Senator Collins announces Standish native as press secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Christopher Knight will serve as her new press secretary.

“I am so pleased to announce that Christopher will serve as my new press secretary,” said Senator Collins.  “Christopher has proven to be a critical member of my team, and I am very grateful to have such a highly skilled, energetic, and experienced individual in this important position.  I know he will continue to work hard to ensure the people of Maine are kept well informed of my efforts in the United States Senate.” 

http://www.arkierogersseptic.com/Christopher, a Standish native, first began working for Senator Collins in the summer of 2011 as an intern in her Lewiston Constituent Services Center.  Following another internship in the Senator’s Washington, D.C., office, he was hired as a professional staff member in the summer of 2013. Since then, Christopher has been promoted numerous times, serving as a press assistant in Senator Collins personal office and as an aide for the Senate Special Committee on Aging, where he worked to both prepare hearings and assist with Committee communications. Christopher is a graduate of St. Anselm College.

Members of the press seeking information or interview opportunities from the office of Senator Collins can contact Annie Clark Annie_Clark@collins.senate.gov or Christopher Knight, Christopher_Knight@Collins.Senate.gov or call (202) 224-2523.

Norway Savings Bank celebrates 150 years of service

NORWAY – Soon after the Civil War ended, Norway Savings Bank was founded in 1866. In February that year, fourteen local men signed the charter and Nathaniel Gunnison was elected the first president one month later when the bank was incorporated. The Oxford Democrat reported on the birth of Norway Savings on March 23. 
 
Since this time, Norway Savings Bank has grown from its headquarters on Main Street, Norway to the third largest Maine-based mutual bank, with 24 branches in western and southern Maine. To commemorate this milestone, the Bank is kicking off a yearlong celebration by hosting a 150th anniversary party at all of their branch locations on February 5th. 

The public is invited to visit any of Norway Savings Bank’s 24 branch locations on Friday, February 5th (snow date, Monday, February 8th) for cake and refreshments. The first 150 visitors to stop by any branch will receive a free copy of an anniversary book that has been published to celebrate the bank’s customers, employees and communities. 

Attendees to the anniversary party will also have the chance to enter to win cash prizes and are encouraged to visit the Norway Savings Bank Facebook page to post the name of their favorite Maine-based nonprofit, which will be entered into a drawing for $1,500. The bank also encourages people to post and share stories about how Norway Savings Bank has helped them, their family, their business, their community or a nonprofit they care about on their Facebook page. Every month, the bank will draw a name from the submitted stories and the winner will receive $150.   

http://www.norwaysavingsbank.com/“We are proud of our history and honored to have served our local communities for the past 150 years,” said Patricia Weigel, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “The anniversary party is a way to thank our customers for their trust and support over the past century and a half.”

To learn more about the Norway Savings Bank 150th Anniversary Party and view complete contest rules, please visit www.norwaysavingsbank.com. 

For more information, visit www.norwaysavingsbank.com.

Chamber celebrates grand re-opening of Octagon Cleaning & Restoration

On Tuesday the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce conducted a ceremonial ribbon cutting to congratulate Octagon Cleaning & Restoration at their grand-reopening at their new location, 353 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. 

Rob and Kathy York, owners of Octagon Cleaning, are thrilled to be more centrally located and have more space for his growing company. With 20 employees the company is proud of their growth since opening 15 years ago and top notch customer service is their priority!

The office puppy.
Rob and Kathy cut the ribbon as several leaders from the chamber were on hand for the ribbon cutting photo including 2016 chamber president Tina Christophersen as well as many other directors and business owners from the area.


Water main extension plan - By Michelle Libby

http://www.searshometownstores.com/locations/north-windham-me/local-adsThe Windham Town Council discussed the expansion of a water main down Route 302 from the rotary at Routes 302 and 202 at Tuesday night’s meeting. The pipeline would run about 1,500 linear feet and cost an estimated $115,000. 

The property owner and developer agreed to pay for half the cost, however North East Civil Services who owns the property and will lease to Dollar General, estimates that the actual cost of the expansion will be approximately $200,000. 

The discussion was centered around the large cost for such a short distance. The council is looking to identify other sources to make up the $85,000 difference other than the town. 

Town manager Tony Plante expects that it will appear as a discussion item on the next town council agenda. 

Student of the week - Dominick Campbell



Dominick Campbell, a 12-year-old from Jordan-Small Middle School, is The Windham Eagle student of the week. The seventh grader has a brother and two dogs. When he grows up he would like to be a professional basketball player. When he’s not in school, he’s playing basketball or playing video games. 

“The Academic Enrichment Team was in agreement with the students who nominated Dominick when they said that he always stays on task in class and is responsible.  He is a team player and always does his best.  His respectful attitude toward school, teachers and fellow students makes us proud to award Dominick the student of the week!”

Dominick believes education is important because “you need it your whole life.” His school is great because he can hang out with his friends, he said.

Favorite subject: Math
Favorite TV show: Walking Dead
Favorite animal: Elephant

Local Modern Woodmen donates to help a child


Recently Modern Woodmen matched funds raised to benefit 2 1/2-year-old Aubree, who has cancer. The Lyman resident recently received a bone marrow transplant. Modern Woodmen managing partner Timothy Graham, FIC, presented the $2,500 check to Aubree’s grandmother Holly Dubois. Modern Woodmen was able to do this through its matching fund project.

Windham agrees to purchase Gambo Fields - By Michelle Libby



At Tuesday’s Windham Town Council meeting, the council voted to purchase the land owned by Portland Water District (PWD) at Soccer Drive in Windham for $80,000. 

“It’s an opportunity for us to preserve a long time community investment. One hundred thousand kids have gone through there playing soccer,” said Windham town manager Tony Plante. 

For over 20 years, the town has leased the land from the PWD, agreeing to pay the approximately $600 a year taxes plus $1 for the development of playing fields on the 19 acres. The fields have been groomed and taken care of by Windham Youth Soccer Association (WYSA). 

“PWD didn’t want to hold on to it anymore,” said Plante. They had it appraised and offered it to Windham at the appraised price of $105,000. The town had a desk appraisal done and offered $80,000, which was roughly half way between what PWD and the town appraisals were.  

Last month the PWD planning committee approved the sale of the property on the condition that it is used for public recreational use. 

“It’s a very important asset to the community and the region. The council sees that,” Plante said. 

No plans as to the management have been made at this time. “Our focus has been on preserving the asset first. It is another discussion we will have to have. It has to acknowledge the time, effort and money that have gone into the property,” said Plante. 

The Windham Town Council approved the purchase at Tuesday night’s meeting.