tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75523626257967008902024-03-15T21:11:40.604-04:00The Windham Eagle NewsThe Windham Eagle Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713971722368846385noreply@blogger.comBlogger2096125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-43539181212828282602024-03-15T02:28:00.024-04:002024-03-15T02:28:00.141-04:00In the public eye: RSU 14 Technology Director facilitates digital advances, learning opportunities for students<i>Editor’s note: This is another in an ongoing series of Windham and Raymond town employee profiles. <br /><br />By Ed Pierce </i><br /><br />For RSU 14’s Robert Hickey, continuing advances in technology bring students together while creating opportunities for learning and growth and staying out in front of evolving trends and innovations is something he takes seriously. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFfFSB1WzpEimw7R5bQJXIFknX4JTybcbvjWs6HwesUEzALytRTs0RA9MOByJzFcuz-GHtaeXGnIyzD4MK3K6YabEj8EixdcBPdlvggeXueRYKzkDTjdQwViwLyeQtfiea7xaUhdBxsgQGiGDQyCVRrrizFWWOL4MrfvbtwxL6uBwNZtN_rnl50HBaKeh/s1040/Hickey.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1040" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFfFSB1WzpEimw7R5bQJXIFknX4JTybcbvjWs6HwesUEzALytRTs0RA9MOByJzFcuz-GHtaeXGnIyzD4MK3K6YabEj8EixdcBPdlvggeXueRYKzkDTjdQwViwLyeQtfiea7xaUhdBxsgQGiGDQyCVRrrizFWWOL4MrfvbtwxL6uBwNZtN_rnl50HBaKeh/w400-h225/Hickey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Hickey is the Technology Director for RSU 14 and has<br />worked for the school district for the past 20 years. Among<br />his duties, he oversees RSU 14's computers and tech support<br />for all staff and students and supervises the district's customized<br />database of data and reports, and a sophisticated network<br />including virtual servers. SUBMITTED PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Hickey serves as RSU 14’s Technology Director and it’s a complex position that is much more than just software, data, and computer devices. <br /><br />“My job is to do everything possible to help technology support the education process,” Hickey said. “I supervise an incredible staff which accomplishes technology support of 1:1 computers, iPads and MacBook Airs for all staff and students, plus support financial technology for office users, customized database of data and reports, and a sophisticated network including virtual servers which can support over 3,100 students plus hundreds of staff.” <br /><br /><div>In his role with the school district, he’s also responsible for budgeting for resources, researching advanced technology initiatives and trends and works with a collaborative group called the InfoTech Committee consisting of school administrators, teachers, library professionals, tech folks, and many other staff.</div><div><br />“As we move ahead, it is a well-planned effort incorporating all stakeholders to research and determine which technology trends we should leverage for support of education,” Hickey said. <br /><br />He’s worked for RSU 14 for 20 years, having started in 2004 when the newly renovated Windham High School was first opened. <br /><br />Born in Saratoga Springs, New York, Hickey has lived in Maine most of his life and says this is the state he loves. He attended elementary school in Portland, then graduated from Cheverus High School and went to college at the University of Southern Maine in Portland where he earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science. <br /><br />He says the best part of his job is simple. <br /><br />“Considering all the technology I deal with, the best thing about my job is the people,” Hickey said. “The caring, dedication and positive support for the students, the staff and the community is all a collaborative effort from all RSU staff plus community members. The most important thing I have learned while working for RSU 14 is the most important thing in the world is people. They are the center of everything and there is nothing more important.” <br /><br />According to Hickey, the most challenging aspect of his job is trying to keep on top of all the technology changes as technology is growing at an exponential rate and the current and future impacts and opportunities of things such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber security, and automation are virtually unlimited. <br /> <br /> A common misconception about his work is the assumption that a K-12 School District cannot be that sophisticated. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rsu14.org" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/rsu14kindergarten.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“But we're using the same advanced technology that a business with almost 4,000 employees needs to do,” Hickey said. “This would include a network with VLANs, remote access, cloud and local data management, customized database reports, helpdesk for students and staff who could have issues with their devices, software, and mobile devices, etc.” <br /> <br /> His most memorable moments working for RSU 14 took place during the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic. <br /><br />“It changed everything and everyone. The tech department needed to suddenly begin supporting a large-scale increase of remote access,” Hickey said. “RSU 14 remote instruction was spun up by the Curriculum Department working with teachers, technology integrators and many other staff. ZOOM, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams are now common terms and more dependence on cloud-hosted solutions were long term opportunities but were started under the parameters of necessity. The future was thrust upon everyone at an accelerated pace.” <br /><br />Hickey said the public may not be aware that it has really helped him to have a background in technical management, regular programming, programming with web pages, SQL database, and networking to his duties with the school district. <br /><br />“Although I have a considerable background, I must let folks know that I stand on the shoulders of greatness. I would not be successful without the incredibly talented tech staff, supportive administrators, dedicated teachers and support staff and supportive community members,” he said. “And last, but definitely not least, are the students. They are living in the most dynamic time which has ever occurred to any generation in history, and they are doing great things and will continue to do so.” <<br /> </div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-43841634160991743712024-03-15T02:27:00.027-04:002024-03-15T02:27:00.131-04:00Area students care for trout eggs during winter<i>By Abby Wilson </i><br /><br />In the beginning of February, several middle and high schoolers in the region were given a huge responsibility to raise trout from eggs. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonUHmU3C0k8Gi0H9jsixWjtak0xCrvB-hL9YgiiW9KEhwWg6FRbttN2ChftolbwwJpqBj_9tmG9C746szd7PMn-H2Wzlu0YU16hdWi6e1xD-xIDJpqaEC67TSkuKJlLMQrSjwqyHDcIhVuulQV4Bw0T6TtArxmnldlzP7VXVtAU575W0D9zm-nXGfVnL-/s4032/IMG_0248%20(6).jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonUHmU3C0k8Gi0H9jsixWjtak0xCrvB-hL9YgiiW9KEhwWg6FRbttN2ChftolbwwJpqBj_9tmG9C746szd7PMn-H2Wzlu0YU16hdWi6e1xD-xIDJpqaEC67TSkuKJlLMQrSjwqyHDcIhVuulQV4Bw0T6TtArxmnldlzP7VXVtAU575W0D9zm-nXGfVnL-/w300-h400/IMG_0248%20(6).jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windham Middle School students test water <br />quality in the Pleasant River in preparation<br />of the release of trout fry they have been<br />caring for this winter. The program is a <br />collaborative initiative between the <br />Cumberland County Soil and Water<br />Conservation District and the Portland<br />Water District. COURTESY PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Windham Middle School and Jordan-Small Middle School from RSU 14 were among the 20 schools throughout Southern Maine that will take care of these fish for three months. <br /><br />For over 10 years, the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD) and Portland Water District have partnered to help schools raise brook trout. CCSWCD delivers the eggs to schools in the winter, and the students care for the fish as they become fry. Once they are large enough, the students release them into local streams in May. <br /><br />Chris Loew, District Educator at CCSWCD, says the program is an “opportunity for kids to get appreciation for local watersheds and rivers.” He visits the schools to deliver the eggs but also presents lessons about water quality and the life cycles of the fish to the students. <br /><br />The program is centered on science and connection to local rivers. It also teaches children about their proximity to freshwater. Within the first few weeks of May, the students will go out with representatives from CCSWCD and Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to release the trout. <br /><br />In Windham, the middle school is close enough to the Pleasant River that students will be able to walk there as in previous years. <br /><br />“Kids may not have otherwise known how close they live to these special water bodies,” Loew said. “As we were walking down, we pointed out the things that would impact the health of the water.” <br /><br />About 6,000 eggs have been delivered to schools in Cumberland and York Counties. Middle Schools and High Schools from Saco to North Yarmouth are participating in the program this year. <br /><br />The project has an obvious educational benefit, but Loew said it is also adding to the aquatic ecosystem as thousands of brook trout are being added to local streams and rivers this spring. <br /><br />Last year, CCSWCD educated 13 communities and more than 2,100 students at 26 different schools. This includes the trout egg program but also at summer camps and after school programs. <br /><br />Science education is hands on and allows kids to experience science, Loewe said. Many activities involve problem solving and challenge children to think creatively. Kids complete building projects that pertain to chemical, physical, and biological characteristics in nature. <br /><br />Recently, students in Windham schools learned the science of healthy water. Loew conducted an in-class activity where students made predictions about the requirements of water health and what fish need to survive. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.parisfarmersunion.com/v/Forms/PFU%20Chick%20Order%20Form%202024.pdf" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/parisfarmers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> “Our education program is growing,” says Loew. “We are constantly trying to create and develop engaging activities to share with teachers.” <br /><br />The CCSWCD acts a resource to implement science education into the classroom. They write grants, get sponsored by partners, and fundraise for science gear. <br /><br />“The benefit of us as a resource is that we can supply the materials that teachers can’t get access to,” Loew said. “For example, the trout program tank chillers can be very pricy pieces of equipment.” <br /><br />When school is out, CCSWCD partners with the City of Portland Parks and Recreation to make regular visits to kindergarten through 5th graders at summer camps. <br /><br />The youth education catalog includes topics on invasive species, sustainable landscaping practices, soil health, the water cycle and so much more. Science programming also focuses on environmental issues like pollution and climate change. <br /><br />Educational programs help teachers bring science to their classrooms, immerse students in natural ecosystems, and engage children in activities that spark curiosity. <br /><br />“Anytime you can get kids out of the classroom to learn science outdoors, it is a positive thing,” Loew said. <br /><br />Learn more about Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District and their education program at <a href="http://www.cumberlandswcd.org/">www.cumberlandswcd.org</a> <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-74524263015543540092024-03-15T02:24:00.004-04:002024-03-15T02:24:00.136-04:00Chamber endorses work of Walk a Mile in Their Shoes FoundationSebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Robin Mullins says that the organization remains committed to fulfill its mission "To foster economic growth and prosperity in the Sebago Lakes Region." <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH1vUTQRznb5RdxDgvUMZNccOQw_8qK7tUsg-5kwoJdmWtR33CDYfMqtw3AXzzn62skqoC-etoeZC0LB54PJTvHgf_pEVX-0GtRUDZPGBX90z5kuP-iQSPPLWPqlKzImW7wKIyExLcHYjeSYZZNxQoD2oTXQVM-vzQAy53eRLxWfPswiWtI42iU8ckBrQ/s2140/IMG_0459a.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1780" data-original-width="2140" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH1vUTQRznb5RdxDgvUMZNccOQw_8qK7tUsg-5kwoJdmWtR33CDYfMqtw3AXzzn62skqoC-etoeZC0LB54PJTvHgf_pEVX-0GtRUDZPGBX90z5kuP-iQSPPLWPqlKzImW7wKIyExLcHYjeSYZZNxQoD2oTXQVM-vzQAy53eRLxWfPswiWtI42iU8ckBrQ/w400-h333/IMG_0459a.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Diamond, center, the founder of the Walk a Mile in Their <br />Shoes Foundation, center is joined by Sebago Lakes Region <br />Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Jonathan Priest and<br />Chamber President/CEO Robin Mullins in announcing<br />the chamber's endorsement of the foundation.<br />SUBMITTED PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Mullins says that one way to ensure prosperity is to ensure our communities' youngest citizens are well cared for and protected. <br /><br />“That is why we are so deeply concerned about the high number of children in state care who suffer abuse and die at record levels,” Mullins said. “We strongly support the work being done by Walk a Mile in their Shoes and its founder, Bill Diamond of Windham. We want to express our strongest insistence that the Maine Legislature make the necessary changes to better protect the children who too often are placed in unsafe environments by the state.” <br /><br />She said that the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce encourages the legislators who represent the Sebago Lakes region to stand strong against the continued failures of the child protection system, and it urges other Maine chambers to insist that their legislative delegations also fight to better protect children in state care. <br /><br /><div>Diamond announced the creation of the Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Foundation in January 2023 and the group is duly filed with the Maine Secretary of State and supported and guided by an advisory board consisting of experts in the field of child protection and child welfare.</div><div><br />According to Diamond, the foundation will help prevention of child homicides and the abuse of children who are under the supervision or direct care of the State of Maine or who are or have been associated with the state’s Child Protective System.<br /> <br /> “Children associated with state care have been dying at record levels, in fact, as recently as 2021 a record number of children died, many were victims of child homicides,” Diamond said. “The chilling question is: How many more children must die before we make meaningful changes?”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mainelykidsconsignment.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/mainelykids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Diamond said he was first made aware of the issues affecting child homicide in Maine and the state’s child protection system in 2001. <br /><br />"The problems are not partisan based. They are the concern of all of us,” Diamond said. “This is the most important thing I’ve ever been able to do, nothing comes close.”<br /> <br /> To learn more about the issue, Diamond said he’s attended many child-homicide trials and sentencings over the past years and each time he does, he’s made aware of the gruesome and sad details of an abused child dying needlessly.<br /> <br /> “Each time the fact is reinforced that we have the capabilities to fix our broken child protection system, all we need is the will to do it,” he said. “Hence the reason for creating this foundation.” <br /><br />In December, the Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Foundation released a report that found that caseworkers, foster parents, children, and other stakeholders in Maine are left without adequate backing by the Department of Health and Human Services and it examined areas of concern, who is impacted, straightforward solutions, and what success looks like. The report was the culmination of listening sessions and meetings with concerned citizens across Maine interested in providing better and safer outcomes for children in Maine’s care.<br /><br />Diamond said it’s now up to DHHS to make the necessary changes in their own internal policies and procedures which have been failing children for years and the report offers specific solutions to the problems that we all recognize as serious threats to children in state care.” <br /><br />“Walk a Mile in Their Shoes (WAM) is extremely proud to have the endorsement and support of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce,” Diamond said. “They are the first Chamber of Commerce in Maine to publicly speak out about the urgent need to prevent the abuse and deaths of children. The businesses and citizens of the Sebago Lakes region can be very proud of their leadership.” <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-30661507502366578752024-03-15T02:06:00.005-04:002024-03-15T02:06:00.140-04:00American Legion seeks junior participants for Dirigo StateThe American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 and the American Legion Department of Maine are excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Dirigo State 2024 program.This year's Dirigo State activities will be hosted by Colby College in Waterville from June 16 to June 24. Last year more than 150 students participated in Dirigo State and American Legion officials would like to double that number this year. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbjnuwdS_Fw9-Y3LE_OtcrFWc7-kGITKXvl3LW9lsz8cQvE3Nqf-kfccCtxERPAHv8xwmMtUAg_81oe3lSIj4FM7g8XtLuAfJwM9ZlHmFgT5FjiUpMakZ5ey6ym8I8vNL0i-oHuSQfsEEZf3qBhGYoScIpavh8Y_pU_1xU8CNFhwbnOQt0wI20j9jl6qS/s1819/Dirigo%20State.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1819" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbjnuwdS_Fw9-Y3LE_OtcrFWc7-kGITKXvl3LW9lsz8cQvE3Nqf-kfccCtxERPAHv8xwmMtUAg_81oe3lSIj4FM7g8XtLuAfJwM9ZlHmFgT5FjiUpMakZ5ey6ym8I8vNL0i-oHuSQfsEEZf3qBhGYoScIpavh8Y_pU_1xU8CNFhwbnOQt0wI20j9jl6qS/s320/Dirigo%20State.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Selected boy and girl candidates from Dirigo State will be offered the opportunity to attend Boys and Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. later in the summer. <br /><br />Dirigo State is a comprehensive, experiential learning, youth leadership program. It is designed after the Maine State government, where all students come together to create their own town, county, and state governing bodies. <br /><br />Simply put, Dirigo State is a coed version of Boys State and Girls State, but that’s just the start. The American Legion Family redesigned and strengthened both programs into a unique, first in the nation for the American Legion National Family, featuring a combined youth government leadership program. The Legion Family feels that combining Boys and Girls State programs provides a better experience for all students and a more realistic simulation of Maine State government. <br /><br />Dirigo State, the merged Boys State and Girls State programs, is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students and is a participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government. <br /><br />Delegates learn the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county, and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, and recreational programs. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/558d7d80e4b0f5b7e7309849/t/5b1aa9731ae6cf74a9a58869/1528473971840/Custom_Coach_Application.pdf" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="800" height="208" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/customcoach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Dirigo State program is open to all high school juniors. Windham’s Field-Allen Post 148 is looking for junior candidates from local public schools, private schools and the homeschooled community to participate. Individual expenses, except for transportation, are paid by the American Legion Field-Allen post, as well as any local business, parents, the school, or another community-based organization that may like to participate and/or sponsor a student. <br /><br />The Field-Allen American Legion Post 148 will host an information session for interested juniors at 7:30 p.m. April 3 at the Windham High School Guidance Office. Past Dirigo State attendees will also be invited to the meeting to assist in answering questions. Meetings will also be held at the Windham Christian School. <br /><br />For additional information, contact American Legion Post 148 Auxiliary President Pam Whynot at 207-892-4720 or by email at <a href="mailto:pwhynot81719@roadrunner.com">pwhynot81719@roadrunner.com</a> or Post 148 Americanism Officer John Facella by email at <a href="mailto:jafacella@yahoo.com">jafacella@yahoo.com</a> <br /><br />Applications for Dirigo State are available from your School Guidance Office or you can download and print the information at <a href="https://mainelegion.org/pages/programs/dirigo-state.php">https://mainelegion.org/pages/programs/dirigo-state.php</a> <<p></p>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-72837962034259281822024-03-15T02:05:00.005-04:002024-03-15T02:05:00.134-04:00Local poet prepares to showcase work during National Poetry Month<i>By Masha Yurkevich </i><br /><br />As the days near to April, Windham poet Bob Clark is preparing for his annual poetry display at the Windham Public Library which will highlight some of his most popular writing. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3Di5MMojP3saWR2hrJEE7Be1zcs177jJUBpOwjUKbdE4G4seHGxjb8iKwFpCMl5s5lstPbTj98R7DxTW_we5CQHLkI8bZHgmMPVs9B6xWlEp4YmoF_fqLUAO7m2i49OzT5zt2yQSV7K2lRNtwx8nbRNr94GvNECcLFN-QPhx-2lHMX4Qczj8YxKuGt3u/s1507/Bob%20Clark.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3Di5MMojP3saWR2hrJEE7Be1zcs177jJUBpOwjUKbdE4G4seHGxjb8iKwFpCMl5s5lstPbTj98R7DxTW_we5CQHLkI8bZHgmMPVs9B6xWlEp4YmoF_fqLUAO7m2i49OzT5zt2yQSV7K2lRNtwx8nbRNr94GvNECcLFN-QPhx-2lHMX4Qczj8YxKuGt3u/s320/Bob%20Clark.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A collection of poetry by Windham<br />poet Bob Clark will be on display<br />throughout the month of April<br />at the Windham Public Library<br />during National Poetry Month.<br />SUBMITTED PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Clark’s previous poetry books including Carriage Lane, Tourmaline, Canoe, and Spinnaker will be featured, along with this year’s new book, Seaside, all of which can be purchased at Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop in Windham. <br /><br />The new book, Seaside, is a collection of Clark’s poems with a goal to show New England, with an emphasis on the state of Maine. Clark says it keeps an eye to the shoreline, which is unique when you have it and even more unique when you don’t. <br /><br />“To match the change of seasons and the uplifting of April, I wanted to pull things aside and lay them out with some visuals,” says Clark. <br /><br />He thinks his best work lies ahead. <br /><br />“I am still learning, there is so much more to it, which is the beauty of writing,” Clark said. <br /><br />He feels that some of his best work is in this new book including his poems “An extra moment,” “A poem,” and ‘The blizzard of ‘93.” <br /><br /><div>The poem “An extra moment,” takes advantage of Maine’s shoreline which made Winslow Homer, the famous watercolor artist and painter, make the decision to spend the end of his life in isolation on Prouts Neck in Scarborough for no other reason than to capture the lights and the spray, showing the importance of an extra moment.</div><div><br />Clark’s “A poem’’ includes a famous line “a poem must not mean but be,” which leads readers to many questions but is an honorable way to spend some time, says Clark. <br /><br />He said that “A poem” likens the mystery of a poem to the mystery of vines that have no boundary. <br /><br />“Just like a vine, where you start may not be where you end up, and it usually is not,” Clark said. <br /><br />His “The blizzard of ‘93” poem is dramatic like our shoreline, but it is not about going to the beach, Clark said. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.shermans.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="800" height="202" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/shermans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Usually writing his poems in iambic pentameter with which he likes to experiment, Clark has invented a stanza of four, which he calls the “quad” and it can be seen in some of his latest work in the new book “Seaside.” <br /><br />For Clark, the Windham Public Library has always been a very valuable place and has always been an attraction where you can open a book and go at your own pace, which he says is very critical. <br /><br />“Sometimes when reading literature, you can’t wait to turn the page,” he said. “In poetry, sometimes you can’t wait not to turn the page.” <br /><br />The recent shooting tragedy in Lewiston had a heavy impact on Clark, having grown up and spent much of his time nearby and even working for an adult education program in Lewiston. This led him to compose a poem in which he placed much emotion with a goal to communicate to the victims that they were not alone in their grief. <br /><br />Clark was contacted by the mayor of Lewiston to come to the Lewiston City Council meeting to read his framed poem ‘Our Candle Vigil’. His poem was also featured in the Nov. 4 edition of the Lewiston Sun Journal newspaper. <br /><br />“It is an unusual tragedy with an unusual poem,” says Clark. <br /><br />At home, Clark enjoys the work of other poets such as Longfellow and Robert Frost, with which he can make a human connection, despite the time that has passed. He also enjoys writers in France, England, and Maine who lived through the 1940s and 1950s and were keen observers. Clark reads to see what sort of word selection and what word rhythms different writers use. <br /><br />“My interest is largely drawn from nature and the rural setting and when I find an author like that, it makes me want to spend some time in their writing and see if they have something to say that I cannot possibly know because I’m in a different era,” says Clark. <br /><br />Apart from other poets and writers, painters and artists are also an inspiration to Clark. <br /><br />“I’ll spend as much time reading as I will studying a painting,” he says. “I have the advantage of time. My inspiration is just walking and talking and being able to be mobile and get out and hike, go to the beach, talk to friends, read, lean back, and ponder. “As I am finishing the book for this, I am already starting the one for next year, which will be a trilogy.” <br /><br />At the end of each of his books, Clark has an afterword with a list of other pastoral poems and humanistic themes. His poetry works will be on public display at the Windham Public Library throughout the month of April. <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-19634835461866287092024-03-15T02:04:00.001-04:002024-03-15T02:04:00.140-04:00Fay legislation to protect internet subscribers signed into lawAUGUSTA – A bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, which ensures that Maine consumers would not have to pay for unused internet services, was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on Feb. 29. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4iGf7T-d5cYPu0UjEvtZIB1t6MP_QOOkwR0tzAH0JIuqfrGJmP7BQh4llrJ2KRqtZBTl_QqOkdsWG4X0Eq65FGcaU8tow-NpyVbqGXr35TcvMLpYbiQMgqPyHGbTyLFAhu5qFfiHGssr5IesGiXMqbblWFUzZpIL4lmq3sVXjH6-DMjP31nVJaPtiZxC/s200/Fay.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="200" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4iGf7T-d5cYPu0UjEvtZIB1t6MP_QOOkwR0tzAH0JIuqfrGJmP7BQh4llrJ2KRqtZBTl_QqOkdsWG4X0Eq65FGcaU8tow-NpyVbqGXr35TcvMLpYbiQMgqPyHGbTyLFAhu5qFfiHGssr5IesGiXMqbblWFUzZpIL4lmq3sVXjH6-DMjP31nVJaPtiZxC/s1600/Fay.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State Rep. Jessica Fay</td></tr></tbody></table>Fay’s legislation titled LD 1932 requires an internet service provider to grant a credit or rebate for unused internet services if a customer makes a request within a 60-day period after the end of their billing period. <br /><br />“I am pleased that, when Maine consumers cancel their service early in a billing cycle, they will no longer be on the hook for paying for an entire month,” said Fay. “Internet service is a crucial need and can be expensive for many in our community. LD 1932 will allow Mainers to be refunded a portion of their bill in which they don’t receive service, ensuring that they aren’t paying for a service they aren’t utilizing.” <br /><br />The new law will go into effect 90 days after the adjournment of the current legislative session. <br /><br />Fay is House chair of the Government Oversight Committee and is a member of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. She serves the community members of Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, and part of Poland. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-22355310209017981462024-03-08T02:28:00.013-05:002024-03-08T02:28:00.160-05:00Windham High School hosts regional One Act Festival<i>By Jolene Bailey <br /></i><br />The Maine Principals Association organizes the regional One Act Festival bringing together different schools to perform and compete in a 5-minute skit. This year, the One Act Festival will be conducted at Windham High School’s Performing Arts Center.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ06DuBQwo-Sgo1_eDWbvO0UoMMutC4eEdGrDBdZi6W1cbj11LXTd4YCFhB6PYQpwlqkrB1IrDBkTUIrz_bSThjKDFVRXYiueoUxucR3CdivvNxjVM0RWK4PWXPW6TC_AymxflTR08URjepAs4BZaq35wU21GmyHZym2R5WlMt6ebOLS1tUf35R7GwZ5gm/s664/One%20Acts.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="664" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ06DuBQwo-Sgo1_eDWbvO0UoMMutC4eEdGrDBdZi6W1cbj11LXTd4YCFhB6PYQpwlqkrB1IrDBkTUIrz_bSThjKDFVRXYiueoUxucR3CdivvNxjVM0RWK4PWXPW6TC_AymxflTR08URjepAs4BZaq35wU21GmyHZym2R5WlMt6ebOLS1tUf35R7GwZ5gm/s320/One%20Acts.png" width="320" /></a></div>WHS students will be performing a skit based upon Nick Danger referencing the Maltese Falcon, a movie starring Humphry Bogart. Nick Danger is a mocking imitation, featuring light and good humor of 1930s and 1940s private eye and detective radio shows. <br /><br />“Nick Danger, and my longtime love of this script, goes back to when I was in high school, said CJ Payne, WHS auditorium and skit director. “I was getting into the comedy of Monty Python, and my father introduced me to the FireSign Theater, with Nick Danger. They were a 1960s and 1970s radio comedy group, and he thought I'd enjoy their comedy.” <br /><br />The One Act Festival features local school theater programs in addition to being a competition. It started in 1932, and the first drama competition was held at Bath High School. Each school has five minutes to build their set on the stage, and five minutes to take it down after the show. <br /><br />Each show cannot exceed 40 minutes, or a severe point deduction is tacked on to that school's score. There are three judges, which each have a three-minute critique for every show, and then the students have three minutes to ask the judges questions. <br /><br />“We are going very outside of the norm for the festival,” Payne said. “. Our show is a staged reading, and a radio play. So, our actors have their scripts with them, and they worked very hard on learning voice acting. I know they're very excited to bring a new spin on a One Act show to the festival.” <br /><br />Each performing school has a total of 55 minutes on the stage alone to prepare all their lighting cues, see how their set fits on a new stage, and prepare the actors for special changes from their own school. <br /><br />Francesca Lomonte, a junior student who is responsible for running the sound board, said she really likes practicing the five-minute set up. <br /><br />“Although it is ridiculously stressful, I like seeing the cast and crew work together as a machine because everybody has their own job, and we all flow to create such a wonderful set in less than five minutes,” Lomonte said. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rsu14.org" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/rsu14kindergarten.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is Lomonte’s second year of participating in one act. Last year she was a part of the stage crew for Windham’s performance of “Humbletown.” <br /><br />“The rehearsal process for the show involves a lot of script analysis with the actors,” said Payne. “Developing a character that is believable involves understanding what the writer was trying to accomplish with the play. The process of hosting a festival involves a great deal of communication with the directors from our guest schools. As you can imagine, it can be a challenge to take a show to another school's theater that you are unfamiliar with.” <br /><br />Windham’s stage is hosting four guest Class A and Class B schools. Windham has a long history of hosting the regional festival and has also hosted the All-State festival in 2018. Windham has hosted every two years, so students have a chance to experience theater programs at other schools and their own. <br /><br />“If I'm being honest, I spend a lot of time in the auditorium doing odd jobs that need doing like cleaning up backstage, putting up and taking down the wall, and putting up the bleacher seats. One day this past December, CJ asked if I wanted to run sound and I said sure,” said Lomonte. <br /><br />The biggest difference between the One Act Festival and normal productions is that the one act is a competition. Students have to put on a show that competes against other schools. The time limits are also very different and create a unique challenge. A typical musical production goes on for roughly an hour and a half whereas for one act, students have only five minutes of performing time. The entire production is put into the hands of the students. It gives students a chance at running things and the responsibility and the pride that comes from the job. <br /><br />“It has been fantastic. I can't be prouder of the actors and technicians that stepped up to such a challenge,” said Payne. <br /><br />Windham High performs in the One Act Festival at WHS at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9. The Maine Principals Association has set ticket prices at $11.50, $6.25 for students, per performance session. The Saturday afternoon performance session starts at 11:30 a.m. with Fryeburg Academy. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-80550594362533895502024-03-08T02:24:00.006-05:002024-03-08T02:24:00.163-05:00Nangle bill to help towns protect water resources advances in Maine SenateAUGUSTA — A bill from State Senator. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, to give municipalities and the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) more tools to enforce shoreland zone violations and protect local waters received bipartisan support in committee last week. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOU3-RraM-eRmebqucOlqN2NMsWAAsNWSkaeUufCQAPWv622ie1DfRW7wOZPGAkBIIHyr7r_nCuIFYJxzosxCvWDyndxLEKNpd5xcW5b3HBc6M_FYnLDFmakGsXgGfivMuqIyCxxKOJPkZtbjNsgJGIAJcZTcejCixQo5WA02PR2H5x4CbCL_l0Z2Fm1u/s200/Tim%20Nangle.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="161" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOU3-RraM-eRmebqucOlqN2NMsWAAsNWSkaeUufCQAPWv622ie1DfRW7wOZPGAkBIIHyr7r_nCuIFYJxzosxCvWDyndxLEKNpd5xcW5b3HBc6M_FYnLDFmakGsXgGfivMuqIyCxxKOJPkZtbjNsgJGIAJcZTcejCixQo5WA02PR2H5x4CbCL_l0Z2Fm1u/s1600/Tim%20Nangle.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State Senator Tim Nangle</td></tr></tbody></table>LD 2101, “An Act to Strengthen Shoreland Zoning Enforcement,” received a strong, bipartisan vote of 11-2 from the Maine Legislature’s Joint Select Committee on State and Local Government. <br /><br />"Maine's water resources are vital to our communities, and ensuring their protection requires effective enforcement of shoreland zoning ordinances,” Nangle said. “LD 2101 gives municipalities and the Land Use Planning Commission the flexibility they need to address violations while providing property owners with a fair process to address the problem. I thank the Committee for the hard work that went into making this a bipartisan effort to uphold regulations that safeguard our precious waterfronts.” <br /><br />LD 2101 allows, but does not require, municipalities and the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) to take action when property owners violate shoreland zoning ordinances. Before any action, the bill mandates that municipalities first must send a written notice to the violator, demanding correction within 10 days. This ensures a fair process for the property owner and acknowledges that many violations are accidental. <br /><br />If violations persist after this notice, then municipalities and the LUPC would have the option to restrict, suspend or revoke permits issued to the property where the active violation is occurring. Currently, these entities are compelled to issue permits even in cases of ongoing violations, limiting their ability to enforce regulations effectively. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.windhammaine.us/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="303" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/townofwindham4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Additionally, if a municipality or LUPC is the prevailing party in a civil action against a violator, the bill permits the placement of a lien on the property with violations. This measure aims to prevent the transfer of such properties, providing municipalities with the financial means necessary to uphold laws safeguarding our waterfronts. <br /><br />“Up to 85 percent of Maine’s fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals use the shoreland zone at some point throughout their lives,” said Francesca Gundrum, Policy Advocate with Maine Audubon. “State and municipal shoreland zoning laws exist to help conserve wildlife as well as to protect vegetation and water quality, limit erosion, and preserve the natural beauty of Maine's shoreland areas. Balancing the needs of both wildlife and human communities, this bill helps hold egregious shoreland zoning violators accountable, and we applaud Senator Nangle for his leadership in forwarding this initiative.” <br /><br />The bill now goes to the full Maine Senate and Maine House for further votes. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-1822410275531502192024-03-08T02:14:00.013-05:002024-03-08T07:44:33.597-05:00WHS students welcome peers from Poland Regional High to practice civil discourse <i>By Lorraine Glowczak </i><br /><br />For the second consecutive year, a student group from Windham High School volunteered to participate in the Can We? Project and hosted their peers from Poland Regional High School in mid-February to practice skills needed for civilized conversations. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmw0EsQrEJxOCGPESUGweQWE0aleVLb9lp9EYR8dVHcr5f_Ws_wjyMGArpIROZ2Uz8Mqk0RniuLZ1vtjRgOyHynNoxb46PtQ03cQBi0oOJ7k2b3RKxWwBXk9tq6BFqiU4CiTU9_cEfeQ7qBR42l6tZCk-9SdBB2Y1pF-VyoU5IRvTUpF8Vjv0o2-CelN6G/s1000/James%20Arthurs%20and%20Audrey%20Fryda%201.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1000" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmw0EsQrEJxOCGPESUGweQWE0aleVLb9lp9EYR8dVHcr5f_Ws_wjyMGArpIROZ2Uz8Mqk0RniuLZ1vtjRgOyHynNoxb46PtQ03cQBi0oOJ7k2b3RKxWwBXk9tq6BFqiU4CiTU9_cEfeQ7qBR42l6tZCk-9SdBB2Y1pF-VyoU5IRvTUpF8Vjv0o2-CelN6G/s320/James%20Arthurs%20and%20Audrey%20Fryda%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHS freshman James Arthurs, left, and Poland<br />Regional High senior Audrey Fryda engage in a <br />courteous conversation regarding a current <br />legislative issue. SUBMITTED PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>The Can We? Project is an initiative intended for high school students to rejuvenate democracy by learning the abilities necessary to engage in respectful civil dialogue. This is Poland High’s first year participating in the Can We? Project. At last month’s gathering, students from both schools had the opportunity to discuss diverse perspectives and complex issues, doing so by showing a level of maturity and respect needed in difficult discussions. <br /><br />“My experience with Can We? reinforced my admiration for this generation of students,” a PRHS social studies teacher, and Can We? Project liaison Elaine Fryda said. “They are mature, earnest, and articulate. I was impressed by how seriously they discussed important current events.” <br /><br />Jen Dumont, a WHS JMG specialist/teacher, and Can We? Project liaison agreed, saying that any time a space is provided for students to meet and communicate with peers, in a safe and solution-oriented way, it opens students' perspectives and encourages empathy. <br /><div><p class="MsoNormal">“Having the opportunity to host Poland Regional High School Can We? Project students gave our Can We? participants a chance to exhibit leadership skills and showcase some of the conversation tools they have developed during our past Can We? Project retreats,” Dumont said. “It is always edifying to realize that there are other students with similar stories and concerns from around our state.”</p></div><div>A few students from both schools shared their experiences from participating in the project. <br /><br />Audrey Fryda, a PRHS senior, admitted that in an age of internet, it is easy to be swept into a biased and stereotypical way of thinking. <br /><br />“I think it is easy to be sucked into an echo chamber of sorts, where you find things on the internet that align with what you believe to be true,” she said. “By engaging in conversations, we are having today with peers who think differently, we break those stereotypes and expand our empathy for others. By being able to do this, we are taught how to deal with important and controversial issues in an intelligent and respectful manner.” <br /><br />WHS freshman James Arthurs said that if you take the moment to listen to one another, even if you don’t agree on a topic, you can come to an understanding or simply agree to disagree and remain civil. <br /><br />“I enjoy participating in these conversations because it helps me learn different sides of a story - so I can understand where others are coming from,” Arthurs said. “It also helps me better understand my own perspective and has sometimes changed my viewpoint a bit. I also have understood my perspective more thoroughly where I am better able to support and advocate for it.” <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://egcu.org/sail" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/evergreensail.jpg" width="182" /></a></div> </div><div>PRHS senior Jonathan Crump said this was the first opportunity he had to talk about laws being passed and enjoyed hearing what everyone had to say. His involvement with the Can We? Project provided a deeper understanding of real conversations. <br /><br />“Most of my experiences with Can We? were positive, but I want to point out that the project isn’t a ‘utopia of open mindedness’ if you will,” Crump said. “I still felt that I was being judged by people around me, just to a lesser extent. In all, it was fun to engage in dialogue with my peers and Can We? is definitely a step taken to bridge the gap between our country's political divide.” <br /><br />The Can We? Project was founded in 2018 by Third Thought Initiatives for Civic Engagement at Waynflete School. Originally a weekend retreat serving 35 students, the project now works throughout the school year with nearly 300 students in 14 public partner schools in Maine. Can We? is a collaborative effort between Waynflete, Maine Policy Institute, a non-profit that works to expand individual liberty and economic freedom in Maine, and Narrative 4, a national storytelling exchange program that teaches the skills of compassion through active listening with others. <br /><br />Dumont explained that as adults, we have a certain responsibility to students to provide the space for active listening, and it is the reason why she is a teacher and a Can We? Project liaison. <br /><br />“It’s important we provide the structure and safety to share students’ personal stories and have solution-oriented conversations that build bridges between people of various backgrounds and opinions,” she said. “I feel very honored to have been able to participate. I look forward to seeing the Can We? Project evolve and take on an incarnation here that can have further impact on our student population and staff.” <br /><br />Elaine Fryda agrees with Dumont. <br /><br />“Can We? provides students a unique opportunity to practice empathy, communication, and reflection,” she said. “Participation in the project fosters curiosity, courage, and caring. It goes without saying that we all could use more of these traits in our lives.” <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-43200802062614777992024-03-08T02:10:00.001-05:002024-03-08T02:10:00.219-05:00Bruni included among group of ‘20 Outstanding Women 2024’Windham’s Diane Dunton Bruni, the board chair, president and a founding member of the nonprofit Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing, has been named one of “20 Outstanding Women 2024,” an annual award given by The Portland Radio Group and Hannaford Supermarkets. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTleAO9xGuay88sLm6QrChlNVOm-5qpMFzVvZcbxXWD6XtqLEHlb-GmyMKfyZ3PAQR8P5GrvEhrNsyVsnJUAiRVNAomJeUXxo7ZOGYknIqY7UArVNEWPEgUknsM_82ytOW0rBz1F5YlLPZtM5CmUBwFbOShbCKLLjPM5135t4F5MGZp05zmgomGeYe-PNU/s810/DIANE%20DUNTON%20BRUNI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="810" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTleAO9xGuay88sLm6QrChlNVOm-5qpMFzVvZcbxXWD6XtqLEHlb-GmyMKfyZ3PAQR8P5GrvEhrNsyVsnJUAiRVNAomJeUXxo7ZOGYknIqY7UArVNEWPEgUknsM_82ytOW0rBz1F5YlLPZtM5CmUBwFbOShbCKLLjPM5135t4F5MGZp05zmgomGeYe-PNU/s320/DIANE%20DUNTON%20BRUNI.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diane Dunton Bruni of Windham has been named<br />as one of the '20 Outstanding Women 2024' by <br />Portland Radio Group and Hannaford <br />Supermarkets. COURTESY PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>The Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing, based in Windham, offers home repairs for seniors and veterans so they may remain in their homes safely and enjoy the quality of life they deserve. <br /><br />“I am very grateful for this honor, and accept it on behalf of all our volunteers, who strive each day to make a genuine difference in the lives of others,” said Bruni. “As seniors and veterans age, many do not want to leave their cherished homes, although they are no longer able to care for them. They also often struggle with costs and with finding contractors available to make repairs. Through our pool of volunteers, we meet the home-repair needs of these individuals and families in our community. In turn, we reduce feelings of isolation and despair among the human beings involved.” <br /><br /><div>Launched in 2019, the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing is part of a national organization, the Fuller Center for Housing, started by Millard Fuller, the former founder of Habitat for Humanity. As the only Fuller Center in New England, it was founded in Windham, Maine, by five churches—Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, North Windham Union Church, Windham Hill UCC, Raymond Village Community Church, Faith Lutheran Church, and St, Joseph’s College. St Ann’s Episcopal Church of Windham later also joined.</div><div><br />It is a nonprofit organization that relies on an all-volunteer force to serve seniors and veterans in the communities of Raymond, Standish, and Windham. <br /><br />The annual “20 Outstanding Women” Award is sponsored each year by the Portland Radio Group/Coast 93.1 FM and Hannaford Supermarkets, to celebrate and recognize women in Maine who make a significant impact in their community. Each selected woman was nominated by her peers, family, and friends, and will be spotlighted throughout March on Coast 93.1’s radio shows, website, and social media, including in a radio interview on the popular Blake Show with Kelly and Todd. <br /><br />The “20 Outstanding Women” Awards will be offered in a private ceremony in March on the campus of the University of Southern Maine in Portland. <br /><br />For more detailed information, please contact Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing at 207-387-0855 or send an email to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1775828903488843801/4745441117321540267">sebagofullerhousing@sebagofullerhousing.org</a> <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-15924493523569990292024-03-01T02:28:00.006-05:002024-03-01T02:28:00.138-05:00Windham converting to automated trash removal this fall<i>By Ed Pierce <br /></i><br />It’s been about 15 months since the Windham Town Council approved an agreement with Casella Waste Systems also known as Pine Tree Waste, to convert the town to an automated trash removal system and this week, town officials have said this September will be the official roll out of the new system. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaivxnqzvG9cLsuYaCHoUQrVrACuCOuwEQTGhifM4lYkTnraoXLky-SEECZf-cZCvp56_2p-OcqWf5UetnpgeZBLYc3RinJRFnBcQEQy103ywzltMO80l9r_ttijmPE5Q3IMXCDM4zIHRRltFVqO9nsj4HH34MV0M7pEMinF7E-66NT-VaWqKXzb96Cg4o/s1680/Trash%202.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1260" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaivxnqzvG9cLsuYaCHoUQrVrACuCOuwEQTGhifM4lYkTnraoXLky-SEECZf-cZCvp56_2p-OcqWf5UetnpgeZBLYc3RinJRFnBcQEQy103ywzltMO80l9r_ttijmPE5Q3IMXCDM4zIHRRltFVqO9nsj4HH34MV0M7pEMinF7E-66NT-VaWqKXzb96Cg4o/w300-h400/Trash%202.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By September the Town of Windham will be<br />converting to a new automated trash<br />collection system with residents issued new<br />carts for garbage and recycling. As a result,<br />the blue bags required for the Pay As You<br />Throw refuse system will be eliminated.<br />PHOTO BY ED PIERCE </td></tr></tbody></table>Under the new system, Windham residents will no longer use the Pay As You Throw (PAYT) system, eliminating the purchase of blue bags, and switching to a cart system with trash picked-up curbside by a driver using an automated retrieval system. Currently trash and recyclables are manually collected at the roadside which requires a trash truck driver and a trash laborer and services more than 5,400 stops in the town. <br /><br />Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts said that homes in Windham will be issued two new durable carts on wheels, one for trash and the other for recycling. The new contract calls for residential pick-up service which is scheduled once a week Monday through Thursday using designated routes and should a pick-up fall on a legal holiday or on severe winter storm days, the schedule would be pushed back one day. Funding was included in the town’s annual budget to purchase trash carts and recycling carts for residents. <br /><br />The new system was supposed to be in place in 2023 but was delayed as Casella Waste Systems purchased and waited to obtain new automated trucks with mechanical retrieval arms from an out-of-state manufacturer. <br /><br /><div>Tibbetts said he’s had discussions with the towns of Falmouth and North Yarmouth to share cart maintenance service for the trash carts as those towns are also converting to automated trash pick-up.</div><div><br />Casella officials say that all trash routes in Windham will be evaluated before the new system becomes effective and that includes trash removal for some roads in Windham that Pine Tree Waste does not travel on now because of truck size limitations or roadway obstacles. It does not expect to make any changes to the current trash collection day schedule. <br /><br />According to Casella Market Manager Chris McHale, the company may purchase and deploy a smaller trash collection truck to service roads and streets in Windham that are not accessible by the new automated trash vehicles. He said that the company intends to work with residents to provide the best service possible, but because of rising operational costs and advances in technology, the trash removal industry is converting to automated systems and unfortunately can no longer continue to provide a similar system to the one currently used in Windham and other nearby communities. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.windhammaine.us" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="308" height="400" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/windhampr1.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><br />“This makes for a more efficient and safer way for collecting trash,” McHale said. <br /><br />The decision to convert to this automated system was difficult for town councilors but Casella, one of the only trash companies working in the state with the resources to serve municipalities such as Windham said it would not renew its contract with the town unless Windham residents converted to the new system. Casella said it has difficulty finding staff and rising costs for its Pine Tree Waste business model and this has resulted in it asking Maine towns to convert to automated systems which require fewer drivers and reduced operating expenses. <br /><br />In August, about a week or so before the new automated trash system begins, residents will receive one 64-gallon trash cart and one 64-gallon recycling cart. Elderly residents using less trash may request smaller 48-gallon carts. <br /><br />The automated trash system contract between Casella and the town runs through June 30, 2028. Windham will then have an option to renew the contract for an additional five-year period by providing at least six months of advance notice to Casella before the contract expires. <br /><br />Not having the PAYT system would mean losing that revenue and increased tipping fees incurred by the town for EcoMaine if residents place improperly bagged waste items in carts that is picked up when the trash truck operator is unable to see what is in the cart below the top. Windham blue trash bags are sold at 15 different locations in town and priced at $13.50 for either ten 13-gallon bags or five 30-gallon bags. <br /><br />Tibbetts said that once the new system is implemented and operational, residents possessing blue bags would be able to sell unused bags back to the town. <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-64225851004520646472024-03-01T02:24:00.006-05:002024-03-01T02:24:00.202-05:00Raymond Village Library to offer Maine stone walls presentation<i>By Kendra Raymond <br /></i><br />Rural properties in Raymond and Windham are often scattered with artifacts of bygone days which can be mysterious to modern residents. For many of us, stone walls border or cross our property and leave us wondering about their story and purpose. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iN7VAuGK941dyf8RPREkTOLNTvNjk7jElczwEt1xujnDEUz4Y4EZidNhZFdHRu1VzlIUr6ZNGEgblBJyywgW3kxef_nuC0W8at7sHoFRDGqmm3MvkIdC3C-KNBUrc16XDC2Hid9fT4eB3bJRUqAi7drmEXxqh9NEQygMJ8VpDLt5WwQv9yoVFwqZlW6U/s4032/IMG_1659.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iN7VAuGK941dyf8RPREkTOLNTvNjk7jElczwEt1xujnDEUz4Y4EZidNhZFdHRu1VzlIUr6ZNGEgblBJyywgW3kxef_nuC0W8at7sHoFRDGqmm3MvkIdC3C-KNBUrc16XDC2Hid9fT4eB3bJRUqAi7drmEXxqh9NEQygMJ8VpDLt5WwQv9yoVFwqZlW6U/w300-h400/IMG_1659.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stone wall in Casco is shown. An upcoming<br />free presentation at Raymond Village Library<br />will explore the presence of stone walls in<br />Maine. PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND </td></tr></tbody></table>With these questions in mind, the Raymond Village Library will host an upcoming lecture entitled “Stone Walls of Maine” lead by Raymond resident and Maine Master Naturalist Cheryl Laz. The event will explore the large presence of stone walls in Maine and their connection to our town’s past. <br /><br />Laz says her lecture will focus on stone walls as artifacts at the intersection of natural and human history. The presentation will cover a geology overview and answer the question, “why are there so many stones?” It will look at the history of human settlement and their influence on the landscape. <br /><br />Laz became intrigued with the stories and culture behind stone walls when working on a project for her naturalist certification. Originally developed as a project to help people walk in the woods, she discovered the prevalence of stone walls and decided to learn more. Laz said, “If you go just about anywhere in Maine, you come across stone walls.” <br /><br />A sociologist by day, Laz is interested in what people do. She has found associations between the walls and the people who built them. Laz said, “I look at stone walls in terms of natural history. There is human and natural history in stone walls.” <br /><br />Stone walls can provide insight into the past life of our properties and the humans that created and utilized them. <br /><br />Helen Keller once said "What a joy it is to feel the soft springy earth under my feet once more, to follow grassy roads that lead to ferny brooks where I can bathe my fingers in a cataract of rippling notes, or to clamber over a stone wall into green fields that tumble and roll and climb in riotous gladness."<div><br /></div><div>This quote evokes images of a simpler time, where farmers worked their land, and in turn it provided nutrients to sustain the family. While much use of the land has changed over time, some stone walls linger, reminding us of the generations that came before. <br /><br />According to information in “The Magnificent History in New England’s Stone Walls” by Robert M. Thorson, there once may have been 250,000 miles of stone walls in America’s Northeast, stretching farther than the distance to the moon. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://realestate2000.managebuilding.com/Resident/public/home" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="617" height="320" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/fieldingscommons.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />“Even though most of them are crumbling today, they contain a magnificent scientific and cultural story,” Thorson wrote. <br /><br />He suggests that stone walls are one of the most significant artifacts to be found in New England. <br />Poet Robert Frost wrote about stone walls in his poem, “The Mending Wall” and many are familiar with the famous line, “Good fences make good neighbors. Whether or not this is true is debatable but certainly, stone walls hold an important place in New England history. <br /><br />Laz says that stone walls can be much more than just indications of past property lines. <br /><br />She said that they can be useful animal habitats with dens in and around them. Squirrels use them as highways and feeding stations. You will often see piles of pinecone scales where critters have been busy at work. They can provide shelter for mice, voles, and snakes and you will often see piles of pinecone scales where critters have been busy at work. Stone walls can host insects, lichens, and mosses. <br /><br />Other stone structures can be found in the Maine woods, including stone foundations and wells or privies. Others are nearly covered by years of overgrowth. Oftentimes, they appear to just pop up randomly in wooded areas. But these areas were previously open, and the woods overtook the space. <br /><br />Raymond Village Librarian Rachel Holden says she is excited about the upcoming presentation. <br /><br />She said that the “Stone Walls of Maine” presentation will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday March 14 at Raymond Village Library which is located at 3 Meadow Road in Raymond. The program is free and open to the public, and anyone who would like to pre-register for the program can call the library at 207-655-4283. <br /><br />For more detailed information about the presentation, visit the RVL website at: <a href="https://www.raymondvillagelibrary.org/">https://www.raymondvillagelibrary.org/</a> or stop by the library to pick up a brochure. <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-9886667171248603002024-03-01T02:16:00.006-05:002024-03-01T02:16:00.212-05:00In the public eye: Creating lasting connections motivates fifth grade teacher<i>Editor’s note: This is another in an ongoing series of Windham and Raymond town employee profiles.<br /><br />By Ed Pierce </i><br /><br />After teaching students at different levels ranging from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, Deborah Milair found her ideal position as a Fifth-Grade teacher at Manchester School in Windham and says she loves coming to work every day. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmI9SlL5cOjhBiq1i91OoCj1ULW8bBuYj9a2QEGg7PaqU_chFPqLGvjLCfTsbt1NNhTp2iufRLNbBsQIG7lUdvz9REBukZR1rye7ZAlpmrVgGEIBobNOxZsKy_dN-QVNOU34Cya16Lc0Zn3EWp7kkGwvyprOqceeubGXS71UUQ5kfGuzJgDyGHM9f5_nW/s1438/Milair.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmI9SlL5cOjhBiq1i91OoCj1ULW8bBuYj9a2QEGg7PaqU_chFPqLGvjLCfTsbt1NNhTp2iufRLNbBsQIG7lUdvz9REBukZR1rye7ZAlpmrVgGEIBobNOxZsKy_dN-QVNOU34Cya16Lc0Zn3EWp7kkGwvyprOqceeubGXS71UUQ5kfGuzJgDyGHM9f5_nW/w300-h400/Milair.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deborah Milair is in her sixth year of teaching<br />at Manchester School in Windham and says<br />that making connections withy her students<br />and watching them learn something new is the<br />best part of her job. She is serving as a team<br />teacher for fifth grade this year at the school.<br />SUBMITTED PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Now in her sixth year of teaching at Manchester School, Milair has taken on a new role this year serving as a team teacher. <br /><br />“Fifth Grade was the sweet spot for me, and out of my 11 years of teaching, I have spent eight years of it teaching fifth graders,” Milair said. “This is my first year of team-teaching here at Manchester, so my duties have changed a little this year from years past. However, my responsibilities include planning engaging and exciting lessons tied to our district learning targets for math, science, and social studies. I teach these lessons along with instilling real-world skills with my students to make what we learn meaningful. Then I grade their ability to complete the standards on their own. Many of these designed lesson plans tie into project-based learning where students are working collaboratively with hands-on activities to make learning fun and exciting.” <br /><br />Milair grew up in Windham and graduated from Windham High School in 2009. She attended the University of Maine Farmington for her undergraduate studies and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education in 2012. In 2019, she earned a master’s degree from Capella University in teaching and learning. <br /><br /><div>Before becoming a classroom teacher, Milair spent half a school year as a reading intervention education tech. After that, she landed her first teaching position and has been a classroom teacher ever since.</div><div><br />“The best thing about my job has been, and always will be, the connections I make with my students,” she said. “My favorite thing is seeing the light bulbs go off above their heads when they learn something new, and the smiles that stretch across their faces when they see me recognizing their perseverance. I strive to make sure my students always know how much I care about them, not only as learners, but as human beings. I love that they trust me, share things with me, and that I get to watch them grow so much in such a short amount of time.” <br /><br />According to Milair, the most challenging aspect of her work is having enough time to devote to everything the job demands. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.shermans.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="800" height="202" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/shermans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“Sometimes it is like I am tasked with deciding what is more important such as taking 20 minutes to work out social issues and support students through their own emotional challenges or keep forging through lessons to reach as many students and standards as possible,” she said. “It's a hard balance. Not to mention, the balance of time with my job versus time with my own family at home.” <br /><br />One thing the public may not know about her job is how emotionally taxing and draining it is, Milair said. <br /><br />“Many things come home with us and affect us on deep emotional levels. My job doesn't start at 8 a.m. when kids walk through the door and end at 3 p.m. when they walk out. I am spending countless hours staying here before and after school planning, copying, cutting, gluing, prepping, and grading,” she said. “Sometimes some of that work also must come home with me, and between eating dinner with my family and climbing into bed myself, I sit down to catch up on that planning and grading. But most of what I am talking about, the things that come home with us, aren't tangible items. Teachers are natural life-long learners who are constantly critiquing our own work. We go home each day, sometimes lie awake at night wondering about the student who hasn't been at school for three days. Or another student who I meant to pull aside and chat with because she looked so sad after recess, but I never got to check on her. Each of these students have different home lives, expectations put on them and on themselves, yet I am challenged with making this classroom inviting for them all every day they enter it.” <br /><br />She said the most important thing she has learned while working as a teacher is the importance of building relationships with students. <br /><br />“It means taking the time to get to know who they are as individuals, what they like and dislike, how they learn, and who they strive to be in their lives and what makes them, ‘them.’ Truly seeing them, celebrating them, and caring about them. Only then can real learning happen.” <<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-55142421257114819142024-03-01T02:14:00.004-05:002024-03-01T02:14:00.212-05:00Workshops offer MaineCF scholarship application details<i>By Kaysa Jalbert <br /></i><br />At the Windham Public Library, a representative from the Maine Community Foundation will be offering two separate scholarship workshops, one for students and another for Adult Learners, over the next two months. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt_wbqwgI0wORx2oRimossLzKlxxshNen2WBNIbDL9dZ91sZqomUy_j7NeEIcx6sid2-tpuhP_MrSvtb4YLLn7HHYKTlma7Z6Ayb8owrtIMIeq-24A8Ty1iDOym4dZOnhR60c4HWzSQhVYEaEkNltlMbz3irpF1hdFbe_H4kAdvpalRmwOHLoeR4YmCC1/s1333/Library.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt_wbqwgI0wORx2oRimossLzKlxxshNen2WBNIbDL9dZ91sZqomUy_j7NeEIcx6sid2-tpuhP_MrSvtb4YLLn7HHYKTlma7Z6Ayb8owrtIMIeq-24A8Ty1iDOym4dZOnhR60c4HWzSQhVYEaEkNltlMbz3irpF1hdFbe_H4kAdvpalRmwOHLoeR4YmCC1/w300-h400/Library.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maine Community Foundation will offer<br />two upcoming workshops regarding available<br />scholarships at the Windham Public Library<br />including one for high school and college<br />students on Tuesday, March 5 and another<br />for adult learners on Tuesday, April 2.<br />PHOTO BY ED PIERCE </td></tr></tbody></table>The MaineCF Scholarship Workshop for Traditional Students, such as high school and college students, will take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5 at the library while the Scholarship Workshop for Adult Learners will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, also at the library, 217 Windham Center Road in Windham. <br /><br />“We offer scholarship workshops across the state to support students through what can be a daunting process,” said Jackie Shannon, Maine Community Foundation scholarship manager. “These workshops provide information about MaineCF’s 700-plus scholarships and answer questions about the application process.” <br /><br />The first workshop is for traditional high school and college students, and their parents if applicable. It will help students access MaineCF’s online application portal, find out what they are eligible for, and start to gather the materials they need to successfully complete and submit their applications. <br /><br /><div>The second workshop is for adults returning to school or starting school after an extended time off. It will focus exclusively on the Adult Learner program and attendees will learn how to gather the needed materials and what the committee is looking for regarding a quality application.</div><div><br />Awards from the Maine Community Foundation are based on academic performance, financial need, involvement in extracurricular activities, work experience, and do not take into consideration an applicant’s citizenship or immigration status. <br /><br />“MaineCF scholarships offer financial support for so many different types of students, from graduating high school seniors to adults returning to school or entering the trades,” says Shannon. “We want everyone to know about the scholarships that are available to them. Sometimes, a scholarship can be just what someone needs to be able to attend college or pursue a passion.” <br /><br />Windham High School students can also ask at their guidance office for more information regarding a range of other MaineCF scholarships available at their school including: <br /><br />** The Janet P. Magee Scholarship Fund was established in 2023 to support graduating, female seniors at Windham High School who are pursuing a post-secondary education. Preference will be given to applicants pursuing studies at either University of Southern Maine or Southern New Hampshire University and selection will be based on financial need and academic achievement. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="htt://gaanderson@windhammaine.us" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="740" height="320" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/townofwindhamwatershed.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br />** The O. William Robertson Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarship assistance to graduating seniors at Windham High School, or its successor agency, with a preference for students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing post-secondary education at a University of Maine or Maine Community College System institution. <br /><br />The Maine Community Foundation is the state’s second-largest foundation. MaineCF’s donor partners have provided more than $665 million in grants to organizations and scholarships to thousands of organizations and individuals in Maine. <br /><br />The connections between MaineCF, donors, nonprofits and community leaders help to achieve a shared mission: bringing people and resources together to build a better Maine, Shannon said. <br /><br />MaineCF has more than 700 scholarships available that support students regardless of their race, age, ancestry or national origin, sexual orientation, gender, physical or mental disability, religion, or geographical region within the state of Maine. <br /><br />The foundation’s approach is designed to reward students’ strengths and to affirm the positive aspects of their lives and work. <br /><br />Rules for MaineCF’s scholarships include ensuring the application is received before the indicated deadline, applications must include all required information, all awards must be accepted by signing a Terms of Award letter, and you must inform the Maine Community Foundation if you move or your enrollment status changes. <br /><br />More information regarding Maine Community Foundation Scholarships can be found online at <a href="https://www.mainecf.org/">mainecf.org/</a> <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-58160766340410215272024-03-01T02:08:00.001-05:002024-03-01T02:08:00.326-05:00Maine Senate gives initial approval to Nangle bill to study Workers’ Compensation benefitsAUGUSTA – Members of the Maine Senate voted to advance LD 1896, "An Act to Index Workers' Compensation Benefits to the Rate of Inflation,” a bill introduced by Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, that would direct a thorough analysis of Maine's Workers' Compensation benefits landscape.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiKLgyC7ofxLlhUgkbLqWUu2G036yW7dNd0dGezBmfFQSKtvxXTvo56Bkg0UsAKS59HIfdS-pTAuNZDc5mSrxD2XzqMkSbUgigWBaw036r6NEP33qdvAc1yFL2vou8PSlWropIha6EEVqNxgKT9751JsAIiHHrYo7py0gp6qPrZOuasYzXHgiAtHhiNS6/s1346/Tim%20Nangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiKLgyC7ofxLlhUgkbLqWUu2G036yW7dNd0dGezBmfFQSKtvxXTvo56Bkg0UsAKS59HIfdS-pTAuNZDc5mSrxD2XzqMkSbUgigWBaw036r6NEP33qdvAc1yFL2vou8PSlWropIha6EEVqNxgKT9751JsAIiHHrYo7py0gp6qPrZOuasYzXHgiAtHhiNS6/w161-h200/Tim%20Nangle.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State Senator Tim Nangle</td></tr></tbody></table>"The goal of LD 1896 is to ensure that our injured workers receive fair and adequate compensation that keeps pace with the cost of living," Nangle said. "This bill is critical to giving the Workers' Compensation Board the tools they need to collect and analyze data and help us understand how to improve benefits for injured workers." <br /><br />The bill, which initially started as a proposal to index workers' compensation benefits to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), evolved through collaboration with Sen. Nangle and stakeholders, including the Workers' Compensation Board and insurance companies. As amended, the bill will direct a comprehensive study and data collection process. <br /><br />The Workers' Compensation Board will gather important information about workers' compensation benefits, such as: <br />How much workers were earning on average. <br />The rates of compensation they receive. <br />The number of weeks they received benefits for total incapacity, partial incapacity, and death. <br />Details about their last payment and ongoing payments. <br />The total amount of benefits paid to them. <br /><br />Additionally, the Board will assess the accuracy of this data, compare benefit amounts to the cost of living, and consider the costs of updating and implementing adjustments to ensure fair compensation for injured workers. <br /><br />The Workers' Compensation Board will provide monthly updates to the Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing. The final report — detailing findings, recommendations, and suggested legislation is due no later than Aug. 16, 2025, providing a comprehensive overview of the analysis conducted and proposed improvements to workers' compensation benefits. <br /><br />The study will be conducted by the Workers’ Compensation Board within existing resources and will not expend any General Fund revenues. <br /><br />LD 1896 now faces additional votes in the Maine Senate and the Maine House. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-11305049658951261772024-02-23T02:29:00.007-05:002024-02-23T02:29:00.149-05:00Cooper declares candidacy for Maine House 107 seat<p><i>By Ed Pierce</i></p>Lifelong resident Mark Cooper has announced his candidacy for the Maine House of Representatives District 107 as a Republican and says he intends to be a strong voice for Windham voters if elected.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvab0v1NzS_D1z0Vw-LRTIR6TzLz2pIYpWUaRGHkAljp7ypN9cE_qbWLF10caOYRVzhWTqVkldh6ekVGfPy8cn35WxUSMoaYYsNBZlvJ0G4kZvqSm37okmRq9IxUBqlowTrRGCRl19SMqB5_DLYLb5lFohPoARJHnCBc08BYwAEqKDwAeJuEbae0FoNGw/s3040/Cooper.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3040" data-original-width="2139" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvab0v1NzS_D1z0Vw-LRTIR6TzLz2pIYpWUaRGHkAljp7ypN9cE_qbWLF10caOYRVzhWTqVkldh6ekVGfPy8cn35WxUSMoaYYsNBZlvJ0G4kZvqSm37okmRq9IxUBqlowTrRGCRl19SMqB5_DLYLb5lFohPoARJHnCBc08BYwAEqKDwAeJuEbae0FoNGw/w281-h400/Cooper.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Cooper of Windham, a local building<br />contactor and farmer, has declared his<br />candidacy as a Republican for the Maine<br />House of Representatives District 107,<br />serving part of Windham.<br />SUBMITTED PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Cooper, 60, is a local building contractor and farmer, and has decided to harness his experience in farming and in business for the benefit of the community.<br /><br />“I believe in a common-sense approach to legislation and fiscal responsibility,” Cooper said. “As a small business owner working for a living, I understand the financial implications of wasteful government spending policies. I enjoy working with others to obtain workable and sensible solutions. I firmly believe Maine should be taking care of Mainers as a priority.”<br /><br />Along with his wife Gaylene, Cooper has operated his family farm and accompanying businesses for over 40 years on Chute Road and says in that time he has seen a lot of changes in Windham.<br /><br />“I love that Windham has become a place where more people want to live. It’s a testament to our schools, our local businesses, and our community leaders that we are doing something right, but I do think we need to look at how we are approaching this growth,” Cooper said. “I talk to a lot of seniors that have been priced out of their homes. I know there are too many folks in town who have had to sell family properties because the taxes are just too high. I’d like to be able to be able to help the town government connect with the state government to see where we might be able to make things a little easier on folks that are struggling to stay in their homes.”<br /><br /><div>A 1981 graduate of Windham High School, Cooper went on to earn an associate degree from the University of New Hampshire. He and Gaylene are the parents of sons Craig Cooper and his partner Amanda Larrabee and Eric Cooper and his wife Lauren, and they are the grandparents of Brian and Reagan.</div><div><br />His family business interests include L C Cooper Co Inc., a building contractor operation now in its 54th year in business and third generation. The Cooper family farming businesses include Coopers Maple products, Coopers Greenhouse, Coopers Royal Heritage Farm miniature horses and American Aberdeen cattle. Mark and Gaylene also work with Mark’s parents’ farm, Cooper Charolais Farm & Apiary, including beef cattle and a beekeeping operation.<br /><br />“Windham has been home to my family for three generations, and we take pride in being able to live and work in this community, to employ a fair number of folks in Windham, and to contribute to the economy” Cooper said. “Serving in the State Legislature feels like a way to bring our experience in farming and in business to the larger statewide conversation about where Maine is headed. Right now, I’ve got some major concerns. The Maine State Legislature currently needs a serious infusion of common sense and logical thinking.”<br /><br />According to Cooper, the current Democratic-controlled government is running blindly unchecked and turning Maine into “California of the East.”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.windhammaine.us/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="463" height="320" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/townofwindham.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><br />Through his years of farming, Cooper has been actively involved in several trade and industry associations, including serving as Director and Superintendent of the Cumberland Fair, Director for the Maine Maple Producers Association, President of the Maine Miniature Horse Club, President of the Maine Beef Producers Association, Cumberland County Farm Bureau, and a member of former Maine Gov. John R. McKernan Jr.’s Ag Advisory Committee.<br /><br />Cooper said that the economy, inflation, and financial pressure are the major concerns Windham voters are expressing to him.<br /><br />“Many of the working families are feeling the effects of rising inflation and cost of living increasing faster than income,” Cooper said. “Basic needs including food, electricity, heating, and property taxes are escalating rapidly. Maine residents should not have to make a choice between buying groceries, heating their home, or paying their taxes.”<br /><br />He said he’s looking forward to the campaign and will work hard to represent the best interests of Windham residents if he’s elected.<br /><br />“I’m looking forward to meeting new neighbors and reconnecting with old friends over the next nine months,” Cooper said. “I’m hoping to put together a big team, so if you’d like to be a part of the campaign, please send us an email at <a href="mailto:GMCooper81@aol.com">GMCooper81@aol.com</a>. Yes, I still have an AOL account so please don’t hold that against me as you consider supporting our campaign.” <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-85437993594798698472024-02-23T02:21:00.004-05:002024-02-23T02:21:00.137-05:00Loon Echo Land Trust conserves 400-acre site in Casco<p>Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) is happy to announce the permanent conservation of 400 acres of undeveloped forestland in Casco, known as Rolfe Hill. After a multi-year fundraising effort, LELT purchased the property in late January from members of the Rolfe and Speirs families, whose ownership dates back to the 1790s.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeQYs9cftRhHV9JLZlv5fEoxoNf3UJ_sXG48eKvx-Kshknnin411kp2Qf44FvYuR8Hni7W5cdzwYmIPWFI5H1hwxYh-Nv_oYOyp514reNje6emDlvhuKg7kK6wVGsVB2d1M1nVrH5NvzPKvP38FnaG4iten7J7wSOrLmsWBM_NPzlIQDpVOVrd2SC5Ro/s2500/Rolfe%20Hill_%20Credit%20Mathew%20Trogner.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeQYs9cftRhHV9JLZlv5fEoxoNf3UJ_sXG48eKvx-Kshknnin411kp2Qf44FvYuR8Hni7W5cdzwYmIPWFI5H1hwxYh-Nv_oYOyp514reNje6emDlvhuKg7kK6wVGsVB2d1M1nVrH5NvzPKvP38FnaG4iten7J7wSOrLmsWBM_NPzlIQDpVOVrd2SC5Ro/w400-h266/Rolfe%20Hill_%20Credit%20Mathew%20Trogner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some 400 acres of undeveloped forestland in Casco known<br />as Rolfe Hill has been conserved by the Loon Echo Land<br />Trust. PHOTO BY MATTHEW TROGNER</td></tr></tbody></table>Rolfe Hill has a long history of public access for recreation and hunting and hosts the “Que 5” snowmobile and ATV trail. Now owned by LELT, public access to the property for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other recreational activities is permanently secured.<br /><br />“The Rolfe and Speirs families were stewards of this land for over 200 years, and we are grateful to them for allowing public use on the old farm roads and trails. We are thrilled that Rolfe Hill, enjoyed by many for snowmobiling, hunting, cross country skiing, and horseback riding, is now protected from development,” said LELT Board Member and Casco resident Connie Cross.<br /><br /><div>The Rolfe Hill area is identified in the Town of Casco’s Open Space Plan for its significant ecological and recreational importance for residents. The land is home to over 60 acres of wetlands, vernal pools, and a trout stream.</div><div><br />Located just half a mile from LELT’s Hacker’s Hill Preserve on Quaker Ridge Road, Rolfe Hill is an important addition to the region’s network of conserved lands.<br /><br />“The Rolfe Hill property has been on LELT’s radar for a long time,” said LELT Executive Director Matt Markot. “Former Casco town manager Dave Morton was very aware of how important the property was to residents and was a big supporter of seeing the land conserved. We’re proud to be a part of the Casco community and work on behalf of its residents to make sure the lands they have used and loved will remain open for generations to come.”<br /><br />LELT has plans to improve access to Rolfe Hill through the construction of a parking area and non-motorized trail network. The conservation organization will pay property taxes to the Town of Casco.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://egcu.org/Ultimate" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/evergreenultimate.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><br />Located in an area of increasing development pressure, the 400-acre property plays an important role in safeguarding the water quality of Sebago Lake, which is the source of drinking water for over 200,000 Mainers and many Cumberland County businesses on a daily basis. Sebago Lake is so clean, thanks in large part to its forested watershed, that it is one of 50 surface water supplies (out of over 13,000) in the country that is not required to be filtered.<br /><br />Rolfe Hill was identified by the conservation partnership Sebago Clean Waters (SCW) as a high priority for protection. SCW is a coalition of ten nonprofit partners, including LELT, working with the Portland Water District to accelerate the pace of land conservation in the Sebago Lake watershed to protect water quality, community well-being, a vibrant economy, and fish and wildlife habitat.<br /><br />“This forestland is a vital community resource, not only for the recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat it provides, but also for its important role in keeping Greater Portland’s water supply clean,” said SCW Partnership Director Karen Young. “Working with LELT to conserve this property furthers our mission of protecting the watershed and building collaborative capacity across the region.”<br /><br />The land is within the traditional and unceded territory of the Abenaki, a member tribe of the Wabanaki Confederacy. The Abenaki First Nations of Odanak and Wôlinak maintain reservations along the St. Francis and St. Lawrence Rivers in the Canadian province of Quebec, where they sought refuge following colonial warfare in the Saco, Presumpscot, and Androscoggin River watersheds during the 17th and 18th centuries.<br /><br />The property was conserved with financial assistance from the Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program (MNRCP). MNRCP was created to manage the allocation of funds collected through Maine’s In Lieu Fee Compensation Program, and awards competitive grants to projects that restore and protect high priority aquatic resources throughout Maine. Additional funders for the project include The Nature Conservancy, Portland Water District, onX Maps, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Sebago Clean Waters, Davis Conservation Foundation, Ram Island Conservation Fund, The Conservation Fund in partnership with the Stifler Family Foundation, an anonymous foundation, and Lake Region community members.<br /><br />More information about Rolfe Hill can be found at<a href="https://www.loonecholandtrust.org/thcf-expansion/"> </a>lelt.org/rolfe-hill.<br /><br /><b>Loon Echo Land Trust</b>, founded in 1987, is a nonprofit organization that protects land, ensures public access to the outdoors, and builds and maintains recreational trails in Raymond, Casco, Naples, Harrison, Sebago, Bridgton, and Denmark. The organization currently conserves over 9,000 acres of land and manages a 35-mile trail network across the Lake Region. LELT protects many important local landmarks like Pleasant Mountain, Bald Pate Mountain, Raymond Community Forest, and Hacker’s Hill. For more information on LELT properties, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit LELT.org or their Facebook page.<br /><br /><b>Sebago Clean Waters</b> is a partnership of 10 local, regional, and national conservation organizations and the Portland Water District working collaboratively to protect water quality, community well-being, a vibrant economy, and fish and wildlife habitat in the Sebago region through voluntary forest conservation and stewardship. Learn more at <a href="http://www.sebagocleanwaters.org/">sebagocleanwaters.org</a>. <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-21421300288171776552024-02-23T02:18:00.034-05:002024-02-23T02:18:00.135-05:00Road postings in place to avoid frost heave damage<i>By Ed Pierce </i><br /><br />A total of 49 roads within the Town of Raymond have been posted for frost heaves this season by the Raymond Public Works Director. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bxKKb26E3E3Ggf1K3EmXVsgjBre0-AUYsiSnuwoDvndYrDT3sOtc69Men8od1H5cn3Ga_3V7bom3CqAmXTjSg7hwciC19Kt1bkcNllcg8dfsEBvcYuSHkHrPOBfHHo8B_9sTf94qCd_X_Q3F10oVRH1uuwOtPnT-K_yV-PAP5LbfnAPsrF8hXBIOpgvC/s1136/Frost%20Heave.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1136" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bxKKb26E3E3Ggf1K3EmXVsgjBre0-AUYsiSnuwoDvndYrDT3sOtc69Men8od1H5cn3Ga_3V7bom3CqAmXTjSg7hwciC19Kt1bkcNllcg8dfsEBvcYuSHkHrPOBfHHo8B_9sTf94qCd_X_Q3F10oVRH1uuwOtPnT-K_yV-PAP5LbfnAPsrF8hXBIOpgvC/s320/Frost%20Heave.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towns all across Maine begin posting roads<br />with vehicle weight limits when the ground<br />gets soft to avoid destruction of the <br />pavement and subsurface.<br />COURTESY PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>The road restriction is for trucks weighing more than 23,000 pounds and is effective from Feb. 20 until May 1, 2024. Trucks exceeding the weight limit and not exempted by town ordinance must be cleared to travel over a posted road if conditions warrant. <br /><br />Raymond Public Works Director Nathan White said that Routes 85, 121, 302 and Egypt Road in Raymond are exempt from the restrictions because they are state-maintained roads. <br /><br />Frost heave damage to roadways is caused by an upward movement of pavement resulting from the expansion of trapped water beneath the roadway surface. Considerable frost heaves can produce permanent damage to roads and crack pavement surfaces with differing levels of severity. Distresses attributed to frost heaves can impact road surface quality and are unpredictable and costly for towns and municipalities to repair. <br /><br />According to the Maine Department of Transportation, as spring temperatures warm and the ground thaws, the soil situated beneath roadway pavement becomes saturated with water, making it unstable and leaving many roads unable to support heavy loads and putting them at risk for damage. <br /><br />Typically, a road that can easily handle a 15-ton weight truck in summer or winter months may only be able to handle a 5-ton load during spring thawing. <br /><br />MDOT says a posted road’s maximum weight limit is 23,000 pounds and it’s a temporary measure that’s designed to protect roads in vulnerable conditions. <br /><br />The costs pf repairing or rebuilding a road damaged by a frost heave can be substantial, running as much as into the tens of thousands per mile in some cases. <br /><br />When the ground begins to thaw and materials beneath roadway surfaces are saturated with moisture, travel over these roads by heavy vehicles exceeding 23,000 pounds also can cause cracking, potholes, and rutting. <br /><br />Roads in Raymond that have been posted include Ball Drive; Brown Road; Canal Road; Cape Road; Caton Road; Chapel Street; Conesca Road; County Road; Crockett Road; David Plummer Road; Deep Cove Road; Dolimount Road; Dyer Road; Elizabeth Avenue; Frye Road; Gay Street; Giselle Avenue; Gore Road and Harmon Road. <br /><br />Also posted are Ledge Hill Road; Lloyds Lane; Lyn Court; Mailman Road; Main Street; Martin Heights; McDermott Road; Mill Street; Mountain Road; North Raymond Road; Panther Pond Pines; Patricia Avenue; Peterson Road; Pine Lane; Pipeline Road; Plains Road; Pond Road; Presidential View; Raymond Hill Road; Ridge Road; Salmon Run; Shaker Woods Road; Shaw Road; Spiller Hill Road; Tarkiln Hill Road; Tassel Top Drive; Tenny Hill Road; Valley Road; Wawenock Road; and Westview Drive. <br /><br />The posted roads may have restrictions lifted earlier should weather conditions warrant. <div><br /></div><div>The Town of Windham has not yet announced their road postings for this season but is expected to release that information in the next few weeks.< </div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-26116445320017059252024-02-23T02:04:00.014-05:002024-02-23T02:04:00.153-05:00Nangle introduces bill to help communities protect local water resources<p>AUGUSTA – State Senator Tim Nangle, D-Windham, has introduced a bill to give municipalities more tools to enforce shoreland zone violations and protect local waters.<br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEaTaSA1COzwlS8Y1v0E3F91GI5d_1_U8NtbiZNBx1KDoSFw5d8mqLpL20ExXzfPHZMpBpDc6VRDmvclV-5gAkOYUrnlOu1i4lsu7Ilf80eaKqPur5KS_CYMezRNHU1IRZLgEa1ODnMkFxqVRgXvQM8mUMVW7zwvX8KaCFz8ZWLZJ5S4m0hgORjd1hXPP/s876/Tim%20Nangle.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEaTaSA1COzwlS8Y1v0E3F91GI5d_1_U8NtbiZNBx1KDoSFw5d8mqLpL20ExXzfPHZMpBpDc6VRDmvclV-5gAkOYUrnlOu1i4lsu7Ilf80eaKqPur5KS_CYMezRNHU1IRZLgEa1ODnMkFxqVRgXvQM8mUMVW7zwvX8KaCFz8ZWLZJ5S4m0hgORjd1hXPP/s320/Tim%20Nangle.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State Senator Tim Nangle</td></tr></tbody></table>Nangle's proposal, LD 2101, called “An Act to Strengthen Shoreland Zoning Enforcement,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Maine Legislature’s Joint Select Committee on State and Local Government earlier this month. <br /><br />“The support and insightful testimony we received at the public hearing show how necessary it is to equip our towns with the tools they need to enforce shoreland zoning standards effectively,” Nangle said. “This legislation is a critical advancement in empowering local governments and keeping our drinking water free of harmful chemicals. I was pleased to see folks from communities across our state make their voice heard on this vital issue.” <br /><br />The LD 2101 bill would allow, but not require, municipalities to restrict, suspend, or revoke locally issued permits to property owners who violate shoreland zoning ordinances. <br /><br />Under current and existing law, even with ongoing violations, municipalities are required to issue permits, limiting their ability to ensure compliance with state and locally established regulations. <br /><br />Additionally, this new bill proposed by Nangle permits the placement of a lien on properties with violations to prevent the transfer of said properties, ensuring that municipalities have the financial support they need to enforce the laws that protect community waterfronts. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gorhamsavings.bank/product/smart-business-checking/?utm_source=Windham+Eagle+&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=Smart_biz_weeklies&utm_content=Sunrise" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/gorhamsavings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“In most cases, Maine’s shoreland zoning law is having a very positive impact on our lakes, but to prevent violations like those that occurred in Raymond on Sebago Lake, the law needs to be better enforced,” said Whitney Baker on behalf of 30 Mile River Watershed Association. “We now have an opportunity to empower our communities, and the local [Code Enforcement Officers] doing this important work, to stand up to shoreland violators, hold them accountable, and reverse the ethic of law-breaking behavior that has taken hold on many shorefronts throughout our state.” <br /><br />According to Nangle, enforcing shoreland zoning law is particularly evident when towns attempt to uphold local- and state-mandated environmental standards. <br /><br />“The current legal structure prevents towns from withholding permits for further development, even when property owners ignore these crucial regulations. This means an offending property owner can keep building and changing their property while ignoring the laws that protect our state's precious natural resources,’ Nangle said. “My bill, LD 2101, would allow a local municipality to restrict, suspend, or revoke any locally issued permit to the property and property owner where the violation has occurred. Notably, a town would not be required to impose these restrictions; it would be at the town's discretion. This would prevent the property owner from working to complete any renovations or continue work on the property until the violation has been resolved.”<br /><br />Typically, when a shoreland zoning violation is resolved through legal remedies, the court assigns the cost of enforcing the violation and any applicable fines to the property owner. Then, in some cases, another struggle ensues between the violator and the town to collect those costs, which Nangle says places another undue burden on taxpayers in the town. The second part of LD 2101 allows the city or town to place a lien on the property’s title to prevent the transfer of the property until the court-determined costs have been paid. <br /><br />Nangle’s bill will face further action in committee. < <span style="color: #212121; font-family: Century, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-24757826782095267052024-02-16T02:28:00.004-05:002024-02-16T02:28:00.137-05:00Windham Town Council discusses senior housing proposal<i>By Ed Pierce </i><br /><br />Discussions between the Windham Town Manager and the developer of a proposed new senior affordable housing project off Angler’s Road may result in significant changes to the development and the creation of a special Tax Increment Financing District for the site. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C4khYcuBBCtjackKjlpYaudYIbqusAF7ja2OtWSZEXVd2pAQyZ9ldnYXS7LtSzcA-EA3iY9synQ9qwoe52AWebZqdVVDGYcvUu7EBsaEEZ5hQBEWVtmcYi9j9b1Hoo_hNVxG36GQbrh-qzBgTDZJUx7rn1yP9pFFSQF15KgllvS31bC2nK0JAQShzFSZ/s4050/Council.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="4050" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C4khYcuBBCtjackKjlpYaudYIbqusAF7ja2OtWSZEXVd2pAQyZ9ldnYXS7LtSzcA-EA3iY9synQ9qwoe52AWebZqdVVDGYcvUu7EBsaEEZ5hQBEWVtmcYi9j9b1Hoo_hNVxG36GQbrh-qzBgTDZJUx7rn1yP9pFFSQF15KgllvS31bC2nK0JAQShzFSZ/w400-h180/Council.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Members of the Windham Town Council participate in a <br />discussion about a proposed senior housing project behind<br />Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church during a meeting on<br />Tuesday evening. From left are Councilors Bill Reiner,<br />Jarrod Maxfield, Mark Morrison, and Nick Kalogerakis.<br />PHOTO BY ED PIERCE </td></tr></tbody></table>During Tuesday evening’s Windham Town Council meeting, councilors and members of the public participated in a discussion regarding the project which is situated behind Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, which owns the site and has contracted with a developer who is proposing to build a 24-unit structure on the site. The potential development also led to an outcry of opposition from nearby residents, who say it is the wrong site for such a project because it sits on top of the aquifer. <br /><br />The area also lies within Windham’s Farm Zone and to gain approval for the scope of the project, zoning and many other issues would need to be resolved such as building height, lighting, and water quality. <br /><br />Barry Tibbetts, Windham Town Manager, told councilors that he became involved after hearing concerns from residents about the project. <br /><br />“There are a number of issues to be addressed before anything could be done with that site,” Tibbetts said. “There’s the proposed building height, the setback, water quality, the impacts of lighting, noise concerns, traffic, and its architectural features.” <br /><br />A compromise solution could be found by working within the framework of the existing Farm Zoning, creating a TIF and modifying the proposal by changing the building height to 35 feet and the setback to 150 feet in keeping with current zoning rules. The modification would also include creating 42 one-bedroom apartments instead of 24 duplexes. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.shermans.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="800" height="202" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/shermans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“We looked at how this building fits within the neighborhood and showed the developer how creating a senior housing TIF would be beneficial,” Tibbetts said. “For us, this is really about the TIF and if we as a community want to put a TIF on this property.” <br /><br />The project itself would take about two years to complete because of engineering, site evaluations, financing and approval from the Windham Planning Board, Tibbetts said. <br /><br />Councilors also listened to the concerns of residents and abutters during the meeting. <br /><br />Annie and Mike Swisko of Windham said they downsized a few years ago and sold their home to live in a townhouse. They said more senior housing is needed in town and like the idea of creating a TIF for senior affordable housing, but they thought that two-bedroom units would be better. <br /><br />Several residents on Angler’s Road voiced concerns about development in the area in general, the aquifer, and said they wondered if this was the right type of project for that site. <br /><br />Barry Bernard, who lives on Shore Road in Windham, said he’s happy to hear that the developer is open to modifying the plan which was first proposed last fall, and he realizes development at that site is going to happen eventually one way or the other. <br /><br />“My preference is no development at all but I’m not a not-in-my backyard type of person,” he said. “I don’t want 24 duplexes going in there, that would be horrendous. I would much rather see the footprint of 42 single bedrooms going in there.” <br /><br />Councilor Jarrod Maxfield thanked residents for expressing their concerns about the project. <br /><br />“It’s great to see members of the community and the town work together to find something that will work,” Maxfield said. “I will support this TIF decision and believe it will help pave the way for a better project.” <br /><br />Councilor Bill Reiner said he’s optimistic that addressing these issues now will result in a better solution for everyone concerned. <br /><br />“This is a great compromise between residents, the town, and the developer to address a growing need in the community.” Reiner said. <br /><br />A public hearing about creating a Senior Housing TIF will be conducted at a Windham Town Council meeting in March. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-22122452596890974432024-02-16T02:24:00.015-05:002024-02-16T02:24:00.146-05:00In the public eye: Manchester School teacher inspires students to love reading<i>Editor’s note: This is another in an ongoing series of Windham and Raymond town employee profiles.<br /><br />By Ed Pierce </i><br /><br />Meg Sparrow believes that a great teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, wonder, and wisdom in her students and it’s what she does every day in her duties as a Fifth-Grade classroom teacher at Manchester School in Windham. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnkXG3sbvwQkFM21YXVeXoBl3XK4JdhTGBwT54S15-ERAIkPa5QIE4QU7NxS__Y89NQdDr8Re4RGyweEv8sz6ZRteI3mV_LOTanS23db7no20YiK_-06IBV5ap9gXA3VcxT_TXL9MQGZQ4NiJqOwb7zrQKl3CBW-kup4JZKJoKpeXcpEOrLh-0pbK4A5P/s1927/Sparrow.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1927" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnkXG3sbvwQkFM21YXVeXoBl3XK4JdhTGBwT54S15-ERAIkPa5QIE4QU7NxS__Y89NQdDr8Re4RGyweEv8sz6ZRteI3mV_LOTanS23db7no20YiK_-06IBV5ap9gXA3VcxT_TXL9MQGZQ4NiJqOwb7zrQKl3CBW-kup4JZKJoKpeXcpEOrLh-0pbK4A5P/w208-h400/Sparrow.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meg Sparrow has taught fifth<br />grade at Manchester School<br />in Windham since 2017 and<br />shares her love for reading<br />on a daily basis with <br />her students.<br />SUBMITTED PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Sparrow has taught at Manchester School since 2017 and says that sharing her love of reading with her students makes a difference. <br /><br />“So many kids start fifth grade saying that they don’t like books,” Sparrow said. “I love that I can share my love of reading with them. Some of my favorite books we read are ‘ReStart,’ ‘Hoot,’ and ‘The City of Ember.’ I really enjoy getting students engaged and excited about reading. Students are always begging to read just a little bit more and at the end of the book I’m so happy to hear that they loved the book.” <br /><br />Among her duties are reviewing important student data in areas such as academic, attendance, and behavior and student work to inform and create lesson plans, including intervention and enrichment. She also grades assignments, collects and shares evidence of student learning, accumulates data and perspectives, collaborates with Manchester School staff to develop and implement authentic, engaging units of instruction. <br /><br />She also creates and promotes meaningful relationships with students and families while fostering a sense of belonging, engages in work that improves student academic learning and outcomes, communicates with families, and actively engages in professional learning communities. <br /><br /><div>The job is challenging, and Sparrow said that is because there are such varying differences among all her students.</div><div><br />“Each student has unique strengths, interests, and backgrounds. As a teacher, I want to make sure that I tailor every lesson in a way that every student feels engaged and can participate in a meaningful way,” she said. “This requires a deep understanding of each student, constant adaptation, and the ability to meet the needs of each individual student.” <br /><br />According to Sparrow, the greatest misconception people may have about her work is that some think that teachers can just use the same lessons year after year. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://realestate2000.managebuilding.com/Resident/public/home" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="617" height="320" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/fieldingscommons.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />“This is not true because students’ needs change from year to year. Modifying instruction to meet the needs of a diverse student body is a huge responsibility that I take seriously,” she said. “Teaching is not a one-size-fits-all profession and I’m not just a teacher imparting knowledge, but I act as a mentor and role model for my fifth graders, preparing them for the challenges of the future. Every day is different, and I always need to be able to think on my feet and adapt when necessary. As teachers, we’re always thinking about our students and teaching, and it doesn’t stop when the school day ends. The ongoing dedication beyond school hours are important aspects of the teaching profession that many do not understand. Teaching is a multifaceted and demanding profession.” <br /><br />Sparrow grew up in New Jersey and went to college at the University of New Hampshire where she majored in Family Studies and minored in Education. After earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Southern Maine, she worked as a preschool teacher for a few years after college. <br /><br />“I was an Education Tech for a middle and high school in Cumberland and North Yarmouth,’ Sparow said. “I worked as a classroom teacher for grades 3-5 in Freeport for six years before I moved to Windham and took time off to have children. After I had children, I took a break from teaching to stay home and raise them. When my youngest was 2 1/2, I decided it was time to go back to teaching. I was really eager to teach in the same town that I live in because I wanted to be close to my children and an active part of the community.” <br /><br />She said that her husband and kids are very supportive of her teaching career and her two daughters love that their mom is a teacher at school with them. <br /><br />The most important thing she says she’s learned while working for Manchester School is that it truly does take a village to educate amazing kids. <br /><br />“We all work together to create a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for the student body,” Sparrow said. “It is a collaborative effort by all employees of the school district, the families, and community.” < </div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-33522465073963999272024-02-16T02:08:00.004-05:002024-02-16T02:08:00.132-05:00Altrusa celebrates six years of providing WPS kindergarten students with ‘Forever’ books<i>By Masha Yurkevich </i><br /><br />Introducing children to reading is a very important step to their development. Unfortunately, not all children have access to books, which is something that International Altrusa of Portland wants to overcome. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7KGLa4fISi6U9I9RUrbdIefUakAs21VfyOt_sOyQB_Jvu0YUjoOu7vitQPTsEWFYQq1KE6Oq9zk-wUvPG48Wj2bnDCaCNwUww-a5xC3QlpghsadH2iCbQSoyQX2IVabx4ZCcD2VrP_RYQQZrryoyk2TX9cnZmpRytD1pOgSyATT7zUzfrPNadSQmn5E7/s638/Altrusa.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="638" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7KGLa4fISi6U9I9RUrbdIefUakAs21VfyOt_sOyQB_Jvu0YUjoOu7vitQPTsEWFYQq1KE6Oq9zk-wUvPG48Wj2bnDCaCNwUww-a5xC3QlpghsadH2iCbQSoyQX2IVabx4ZCcD2VrP_RYQQZrryoyk2TX9cnZmpRytD1pOgSyATT7zUzfrPNadSQmn5E7/w400-h253/Altrusa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windham Primary School kindergarten teacher Lindsey <br />Pettus and her students show off some of the books they<br />have received thanks to the generosity of the Portland<br />Altrusa Club and club president Wanda Pettersen of<br />Windham, right. SUBMITTED PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Altrusa is a social club that provides services to the community in the areas of literacy, fellowship and leadership development and the Portland club places a special focus on literacy.<div><br /></div><div>As a non-profit organization, Altrusa focuses on community service and for the last six years, Altrusa volunteers have been coming to Windham Primary School kindergarten classrooms to read to the children and let each of them choose a “forever” book to take home. <br /><br />Wanda Pettersen of Windham is the president of the Portland Altrusa Club. She recently retired and used to work for Cumberland County government and joined Altrusa through a friend of hers who is also part of Altrusa and suggested to Petterson that she should become part of the team. While Pettersen has been with Altrusa for more than two years, she is serving her second year as president. <br /><br /><div>“The kids are great, it’s so much fun to be with them,” says Pettersen. “It brings joy to know that this child has a book and that they can bring it home and can read it to their parents or siblings or show them the pictures. It’s very heartfelt.”</div><div><br />She fell in love with the program. <br /><br />“Our focus at the Portland Altrusa Club is literacy, introducing books and stories to children who are just learning to read or just learning to look at books,” says Pettersen. “There are some children who have books at home and hopefully have someone who can read to them, but there are also children who don’t have any books at home. We hope to reach each and every child so that they can be curious about books.” <br /><br />Pettersen works with WPS teacher Lindsey Pettus, who has been with Windham Primary School for 12 years where she is a kindergarten teacher and Team Leader. <br /><br />“We were introduced to Altrusa about six years ago,” says Pettus. “Over the past six years that they have been coming to our school, they have given around 1,200 free books to our students. They also come in and read to the students before giving out their books, sharing their love of literacy. The students are always so excited to choose a forever book to take home and add to their collection. It is a great way to promote a love of literacy for our youngest learners.” <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://egcu.org/Ultimate" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/evergreenultimate.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><br />Pettus was introduced to Pettersen when they started collaborating with Altrusa because of Pettus’ role as a team leader. <br /><br />Altrusa used to only ask volunteers to read for Portland and South Portland schools, but Pettersen, being a resident of Windham, spoke with Dr. Kyle Rhoads, WPS principal and then got in contact with Pettus. <br /><br />“Together she and I have coordinated the visits for all of our kindergarten classes each year,” says Pettus. “During the pandemic we did a recorded ‘virtual visit’ and then distributed the books to the students.” <br /><br />Altrusa has books donated at Books A Million and then schedules their guest readers who come and read to students and let them choose a book to keep. <br /><br />“After the reading, we let the children go around a table and choose a book to take home,” says Pettersen. “We stress that this is not a library book, you don’t need to bring it back, it’s yours to keep. We started to call them ‘Forever’ books because some of the children were kept repeating that they get to keep the book forever.” <br /><br />The Altrusa and WPS initiative remains strong. <br /><br />“This has been a wonderful partnership for our school over the years,” says Pettus. “The kindergarten students love having guest readers to read them a story and they are thrilled with the beautiful selection of books and getting to choose one to keep.” <br /><br />If there are any non-profits in the area that need books or would like more information on what Altrusa offers, Pettersen encourages them to reach out to her. <br /><br />“We love giving books to non-profits. If anyone needs books, there is a form on our website — <a href="https://www.altrusaportland.org/request-books.html">https://www.altrusaportland.org/request-books.html</a> — which you can fill out,” says Pettersen. <br /><br />Altrusa also partners with different food programs and pantries and partners with Cricket Comforts when they put together pillowcases for the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, which Altrusa has been doing for the past few years. <br /><br />“We also put an empty bowl for Project Feed,” says Pettersen. “It’s a lot of different community service, but our main focus is literacy.” <br /><br />The Portland Altrusa Club is celebrating their 95th birthday this year and hopes to reach many more local students and spark their interest in reading books. <</div></div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-88808844344495074412024-02-16T02:02:00.001-05:002024-02-16T02:02:00.144-05:00Maine Legislature advances Fay bill to protect internet subscribersAUGUSTA – The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval last week to new legislation sponsored by State Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, to ensure that Maine consumers would not have to pay for unused internet services. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLCf63vwBYcm5y20_RE17MeiJ0ug8MTabcQTC6pzZ2nCrThNTBtSzTvbh7q22nWoXxpRZXHlEGEZI5rgRL2WP6183COzZM4T8s03ZeNh2N9qx0LThbyjiuBbHBcw5cWTXTMyvpR24mmRVnPgjM-wZceQRQQiX-4QesxptLCP2t86SwhLY__PbpAp4r4cE/s320/Fay.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="320" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLCf63vwBYcm5y20_RE17MeiJ0ug8MTabcQTC6pzZ2nCrThNTBtSzTvbh7q22nWoXxpRZXHlEGEZI5rgRL2WP6183COzZM4T8s03ZeNh2N9qx0LThbyjiuBbHBcw5cWTXTMyvpR24mmRVnPgjM-wZceQRQQiX-4QesxptLCP2t86SwhLY__PbpAp4r4cE/w200-h161/Fay.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State Rep. Jessica Fay</td></tr></tbody></table>Fay’s bill, LD 1932, would require an internet service provider to allow for a credit or rebate for unused internet services if a customer makes such a request within a 60-day period after the end of their billing period. <br /><br />“When a consumer cancels their service early in a billing cycle, they are on the hook for paying for an entire month, even if they are required to return equipment, like modems,” said Fay. “Internet service is an expensive necessity for work, for school, for communication and for us to stay connected. Companies charging for services not provided can place a burden on families and older people. LD 1932 would ensure that Mainers can be refunded a portion of their bill in which they don’t receive service.” <br /><br />During the 129th Maine Legislature, Fay supported a similar measure which is now law, requiring cable companies to provide a prorated credit when service is cancelled by a subscriber. Her new proposal, LD 1932, would ensure that internet providers are treated similarly. <br /><br />The bill now faces further votes in the Maine House and Maine Senate in the coming days. <br /><br />State Rep. Jessica Fay is the Maine House chair of its Government Oversight Committee and also a member of the House Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. She serves the community members of Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, and part of Poland in her duties as a legislator. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-4913851502621250322024-02-09T02:28:00.045-05:002024-02-09T02:28:00.144-05:00MaineDOT releases timeline for local Three-Year Plan projects <i>By Ed Pierce </i><br /><br />Maine Department of Transportation has unveiled its list of road and bridge projects for the next three years with sites in Windham and Raymond on the schedule. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSTqovr_ZnXkeqdMWEg0-k6rE0-u49Ks8XBUBQYcS8tiAKngKYzWEEXeOolsHkcLccLrkk82akp6aCBVN4WJGNhnXk6Nue0bRZImlcg0c86Q5rM3nasl3I-6VAydanVZrdw1Y1kZKljQ3DrKLeuJMcL2t-C2ii583rvBzZhyjJBYlyMXfYnNKpu2vULMx/s4608/DSCN6853.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSTqovr_ZnXkeqdMWEg0-k6rE0-u49Ks8XBUBQYcS8tiAKngKYzWEEXeOolsHkcLccLrkk82akp6aCBVN4WJGNhnXk6Nue0bRZImlcg0c86Q5rM3nasl3I-6VAydanVZrdw1Y1kZKljQ3DrKLeuJMcL2t-C2ii583rvBzZhyjJBYlyMXfYnNKpu2vULMx/w400-h300/DSCN6853.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funding for a project to replace the surface of Great Falls <br />Bridge over the Presumpscot River on Windham Center<br />Road is listed in MaineDOT's new Three-Year Plan. The<br />work is estimated to cost $55,000 and is scheduled<br />for later this year. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE</td></tr></tbody></table>According to MaineDOT Commissioner Bruce A. Van Note, the state’s Three-Year Plan is the primary way the department delivers on its mission to support economic opportunity and quality of life by responsibly providing residents with the safest and most reliable transportation system possible, given available resources. The new plan contains 2,672 individual work items statewide with a total value of $4.74 billion. <br /><br />“We are grateful that policymakers came together, recognized the benefits of infrastructure investments, and worked in a bipartisan way to deliver significant steps forward for transportation," Van Note said. "This will help us continue a pivot from making do to making real progress." <br /><div><br /></div><div>He said that at the federal level, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) passed in November 2021 has allowed MaineDOT to compete for special funding in the form of competitive discretionary grant programs and Congressionally Directed Spending. With thoughtful grant applications and the continued support of the state’s congressional delegation, federal transportation funding coming to Maine should more than double from pre-BIL levels. At the state level, the governor and legislators unanimously supported a state Highway Fund budget in June 2023 that took a significant step toward addressing the chronic underfunding of transportation. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rsu14.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1126439&type=d&pREC_ID=1398379" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="617" height="320" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/rsu14helpwanted.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />Van Note said these expanded and new ongoing funding sources could not have come at a better time, given reduced fuel tax revenue projections, opportunities to use state funding to increase federal funding, and the need for state-funded capital projects. <br /><br />"Transportation will always be a big job in Maine, and challenges will always exist, but now is the time for MaineDOT and its partners to ramp up and deliver," said Van Note. "We can make a real difference with this Work Plan. That is both invigorating and uplifting." <br /><br />Local road maintenance funding to be provided to Windham for 2024 is $303,480, while MaineDOT will provide $61,496 in local road funding to Raymond. <br /><br />Here is a rundown of upcoming local projects, estimated costs and the year scheduled for work that are included in the new statewide Three-Year Plan. <br /><br /><b>WINDHAM</b><br /><br />** Route 302 beginning 0.45 of a mile west of Outpost Drive and extending west 0.14 of a mile, including the roundabout intersection with Route 202. Construction/Rehabilitation Urban Highways Intersection, Estimated Funding $1.27 million, work to be performed in 2024. <br /><br />** Route 302/Albion Road at the intersection of Route 302 and Albion Road. Highway Safety and Spot Improvements, Intersection Improvements with a signal, Estimated Funding $626,000, work to be performed in 2025. <br /><br />** Loveitt Bridge over the Pleasant River located 0.13 of a mile north of Laskey Road. Bridge Deck Replacement, Estimated Funding $1.72 million, work to be performed in 2025. <br /><br />** Varney's Bridge over the Pleasant River. Located 0.43 of a mile from Route 4 on William Knight Road. Bridge Replacement, Estimated Funding $1.64 million, work to be performed in 2024. <br /><br />** New construction of Bicycle/Pedestrian Off-Road Trail/Path for the Mountain Division Line beginning at Bridge Street in Westbrook to the Route 202 crossing in Windham. Estimated Funding $450,000, work to be performed in 2026. <br /><br />** Route 35/Route 115/Route 302 creation of East Connector Road, Middle Connector Road, Route 302 improvements and Route 115 and Route 35 improvements. Project includes a new roadway from Franklin Drive and extending south to Route 115. Estimated Funding $38.2 million, work to be performed starting in 2024. <br /><br />** Great Falls Bridge over the Presumpscot River located 0.04 of a mile east of the Gorham town line on Windham Center Road. Bridge Wearing Surface Replacement, Estimated Funding $55,000, work to be performed in 2024. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.windhammaine.us/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="337" height="400" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/townofwindham.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><br />** Route 115/Route 202 beginning 0.07 of a mile west of the Gray town line and extending east 0.08 of a mile. On Route 202 beginning about 0.04 of a mile north of River Road and extending north for 7.98 miles. Highway Paving Ultra-Thin Bonded Wearing. Estimated Funding $55,000, work to be performed in 2025. <br /><br />** Beginning at Depot Street and extending north 0.74 of a mile. Work Highway Paving Ultra-Thin Bonded Wearing. Estimated Funding $23,400, work to be performed in 2024. <br /><br />** Route 202 beginning 0.01 of a mile south of Swett Road and extending north 0.57 of a mile. Highway Safety and Spot Improvements. Estimated Funding $255,000, worked to be performed in 2026. <br /><br />For 2023, Van Note said the following roadway projects were completed in Windham: <br /><br />One bridge was sealed; nine bridges were washed; 0.10 tons of patch applied; six Emergency Event Responses; 111.60 miles of striping applied; 0.30 shoulder miles of sweeping; six drainage structures were cleaned; 1,200 linear feet of brush was removed; three bridge inspections performed; 100 linear feet of backhoe ditching; 650 linear feet of shoulder rebuilt; 266 square feet of pavement legend applied; 12 person hours of traffic signal maintenance; six square feet of bridge wearing surface repaired; 8.50 shoulder miles of litter and debris removal; 100 square feet of bridge curb or sidewalk repaired; and 160 linear feet of bridge rail repaired or replaced. <br /><b><br />RAYMOND </b><br /><br />** Capital improvements to the Frye Island Ferry Service between Raymond and Frye Island. Estimated Funding $311,000, work to be performed in 2025. <br /><br />** General multimodal improvements to the Frye Island Ferry between Raymond and Frye Island. Estimated Funding $389,000, work to be performed in 2024 and 2026. <br /><br />** Route 302 installation of backplates with yellow reflective strips and supplemental signal heads for Highway Safety and Spot Improvements. Estimated Funding $574,000, work to be performed in 2024. <br /><br />For 2023, Van Note said the following roadway projects were completed in Raymond: <br /><br />Five trees removed; three bridges washed; 3.80 tons of patch applied; 27.80 Emergency Event Responses; 56.80 miles of striping applied; 10 miles of shoulder graded; 36.40 shoulder miles of sweeping; five drainage structures cleaned; 480 linear feet of brush removed; 816 linear feet of shoulder rebuilt; 1,042 square feet of pavement legend applied; 41.70 shoulder miles of herbicide applied; and 32 person hours of traffic signal maintenance. <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552362625796700890.post-21199828452702830782024-02-09T02:18:00.030-05:002024-02-09T02:18:00.142-05:00Valentine’s Day origins hold special meaning across the globe<i>By Ed Pierce </i><br /><br />By tradition, Valentine's Day is celebrated as a day in which people express their love to one another by presenting their loved one with gifts, such as cards, candy, flowers and other symbols of love or affection. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gsSRRSSgl-L-xKOVDXqHGxJKEIDnIoRntcw8t2TwOyqVXSjj9hlurOO5W2EB-XA_DeEFPlX-DZVnZjv8U-1mVR9mYl74a0Xx7lAhGAGEYUXSZErG-jP2lOKGEQHEct7jTSu40xUm_94b55uwg_SFYy7dCHB_OrzjmNk5QY0KTHee0eevM9qNdpBcwY0w/s1920/Valentine's%20Day.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gsSRRSSgl-L-xKOVDXqHGxJKEIDnIoRntcw8t2TwOyqVXSjj9hlurOO5W2EB-XA_DeEFPlX-DZVnZjv8U-1mVR9mYl74a0Xx7lAhGAGEYUXSZErG-jP2lOKGEQHEct7jTSu40xUm_94b55uwg_SFYy7dCHB_OrzjmNk5QY0KTHee0eevM9qNdpBcwY0w/w266-h400/Valentine's%20Day.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More than 58 million pounds of <br />chocolates are purchased for<br />Valentine's Day as gifts every<br />year worldwide. <br />COURTESY PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Through the years, the origins of St. Valentine, for whom the day is named, say that he was a Catholic clergyman who was executed for secretly marrying couples in ancient Rome. There are several stories about the origin of February 14 being celebrated as Valentine's Day. <br /><br />The romantic holiday, according to Brittanica Encyclopedia, originated from the Roman festival of Lupercalia where men and women were paired with each other through a lottery draw. The festival also included rites where women were hit by men, allegedly to boost their fertility. Britannica says by the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced the festival with St. Valentine's Day. <br /><br />Other versions claim the festival of love is named after a martyred saint called Valentine who was killed by King Claudius II Gothicus. As per other accounts, the holiday was named after St. Valentine who secretly married off couples to spare their husbands from war. <br /><br />It was only in the mid-16th century that formal Valentine's Day messages appeared. <br /><br />The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards came into being in Ireland in the 1700s. They reached the United States by mid-1800s. Esther Howland of Massachusetts is thought to have come up with the notion of creating and selling the first Valentine’s Day cards in America during the 1840s. <br /><br /><div>While greeting cards now bear all kinds of symbols like teddy bears, chocolates and diamonds, back in previous times, Valentines mostly depicted "Cupid," the Roman god of love. But by 1913, St. Valentine's Day was forever changed as Hallmark Cards started mass producing Valentine's Day cards in Kansas City, Missouri.</div><div><br />The day, with its origins in Christianity, is now celebrated world over by people of many religions. With romance all around, many couples also use the special day to propose marriage to each other. <br /><br />Through the centuries, what began as a Catholic holy day evolved into a day to exchange love messages, and St. Valentine became known as the patron saint of lovers. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kimberlylim.glossgenius.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="800" height="277" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/kimlim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />That simple expression of love and care for others endures to this very day as one of the highlights of each school year for students is exchanging Valentine cards with their classmates. <br /><br />Here are some other interesting facts regarding Valentine’s Day: <br /><br />** As of 2023, about 85 percent of all Valentine’s Day cards sold in the United States are purchased by women. <br /><br />** More than 73 percent of flower arrangements sold for Valentine’s Day are purchased by men. <br /><br />** According to the U.S. Postal Service, Valentines Day is the second most popular day for sending a greeting card, trailing only Christmas. <br /><br />** In 2023, Americans spent almost $26 billion for Valentine's Day gifts. <br /><br />** Richard Cadbury of England created fancy heart-shaped boxes to boost sales of chocolate candy for Valentine’s Day in 1861. <br /><br />** A total of 58 million pounds of Valentine’s Day chocolates are purchased worldwide every Valentine’s Day. <br /><br />** Daniel Chase of the New England Confectionery Company is credited with inventing a press which could print messages onto treats called “Conversation Hearts” in 1866. <br /><br />** Red roses were established as a Valentine’s Day tradition in the 17th century, when King Charles II of Sweden proclaimed them as the “flowers of love.” <br /><br />** The most popular recipients of Valentine’s cards each year are schoolteachers, followed in order by children, mothers, parents, wives, and girlfriends. <br /><br />** Alexander Graham Bell applied for a patent for the telephone, on Valentine's Day in 1876. <br /><br />** The infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre took place in a parking garage in Chicago, Illinois on Feb. 14, 1929. Assailants dressed as policemen shot and killed seven members and associates of Chicago's North Side Gang. The killers were never caught but were suspected to have been hired by crime bosses Bugsy Moran and Al Capone to eliminate their rivals. <br /><br />** Of the 124.6 million families in the United States, it is estimated that about 43 million of them purchase Valentine’s Day flowers. <br /><br />** In Greece to be awoken by a kiss on Valentine’s Day morning is considered lucky. <<br /> </div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0