is required. Please RSVP for the event at https://www.prlt.org/events <

In the public eye: Raymond’s new Town Clerk ready for challenges of job

Editor’s note: This is another in an ongoing series of Windham and Raymond town employee profiles.

By Ed Pierce

Melanie Fernald takes her new role as Raymond Town Clerk and Registrar of Voters very seriously and it’s a job that not only requires meticulous attention to detail, but also being polite and cordial to everyone she meets.

Melanie Fernald began serving as the Raymond Town
Clerk and Registrar of Voters on April 1 and oversees
the maintenance of town records for births, deaths, and
marriages. She also prepares minutes and agendas for
town boards and committee meetings conducts state
and town elections and certifies ballot questions and
candidate petitions. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

In some ways, Fernald is the face of the town as she oversees the maintenance of town records for birth, death and marriages and prepares the minutes and agendas for town board and committee meetings as Town Clerk. As Registrar of Voters, she prepares the materials for state elections and town meetings, ensuring that all state and federal regulations are followed every step of the way, and certifying petitions for ballot questions and candidates.

If that wasn’t enough, she also manages the issuance of business, liquor, dog, hunting and fishing licenses and registers motor vehicles and processes tax payments.

She started her new job April 1, succeeding Susan Look, who was appointed Raymond Town Manager earlier this year.

“We tend to see people in the highest and lowest points in their lives,” Fernald said. “I love seeing new parents come in for their baby's birth certificate or happy couples come in for a marriage license. But we also issue death certificates when a loved one has died. I take pride in knowing I’ve done something small to help people navigate those moments.”

Originally from Westbrook, she went to Westbrook schools, then left to attend college at University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire where she studied psychology and earned a bachelor’s degree. Years later, she went back to school at Hesser College in Portsmouth and earned an associate degree in paralegal studies.

After serving as an Assistant City Clerk for two and a half years in Westbrook, she worked for three and a half years as Westbrook’s Deputy City Clerk. Before that, Fernald was a Legal Assistant for two County Attorney offices for criminal prosecutions in New Hampshire.

“I saw the ad for Town Clerk in Raymond and felt ready for the next challenge in my career,” she said. “I have known the former Town Clerk, Sue Look, for years through mutual networking groups, and jumped at the chance to come here, knowing she'd still be around for support. Her knowledge-sharing is invaluable as I adjust to the differences between working for a city government and a town government.”

According to Fernald, balancing all her duties is the most challenging aspect of her work.

“There are so many tasks to complete, so many people to assist and many interruptions due to the wide variety of tasks,” she said. “A small town’s clerk office staff handles an even wider range of responsibilities than larger communities, where there’s a bigger staff and more people to carry the load. I have some new things to learn here that I didn’t handle in Westbrook.”

Her family has been supportive of her accepting the job as Raymond Town Clerk and Registrar of Voters.

“We are most excited about how short my commute will be to and from the camp this summer,” she said. “My grandfather built a camp on Crescent Lake when my mom was a baby, and I always wish for more time there every summer. Working in Raymond will help make that dream come true.”

As she settles into her new job, Fernald is confident that everything she has learned to this point will lead to success.

“I’ve heard Municipal Clerks referred to as the ‘Swiss Army knives of their communities’ and that feels like an accurate description. “The amount of information we need to learn to be able to assist residents, property owners, business owners, and visitors is vast,” she said. “The clerk’s office tends to be the link between residents and government. If we don’t know the answers, we need to know the other resources to direct them to find their answers. I’m currently focusing on what makes the community of Raymond different and special. Every community has its own personality; spending more time here will help me learn more about Raymond’s residents and visitors.” <

Collins casts historic 9,000th U.S. Senate vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins has cast her 9,000th consecutive roll call vote, extending her unbroken voting streak, which began in 1997. Senator Collins is the first Senator in history to have cast 9,000 votes without ever having missed a vote during her entire time in the Senate.

U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine has cast her
9,000th consecutive roll call vote and has never
missed a Senate vote during her time in office
going all the way back to 1997. FILE PHOTO 

“Growing up in Aroostook County, I learned from an early age the values of hard work, perseverance, and honoring your commitments. I am proud to bring those Maine values with me to the Senate,” said Senator Collins. “No one works harder than the people of Maine, and I strive to demonstrate that same commitment every day while representing our state.”

Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), John Thune (R-SD), and Angus King (I-ME) congratulated Senator Collins on the Senate Floor.

“I'd like to acknowledge a rare milestone that has just been achieved here, or that is just about to be achieved, on this coming vote in the Senate. Our dear colleague from Maine, Senator Susan Collins, will cast her 9,000th consecutive roll call. She has never, never missed a single roll call vote in her entire career. Who else can claim that? Raise your hands! Even the freshmen can't claim that,” said Senator Schumer. “I congratulate Senator Collins on this historic accomplishment. It puts her in rare company in the history of the chamber. So, Senator Collins and I, of course, belong to different parties, but she has the respect of those of us on this side of the aisle as well as her own colleagues. And I have been grateful for the chance to work with her in recent years on many issues.”

McConnell agreed.

“The Senior Senator from Maine, our good friend, is about the cast, as we all know, her 9,000th consecutive roll call vote. Quite literally, as the occupant of the Chair knows, Senator Collins has never failed to discharge the most fundamental duty of her office. According to the historical office, only one senator in history has managed a longer streak of consecutive votes. Let's just say Senator Collins is closing in on that record as well. I hope our colleague is as proud of this accomplishment as we are of her,” McConnell said. “One thing that's for certain, she didn't reach the milestone by accident. Senator Collins arrived as a freshman, already well aware of the obligations of public service. After all, she was raised by not one, but two small town Mayors. And as our colleague knows, one of those distinguished Mayors, her mother, Patricia, passed away earlier this year, right as the government funding she had stewarded was nearing the finish line. It was a situation that made the tension we've all felt at times, between the demands of the Senate and of family. But as always, the example of the Senior Senator from Maine was instructive. Poised under pressure, prepared for any outcome, and as determined as ever to do right by the people she represents. Day after day, year after year, our senior most appropriator has demonstrated through her dedication, if you do your homework, you show up to vote, most everything else will fall in line. So, I'd like to add my congratulations to my good friend, Senator Collins, on this tremendous milestone. The people of Maine are lucky to have her.”

According to Thune, the fact that Collins has reached 9,000 votes cast is remarkable.

"She was asked by the Washington Post 12 years ago why she had never missed a vote? Why she made a decision to make every vote? And this is what she said, and I quote, ‘I think it's important at this time, when public confidence in Congress is very low, to demonstrate to my constituents that I really care about doing a good job for them,’” Thune said. "Well, Mr. President, for 27 straight years and 9,000 straight votes, she has delivered every single day for the people of Maine, and for the people of this country, and I am grateful to have the privilege and opportunity to serve with her, as I think every single one of us. Not only those who are here today, but those who have come before. It is a remarkable achievement. Senator Collins, thank you. Thank you for your record. Thank you for your example.”

Her Maine colleague Senator Angus King offered his heartfelt congratulations and pride to Collins.

“Thank you, Susan, for all you've done,” said Senator King.

Senator Collins’ first vote in the Senate was on Jan. 22, 1997, when she voted to confirm Madeleine Albright as Secretary of State. Her second vote, the same day, was to confirm former Maine Senator Bill Cohen as Secretary of Defense. Senator Collins succeeded Secretary Cohen in representing Maine in the U.S. Senate.

In addition to not missing any roll call votes, Senator Collins continues to return home to Maine on weekends and during state work periods to meet with constituents and visit communities, businesses, and schools throughout the state.

Former Senator William Proxmire (D-WI) is the only senator who has a vote streak longer than 9,000 after missing votes earlier in his tenure. Senator Proxmire, who was first elected in 1957, cast 10,252 uninterrupted votes between 1966 and 1988. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has the third-longest Senate voting streak in history. He cast an impressive 8,927 consecutive votes from 1993 to 2020. <

 

Medical Loan Closet a lifeline for many in Windham

By Kaysa Jalbert

To take a walk, get upstairs to bed or enjoy a soothing shower is simple for some but for others, especially the elderly, mobility doesn’t come as easy. Since 1940, the Medical Loan Closet has made durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters and rollators more available to those who are in need in the Windham Raymond community.

Windham's Medical Loan Closet makes available,
ay no cost to town residents, durable medical
equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters,
crutches and more for anyone in need in
the community. COURTESY PHOTO

Located at 221 Windham Center Road, next door to the Windham Public Library, the Medical Loan Closet is managed by the Town of Windham’s Social Services Department and gives those in need the chance to borrow necessary equipment that isn’t affordable or available to that individual at the time.

“It’s a town service and it’s a necessary service. People can’t say enough good things about it,” said Lynda Murphy, Director of the Medical Loan Closet.

Equipment is gathered through donations from people who have extra or unused equipment. People donate things like briefs and pull-ups, bed rails or sometimes money. The loan closet does not take anything battery powered or electric due to the cost of maintenance and disposal if no longer functioning. Any old or broken equipment the town recycles for aluminum or steel.

The loan closet allows borrowers to hold onto items for up to three months. Items cannot be purchased from the loan closet and should be returned at the end of three months to give others in need the chance to borrow them as well.

Murphy said that because of COVID, the closet lost a lot of equipment that was never returned. Thankfully, they have obtained better equipment over this past year and volunteers are constantly working to maintain the equipment for many clients.

For many years, Ray Philpot has been the loan closet’s maintenance person, however all the volunteers clean and keep the equipment in shape.

“We keep the best equipment in the best shape it can be,” said Murphy.

The Medical Loan Closet has a budget of $600 which is provided through an annual grant, however monetary donations are also accepted.

Most volunteers at the Windham Loan Closet are older and some have been around for over 25 years. Volunteers bring in and clean donated and returned equipment. They answer the phone and serve the public.

“Our volunteers really go above and beyond,” says Murphy. “We just listen to people’s needs and we are really compassionate about what those needs are.”

Two small meetings a year are held to set up a rotating schedule for volunteers for the next six months. Right now, there are 12 volunteers and each works for one week every 12 weeks. On average, they service about 25 calls a week. They are always looking for new volunteers and never turn people away.

If anyone is interested in volunteering, call 207-894-5999 and leave your phone number and Murphy will call back with more information.

The Medical Loan Closet is open Monday through Friday. Checking-out or donating equipment is by appointment only. To set an appointment, call and leave a message on the closet’s automated voice message and a volunteer will return the call promptly. The phone is monitored daily. The closet is pick-up only. Volunteers are not able to deliver equipment on their own.

The Windham Loan Closet began as the Windham Health Council in the 1940s. The facility worked with schools and children, weighing, and measuring them. In the 1950s it organized a Well Baby Clinic that operated until about late 1960s. It was then that council volunteers worked to make fluoride treatment available to all Windham children. Following this, the Windham Health Council recruited the town’s first dentist in the 1970s.

In the beginning, Frederick Alken, superintendent of schools at the time, and Beverly Allen, a Windham school nurse, recognized the need to loan medical equipment to those recovering from an injury or struggling with a medical condition that couldn’t afford the necessary items immediately. Soon, town doctors Sidney Branson and Robert Burns joined, as did other volunteers.

Since its inception, the Windham Health Council has transformed into the Windham Medical Loan Closet and has served in getting medical equipment to those in-need. However, none of it could be made possible without the commitment and kindness of volunteers.

To obtain medical equipment, to donate items or to sign up as a volunteer, call 207-894-5999 and leave a message saying what you are calling for and a volunteer will return your call. <

Lighthouse Knitting Guild inspires creativity and camaraderie among participants

By Kaysa Jalbert

There’s a simple remedy to end a search for the perfect plum-colored-sweater or a beanie-style hat that will fit right - learn how to knit it yourself.

The Lighthouse Knitting Guild of Maine meets on the first
Saturday of each month from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the 
Windham Raymond Adult Education Building located 
behind Windham High School. Anyone interested in
knitting or learning how to knit is encouraged to attend.
COURTESY PHOTO   

It may be intimidating to take on a new skill and flaunt your own creations around town, but the Lighthouse Knitting Guild of Maine focuses on educating members and providing a supportive community for all creators to grow skills, creativity, and confidence in the art of knitting.

The Lighthouse Knitting Guild of Maine, LKGM, is the local Maine chapter for the national organization of The Knitting Guild of America, TKGA, a global non-profit organization helping knitters at all levels improve their art and skills through education.

"As a guild, our members focus not only on sharing the art and skill of knitting with each other, but also with our communities,” says Jan Long-Connelly, Vice President of Communications for LKGM. “Many of us demonstrate our knitting work at events like the annual Cumberland Fair to help raise awareness around the benefits of knitting. Since we most often meet on the Windham High School campus, it seemed like a natural fit for our group to participate in the Windham High School Knitting Club. Several of our members actively assist with teaching knitting skills to the students, mentoring them through various knitting projects, and helping with obtaining needed supply donations.”

The Guild typically meets the first Saturday of each month from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Windham Raymond Adult Education Building located behind the Windham High School. Any meeting location changes, meeting topics or special events are always posted on the group’s website and Facebook page.

Members come from a variety of locations throughout Maine. Many live in the Windham area but membership spans from Woolwich down to the New Hampshire border.

“A big focus of the Guild is educating members,” said Long-Connelly. “Skilled members share their knowledge by presenting classes in such techniques as brioche, steeking, and mosaic knitting.”

Annually, the guild has a nationally known designer offer either a virtual or an in-person class. In the past Bristol Ivy and Kate Atherly have provided classes in Windham. The LKGM’s in-person class with Elizabeth Smith, originally scheduled for April 6, was postponed from that date because of the storm that caused power outages and travel concerns for its members. The Guild will be announcing the new date for Smith’s presentation soon.

Guild Member benefits include attending monthly guild meetings to meet and learn from other experienced knitters and the opportunity to admire their individual work. Members may participate in Knit-A-Longs with moderators to support as you learn a new skill either at in-person meetings or online using Ravelry, a free online site for knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists where members can also access the Guild’s lending library.

Members also get early registration or reduced fees to guild-sponsored workshops by popular designers and gifted teachers. They also offer opportunities to fill or trim stash at the annual Spring Yarn Swap or wind your own cake using a yarn swift and ball winder available at meetings. Opportunities are available to participate in many charity knitting programs both locally and abroad, offering various knitted goods to those in need.

The Lighthouse Knitting Guild will hold its next meeting from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday May 4 at the Windham Raymond Adult Education Building.

The Maine chapter was founded in 2015 by a group of friends who loved kitting and began to meet regularly forming a local kitting guild and shortly thereafter joined the national organization by using the model established by The Knitting Guild Association.

The Knitting Guild Association is the only national non-profit organization that focuses specifically on kitting. A membership costs $35 a year and includes benefits from newsletters and magazines to online educational meetings.

Anyone interested in joining the guild and have additional questions, contact the Guild at lighthouse.knitters.maine@gmail.com.

For more information visit www.lighthouseknitguildmaine.com <

First-ever Windham Maine PTA K-8 Career Fair draws large turnout

By Ed Pierce

Despite a nor’easter that dumped heavy snow on Windham and knocked out power for more than 90 percent of the town, Windham Maine PTA’s first Career Fair for Kindergarten to Eighth Grade drew more than 76 students, nearly 100 parents, and 19 presenters to Windham High School on Saturday, April 6.

Ernesta Kennedy, left, and Joanna Bridges
greet visitors to the Windham Maine PTA Career
Fair for Kindergarten to Eighth Grade students
at Windham High School on Saturday, April 6. 
Despite a sever storm and many in the area 
losing power, organizers say that the event
was a success and they expect even greater
turnout next year. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The event featured a variety of vendors who manned interactive booths, offering hands-on experiences and visual aids for students who attended. Students had the opportunity to engage in activities such as first response, nutrition, physical fitness, farming and agriculture, STEM, meteorology, and many other exciting career paths.

PTA President Tiffany Sinclair said that the event organized by members of the Windham Maine PTA and inspired by a School of Excellence survey that the organization distributed in late October.

“Studies and educational experts indicate that children tend to rule out certain careers based on gender and social status by the time they finish elementary school,” Sinclair said. “Our PTA views the recent event for K-8 students as beneficial, offering them a chance to explore a variety of careers and meet individuals from diverse backgrounds excelling in different fields. During the elementary years, kids are exploring who they are, and career exploration is a way for them to discover more about themselves and the world around them. This strategy helps children appreciate their interests and abilities, highlighting their potential value in the future. By implementing this simple change, we can broaden their perspectives instead of limiting them.”

With many different types of careers represented by presenters, students were able to take part in hands-on experiences and view a range of different visual aids at the event.

According to Sinclair, feedback from families, staff, and vendors was positive and they encouraged PTA members to host similar events.

The Career Fair is not the only event though that Windham Maine PTA members are planning as the school year winds down. Sinclair said the organization is working to honor RSU 14 staff with a special Transportation Appreciation Day on May 2 and Staff Appreciation Week running from May 6 to May 10.

“For the 2023-2024 Staff Appreciation Week, the PTA, families, and community members will collaborate to express gratitude for the dedication of the Windham staff. This will include snack bars sponsored by Aroma Joes, Windham, lunches supported by Duck Pond Variety, Westbrook, 10-minute massages from Freedom Massage and Wellness and SpaTech, Westbrook, and hydration stations backed by families,” Sinclair said. “We’ll also host our annual gift card raffle. Deckhouse, Portland Pie, Windham, Reny’s, Smoked, Oriental Trading, Otto’s, and Harbor Freight are just a few that have made contributions to this event so far.”

Besides those activities, Sinclair said that students from Windham Primary School and Manchester School will display their appreciation by participating in a spirit day each day of Staff Appreciation Week. She said these activities were carefully organized with input from administrators and staff to ensure inclusivity and easy parental involvement.

“The changing landscape of education demands a holistic approach that caters to individual learners rather than conforming to traditional teaching methods. Students encounter a variety of challenges, such as accessibility issues, financial constraints, living situations, mental and physical health concerns, and academic stress,” Sinclair said. “Educators often carry their students' worries and stress beyond school hours. During Staff Appreciation Week, it's crucial to recognize and appreciate their unwavering dedication to all students and the emotional burdens they often bear. We firmly believe that consistently showing love and gratitude can kindle a love for learning, motivating our team to nurture creativity and inspire our students.”

The lineup for Windham Maine PTA’s Staff Appreciation Week activities includes:

Windham Primary School
Monday: Snack Bar (Coffee and Tea sponsored by Aroma Joes, Windham, and community members)
Tuesday: Hydration Station (Supported by families and community members)
Wednesday: Lunch (Pizza sponsored by Duck Pond Variety, Westbrook, and community members)
Thursday: Massages (noon to 2 p.m. provided by Freedom Massage and Wellness, and SpaTech)

Manchester School
Monday: Appreciation Grams (Contributed by students and families)
Tuesday: Lunch (Pizza from Otto’s Pizza, Gorham, and community members)
Wednesday: Snack Bar and Massages (1-3) (Coffee and Tea from Aroma Joes, Windham. Massages by Freedom Massage and Wellness and SpaTech)
Thursday: Hydration Station (Contributed by families and community members)

Windham Middle School
Tuesday: Snack Bar (Coffee and Tea from Aroma Joes, Windham, and community members)
Wednesday: Lunch (Provided by Jersey Mike's, Windham, and community members)
Thursday: Massages (9 to 11 a.m. by Freedom Massage and Wellness, and SpaTech)

Windham High School
Tuesday: Massages (9 to 11 a.m. by Freedom Massage and Wellness, and SpaTech)
Thursday: Lunch (Pizza from Duck Pond Variety, Westbrook, and community members)

Windham Maine PTA believes in a team approach and welcomes the public to join them in their year-round mission, Sinclair said.

“You don't have to be a parent to champion and back the development of all learners,” Sinclair said. “Membership costs $11 per year and ensures you stay informed about our activities. Apart from annual support, we host monthly meetings held at the Windham Town Hall and provide chances for direct donations, event assistance, and redemption donations at Patman's. Simply label your bags with ‘Windham Maine PTA’ and drop them off to the right inside the entrance.”

Sinclair said Windham Maine PTA is currently seeking donations and gift cards for this year's Staff Appreciation Week. Contributions can be mailed to Windham Maine PTA, P.O. Box 6, Windham, ME 04062.

Follow WindhamMainePTA on Facebook and regularly visit its website at www.windhammainepta.org. For any inquiries, send an email to contact@windhammainepta.org <

Free medical rides now available through Age-Friendly Windham

By Lorraine Glowczak

To enhance accessibility to healthcare services for older adults residing in Windham, Age-Friendly Windham (AFW) has recently launched a program offering free transportation to medical appointments within the greater Portland area. This program aims to address the challenges faced by seniors in accessing healthcare, particularly those with limited mobility or transportation options.

Age-Friendly Windham Coordinator Erica Bell-Watkins,
left, joins one of the first Windham residents to use its new
medical ride program, Seth Ross, and his partner, Edell
Spina. To request a ride, call and leave a message at
207-892-4649 at least 48 hours in advance.
PHOTO BY LORRAINE GLOWCZAK  

“Recognizing this pressing issue, Age-Friendly Windham has taken proactive steps to bridge the gap and ensure that every senior in the community has access to essential healthcare services,” Erica Bell-Watkins, AFW Coordinator said. “We are not only looking for volunteers to help us succeed with this initiative but also want to let our senior citizens know that this service is available.”

AFW is part of AARP's Network of Age-Friendly Communities and was adopted as an official AARP network by the Town of Windham in January 2019. AFW advocates for a livable community for all ages by adopting such features as safe, walkable streets; better housing and transportation options; access to key services; and opportunities for all residents to participate in community activities. Providing free medical rides is one step toward feasible transportation options.

Since its inception on Jan. 2 this year, over 50 rides to medical appointments have been booked and Seth Ross, a 65-year-old Windham resident, was one of the first individuals to use the program.

“I have a car and can drive, but I had to have surgery at the beginning of the year to remove a hernia,” Ross said. “And although I could have driven to the appointment, I wouldn’t have been able to drive back home due to the anesthesia after the surgery.”

Ross said that his partner, Edell Spina, has a medical condition that prevents her from driving.

“I have friends who offered to take me to my appointment, but they all work and would have had to take the time off from their jobs,” he said.

It was for these reasons that Ross reached out to the newly established AFW free medical ride program. He said it was a wonderful and professional experience for him.

“One volunteer picked me up at my house, and another volunteer picked me up after the surgery. They both were very courteous, on time and friendly,” he said. “We even laughed and joked around. It was such a great experience for me that I offered to pay the volunteers for their time and gas, but they said they couldn’t accept it.”

Bell-Watkins said that since this is a free program, volunteers can’t accept money from the customer.

“But if someone wishes to donate to the program, they can do so with the Town of Windham,” she said. “All drivers have pre-addressed envelopes to send to the town’s agency that oversees AFW.”

Licensed volunteer drivers undergo background checks, while their vehicles are registered, inspected, and covered by insurance. Currently, AFW has three volunteers but is looking for more individuals to help grow and sustain the program.

According to Bell-Watkins, volunteering for the ride program does not require a lot of your time.

“We are only looking for just a bit of a volunteer’s time,” she said. “Even if someone just wants to provide one afternoon or one morning a week, that is enough to help this program succeed.”

Volunteers will be invited to monthly gatherings where conversing, story-sharing, and brainstorming can take place. Training will also be made available at these meetings.

“I will invite speakers and professionals to these volunteer monthly gatherings,” Bell-Watkins said. “Training topics will include, but not be limited to, guidance on helping people safely get into and out of vehicles, CPR training, etc.”

As for Windham residents in need of this free transportation program, the only requirement is that you must be a Windham resident.

“And we ask for at least a 48-hour notice so we can ensure there is a driver available for you,” Bell-Watkins said.

As AFW continues to grow this initiative, it is the program’s goal to expand transportation options beyond medical appointments.

“By early summer, we hope to have enough volunteers to provide other transportation needs for older adults,” Bell-Watkins said. “This includes things such as hair appointments, library events, Parks and Recreation activities, and other town-wide happenings.”

To request a ride, please call and leave a message at 207-892-4649. Someone will return your call as soon as possible.

For further information about this program or other inquiries about Age-Friendly Windham, send an email to Erica Bell-Watkins at eabellwatkins@windhammaine.us. <