Candidate list complete for Nov. 3 election in Windham and Raymond

By Ed Pierce

With a little more than seven weeks remaining until Election Day on Nov. 3, the town clerks in Windham and Raymond have finalized the list of candidates who will be appearing on the ballot for municipal, legislative and school board races.

Four candidates are vying for two positions on the RSU 14
Board of Directors in the Nov. 3 General Election. From 
left are Megan Potter, Marge Govoni, Joe Kellner and
Adam Zajac. FILE PHOTOS 

Four candidates are vying for two positions and three-year terms serving on the RSU 14 Board of Directors representing Windham.

According to Windham Town Clerk Anthony Blasi, of the four candidates submitting paperwork to run in the RSU Board of Directors election, incumbents Marge Govoni and Joe Kellner are seeking re-election while candidates Megan Potter and Adam Zajac are seeking seats on the school board.

Govoni has served on the school board off and on since 2008 and is a retired manager from Textron Inc. Kellner is the Chief Executive Officer of LifeFlight of Maine and formerly served as Vice President of Finance for Northern Light Home Care and Hospice. Potter and Zajac also were candidates for school board seats in 2023. Potter is VA Team Lead at Jackson and MacNichol while Zajac is a business owner in Windham.

Barring a massive write-in campaign, two candidates will be elected to serve three-year terms on the Windham Town Council on Nov. 3. Incumbent Mark Morrison, who had been serving as an at-large town councilor, will vacate his at-large position but instead has submitted paperwork to run for the town council position representing Windham’s East district. Brett Jones had been serving as the East district councilor, but Blasi said that he did not file paperwork seeking re-election for another term. Mark Cobb has submitted paperwork to run for a three-year term for an at-large position on the council. Both Morrison and Cobb own businesses in Windham and are unopposed on the ballot in November.

The RSU 14 Board of Directors and Windham Town Council seats are non-partisan positions.

Following the primary elections held on June 9, the Maine Secretary of State has placed the following legislative candidates for positions representing Windham and Raymond on the Nov. 3 General election ballot:

For Maine State Senate District 26 representing Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook, the candidates are incumbent Democrat Tim Nangle of Windham and Republican challenger Kenneth Cianchette of Windham. Nangle, a retired paramedic and former Windham Town Councilor, is seeking a third term as state senator while Cianchette, who owns and operates Erik’s Church country music bar and restaurant in Windham, is making his second run for the position.

For Maine House of Representatives District 86 representing Casco, Frye Island, part of Poland and Raymond, the candidates are incumbent Republican Rolf Olsen of Raymond and Democrat challenger Abigail Geer of Raymond. Olsen is a retired insurance agent and former member of the Raymond Select Board who is seeking a second term in the state legislature. His opponent Geer has worked as a private school administrator and is a previous candidate for the Raymond Select Board.

For Maine House of Representatives District 106 representing part of Windham, the candidates are incumbent Republican Barbara Bagshaw of Windham and Democrat challenger Bradley Youngs of Windham. Bagshaw, a retired art teacher, is seeking a third term in the state legislature. Youngs, a school volunteer, previously ran for a RSU 14 Board of Directors position.

For Maine House of Representatives District 107 representing part of Windham, the candidates are incumbent Republican Mark Cooper of Windham and Democrat challenger Joseph Campbell of Windham. Cooper owns a farm in Windham along with a family construction business called L C Cooper Co Inc. and is seeking a second term in the state legislature. Campbell is a long-term Substitute at Gray/New Gloucester High School and a graduate student at the University of Maine, and he previously was a candidate for the Windham Town Council.

Candidate interviews and their positions on the issues will appear in the Oct. 16 and Oct. 23 editions of The Windham Eagle prior to the election. <      

Annual charity golf tournament to benefit Pat Moody Foundation

By Masha Yurkevich

A local charity golf tournament will return this month with a goal of raising money for the Pat Moody Foundation, an organization created to support local youth sports in honor of a longtime Windham sports supporter and late resident. The fourth annual charity golf tournament, organized by Windham resident and restaurant owner Kenneth Cianchette, will take place Monday, Sept. 21 with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. at Point Sebago in Casco.

The Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament organized by
Kenneth Cianchette, will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21
at Point Sebago in Casco and proceeds benefit The Pat
Moody Foundation. COURTESY PHOTO   

The event is a private tournament that Cianchette organizes each year, with the beneficiary rotating among local organizations. This year, proceeds will support The Pat Moody Foundation. The foundation was established about two years ago following the death of Moody, who Cianchette described as a highly respected, longtime Windham resident and avid supporter of local youth sports, particularly basketball.

The foundation was established in the name of Moody to support local high school and youth athletic programs, with an emphasis on basketball. Cianchette said the work of the Pat Moody organization directly benefits the community.

Moody was involved in Windham youth sports well beyond the basketball court. He spent more than 30 years involved with local community programs, including 15 years as director of the Windham Youth Basketball Association and time as chairman of the Windham Recreation Advisory Board and Windham Community Center Exploratory Committee. He also volunteered with XLP Basketball, a program that helps make AAU basketball more accessible to young athletes.

His commitment to providing local children with places to play was especially visible through his work on basketball facilities in Windham. Moody played a key role in getting the Windham outdoor basketball courts built, which were named the Patrick Moody Basketball Courts in his honor in 2024. He also built a half-court basketball facility on his own property, giving local players a place to practice during the Maine winters.

The foundation created in his memory has continued that work. In 2025, it awarded its first scholarship to a Windham High School student-athlete and has since continued supporting young athletes and youth programs in Windham and surrounding communities.

The golf tournament this year will feature a traditional charity golf format, with teams competing throughout the day and participating in various activities designed to make the event enjoyable while raising money for the foundation.

The tournament still has team spots and hole sponsorships available and tickets can be purchased online through Sept. 14. Direct donations can be made online through Sept. 21. The link to buy tickets or make a donation can be found at: EriksChurch.com or on eventbrite.

One hundred percent of the profits from the tournament will go directly to the foundation.

“We are hoping to raise anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 for The Pat Moody Foundation, and to continue to spread awareness of the foundation, and the good work that it does,” Cianchette said.

The tournament is part of an annual effort by Cianchette to support different local causes. Each year, he selects an organization that he believes could benefit from additional financial support and fundraising assistance. The first tournament benefitted the Windham Veterans Center. The second supported the Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Foundation, while the third raised money for the RSU 14 Backpack Program. 

Cianchette said the goal is to create awareness for local organizations in addition to raising money.

“We do it every fall and try to figure out ways to give a little added revenue to a local organization, just to give them a little boost for their next year,” he said.

The beneficiary this year was a personal choice for Cianchette, who said Moody was a friend.

“Pat Moody was a friend, and his foundation has done amazing work, and it is directly contributing to the community,” he said. “I would say anybody that knew or supported Pat, and supports the foundation named in his honor, should consider playing or sponsoring an event.”

The golf tournament represents four years of an effort to bring the community together while supporting organizations that are serving local residents, and this year, Cianchette says he hopes that support will help continue Pat Moody’s legacy of giving back to the community through youth athletics. <

Goodwill launches new program to strengthen behavioral health services in New England

Goodwill Northern New England has launched Healthy Communities AmeriCorps (HCA), a new program designed to expand access to substance use recovery and youth mental health services in rural communities and communities experiencing concentrated poverty across Maine and New Hampshire.

Through the program, 40 AmeriCorps members will serve with public agencies and community-based organizations, helping increase access to evidence-based behavioral health interventions for underserved populations while strengthening the capacity of local organizations.

"Healthy Communities AmeriCorps is about strengthening communities today while building the behavioral health workforce of tomorrow," said Steve Niles, Director of AmeriCorps Programs at Goodwill Northern New England. "Our members will help expand access to substance use recovery and youth mental health services in communities that need them most while gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in behavioral health.”

The Healthy Communities AmeriCorps program builds on the success of Goodwill NNE's Public Health AmeriCorps program and focuses specifically on improving behavioral health outcomes through partnerships with substance use recovery providers, youth-serving organizations, after-school programs, rural behavioral health providers, and other community organizations.

"Healthy Communities AmeriCorps represents an important investment in the health and well-being of our communities," Niles said. "By placing AmeriCorps members with organizations already doing vital work, we’re helping expand services for people who need them most while preparing the next generation of behavioral health professionals.”

Over the first year of the program, AmeriCorps members will implement evidence-based behavioral health interventions designed to improve substance use recovery and youth mental health outcomes. Members will serve with 15 partner organizations, helping those agencies increase their capacity to provide critical services and support to vulnerable populations.

In addition to direct service, Healthy Communities AmeriCorps members will recruit and engage 75 volunteers who will support the implementation of evidence-based behavioral health interventions across participating communities.

Members will gain valuable hands-on experience and training in behavioral health services throughout their terms of service, helping prepare them for careers in the behavioral health workforce upon completion of the program.

Healthy Communities AmeriCorps is supported by a federal AmeriCorps investment of $507,250, along with $15,218 in public funding and $60,873 in private funding to support program operations and community impact.

The program reflects Goodwill NNE's ongoing commitment to strengthening communities through service, workforce development, and partnerships that address critical local needs. By expanding the capacity of organizations working in substance use recovery and youth mental health, Healthy Communities AmeriCorps aims to improve long-term health outcomes in communities that often face barriers to accessing behavioral health services.

To learn more about Goodwill NNE AmeriCorps programs, visit goodwillnne.org/programs/americorps or visit linktr.ee/goodwillamericorps <

In the public eye: New WPS Assistant Principal strives to build strong relationships with students, families and staff

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

By Ed Pierce

Allison Hopkins loves what she does and despite having a lot on her plate, her top priority is to the students and families of Windham Primary School.

Allison Hopkins is the new Assistant Principal at
Windham Primary School and works with students,
teachers and families to support students 
academically, socially and behaviorally.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Hopkins is the new assistant principal at WPS this fall and her duties involve a little bit of everything that school administrators typically encounter.

“I work with students, teachers, and families to help support students academically, socially, and behaviorally,” Hopkins said. I also help to solve problems when concerns come up, support teachers, communicate with families, and help make sure the school is a safe and positive place for students and staff. A big part of my job is also just being present in the building and getting to know our students and staff.”

According to Hopkins, the best part of her new job with WPS is building relationships with those she works with.

“I really enjoy working with teachers and families to help students feel successful and enjoy coming to school,” she said. “I also love getting to know students and being someone that they feel comfortable going to when they need help or just need a familiar face.”

The most challenging aspect of her work involves managing her time.

“There are a lot of different needs happening at the same time, and sometimes you wish you could be in five places at once,” Hopkins said. “It can be challenging to balance everything and make sure everyone feels supported. At the same time, that’s also what makes the job interesting and rewarding.”

Originally from Lewiston, Hopkins attended the University of Southern Maine where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in a self-designed, science-focused major. She later earned a master’s degree in teaching and learning.

The assistant principal position at Windham Primary became available earlier this summer when longtime assistant principal Diana Jordan was named by the RSU 14 Board of Directors to serve as the new principal at Raymond Elementary School.

Hopkins applied and started work in August at WPS.

“I was looking for a school community where people really worked together and where there was a strong focus on the success of students,” she said. “I wanted to be part of a team that values collaboration and supporting the whole child, and Windham felt like a great fit.”

She has plenty of experience in education, having served in quite a few different roles.

“I’ve been a middle school science teacher, a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher, an MTSS Coordinator, a Math Instructional Coach, an assistant principal, and a principal,” Hopkins said. “I think people sometimes think an assistant principal is mostly about discipline. That is certainly one part of the job, but there is so much more to it. A lot of my time is spent supporting teachers, working with families, problem-solving, and building relationships with students.”

She’s already making a difference at WPS.

“On the first day of school, I was able to help a second grader who was feeling nervous about coming into school,” Hopkins said. “It was a pretty small moment but I think it was the beginning of a relationship where that student knows there is a trusted adult in the building they can go to. Those are the moments that really stand out to me.”

There are a lot of little things that happen throughout the school day that Hopkins says people probably don’t realize are part of her job as assistant principal.

“Some days I’m helping a student, working with a teacher, talking with a parent, greeting kids at the door, or trying to solve something behind the scenes,” she said. “A lot of the job is just being available and helping wherever you’re needed.”

Hopkins is grateful for her family, who she says have always been supportive of her work as an educator.

“They know how much I enjoy working with kids and being part of a school community,” she said. “I think they like knowing that I’m doing something that I really care about.”

Even though Hopkins is new to Windham, she says that she’s already been reminded how important relationships are.

“Kids need to know that the adults in their school know them, care about them, and are there for them,” she said. “I think that’s true for adults, too. When people feel like they’re part of a team and that they’re supported, good things happen.” <

Bagshaw seeks re-election to Maine House District 106 seat

Incumbent State Representative Barbara Bagshaw, R-Windham, a retired art teacher, will seek re-election to Maine House District 106 representing part of Windham.

State Rep. Barbara Bagshaw

“What I hear every day when I’m visiting my constituents is that the cost of living is out of control. One bag of groceries can be north of $100,” Bagshaw said. “Property taxes continue to rise despite the fact that Windham is growing very quickly with new developments every year. Gasoline, heating oil, and electric bills are outrageous. My first question when considering legislation in Augusta is simple: Will this bill cost the people of Windham more money? If the answer is ‘Yes,’ then I can’t support that policy.”

Bagshaw won re-election to the Maine House of Representatives in 2024 by 382 votes (53 percent to 47 percent), in defeating a former Windham school bus driver.

In a video recently posted to Bagshaw’s Facebook page, local business owner Beth Hall cited Bagshaw’s hard work for the people of Windham as a key reason to send the State Representative back to Augusta for two more years.

“I’ve been honored to represent you in the State House for the last four years. I enjoy the work and I love to hear from the people of Windham," Bagshaw said. "We’ve got a great community here with local businesses, hardworking people, and the crown jewel of the Lakes Region, Sebago Lake. I’d be humbled to earn your vote to represent Windham for another two years.”

Bagshaw was first elected to represent Windham in the Maine House of Representatives in 2022.

“We need to get spending in Augusta under control, so we don’t tax people out of their homes,” Bagshaw said. “The government is the vehicle and the people are the drivers. That is something that has been forgotten. As the Declaration of Independence asserts: The government’s power comes from the consent of the governed. Do they have our consent?” <

Newspaper establishes guidelines for election coverage

By Ed Pierce

With under two months now left until the Nov. 3 general election in Maine, The Windham Eagle newspaper stands ready to provide objective coverage of the candidates and races in the Windham and Raymond communities.

To be fair to everyone concerned, here are the rules the newspaper is establishing for election coverage this fall:

Letters to the Editor endorsing candidates will be accepted up to seven days prior to Election Day and ending on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The letters should be sent by email to [email protected] and be no more than 150 words in length. The deadline for submitting letters is noon on Tuesdays for that week’s newspaper edition.

The newspaper will print no more than two letters endorsing a candidate per edition. Readers may only submit one letter supporting a candidate during an election cycle. The letters will be published in the order that they are received by the newspaper and any candidate endorsement letters remaining will be published on Oct. 30.

Candidate endorsement letters must focus on reasons why the writer supports the candidate they are endorsing and are not to be used to attack opposing candidates or imply opponent shortfalls or else they will be rejected for publication.

Organized letter-writing campaigns are not allowed by the newspaper and letters deemed to be part of an organized campaign will not be published.

Because of space limitations in the print editions of the newspaper, letters will only be published from residents living in Windham or Raymond, and endorsing candidates in districts that they reside in.

The Windham Eagle newspaper does not endorse candidates. All Letters to the Editor will be reviewed before publication to verify information and edited for conformity to the newspaper rules and to correct spelling and grammar issues.

Election candidates and supporters are encouraged to advertise in the newspaper to reach their local voters. The circulation of the newspaper is 13,000 weekly copies with about 10,600 direct mailed to homes and businesses in Windham and Raymond. Newsstand copies are available in Windham and Raymond. To inquire about placing a paid political ad, call Melissa Carter at 207-329-3239 or by email at [email protected]

A questionnaire will be sent to election candidates by email after Labor Day and candidates are asked to complete it in a timely manner and send it back to the newspaper editor to compile into a comprehensive candidate preview for publication. 

The candidate previews will appear in the Oct. 16 and Oct. 23 editions of The Windham Eagle. Should a candidate not return the questionnaire by the established deadline, their space in the candidate preview will indicate that they did not respond to questions posed by the newspaper.

Candidate previews will include races for Maine State Senate, Maine House of Representatives, Windham Town Council, and RSU 14 Board of Directors. An article will also be published prior to the election with information about town referendums.

Statewide referendum and local referendums items will also be detailed for readers in an upcoming edition of The Windham Eagle newspaper prior to the election on Nov. 3. <

Gonzalez earns Employee of Month honors in Portland

By Ed Pierce

Kaela Gonzalez of Raymond has been honored as the City of Portland’s July Employee of the Month.

Kaela Gonzalez of Raymond, a Program
Coordinator in Portland's Housing &
Economic Development Department, has
been honored as the City of Portland's
July Ermployee of the Month.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

, She works as a Program Coordinator in Portland’s Housing & Economic Development Department and was recognized for her exceptional work ethic, her meticulous attention to detail, always going above and beyond, and her unwavering positivity.

Gozalez initially joined the city in the Finance Department where she consistently demonstrated a willingness to step up in times of need in her role coordinating ARPA funding, during a critical time amidst the pandemic. She has continually expanded her role since transitioning to the Housing and Economic Development Department, taking on complex responsibilities and challenges with remarkable initiative and grace.

When a staff member went on leave, Gonzalez didn’t hesitate. She was commended for her exceptional leadership and project management for expertly stepping in to manage and staff the Portland Fish Pier Authority Board of Directors, including two new subcommittees, and seamlessly coordinating with the Chair, Corporation Counsel, and department staff to ensure critical workflows continued smoothly.

She also has played an instrumental role in the CAD Cell/Dredge Project in facilitating complex agreements with over 25 waterfront pier owners to have their individual piers dredged. Her meticulous attention to detail and her initiative in arranging personalized meetings with owners, city staff, and consultants to ensure everyone understood the project’s logistics and their specific roles, helped to facilitate this massive public/private project moving forward, an impressive accomplishment.

Beyond Kaela’s work achievements, she is recognized by her colleagues and outside consultants alike for her positivity, reliability, attention to detail, and timeliness. She is extremely responsive, fun to work with, and builds phenomenal relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Administrators believe she is an asset to the Housing & Economic Development Department and to the City of Portland.

Gonzalez previously served as assistant to Raymond’s town manager, assistant to the town assessor and assistant to the town public works director, and the Town of Raymond’s communications director.

Originally from Owls Head in the mid-coast region of Maine, Gonzalez spent time in the service and hospitality industry as a waitress and then earned a degree in health sciences at the University of Southern Maine.

In 2025, Gonzalez was given the “Maine Citizen Planner of the Year” by the Maine Association of Planners for her service as co-chair of the Town of Raymond’s Comprehensive Plan Committee. The award is presented annually to a citizen who has made a distinguished contribution to planning such as members of planning boards/commissions, zoning boards of adjustment/ appeals, economic development boards/commissions, or other elected or appointed officials. and is given to a citizen who has made a distinguished contribution to planning such as members of planning boards/commissions, zoning boards of adjustment/ appeals, economic development boards/commissions, or other elected or appointed officials.

She currently serves as a Raymond Select Board member. <