Groundbreaking ceremony for Windham Shared Maintenance Facility

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Windham Shared Maintenance Facility was held on Tuesday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the site, adjacent to the current facility.

The new facility, including the 31,000 square foot building, will be home to both the Windham Public Works Department and RSU14 Windham-Raymond School District’s transportation maintenance functions. It is expected to be complete in mid-2019.

Approved by Windham voters in November 2017 at a cost of $9.3 million, the new facility adds much needed operational space, improves site circulation and safety, and will help lengthen the service life, reliability of vehicles and equipment; as well as improve response times and efficiency.

In the above photo are members of RSU14, Windham Maintenance Facility members, Town Council Members and Town Manager, Tony Plante.

Windham High senior wins Norris Inc. Technology Scholarships

Josh Libby

Norris Inc. was on-hand on Thursday, June 7th at Windham High School to laud the accomplishments of a WHS senior and presented a certificate signifying they had won a $1,000 award to use toward post-secondary education/training. The winner was Joshua Libby of Windham.

In order to qualify for the award, students needed to have a 3.0 or better GPA and be interested in fields of study that are pertinent to the security industry, including Fire Science, Electrical Sciences (engineering/electrician, etc.), Software Development, or Network/Cyber Security. If students met those guidelines, they were then asked to compose an essay explaining their relevant interests and share their future plans for study. The winner was chosen by the scholarship committee.

In his award-wining essay, Libby explained his primary interest was in programming.

“I want to go to college to develop my skills as a programmer and logical thinker,” Libby said. “I can already code. However, I want to hone my skills and grow my connections once in college.”

Norris CEO, Jason Roberts felt the evening was a great opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the senior class (one of his own daughters graduated from Windham and celebrated a number of accomplishments on June 7), including those of Libby, whose contributions went beyond his studies in school.

“As the evening went on, and I learned more and more about Josh, I realized the scholarship committee made a great decision,” Roberts said. “He is committed to his community, which is evident from the overwhelming amount of community service hours he has performed.”

Again, from his essay, Libby displayed wisdom beyond his years as he explained school was more than just a way to get a job.

“I think programming has the potential to speak to millions in new and profound ways,” Libby said. “I want to bring my skills back to Maine and work in the state I grew up in. I know Maine is aging rapidly and I want to make jobs here to help the state economy.”

Libby said the scholarships were of great importance to him and his family.

“The support that this scholarship gave me and my family is vital in a time where college is necessary and expensive. I am not a stellar athlete so there were few sports or athletic scholarships I could apply for, but I have high grades in hard classes, so scholarships based on merit and dual enrollment classes while in high school are the best ways I have of saving money on college,” Libby said in an interview with Norris. “My tuition will still be high, but with the help from places like Norris, I can save money on loans and interest.”

Libby will be attending Southern New Hampshire University in the fall and will double major in Computer Programming and Art Design.

Honor Guard members conduct flag ceremony

On Sunday, June 24^th at noon, Field-Allen Post 148 Honor Guard members conducted a flag ceremony at the little league field at Kiwanis Beach in Standish. 

Recipient of the flag was Tyler Haskins who had recently lost his grandfather, US Navy Vet, Tom Dame. American Legion Honor Guard members included: David Rendall, Craig Pride, Chaplain and narrator, Richard Drapeau and Post Adjutant, David Tanguay.

The community morns the loss of Raymond Firefighter and Inspector, Captain David Mains

Dave Mains passed away at the age of 48 on Monday, June 25^th.

The Raymond Fire and Rescue placed a Facebook post, announcing his death. It read:

“It is with deepest sorrow we notify our members and community of the terrible loss in our family. David Mains has passed away from injuries sustained in a crash in Massachusetts. Jen Mains is injured and expected to recover in the Massachusetts hospital. Captain Mains was a dedicated member who loved his family, community and this department. He will be sorely missed and will leave a large void in our family and organization which will not be filled without unmatched extraordinary efforts, pride and dedication which Captain Mains put forth every day.

Captain Mains has been honored as Firefighter of the Year, awarded many community service awards and honored with the Chief’s Award.

I want to ask each of you to keep thoughts and prayers in your hearts, reach out to David and Jen’s family and give them all a hug, support, and offer assistance as they will need these things as the grieving the great loss will take a great time to heal.”

An online fundraiser has been established for the Mains family to help cover medical and memorial expenses, and to make sure the kids are taken care of through this tragic time. Any contribution is appreciated. To make a contribution: www.facebook.com/donate/252956885254907/

Senator Diamond welcomes local student to State House as Senate Page

Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, welcomed Nathaniel Richmond from Windham High School to the State House on Thursday, June 21. Nathaniel and his father had their picture taken with Sen. Diamond during a break in the Senate Session. Sen. Diamond extends invitations to honor roll students from the area’s middle schools and high schools, as a way to recognize their strong academic performance and to help foster their interest in civics.

Nathaniel Richmond, center, poses with Sen. Diamond (L) and his father (R)

 The Honorary Page Program gives students an opportunity to participate in the Senate and interact with legislators. Honorary Pages see what it is like to work on the floor of the Senate and be part of a legislative session. Pages perform such duties as delivering messages to senators and distributing amendments and supplements in the chamber. Students from third grade through high school are invited to serve in the Senate Chamber as Honorary Pages when the Senate is in session. This Legislature is in the process of finishing its business, but the Senate will reconvene in January of 2019. For more information, call Sen. Diamond at (207) 287-1515.

Music with a Mission features Ashley Liberty and Daniel Strange in concert

Ashley Liberty, an accomplished violinist, and Daniel Strange, a talented pianist, are returning to North Windham Union Church to perform on Saturday, July 14 at 7 p.m. Both are Maine natives from this area and are beloved favorites of local audiences.

Liberty and Strange are known for their skill at multiple genres of music including: classical, jazz, rock, swing, and of course fiddle. They have both accompanied numerous Broadway and classical performers, including Norm Lewis, Sutton Foster, Andrea Bocelli, Noel Paul Stookey, and Bernadette Peters. Ashley and Daniel reside in Miami but have graciously agreed to perform this benefit concert while home during their summer vacation.

For those of you who attended last year’s sold out Hot Fiddle Concert, this show will feature some of the favorites and new arrangements too. We expect this concert to sell out again, so get tickets soon.  It will certainly be an evening to remember! 

The Music with a Mission Concert Series is sponsored by the North Windham Union Church, which donates a portion of the proceeds to area non-profits. Now in our sixth season, MWAM has provided over $55,000 for mission support to the church and other community organizations.  

The community proceeds from this concert will help the Travis Mills Foundation in their efforts to support recalibrated veterans as they overcome physical obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation in their nationally recognized retreat located in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine.

Tickets will be sold at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for students, children, and seniors. Tickets are also available in advance on-line at www.mwamconcerts.com. The box office opens at 6:00 p.m. and the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The North Windham Union Church is located at 723 Roosevelt Trail in Windham and is air-conditioned for your comfort. For more information please call 892-6142 or email MWAMconcerts@gmail.com.

2018 WINDHAM SUMMERFEST - Even with a little rain, Windham knows how to have fun

Deb Matthews and Robin Mullins, co-chairs of the 2018 Windham Summerfest were very pleased with this year’s event. “The day was a complete success,” stated Mullins. “The Toby Pennels Memorial 5k, the Duane Clark Memorial Car Show and the parade all took place with lots of people in attendance. The crowd from the parade made their way to the event enjoying music, food, helicopter rides, the inflatable park and tons of interaction with local vendors and businesses. The afternoon rain could have ruined the day, but not in Windham! The non-profit food vendors stayed open, the bands kept playing and the fireworks went off as scheduled at 9:35pm. The Summerfest Committee is so thankful for the many people involved in making the day a huge success. Thank you all for helping us “Bring Unity to Our Community”!

Gary Plummer, of the parade committee, congratulated Summerfest Committee for a job well done. “They did an excellent job. Everyone was helpful and knowledgeable and answered questions cheerfully. The Summerfest Committee met with us on two occasions to be sure that we all worked well together. It was also a great idea to have Recreation Director, Linda Brooks involved. Linda and the entire committee really made sure that we were an integral part of Windham Summerfest.”

“Seeing the crowd that came back for the fireworks even though the rain kept trying to ‘make a comeback’ was really heartwarming and shows that Windham people like to have fun,” Brooks said.

Annual Windham Center 5k continues to honor a well loved man and raise funds by Lorraine Glowczak

Every community has at least one person whose life touches others in positive ways. For the town of Windham, one such person was Elliot Fogg, a well loved and generous man who worked 25 years at the Windham High School (WHS) as a custodian. Students and teachers alike, adored Fogg for his refreshing humor and kind spirit. He retired in June 1999, one month prior to his death from lung cancer.

In his honor and memory, the Windham Center 5k run/walk was created to raise funds for cancer

research. This fifth annual run/walk event will take place on Thursday, July 19 at Windham Town Hall. Registration begins at 6 p.m. with a run start time of 7:15 p.m.

The creator and coordinator of the Windham Center 5k is Tony Myatt. Myatt had a close relationship with Fogg. “I knew him personally and was very close to him,” Myatt said, referring to his high school years. “In fact, he was like a second grandfather to me, as well as to many other students. He just had a jovial and caring way about him – always being there for others.”

Fogg, a 1949 graduate of Windham High School, was a World War II veteran, entering the war as one of the youngest Maine soldiers. Upon his return, he worked for George Fogg Truck Company prior to his position at the school. He volunteered throughout the community, spending much of his free time working with his greatest passion, horses.

Although he never married or had children, Fogg treated WHS students and staff as if they were his family. “If anyone needed anything at all, Elliot was there in a second,” Myatt recalled. “He would buy us soda and chips sometimes and at Christmas time he’d get my brother and me candy. He
considered all the kids at school, his kids or grandkids.”

“He was always joking, and he had a big booming voice,” Myatt continued. “So, we could hear his laughter thundering down the hallways. We would all get such a kick out of him.”

Fogg’s jovial and approachable manner provided him an opportunity to be a part of a film created by the students one year. “The students asked him if they could film him walking down the hallway,” Myatt began. “The students were trying to mimic the scene in “Saturday Night Fever” where Travolta is walking down the street and the camera zooms in on his feet while the song, ‘Staying Alive’ plays in the background. Elliot agreed to it – so somewhere, there is a film at the high school with Elliot walking down the hallway along with the tune of ‘Staying Alive’. Every time that song comes on, I always think of him and it brings back fond memories.”

The run/walk will include gift prizes and a free meal will be offered by Corsetti's.

To participate in the Windham Center 5k run/walk, register online at www.runsignup.com/Race/ME/Windham/WindhamCenter5K. For more information, contact Myatt at tonedog86@aol.com. Registration fee is $25.

If you do not wish to participate in the event but would like to donate $5 (for a pint glass) or $15 (for a t-shirt). Funds raised from this event will go toward the American Lung Association of Maine for cancer research.

Sixth grade students celebrate reading challenge successes

Sixth grade students from Windham Middle School participated in a reading challenge this year. The challenge consisted of reading 25 books, writing reviews for each individual book.  On Wednesday, June 13th, their hard work paid off. Thirteen students met the challenge and as a result, celebrated with a field trip to Maine Escape Games.  The sixth-grade teachers are excited to offer this challenge to incoming sixth-graders for the 2018-2019 school year. 

An added incentive of earning raffle tickets for each book read will be offered to the incoming group as well.  Raffles tickets will be used to enter in drawings for baskets or individual prizes. 

Sen. Diamond earns perfect attendance record in 2018 Legislative Session

AUGUSTA — Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, earned a perfect attendance and voting record during the 2018 Legislative Session.

“My record of attendance reflects the people I serve,” said Sen. Diamond. “The people in District 26 show up and work hard at their jobs. It’s only right that I approach my job in the Legislature the same way.”

During the 2nd Regular Session of the 128th Maine Legislature, Diamond cast 100 percent of the votes recorded, excluding absences excused by the President of the Senate for illness or other extenuating circumstances.

Diamond introduced legislation this year to bypass the red tape and allow fuel companies to fill other companies’ propane tanks in extremely cold weather. Diamond also had a 100 percent attendance record last year, during which he sponsored bills to ban handheld devices while driving, protect seniors from discrimination by car insurance companies, and allow Mainers to continue to use drivers’ licenses as official identification, among others.

The 128th Legislature reconvened this week to complete its business before adjourning for the year.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce helped Bean Group Real Estate, formerly known as Maine Real Estate Network, celebrate the grand re-opening of its Windham office with a celebratory open house and ribbon cutting hosted by Yvonne Myer.  Several members of the SLRCC, Board Directors and Executive Director were in attendance. (Above)

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce also helped Moose Landing Marina celebrate the launch of Freedom Boat Club Maine with a celebratory ribbon cutting and boat christening at the June Business Break hosted by owner, Stanley Arnold. The catered event included live music and generously donated raffle prizes with proceeds to benefit Camp Sunshine.

Windham Middle School goes “Back to the Future” to combat opioid misuse

Hundreds of students, parents and staff went back in time on Thursday, June 7, to witness the incredible effort that went into an educational project at Windham Middle School. This project was designed to educate seventh and eighth graders on the dangers of opiate usage by sharing their knowledge with the general public.

Spearheaded by teachers Doug Elder, Lee Leroy, AJ Ruth and Gwen Roberts, the students worked for months on learning about the dangers of opiate use and researched information to use, for video PSA’s, newspaper articles and science projects on the effects of opiates on the brain among other efforts.

With a “Taking Back Maine’s Future” theme, students were inspired by the “Back to the Future” movie to use as an analogy that depending on the decisions you make in using opiates, your future can be healthy or tragic.

Thursday evening’s event was complete with an actual DeLorean car parked out front. Ushers escorted attendees into the Windham Middle School cafeteria where one future was set up in the dark, with trash around and featured students with their news articles on the tragic future ahead if the opioid crisis continues. The other future was well lit and featured students with news articles on how bright the future will be if we combat the opioid crisis in Maine.

Students and parents alike agreed that this project opened the eyes of many to the dangers of opioid misuse.

“Great Awakening” history talk describes how times haven’t changed

Over the last couple of years, we have heard many people say that things have never been this crazy, divisive or have seldom had so many serious problems as we face now. It’s often been said that things are changing so fast we cannot keep up. 

If one looks at our history, however, there have been times that were much crazier than this, with disagreements serious enough for Americans to go to war with one another. One such period occurred between the War of 1812 and the start of the Civil War. This was when our friend, Nathaniel Hawthorne (born 1804), lived and he resided part of the time right here in Raymond, Maine.

In the early 1800s, America was rapidly changing from a rural country of isolated small farmers to a more connected, urban and ever-expanding country. People’s lives changed not only due to revolutionary inventions such as the telegraph and railroad but also because of changes in religious beliefs, which played a dominant role in American life. 

New ways of thinking and believing evolved, eventually leading to the birth of several new religions including Unitarian, Quaker and Mormon. 

The evolving beliefs of these and other religions eventually had a major impact on society, leading to the rejection of slavery, rampant alcoholism, child labor and the inferior status of women.

To learn more about this transformative period, the Hawthorne Community Association invites you to attend a talk by trustee John Manoush entitled, “The Second Great Awakening” on Saturday, June 30 at 6:30; immediately preceding the Hawthorne House’s Annual Strawberry Festival. 

A $10 donation includes the talk and the best homemade strawberry shortcake available.  It also helps support this historic home in our midst. The location is 40 Hawthorne Road - corner of Hawthorne and Cape Roads in Raymond. For more information visit: www.hawthorneassoc.com.

Windham Town Council receives update on Community Center finalization plans by Colby Willis and Lorraine Glowczak

The Windham Town Council met on Tuesday evening June 19^th in the Council Chambers to discuss a variety of agenda items including an update on the Windham Community Center.

Pat Moody, Chair of the Ad Hoc Community Center Study Committee provided an update to the Council on the committee’s work since they last met with the Council on October 24, 2017. The update included further information regarding the development of the Windham Community Center concept.

The following points are some of the updates provided to the council:

Moody first gave a quick update on the community park (not to be confused with the community center). It will include volleyball beach courts and basketball courts, as well as walking paths around the park. It is their hope to break ground on the community park in the next few months. The location is at the skate park next to the public safety building.

In regard to the Windham Community Center update, Moody stated that the committee has spoken to three architectural planning firms to get estimates as to the possible costs involved.

He reported that Linda Brooks, Parks and Recreation Director, has just returned from Denver where she was researching community centers and recreational facilities there. Moody stated that it seems to be proven that community centers provide a safe gathering spot as well as provide local economic success.

The location of the center is one issue the committee is discussing. They believe the parcel of land between Routes 202 and 302 (by the rotary) would be the best spot for the community center. The fact that it is centrally located and near the schools contributes to this land as a top choice.

Moody also stated that recreation and other fees will be a source of funding for the center.

Upon completion of Moody’s report, the Council requested that the committee come back and provide them with the three quotes from the architectural firms, including the pros and cons of each quote.

For full details and other agenda items discussed, go to the town website at www.windhammaine.us. The meetings are also available to view on Facebook Live as well as recorded and broadcasted on Channel 7.

Raymond Board of Selectmen begin RSU14 withdrawal process by Lorraine Glowczak

The Town of Raymond Board of Selectmen met Tuesday evening, June 19^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Broadcast Studio, 423 Mills Road in Raymond. Agenda items included the discussion of a moratorium on manufactured housing and an update on the Regional Broadband Initiative; but perhaps more importantly, the evening also included a discussion and approval of an RSU14 withdrawal.

Selectman Chair, Teresa Sadak, presented the board with a petition that included 253 signatures from Raymond residents who wish to withdraw from RSU14. “This is not something we rushed into quickly,” Sadak stated. “It is something that we have been working on for a long time. We have worked with the Town attorneys to have conversations with the school board as well as with the Town of Windham. We have not received any responses from either of them.”

Sadak explained that the signed petition is only the beginning process to withdrawal from the school district. “It’s only the first step,” she said. “This will include the withdrawal plan and the steps that must be taken in case the withdrawal is approved here tonight.”

The selectmen unanimously approved the signed petition. The next steps to withdrawal include a public hearing for town residents to share their thoughts, which will occur on Tuesday, July 31st followed by a special town meeting on Tuesday, August 14^th.

The board meeting also included a 180-day moratorium placed on manufactured/mobile homes. This moratorium was enacted as a result of concerns brought to the board’s attention regarding manufactured/mobile homes placed in areas were zoning does not allow for such. The board of selectmen is asking the planning board to determine clarification on the terminology of single-family dwellings (in terms of manufactured homes). They are asking the planning board to present their findings to the selectmen in 100 days.

Tom Bartell, Director of the Windham Economic Development Corporation and Travis Kennedy, Director of Public Affairs from Cumberland County, presented an update and general outline of the Regional Broadband Initiative to the Board of Selectmen. This high-speed internet initiative includes the towns of Windham, Raymond, Gray and Standish; and has the hope of providing economic development to the four communities that would include attracting new technology, reducing vacancy rates, supporting small and large business - including long distance learning capabilities. Bartell explained that broadband fiber optics would be delivered up through Route 302 to Route 85 with the ending destination at the municipal building.

General income will be coming in to help pay for maintenance of the system and there will be other funding mechanisms to be considered.

For full details and other agenda items discussed, go to the town website at http://www.raymondmaine.org or call the town office at 655-4742.

Windham Christian Academy 2018 graduates

Jacob Morton

Jacob has been attending Windham Christian Academy on and off since the fifth grade. This year, he played soccer and was captain of the varsity basketball team. Jacob is hoping to continue to be involved in basketball in some way, whether coaching, journalism, or even sports medicine.

Katie Willard

Katie started attending Windham Christian Academy part time in the third grade and began full time in the fifth grade. Katie played soccer, was a flutist in our band, and was part of our SALT leadership team. Katie was named our Salutatorian and plans to attend St. Joseph's college in the fall.

Amanda Huang

Amanda started attending Windham Christian Academy in the fourth grade. Amanda has gotten involved in whatever she could from soccer to basketball, to band to acting in our play. Throughout all of this, her academic achievements earned her the title of Valedictorian. Amanda plans to attend Husson University in the fall. 

Tyler Homer

Tyler began attending Windham Christian Academy part time in the second grade. He enrolled full time in the sixth grade. He is looking for a career featuring machinery and has an interest in prop design. Tyler is considering attending Southern Maine Community College in the fall.

Windham High School graduates 121st class by Michelle Libby

On Sunday afternoon, June 10th at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, 235 students from Windham High School crossed the stage to receive their high school diplomas.

“Today’s ceremony is a celebration for all of our graduates. This rite of passage is both a solemn and joyous occasion; it marks the successes and struggles that each student has met while at Windham High School,” was printed in the graduation program. This was exemplified in each student who sat on the stage with different colored stoles, a variety of pins signifying achievements and honors, colorful cords and medals earned at sporting events.

The guest speaker was George McCrillis, a volunteer, coach and mentor for many of the athletes at Windham High. He spoke about his experiences volunteering with various organizations and meeting important people there, including presidents.

Speeches were given by salutatorian John Burnell, Logan Cropper, Danielle Meader, Elizabeth McBride and valedictorian Dominic Agneta. They spoke of the past, present and future of the class of 2018. And Agneta, along with his three sisters, thanked Tony, his dog, for his support. In a moving number, the senior choir sang “Live for Tomorrow”.

Principal Christopher Howell, who was attending his last graduation as principal, before moving to the central office as assistant superintendent, presented the class of 2018 and distributed the diplomas. He was joined by superintendent Sandy Prince, RSU 14 School Committee vice-chair Diana Froisland, vice principals Deborah McAfee and Philip Rossetti.

The class of 2018 traveled to Thomas College for Project Graduation fun.

Windham Christian Academy begins disc golf team by Lorraine Glowczak

Six students in the seventh through twelfth grades at the Windham Christian Academy (WCA) participated in and competed for the first time in disc golf; a sport that is growing in popularity around the U.S. The students competed against two other schools, Grace Christian Academy in West Gardner as well as Pinetree Academy in Freeport. The six-week competition began on April 24th with the last game ending the season on May 29^th.

The idea to incorporate the game into the WCA sports program was sparked by a post on the Maine

Zeb Cleaves, WCA student and disc golf player

Christian Schools Sports League website, asking area Christian schools if they would consider creating a league. “I asked the students if they might be interested in joining a disc golf league competition,” explained Jackie Sands, WCA Principal. “And, that is all it took. We had six interested students and it quickly became a reality.”

The words “disc golf” and “competition” used in the same sentence may seem like an oxymoron. “With this game, the competition isn’t so much about competing with others, but it is more about competing against yourself to improve your personal skill,” stated student and disc golf player, Elijah Seavey.

Seavey has some experience with the game as he often plays disc golf with his father and some of their friends. They have played at various disc golf courses in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, with their latest adventure in Limington, ME. “We mainly play for the fun of it,” he said.

According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, “Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a flying disc or Frisbee®. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with "ball golf" the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws). A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target which is the "hole". The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is called a Pole Hole®, an elevated metal basket.”

Many of the six students have had some experiences playing the sport and thought that it would be a fun, low impact sport alternative to get involved in for extracurricular activities after school. “It is just like mini-golf,” explained WCA student and disc golf team member, Rachel Willard. “The onlydifference is you play with a Frisbee® and not with a ball. It was a lot of fun to play with my friends and to meet new people.”

The students played on courses at CR Farm Golf Course in Gardiner (Grace Christian Academy’s home course), Sabattus Disc Golf Course (Pinetree Academy’s home course) and the Pineland Farms Course in New Gloucester (WCA’s home turf). To practice their throws and to develop their own skills, WCA’s talented Wood Shop Instructor, Bob Berry built a Pole Hole®.

“There is not one way a person is expected to throw the disc in order to be the best you can be,” explained Seavey. “It’s really about finding your own ability and what works for you.”

It seems that the WCA disc players learned their own throwing capacity with the fewest throws to the target as they placed second in the league. “What amazed me the most about the players is how much they improved their skills in a matter of just six weeks,” stated their coach and WCA Physics Instructor, John Lancaster. “I was very impressed and proud of them.”

The disc golf team consisted of Molly Kramschuster; Rachel Willard; Gideon Richard; Mr. Lancaster; Zeb Cleaves; Adam Huang; Elijah Seavey

As with everything one partakes in life, you usually learn a few unexpected things. Most of the WCA participants were surprised to discover that there are approximately 75 various sizes of flying discs one can use to play the sport, unlike the maximum of 14 golf clubs in traditional golf.

Additionally, the students learned what type of shoe to wear. “Always wear boots when playing on a disc golf course,” WCA student and player, Molly Kramschuster suggested. “Many courses will take you into some very marshy areas and wearing boots is really important if you want to play a good game.”

Although a low-key sport, there are still challenges one must face. What is the greatest encounter in playing disc golf? “Trees in the way while you are trying to throw the disc to the target is the most difficult challenge,” stated Zeb Cleaves, WCA student and disc golf player.

The challenge, however, did not prevent the students from having a great time. When asked if they planned to participate in a disc golf league again next, WCA and disc golf participant Adam Huang exclaimed, “Oh yes, we will definitely do this again in the future.”

Air Race Classic makes final stop in Maine

June marks a historic event in women’s air racing right here in Fryeburg, Maine. On June 21 and 22, 53 teams of women pilots will be racing in this year’s Air Race Classic. Eastern Slopes Regional Airport in Fryeburg is the finish for the 2018 event, marking the end of a four-day cross country race over more than 2,656 miles from Sweetwater, Texas.

Starting on June 19, the race teams, each consisting of at least two women pilots, must fly in clear weather during daylight hours and make high-speed flybys at eight designated timing points along the route before landing in Fryeburg by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 22.

Women’s air racing is steeped in history. In 1929, Amelia Earhart and her contemporaries fought for and finally won the right to participate in an air race of their own called the Women’s Air Derby. That historic event spurred women pilots to take action and they formed an all-woman, licensed pilot-only group called the International Organization of Women Pilots, nicknamed “The Ninety-Nines” in honor of the 99 charter members.

Amelia Earhart was the organization’s first elected president. Today, The Ninety Nines have an international membership of over 5,500 women pilots from ultra-light flyers to airline captains and even astronauts and others associated with NASA.

Over the last several decades the Women’s Air Derby evolved into the All Women’s Transcontinental Air Race, better known as the Powder Puff Derby. The most recent incarnation of women’s air racing is now known as the Air Race Classic.

The Air Race Classic is an event like no other — dedicated to promoting the tradition of the pioneering women that flew even during WWII as WASP’s. This 2,656-mile transcontinental race is a show of talent and tenacity for these teams of women pilots, who range in age from 17 to 90.

Fifty-three aircraft and 117 racers, from collegiate teams and first timers to veteran competitors, will be participating this year. These female racers are the new pioneers that highlight the roles of women in aviation today and will inspire the next generation of women pilots.

The local chapter of The Ninety-Nines, the Katahdin Wings, will be hosting the festivities in Fryeburg following the landing of the last race team. On Saturday, June 23, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Eastern Slopes Regional Airport will hold an open house, Aviation Youth Event, and Hiring Fair. Windham resident, Twyla Rogers has been a member of the Ninety-Nines.

The public is invited to this free event and welcome to stop by the airport to learn more about aviation. The Youth Event will have a hands-on display, active learning stations, static displays of aircraft and aviation-related activities, as well as an opportunity to meet the women air racers. Reservations are recommended for the Youth Event for planning purposes and may be made by calling Karissa Davan at 919-601-3566 or e-mailing 99skidsaviation@gmail.com.

For information about the events at Eastern Slope Regional Airport contact the Air Race Classic Stop Chair, Brenda Thibodeau, at brenda@greenthumbfarms.com or call 207-592-9342. More information about the Air Race Classic can be found at airraceclassic.org, and more information about The Ninety-Nines is at ninety-nines.org.

Windham High School Class of 2018 Top Ten Graduates

NUMBER 1

Dominic Agneta

My name is Dominic Agneta and I will be attending UMaine in the fall to major in mechanical engineering. I would like to thank all my science teachers at WHS, especially Mr. Rathbun and Mr. Hanaburgh, who have all helped to cultivate me as a learner. In my spare time, I enjoy fixing cars with my Dad, kayaking, dirt bike riding, and building robots with my physics class.

NUMBER 2

John Burnell

My name is Jack Burnell and I’ll be attending UMO this fall to study biochemistry. During high school, I participated in Spanish Honor Society and Interact Club. I’d like to thank my family, my hilarious friends and the fantastic teachers I’ve had at Windham High School for keeping me both focused and amused. Best of luck to everyone in the class of 2018!

NUMBER 3

Elizabeth McBride

My name is Elizabeth McBride and I’ll be attending the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in psychology. My goal is to work in the tech industry, helping to develop new media that is less harmful to mental health. There’s never been a dull moment these past four years, as I’ve kept myself busy with Young Life, Windham Chamber Singers, theater, and many other great extra-curricular activities, and am the proud recipient of this year’s Principal’s Award. I love my town and state but can’t wait for the adventures ahead of me in the golden state of California.

NUMBER 4

Danielle Meader

My name is Dani Meader and next year I’ll be going to the University of Vermont to major in business. While in high school, I’ve been a captain of cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track, as well as the Vice President of National Honor Society. I’ve also participated in Windham Chamber Singers and Be The Influence Coalition. I would like to thank my wonderful teachers, coaches, friends, and family who have helped me grow as an individual and leader throughout these years. I hope to make them proud, wherever my future may take me.

NUMBER 5

Logan Cropper

My name is Logan Cropper and I have been involved in several extra-curricular activities, including the Windham Chamber Singers, National Honor Society, Be The Influence Coalition, and Theatre Tech. I am a three-sport varsity athlete, and compete with Science Olympiad, where I have been a two-event state champion. I enjoy being outdoors and adventuring with friends, creating music on various instruments and vocally, and working with computers and electronic systems. I will be attending Brigham Young University in the fall, majoring in electrical engineering. The following year, I plan to take a two-year service mission for my church, after which I will complete my education at BYU.

NUMBER 6

Elizabeth Lucas

My name is Elizabeth Lucas. In the fall I will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in biochemistry. I hope to one day work in the field of genetics and DNA. My dream would be to do work and participate in research that saves lives. I would like to thank my family for their endless support, and for listening to my countless “science facts.”

NUMBER 7

Grace Sawyer

My name is Grace Sawyer, and I will be attending Clark University in the fall. There I plan to become involved in various clubs, such as Clark’s Rapid Response EMS service, which I hope will help me earn a biology degree on a pre-medicine track. While you might (or hopefully won’t) see me in the emergency room sporting a white coat in the future, for now you can see me wearing a field hockey jersey on the Clark Turf.

NUMBER 8

Amanda O’Connor

My name is Amanda O’Connor and I will be attending Emerson College this fall for Creative Writing. I hope to one day become a writer. I want to stay in New England and look forward to spending the next four years, maybe even more, in Boston. I have enjoyed my time at Windham High School and cannot wait to embark on this new adventure.

NUMBER 9

Dylan Varney

In the fall I will be studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine in Orono, as a member of the Honors College. I am forever grateful to my mother and father, who have supported me through all the highs and lows with the same constant and abiding affection. Without my family I would not be where I am today, thank you for giving me everything and helping me to pursue my dreams.

NUMBER 10

Noah Hall

My name is Noah Hall and I will be attending the University of Southern Maine next fall in pursuit of a music education degree. Throughout high school, I have been involved in many activities, including WHSXC, indoor/outdoor track, Portland Youth Wind Ensemble, and Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra (both of which I was principal trumpet). I also participated in numerous music festivals, including District 2 Honors Band, District 2 Honors Jazz Band, and Maine All State Orchestra. I would like to thank Dr. Trae Blanco, Betty McIntyre, and Hanna Flewelling for teaching me the importance of music and supporting me through my journey