Student of the week: Noah Seavey

Noah Seavey, a senior at the Windham Christian Academy, is The Windham Eagle’s student of the week. The 18-year-old enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and playing soccer.

“Noah Seavey recently held a Seavey Soccer Camp for students in grades one through eight. With some guidance from his parents and faculty members, Noah developed a program that would teach and encourage young players to develop a love for soccer,” stated Pam Cleaves, Athletic Director. “I was impressed with the level of maturity, patience, and poise Noah consistently exhibited when working with both the younger campers and upper level camp coaches. He demonstrated maturity and grace beyond his years.”

Seavey’s favorite subject is physics and he states that all his teachers have left a lasting impression on his education.

Seavey lives at home with his Dad (Michael), Mom (Maureen), sisters (Renee and Anna), a brother (Elijah) and their dog (Willow).

Favorite Movie: “Act of Valor”

Favorite Music Group: Lee Brice

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving

Algae bloom in Highland by Rosie Hartzler

Many of you may have noticed that over the past three summers, for three to four weeks during July and August, Highland Lake has experienced a sudden change in water clarity. The culprit has been identified as a form of algae.  Although these algae are microscopic, they are growing in such large populations that they drastically reduce water clarity. When the algae “bloom” ends, water clarity returns to normal. 

In order to safeguard the lake and the emotional and financial investments we have in it, we must consider this situation as a serious warning sign of potential trouble ahead.  Since our annual blooms

are not a natural occurrence, we must attempt to identify the reasons for this recurring algae bloom.  

Based on the increasing concern about what is going on in Highland Lake and its watershed, the Highland Lake Association applied for and was awarded a $4,000 grant from the Town of Windham. The Association has committed an additional $2,000 from its general fund to study this issue. Funds will be devoted to a project named, “Algae Discovery and Highland Lake Recovery” with two primary objectives:

·       To identify the specific type of algae that is causing the bloom and to learn why it is recurring. 

·       To engage Highland Lake residents in a cooperative effort to finance the study, share its findings, and take corrective action.

A group of Highland Lake Association (HLA) board members and watershed residents will oversee the Algae Discovery and Highland Lake Recovery Project. In addition, this phenomenon is being studied extensively by water quality monitors at Highland Lake. Highland Lake is one of the most studied lakes in Southern Maine.

As information is discovered regarding the algae bloom, it will be made available to the Highland Lake watershed community via various media outlets, including the Highland Lake Association website.   

The project will be the primary focus of the HLA Annual meeting scheduled for July 20, 2017.

We invite your participation in this ongoing project.  For more information, go to the Highland Lake Association web site:  www.highlandlakemaine.org/  Questions and comments? 

Contact Rosie Hartzler, co-chair of the ADHLR project:  rosie@rosieworks.com. Donate to the ADHLR project. Go to the “Donations” section of the Highland Lake Website to donate using PayPal. You may also write a check to: Highland Lake Association and mail to:

Highland Lake Association

P.O. Box 1684

Windham, ME 04062

Many enjoyable activities to experience here in the Windham and Raymond communities by Rep. Mark Bryant

Summer is just around the corner. The rainy spring is about to give way to warmer, sunny weather. We’re so lucky to live in such a great state for outdoor activities. There is so much to do without having to travel far.

Here in Windham, our Parks and Recreation Department maintain hundreds of acres of parks and preserves where we can fish, hike, swim, bike and play. We have several trails, including the Mountain Division Trail and Sebago to Sea Trail, where you can take your family for walks. 

This year, in honor of National Trails Day, on June 3, Windham is hosting a, “Find It Here” photo scavenger hunt from May 22 to June 5 at Donnabeth Lippman Park, Lowell Preserve and Mountain Division Trail. This free event is open to parties of two or more and you must register with the Recreation Department to participate. Three teams will win prizes, including the opportunity to win a Maine State Park pass.

Our Summer Concert Series at Dundee Park is back by popular demand and will start July 12. This fantastic four-week concert series is every Wednesday night. Seniors can get a ride to the concert for a $3 fee. Don’t miss a great event for the kids - Rick Charette will be performing the final concert on August 2. 

On June 24, we will have our Windham Summerfest. This year the event is “Disco” themed. There will be a parade, car show and activities for all ages. The day will end with a fireworks show!

If you’re looking for adventures outside of Windham, our state offers an abundance of outdoor activities. The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands manages over 700,000 acres of land with a wide range of recreational and educational opportunities.

We have 48 state parks and historic sites to visit. Twelve of those sites are places where you can take your family camping. Right nearby, you can camp, swim, fish and boat at Sebago Lake State Park. Find more information on reservations at:  www.maine.gov/DACF/parks/camping/reservations/index.shtml. 

Maine has nearly 6,000 lakes and ponds over one acre in size and almost 32,000 miles of rivers and streams. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife keeps those bodies of water stocked with catchable fish. You can find an up-to-date report at: www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/reports/stocking/stocking.htm. 

The weekend of June 3 and 4 is Free Fishing Weekend across the state. Any person may fish with or without a fishing license, except for those whose license has been suspended or revoked.

While out enjoying all that summer has to offer, please be mindful of ticks. Researchers at Maine Medical Center are warning that there is the possibility of a heavy tick population this summer. Ticks can carry several diseases including Lyme disease and the Powassan virus. 

To reduce the risk of a tick bite, tuck your pant legs into your socks and your shirt into your pants when walking in woods, brush, or tall grass, wear protective clothing, use an EPA-approved repellent and perform daily tick checks after any outdoor activity.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer. As always, please feel free to send me a letter at 166 mark.bryant@legislature.maine.gov.
Albion Road in Windham, call me at 892-6591 or email anytime at

Rep. Mark Bryant is serving his sixth non-consecutive term in the Maine House and represents part of Windham. He serves on the Committee on State and Local Government and the Committee on Transportation.

RSU14 Community Day highlights community resources by Elizabeth Richards

Ten local organizations that offer services and support for children and adults who have Autism and other developmental disabilities gathered at Windham High School on May 20, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the first RSU14 Community Day. 
 

RSU14 behavior consultant Julie Packard, who organized the event with the district’s Maine Autism Leader Team, said that the district has been working for the past couple of years on implementing evidence based practices for students with autism and developmental disabilities into their programs across the district.

 “Our goal is to improve our communication with parents and the community about evidence based interventions and about resources that are available in the community,” Packard said.  One way to do that was through a Community Day, where community organizations could present information to parents and community members about local resources that are available.

Attendance was light at the event, but Packard wasn’t discouraged. The first year is a learning experience, she said. The goal is to have the Community Day become an annual event.  The Maine Autism Leader Team will come together after the event to determine what worked and what could be changed, including what time of year and time of day is best for the event. 

Provider participants said that despite the light attendance, they considered the event a success.  Molly Hardman, IEP Team Coordinator at Child Development Services, said, “It’s become a networking day where providers can network in order to connect families with resources.”

Pine Tree Society Marketing Coordinator, Lori Manson added, “The people who are here today are really interested. They stop to ask questions and gather resources. At larger events, they don’t always do that.”

The agencies provided information on a range of services available for individuals with autism, from early childhood through retirement. 

Agencies represented were: the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, PSL Services STRIVE, Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center, Pine Tree Society, Prudential, Child Development Services, Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research, Autism Society of Maine, Woodfords Family Services and Aqua-Theatre Aquarium Designs.

Know your route: 10 rules of the road for investing by Edward Jones Financial

Your investment goals are as unique as the route you take to reach them. But regardless of your course, we believe these 10 “rules of the road” can help you get where you want to be.
 

1. Develop your strategy.

Your financial advisor gets to know you – your long-term goals, investment time frame and comfort level with risk – before recommending a strategy. The more you can outline what you are trying to achieve, the more he or she can tailor your strategy to you.

2. Understand risk.

As a rule, the higher the return potential, the more risk you’ll have to accept. To determine what makes sense for you, your financial advisor will want to know:

What is your comfort level with risk? Understanding this can help him or her determine how you may react to market ups and downs over time.

How much risk are you able to take? The amount of time you have to invest plays an important role in determining how much risk you’re able to take.

How much risk do you need to take? Your financial advisor will want to determine the return, and therefore the risk, that may be necessary to reach your long-term goals.

3. Diversify for a solid foundation.

Your portfolio’s foundation is your asset allocation, or how your investments are diversified among stocks, bonds, cash, international and other investments. Your mix should align with your goals and comfort with risk.

4. Stick with quality.

Of all the factors to consider when investing, Edward Jones believes quality is one of the most important. It’s also one of the most overlooked. Although it may be tempting to buy a popular investment, it may not fit with the rest of your portfolio, and it may be riskier than you expect. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Invest for the long term.

Despite stories of fortunes made on one or two trades, most successful individual investors make their money over time, not overnight. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to “time” the markets.

6. Have realistic expectations.

First, you’ll need to determine the return you’re trying to achieve – which should be the return you need to reach your goals. Then you can base your expectations on your asset allocation, the market environment and your investment time frame.

7. Maintain your balance.

Your portfolio’s mix could drift from its initial objectives from time to time. You can rebalance to reduce areas where your investments are overweight or add to areas where they are underweight. By rebalancing on a regular basis, you can help ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your objectives and on track to reach your long-term goals.

8. Prepare for the unexpected.

Unforeseen events could derail what you’re working so hard to achieve. By preparing for the unexpected and building a strategy to address it, you’ll be better positioned to handle the inevitable bumps along the way.

9. Focus on what you can control.

You can’t control market fluctuations, the economy or the political environment. Instead, you should base your decisions on time-tested investment principles, which include:

Diversifying your portfolio

Owning quality investments

Maintaining a long-term perspective

10. Review your strategy regularly.

The one constant you can expect is change. That’s why it’s so important that you and your financial advisor review your strategy on a regular basis.

Think of your financial advisor as your navigator on this journey. By working together to regularly review your strategy and make the adjustments you need, you can have a clearer picture of where you stand and what you need to do to help reach your goals.

Norway Savings Bank contributes $10,000 to Riding To The Top

May 8, 2017 - Riding To The Top (RTT) announced today that on a recent visit to the farm, to observe a therapeutic riding lesson, Patricia Weigel, President of Norway Savings Bank (NSB) presented a $10,000 check in support of the organization’s 2017 programs. The bank’s donation kicks off RTT’s annual Corporate Giving Campaign and ensures that equine assisted activities and therapies are available and accessible to more Maine children and adults with disabilities. Each year, RTT provides innovative equine services to more than 250 children and adults. 

“Riding To The Top provides an incredibly unique service to people with disabilities, many of which are life altering for the entire family,” said Patricia Weigel, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “As I watched today’s lesson, I could see the special connection these horses have with their riders, and the self-confidence this experience inspires. This therapeutic service is so important for Mainers. We are proud of our 15-year partnership with Riding To The Top and are grateful to its leaders and staff for their deep commitment and hard work to make these therapies available.” 

The bank’s donation officially launches RTT’s annual Corporate Giving Campaign, which has a fundraising goal of $30,000. In the coming months, Norway Savings Bank will play an important role in helping RTT meet its fundraising goal by encouraging area businesses to join the bank in supporting the organization and its mission. 

According to RTT Executive Director Sarah Bronson, “Our annual operating budget is approximately $550,000, with 70 percent contributed by individuals, foundations and businesses like Norway Savings Bank. Community support is vital to maintaining the farm, caring for our horses, and serving Maine families. Annual contributions from local businesses like Norway Savings Bank allow us to deliver equine assisted activities and therapies to those who need it most. We encourage small and large businesses to become part of the powerful transformation that takes place when horses and people come together.”

Since 2003, Norway Savings Bank has contributed $135,000 to Riding To The Top. These funds have helped to fund the construction of the indoor-riding arena, so that services could be provided year-round. Funds have also supported the horse fund (care, purchase and retirement of RTT horses), RTT Riderships for hundreds of children and adults with disabilities and new programs. In addition to financial support, Norway Savings Bank employees have volunteered hundreds of hours at RTT supporting projects and fundraising events as well as serving on the organization’s board of directors.

In the Stacks at the Windham Public Library By Jen Alvino, Library Director

By now, for most of us, the deadline of tax preparation has passed and our taxes have been filed. One of the many forms that you might have seen is Schedule CP for charitable contributions and the purchase of park passes. This form can be used to make donations to the Maine Public Library Fund. 

The money donated on this form is used to directly benefit libraries throughout Maine and support programs and services with grant funding. This year Windham Public Library is the recipient of a $2,500 grant from the Maine Public Library Fund. The money will be used to purchase two new iPads and accompanying technology equipment to expand and enhance technology tools in the Children’s Room. We are so pleased to be awarded this grant and excited to be able to share with the community new tools for learning. I encourage you to donate to the Maine Public Library Fund, using Schedule CP in future years. Windham Public Library has been awarded grants from this fund twice so far. The money donated is a huge help to libraries throughout the state and supports a variety of new programs. Visit the Maine State Library website for more information about the Maine Public Library Fund and the other libraries awarded funds www.maine.gov/msl/tax/. More information about the new equipment will be provided soon. Watch our newsletter, website, and Facebook!
 

We have many programs going on throughout the month. Check out our online calendar for information about our story times, author talks, book groups, library teas, knitting and coloring groups, movie showings, and much more. Join us! There’s something for everyone. All programs are free and open to the public. Be sure to visit our website at www.windham.lib.me.us and Facebook page for the most up to date news and information about all our programs or call 207-892-1908.

I hope to see you in the library soon!
Jen Alvino
Library Director

Jen Dupree reviews the book “The Wonder” by Emma Donoghue

"The Wonder” by Emma Donoghue, is one of the most thought-provoking novels I’ve encountered in recent memory. The novel opens with English nurse Lib Wright, embarking on a voyage that will take her from her homeland to Ireland where she is charged with watching 11-year-old Anna O’Donnell. Anna, according to local legend, is a miracle - the child has not eaten in four months and is, as far as anyone can tell, healthy as can be. Lib’s job, which she shares with a devout Irish nun, is to make sure Anna O’Donnell does not eat so that her fast can be an attested-to miracle. Lib, fresh from her own personal traumas, is nothing if not skeptical. She believes she will merely have to watch closely and the fraud of it all will be exposed. There is no room in Lib’s scientific mind for the possibility of anything even resembling a miracle.  
 

Lib begins her watch with the precision she learned from her mentor, Florence Nightingale. She takes tests and measurements and sets up an exacting schedule. She is determined not to be fooled like the villagers in this tiny, unsophisticated village. 

Surprisingly, Lib finds herself more than a little charmed by Anna O’Donnell. The girl is not just an extremely pious child, she’s something more; and Lib can’t help but love her. When Lib realizes the girl is starving to death - and not being sustained on the “manna from heaven” - she’s compelled to take dramatic action, even when the girl’s own parents beg her not to. 

For me, this book raised questions of morality: Who has the right to say what is moral and what is not for another person? Religion? When does organized religion become a screen for something sinister? And science: where does compassion come in? 

“The Wonder” would make for a stimulating book club discussion.

Donoghue is also the author of “Room”, which I liked but didn’t love. 

While you’re here at the library picking up a copy of “The Wonder”, you may want to check out Debra Spark’s “Unknown Caller”. Spark will be at the Windham Library for an Author Talk on June 14 at 6pm. I recently finished her collection of essays about writing -“Curious Attractions”- which were some of the best reading about writing I’ve found yet. Please call the library at 892-1908 to reserve a spot for the talk.

Former Governor McKernan to speak at the annual State of Maine luncheon fundraiser to benefit boy scouts

Horace Horton, Esq., Development Chair of the Board of Directors, Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America announced that former, Governor John “Jock” McKernan will give the keynote address at this year’s annual State of Maine fundraiser on May 16 at Holiday Inn by the Bay. “We are thrilled to have Jock as our keynote speaker this year. As a former Maine Governor, Pine Tree Council Board President and Boy Scout, Jock exemplifies the values and teachings of Scouting,” said Horton, “self-reliance, self-discipline, and leadership.”
 

According to Eric Tarbox, Scout Executive, “the funds received in this campaign will assist with the services provided to the packs, troops, and explorer and venture crews in the Pine Tree Council. Training for adult leaders, district Cub and Scout activities, Scouting for Food Good Turn Project and camping programs are but a few of the activities and services provided to our communities.”  

Portland attorney, Ken Gray and local insurance executive Jim Chalmers, co-chairmen of this year’s event, said “the local business community has come out annually and consistently for this event, which shows the immense support for Scouting in our area.”  

Past speakers for this event include Governor LePage, and Senators Collins, King and Mitchell. The annual State of Maine luncheon is the Pine Tree Council’s Friends of Scouting Campaign event designed to engage those in the business and civic communities to hear the message of Scouting and the services provided by the local Scouts.  

Crazy Critters come in second at Maine Robot Track Meet

Congratulations to the Crazy Critters team that are part of Southern Maine Gearbots for coming in second place overall at the Maine Robot Track Meet.

They took home two first places and one second place in the events

Coaches: Ray Smith & Matt Dyer

Team Members: Draven Dyer, Brandon Mank, Bradley Smith & Jensen Whitmore

Student of the Week: Sorcha Salom

Sorcha Salom, a seventh grade student at Jordan-Small Middle School, is The Windham Eagle’s student of the week. The 13-year-old enjoys playing the violin and field hockey as well as acting and singing.

“Her innovative thinking makes her stand out in the classroom,” her teachers said. “Add her caring, enthusiastic attitude and BAM! - you have a girl that’s going places . . .  that’s Sorcha.”

Salom’s favorite subject is social studies and her favorite show is “Grey’s Anatomy”. In her spare time, she watches Netflix.

Salom has four brothers and a sister.

Senate supports Diamond’s bill to let cops fundraise for Mainers in need

AUGUSTA - The Maine Senate, on Thursday, voted unanimously to give initial approval to a bill by Sen. Bill Diamond (D-Windham) that removes a prohibition on fundraising by police officers. 

The bill, LD 588, “An Act to Allow Law Enforcement Agencies and Associations to Engage Directly in Fund-raising under Certain Circumstances,” allows uniformed police officers to raise money to help their colleagues and community members or their families, who are facing financial adversity.

 For example, police officers would be allowed to coordinate fundraisers to help cover hospital bills. 

“Police officers and others in the profession of law enforcement care deeply about their communities, but are barred from helping their neighbors in their moment of need,” said Sen. Diamond. “This bill will not only lead to more help for people who need it, but will foster more trust and better relationships between officers and the citizens they serve.”

LD 588 was amended in committee to preclude officers from direct solicitation, stemming from a concern that citizens could feel intimidated or pressured into donating to a cause that was championed by law enforcement. 

“So many of our brave officers have expressed frustration over their inability to assist their colleagues and their families when times get tough; I look forward to seeing this bill become law so that we can put that chapter behind us,” said Sen. Diamond.

LD 588 now goes to the House of Representatives for an initial vote.

NAPA Auto Parts Store gives away riding lawn mower by Melissa Laliberty , Retail Business Development Manager

Donald Spinks of Windham

At the NAPA Auto Parts Store in Windham, Maine we recently remodeled the store with a new look and new products.

To thank our loyal customers for their patience through the remodel and to welcome new customers,

we held a drawing for a new John Deere riding lawn mower. The model was a D110 from Hall Implement Company.

Everyone was welcome to come in and sign up with no purchase necessary.

We drew a winner on May 1st and we are pleased to announce that Donald Spinks from Windham, Maine was the lucky winner. He came and picked up the John Deere on Saturday.

To continue this appreciation, we are also giving away a small ATV (holds up to 167 lbs) from Windham Powersports. Again any person can come in and register to win!

American Legion prepares for Memorial Day events by Dave Tanguay

Looking ahead to Memorial Day, the American Legion Field-Allen Post has started the extensive schedule with the assembly of the flags to be placed on the highways and byways within the town on Saturday, May 20.   
 

This will be the 12^th year that the Legion Post has decorated the utility poles with approximately 100 American Flags around town. 

The program is collaboration between the Town of Windham and the Legion Post. The flags are purchased by the town on a triennial replacement cycle and the Legion provides the hardware, the poles and the manpower for the enterprise.  

The Flags will fly until Labor Day.

Also during the week of May 20, over 850 flags will be placed on the graves of Windham Veterans. Smaller and remote cemeteries are typically done during the week, with a culmination of work on the larger cemeteries, such as Arlington and Smith on the morning of May 20.   

Any groups interested in helping with this program may meet at Arlington Cemetery in North Windham at 9 a.m.

On Saturday, May 27, the Field-Allen Post will hold its eighth annual food drive to support the Windham Food Pantry’s Summer Youth Program. The Food Drive is held at Wal-Mart in North Windham from 7 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. Both non-perishable food and monetary donations are gladly accepted. 

Each year a military truck is placed next to the store entrance with the goal of “Filling the Truck”. For those interested in antique vehicles, the plans are to have a 1951 ¾- ton military vehicle available.

Next on the list is Memorial Day. On May 29, the town’s parade will kick off the events at 9 a.m. The parade will start at the town hall on School Road and will proceed right onto Gray Road (Rt. 202), then through the Windham Center intersection and on to the Windham High School.  

Once at the school, at approximately 10 a.m., the Legion will host a Memorial Day Ceremony. This part of the ceremony will include music from the Windham third grade chorus, the Windham High School Marching Band, as well as a guest speaker, a ceremonial flag burning, a bell ceremony and the rifle salute and taps.

Last on the agenda is an Open House at the Windham Veterans Center, with a picnic-style lunch hosted by the Legion Post, followed by a brief ceremony at 1 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Garden to recognize the fallen and to install a dozen new commemorative pavers.

All events are open to the public. 

The Legion Post has coordinated the town’s Memorial Day programs for many years now and hopes that many of you will come out and join us to remember our Veterans.  For more information, contact Dave at 892-1306

Saint Joseph's College receives largest individual gift in its history

The Saint Joseph’s College commencement crowd enjoyed the traditional elements of a successful send-off for its more than 671 graduating students, from four countries and 37 states -a stream of caps and gowns, a bagpiper and families jostling for the right photo. What students, staff, and families didn’t expect, as they gathered on the Sebago Lake campus, was for alumna and Board of Trustee member Dr. Jeanne Donlevy Arnold of Lebanon, Pennsylvania to step up to the podium and announce a $2 million gift to the College’s Center for Nursing Innovation, the largest capital gift by any individual in the college’s one hundred and five year history, and a gift that will address current, critical shortages in the nursing workforce in Maine and across the country.
 

Dr. Arnold, who earned her BS in Professional Arts in 1983 from Saint Joseph’s pioneering distance learning (now online) education program, had taken center stage earlier in the ceremony to accept an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service. Dr. Arnold was unable to attend her own graduation in 1983 and had expressed excitement that she was returning to her alma mater to accept the doctorate with the Class of 2017.

Dr. Jeanne Donlevy Arnold

Arnold said, “Over 30 years ago, I received a bachelor of science degree in Professional Arts from Saint Joseph’s. It was a degree I pursued to help advance my career in nursing. At the time, I was a new Assistant Director of Nursing and I knew that having a BS degree would provide opportunities for advancement. Those opportunities turned out to be transformative and beyond all my expectations. I am proud of how Saint Joseph’s College set my life on a new course so many years ago.” 

In January, when the Harold Alfond Foundation announced its lead challenge grant of $1.5 million to support Saint Joseph’s College’s ambitious plan for a Center for Nursing Innovation, Donlevy, the retired Senior Vice President of Good Samaritan Hospital, agreed to serve as campaign chair and lead the effort to raise $3.5 million in matching funds. 

President James Dlugos, Ph.D. said, “Saint Joseph’s College is deeply grateful for Jeanne and Ed Arnold’s support of our mission and strategic plans. In recognizing this as a historic and transformative gift, the center will be named The Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation.”

The Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation will address the national healthcare industry’s need for educational programs for nurses, on-campus and online. The Center will offer:

·       Five Simulation (SIM) Laboratories (hospital and home care settings);

·       $1.0 million in scholarships for Maine nursing students;

·       New advising offices for student and faculty meetings, a conference room, and a student collaborative learning space;

·       Renovation, enhancement, and development of new Anatomy & Physiology, and Microbiology labs used by nursing majors.

With this gift to the College, Dr. Arnold adds a new chapter to her lauded reputation as a longtime supporter of many local, regional, and national organizations. She has previously received two honorary degrees/doctorates in humane letters, from Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and Lebanon Valley College. Among her many philanthropic projects, she and her husband, Edward H. Arnold, have provided significant support to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where they endowed the Hummingbird Program, pediatric palliative care program.

Student of the week is Aja Freyre

Aja Freyre, a first grade student at Raymond Elementary School, is The Windham Eagle’s student of the week. The seven-year-old enjoys ballet and hip hop dancing.

Mrs. Weeks chose Freyre for Student of the Week because she is a student who sets an example of

excellence in behavior and academics. “Aja is a conscientious student who puts her best effort forward in everything she does,” Weeks said. “She is always up for a challenge, shows initiative with her work, and is a great risk taker. Aja is a ray of sunshine and she lights up the classroom with her presence every single day. She has great compassion for others and always puts others first, before herself. She is a team player and her peers feel she is a super-duper friend to play with and who is very helpful when they need help.”

Freyre, whose favorite subject is writing because she thinks it is fun to create stories, believes learning is fun when she has choices. She also enjoys learning with friends.

When Freyre graduates from school, she plans to get a job, a boyfriend and a car.

Freyre lives at home with her Dad (Rafael), Mom (Bree) and brother (Rex.) Although she does not have any pets at this time, she hopes to one day have a dog, a rabbit and a fish.

Favorite movie: “Trolls”

Favorite music group: Michael Jackson, Alexander Hamilton, Snarky Puppy and Sly-Chi. 

Favorite holiday: Christmas

Canine hero award presented to family at Windham Town Council meeting by Lorraine Glowczak

It’s not a usual custom to get teary-eyed during a town hall meeting, but that is exactly what happened at the Windham Town Council meeting on Tuesday, May 9 when the Windham Fire/Rescue and Police Departments presented an award to the Matthew Estes Family in honor of their dog, Caribou.

A year ago, on the night of May 10, 2016 while Estes and his son Kyle and daughter Grace were sleeping, a fire broke out on the first floor of their home. Caribou, the family lab mix alerted Estes by making an unfamiliar barking sound and waking him up. It was at that point Estes became aware the downstairs was engulfed in flames.

The fact that Caribou alerted Estes gave him the few extra lifesaving minutes needed to get his daughter and son out of the house safely. “It turns out my son was already outside,” Estes said. “We had talked about where we should meet in an emergency and I found him there.”

If it wasn’t for Caribou,” Estes continued, but then trailed off into thought. “He saved our lives.”

In doing so, Caribou lost his life. To pay their respect, Fire Chief Brent Libby and Police Officer Bill Andrews presented the “Life Saving Recognition” plaque to the family in honor of the selfless

canine.

The last paragraph on the plaque states, “This award is presented in memory of Caribou for his action that saved human lives. His heroic action and sacrifice will be remembered.”

Let’s keep our eyes on the road and off our phones by Bill Diamond

I hear from folks regularly about a problem I witness with my own eyes almost every day: distracted driving.

We have all been there. Someone swerves into the wrong lane and catches themselves or fails to move when the light turns green and it turns out that the person is preoccupied with a cell phone. I jokingly refer to those people as being guilty of driving while texting instead of vice versa, as the road seems to be incidental compared to the important task of tapping on a phone.

Sometimes it’s not so funny, however. Taking one’s eyes off the road can result in accidents and fatalities. It has affected many of us drivers, as we can’t just assume that the people with whom we share the road are actually paying attention to it.

This problem has vexed me for many years, since cell phones became commonplace. It has led me to introduce legislation in the past, banning texting while driving and making distracted driving a moving violation. Thankfully, both were signed into law, but I have found that the laws are difficult to enforce. When drivers get pulled over for texting while driving, there is nothing preventing them from saying they were dialing a number. And, as there is no law against dialing, they drive off and continue to text without consequence.

This new bill, LD 1089, simplifies things by stating that if a person is operating a car and a hand-held device at the same time, it’s illegal. No texting, no dialing, no picture taking and no game playing.

Naturally, many of us need to stay connected, and this bill allows for responsible use of the hands-free function. It also permits communication with law enforcement or emergency responders. I do understand that communicating while driving is necessary at times, but there is a right way to do it, and the technology exists to talk and drive safely.  

For the first time concerning a bill like this, the Transportation Committee voted unanimously that it ought to pass. Likewise, the testimony during the hearing was entirely favorable and a representative from the American Automobile Association pointed out many of the important statistics: That use of a handheld device quadruples the chance of an accident, that the recent spike in accidents is directly attributable to cell phone use, that distraction contributes to 16% of all fatal crashes - leading to around 5,000 deaths every year and that teen drivers are distracted almost a quarter of the time they are behind the wheel. These numbers are sobering, to say the least.

A bill like this should not be necessary. Common sense dictates that diverting one’s attention, even for a second, is not worth the potential for causing serious harm to oneself and others. Unfortunately, there are drivers who take this risk every day and endanger our safety. If this bill saves one life, it will have been well worth it.

As always, please feel free to contact me at diamondhollyd@aol.com or (207) 287-1515, if you have questions or comments.

Rep. Fay's bill to toughen penalties for dumping waste passes Legislature

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, to increase penalties on boaters who dump septic waste into Maine waters, won unanimous approval in both chambers of the Legislature this week.

“I have heard from constituents that there is a real problem with boaters dumping sewage into our lakes and other waterways,” said Fay. “Clean water is an important part of why folks live, work and play here and we can’t take it for granted. The cleanliness of our waters is a big draw for tourists and residents alike, [is] a major driver of our local economy, and we need to do all we can to protect them.”

The bill, LD 357, increases the minimum penalty for dumping sewage from a boat from $100 to $500.

“I’m really pleased that this bill was supported by both parties throughout the process. It was an opportunity to work across the aisle, to help protect a resource that we all care about,” Fay said. 

The bill now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature. 

Fay is serving her first term in the Maine Legislature and represents part of Casco, part of Poland and part of Raymond. She serves on the Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Classes plant an orchard at Manchester School by Michelle Libby

Drizzle and mist didn’t stop Stacey Sanborn’s fourth grade class from digging in the dirt to plant their share of fruit trees around the Manchester School campus last week. Four classes planted nine trees, three pear and six apple, with Richard Hodges from ReTreeUS, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting an environmentally sustainable, socially just food system.  

“The trees provide shade, look better, provide a habitat for animals and birds, and provide food for the cafeteria,” said Pam Lanz, who helped coordinate the project, through Maine School Gardens. 

 “We tried to do this last year, but didn’t get the approval,” said Sanborn. “We wanted to add more food here.” Sanborn and her class work tirelessly in the greenhouse growing vegetables, now they can add fruit to the list of food they produce.

The classes involved in the garden and orchard projects are: Sarah Zima’s, Sabrina Nickerson’s, Jennifer Ocean’s and Sanborn’s. The students were involved in every aspect of the project from deciding where to put the trees, plotting out the distance between trees and the fences and digging the 24-inch deep holes. 

“I like digging the holes and squishing the clumps of dirt,” said student Deanna Cooper.

Hodges brought dormant trees for the children to plant, explaining that it’s the best way to transport the trees. “It’s got good roots too. They’re an anchor for the tree,” Hodges told the students as he guided them not to crush the roots. The trees are also disease and pest resistant and won’t require the use of chemicals to treat them. Coast of Maine donated compost for the trees. 

“It’s great for the environment,” said student Claira Parker. 

The teachers reinforce what the classes have been learning as they dig, plant, compost and water the trees.  

“The more kids are thinking about their own food, making their own food and for the environment, it’s something positive they can do,” said Hodges. 

ReTreeUS started four years ago out of Durham, Maine. Hodges worked with different programs and nurseries to get products to get schools involved in planting fruit trees. Manchester School is the 20^th school orchard in the state, said Hodges. 

ReTreeUS plants orchards with local schools and provides educational programs that empower young people and their families to grow their own home orchards and gardens. Projects like the orchard get kids and adults outside. “It’s a legacy thing,” said Hodges. “It can change the outlook they have. It connects them to the school, nature and their food. Drawing their connection to that can be hard sometimes, he added. 

Using apples from a tree leaning into Manchester’s space, Sanborn’s class helped Chef Sam Cowens-Gasbarro create applesauce last year. They hope to soon make foods with the pears and apples the students planted. 

“We’re doing teamwork. It’s fun because we can take a break from class and we’re learning about planting,” said student Julia Dean. 

Although it will be three to four years before the classes will have apples to harvest, the students doing the planting are excited to come back to see the “fruits” of their labor in a few years. Hodges expects to come back to teach about pruning the trees at a future date.

Public schools can fill out a free application to have their own orchards at www.ReTreeUS.org. The program is free for public school