New director for the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals

The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals announced that at the most recent meeting of its governing body, David A. Jefferson, DVM was elected to a three year term as a director of the non-profit horse shelter. A 1969 graduate of Cornell University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Jefferson brings a remarkable, unique combination of skills, experience, and interest to the organization. Meris J. Bickford, CEO of the organization enthusiastically acknowledged Dr. Jefferson’s long standing friendship with the society, its horses, and its president Marilyn Goodreau. Bickford also praised Goodreau and the other directors of the organization for their support in advancing the society’s life-saving work for abused, neglected equines.

Society president Marilyn Goodreau said, “I have the greatest respect for David Jefferson. His intellect and curiosity combined with a superior education produced a fine veterinarian whose equine patients have always received the highest level of care possible. My friendship with David dates back to the 1970s when my partner Lawrence Keddy acquired the farm and we began operation as an animal shelter. Dr. Jefferson treated many of the horses at the farm in those early days.” 

The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is New England’s premiere horse shelter. The abused or neglected horses receiving care there are available for adoption following their rehabilitation. The society welcomes public visitors each afternoon throughout the year. The MSSPA maintains a robust volunteer corps and by invitation works with area schools to provide humane education. To learn more about MSSPA, please visit www.msspa.org or find the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals on Facebook.

Feed the Need initiative raises $18,000 for local food pantries

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce raised $18,000 to be split between the areas 13 food pantries. The SLRCC’s “Feed the Need” initiative strives to eliminate hunger in the region. The food pantries can feed a family of four for $1 per day. 

Businesses and individuals donated money to the cause over the course of the year. The two primary sponsors of Feed the Need are Windham Weaponry and Lee’s Family Trailer Sales & Service. 

“Collectively, these two businesses worked with their employees to raise $11,500 towards this year’s efforts!” according to SLRCC’s executive director Aimee Senatore.

Picture 1:  Allen Faraday, Feed the Need co-chair and executive VP of operations at Windham Weaponry stands with his entire Windham Weaponry team with a check for $6,500 – that was collectively raised by employee donations, internal fundraisers, business sponsored raffles and more.

Picture 2: Sheri Huff, Feed the Need co-chair and owner of Lee’s Family Trailer Sales & Service stands with Aimee Senatore, SLRCC Director and some of her crew with a check for $5,000 – that was raised through collection jars at the dealership, sponsorship and more.

Student of the week - Drew Robinson

The Windham Eagle student of the week is sixth graders Drew Robinson from Jordan-Small Middle School. 

Drew’s favorite subject is math. When’s he’s not in school, he’s “sick or on vacation.” He would like to grow up to be the captain of a ship. 

“Good friend … studious … quiet … engaged … conscientious … respectful … helper … courteous … polite” are all words used to describe Drew. 

Drew lives with his mom, dad, his brother Connor, his Memme and Peppae, as well as his dog.

Favorite TV show: Gravity Falls

Favorite Animal: Dog

Favorite movie: The Maze Runner

Hobbies: Video games

Windham Council approves fireworks ordinance - By Stephen Signor

Three days ago Town Council members approved the motion to establish an ordinance to limit the use of consumer fireworks. As this was also a public hearing, council members listened to over a half dozen testimonials prior to making the decision. Voices resonated with concern from residents surrounding their issues with fireworks that ranged from noise to personal damage. As one resident said, “It’s like harassment listening to fireworks constantly, hearing them every night of the week.” Others with horses, including council chair Donna Chapman expressed concern over the extensive use of fireworks.

Following the closure of the public hearing, Town Manager Tony Plante spoke. “For the sake of the public, here in this room and public watching, I’d like to briefly run down what the ordinance covers. “No person shall use, display discharge, fire or cause to be exploded, consumer fireworks within the town of Windham without a permit, except that this ordinance shall not apply to a person issued a fireworks display permit by the Town and or the State of Maine.” Furthermore “No permit shall be issued on any day with a Fire Danger Class of 3, 4 or 5.”

Fireworks will be allowed only during the following times:

July 3^rd, from 12 noon until 10 p.m.

July 4^th, from 12 noon until 11p.m.

December 31^st from 12 noon until 12:30 a.m. the following day

January 1^st from noon until 10 p.m.

Lastly, No person shall use, display, fire or cause to be exploded consumer fireworks within 150’ of any building or structures.

Police Chief Kevin Schofield addressed the issue of enforcement. “To address the enforcement of any town ordinance, which is what this draft is, we can’t arrest anyone, but we can issue tickets and fines. Our first goal is to get some voluntary compliance. What we (the Police Department) like about the ordinance is it gives us a clear direction and authority to follow up on complaints.” The next step is acclimating to the cultural shift. “Public education is going to be the key component in this. I suspect we will be busy while educating the public to get compliance,” continued Schofield.

Despite objections to the addition of the 150’ clause from the original draft the end result was a unanimous decision much to approval of clapping residents. 

“Ordinances take effect 30 days after approval so this ordinance will be effective on November 25, 2016,”concluded Plante.

A copy of the ordinance is available in the town clerk's office and on the town's web site at www.windhammaine.us/DocumentCenter/View/2761.

Mechanics Savings Bank makes donation for flags - By Michelle Libby

Mechanics Savings Bank employees Vickie McMullen and Omar Velazquez donated $100 to the American Legion Post 148 for the purchase of new flags that will be hung around Windham next spring. Each year a few of the flags have to be replaced.

The cause is close to McMullen’s heart because she has two children in the Air Force. Velazquez is an Army veteran. Mechanics Savings Bank makes donation for flags - By Michelle Libby

Each year the veterans put flags up on telephones in North Windham and along Routes 202 and 115.

Pictured: Chuck Whynot, Omar Velazquez, Vickie McMullen, commander Mel Greenier and Jerry Black.