Music with a Mission features the concert “Broadway & Beyond”

Singers Emily Ann Cain, Kelly Caufield and Matthew Small, along with pianist Dr. Laura Artesani, will perform “Broadway & Beyond” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 4 at the North Windham Union Church as part of the organization’s Music with a Mission series. 

The upcoming concert will mark the sixth straight summer concert for this popular local ensemble. This original “Broadway & Beyond” team of friends has joined forces to perform musical theater, pop standards and more for nearly two decades; often in support of worthy causes, including Special Olympics Maine and others. These New England-based entertainers relish the opportunity to connect with one another and their audiences through music.

Aside from their many concert appearances as soloists and ensemble members, Cain, Caufield and Small have appeared together with the University of Maine Singers, UMaine School of Performing Arts productions, Renaissance/The Maine Steiners acapella groups, Schoolhouse Arts Center at Sebago Lake and other performing arts organizations. Dr. Artesani worked with the trio of singers for several years as their music professor at UMaine.

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 its sixth season, MWAM has provided
over $57,000 for mission support to the church and other community organizations. The “Broadway & Beyond” performers have once again decided to support Special Olympics Maine with the community proceeds from this concert.

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 and through the church office from 9a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. 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.

Windham Town Council repeals moratorium ordinance by Lorraine Glowczak

The Windham Town Council met on Tuesday evening July 24 in the Council Chambers to discuss a variety of agenda items, including the discussion and action on the moratorium ordinance on development within the Highland Lake Watershed. The vote to lift the moratorium passed, four to three.

Briefly, a moratorium was established on September 12, 2017 to prohibit any development on Highland Lake. It was extended on April 24, 2018 which lifted the ban on single home/residential construction; but placed limits upon subdivisions and site plans until September 20, 2018.

The lift of the moratorium included discussion and concerns among the Council prior to the vote including public comment on the issue.

Three members of the Highland Lake Association addressed the council. Rosie Hartzler, Dennis Brown and John MacKinon all expressed their appreciation to the Council for their collaborative efforts and cooperation regarding the environmental concerns facing Highland Lake. They were in support of lifting the moratorium as long as a third-party review was established to prevent overdevelopment in the watershed.

“I am comfortable to have the moratorium lifted,” Brown addressed the Council. “But before you vote this evening, please consider putting in place a third-party review.”

Hartzler agreed with Brown adding, “the alarm is still ringing.”

Comments and concerns from the Council included the following:

Councilman Nangle encouraged members of the Highland Lake Community to “keep their foot on the gas and keep us posted” with any possible changes in the watershed. Councilwoman Cummings agreed with the importance of putting a third-party review in place and stated that she would vote against the repeal until that review process was in place. Councilman Muir and Council Chair Chapman also expressed concerns about subdivision projects going forward without an established third-party review. Councilman Maxfield requested clarification regarding the definition of a third-party review asking, “What does it mean? How will it be implemented?”

Upon deliberation, the repeal passed with Council members Haskell, Nangle, Maxfield and Welch voting for the moratorium lift.

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.

Evergreen Credit Union reveals winner of $12,000 jet ski fundraiser raffle

There is one lucky Cumberland County resident who is a very happy raffle winner. Evergreen Credit Union announced that Paula Christensen, a Standish resident and longtime account holder in their Windham branch, is the winner of a Yamaha EX WaveRunner Jet Ski. She is the sole winner of a 2-month fundraising raffle held to raise funds for the local non-profits: Portland Trails, food pantries and lake associations. The winning ticket was picked by Jim Davenport, President of Long Lake Marina, who also donated the jet ski.

“The $6,100 raised from this raffle helps us make more donations in the many communities we serve,” stated Jason Lindstrom, President/CEO of Evergreen. “In addition, the promotion highlights a very generous local business while creating excitement for the hundreds of raffle participants who set their eyes on a new jet ski; a win-win for all!”

The jet ski also has special meaning to the winner. “My sister is currently battling pancreatic cancer, and I visit her regularly to make sure that I get in as many visits as possible. But she lives across the lake from me, and it takes about 20 minutes in the car. Well, today that just changed. Now I can see her quickly and it will be so much easier. I had a good feeling about winning. I guess someone was looking over us.”

Evergreen Credit Union is one of Maine’s largest credit unions and offers mortgage, consumer, and business services, with branches in Portland, South Portland, Windham and Naples.

Martin’s Point Health Care makes an impact on Riding To The Top programs

Martin’s Point Health Care recently contributed $1,000 to support Riding To The Top’s summer programs, but a group of employees wanted to do more! So nine members of the Martin’s Point Health Care marketing team signed up to do “whatever is needed” and found themselves directed to the horse paddocks. Executive Director, Sarah Bronson, noted “In order to offer our services we need happy and healthy horses. Keeping their living spaces clean is vital to their health—and with a herd of 18, there is constantly work to be done!” According to Bronson, community volunteers and corporate work groups donated nearly 12,000 hours last year, working in lessons, caring for horses and maintaining the facilities.

Russ Phillips, Martin’s Point Manager of Marketing and Community Engagement added, “Our group really enjoyed seeing Riding To The Top staff in action, working with a client rider. It brought home the value of this organization’s work in our community and we left knowing our volunteer efforts were supporting a great cause.”

  

About Martin’s Point Health Care

Martin's Point Health Care is a progressive, not-for-profit organization uniquely providing both CARE and COVERAGE to the people of Maine and beyond for more than 35 years. Headquartered in Portland, they offer primary and specialty care at seven health care centers in southern Maine and New Hampshire. They also administer two health insurance plans: Generations Advantage, the largest Medicare Advantage plan in Maine, and the US Family Health Plan (TRICARE Prime®) for military families and retirees in northern New England, New York, and Pennsylvania. 

 

About Riding To the Top

Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center (RTT) was founded in 1993. Our mission is enhancing health and wellness through equine assisted activities and therapies. Located just west of Portland in Windham, Maine, RTT is the state’s only year round PATH Intl. accredited center (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) solely dedicated to Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies. More than 250 clients visit annually, assisted by certified instructors, a herd of 18 horses and over 160 volunteers; all specially trained to assist with therapeutic riding, carriage driving and hippotherapy. Riding To The Top is a community-based nonprofit, receives no federal or state funding and provides scholarships to over 60 percent of its clients.  For more information about client services, volunteering, or making a gift, please visit us at www.ridingtothetop.org or call 892-2813.

Rep. Fay selected for leadership program

State Representative Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, was selected to participate in the 2018 Emerging Leaders Program, sponsored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

The program is held every year on the campus of the University of Virginia for a select group of state legislators who have been nominated by the legislative leaders from their state. Leaders are asked to nominate one or more members who, by their actions, have demonstrated qualities associated with leadership: integrity, compassion, intelligence, vision and common sense.

“It was an honor to be nominated and selected to participate in this program,” said Fay. “Meeting and working with legislators from all over the country and of all political stripes reinforced for me the importance of listening, understanding and trust among our elected officials. I will work to build even better relationships with my colleagues in the Maine Legislature and use the tools we discussed in the program to continue working on behalf of my constituents.”

The goal of the Emerging Leaders Program is to inspire those selected to continue their careers in public service. Class discussions examine qualities and characteristics of leadership including ethical leadership, the art of compromise, coalition building and the philosophical underpinnings of representative democracy.

Fay is one of only 50 state legislators chosen from a nationwide pool of over 200 nominees. “These legislators represent the best in our legislative institutions and are destined for future leadership roles in their state,” said Stephen G. Lakis, President of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. “Spending time with these up-and-coming leaders renews my confidence in our country’s great democratic experiment.”

Fay is serving her first term in the Maine Legislature and represents part of Casco, part of Poland and part of Raymond.

Windham veterans provide for brothers in arms by Colby Willis

A year and a half ago Henry “Chuck” Whynot was visiting the Portland Veterans Center to donate some goods to those veterans who were in need. When he arrived however, he came to find that the pantry, a vital source of food for the homeless and financially struggling veterans of the Greater Portland Area, was empty. Chuck couldn’t let that stand. So, he went down to American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 in Windham, where he is a service officer, to see what could be done.

Since that moment one and a half years ago, Chuck and the other veterans of Windham’s Legion Post have been gathering donations from within and around the Greater Windham Community. However, the fight to help struggling veterans has been an uphill battle.

The contributions they are able to provide have a meaningful impact on the food situation of thirty families or homeless veterans a month. However, they would like to do more.

Each Wednesday morning, the veterans of Post 148 gather for a coffee social, giving an opportunity for the country’s best to chat, drink coffee and eat donuts. Not only do they spend time together, but they donate food and money to help those who also served that aren’t quite as fortunate.

I was lucky enough to visit during one of these events. The atmosphere was lively and busy, the walls adorned with the Legion Post of the Year banners, five years running - something those at the Post seemed quite proud of. Chuck and Adjutant Finance Officer, Dave Tanguay, gathered donations from those who were in attendance that wished to contribute.

However, there is only so much that the veterans of Windham can provide, and Chuck would like to extend a call to arms. Anyone who wants to donate is more than welcome to stop by the Post every Wednesday from 9:00 to11:00 a.m. at 35 Veterans Memorial Drive, tucked away behind the Hannaford. There they collect donations of non-perishable foods, as well as money which they use to buy a variety of goods for those struggling veterans of the Greater Portland Area.

This is a marathon, not a sprint, and donations are always appreciated as every little bit counts. If you cannot make it on Wednesday mornings but still wish to donate, contact Chuck Whynot at (207)-749-1944.

Disc golfers aim to ace it for the Children’s Miracle Network

Disc golfers from all over New England will converge on the baskets at Bittersweet Ridge, located here, to compete and raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network and Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital during the 6th Annual Children's Miracle Network Disc Golf Fundraiser. The event will take place Jul 22, 2018.

Norris Inc. is a Champion-Level Sponsor for the event that has raised close to $50,000 for the CMN and BBCH during its 5 years at Bittersweet Ridge.

The importance of sponsorship

Asked why these sorts of fund-raising endeavors were so important, Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital Philanthropy Manager Kate Richardson explained it was all about helping the children. “We

use any money from an event like this to fund additional programs for the kids,” Richardson said. “We use it to provide more advanced equipment and the most state of the art care. It also allows us to provide things like a hospital-based teacher, a music therapy program and therapy dog program.”

Joe Souliere is not just Norris Inc.’s Senior CAD Designer and Project Manager he’s also a disc golf champ in his own right who is participating in the CMN Disc Golf Fundraiser this year for the second time since its inception. Souliere says helping the BBCH and the CMN in this way is a no-brainer.

“Growing the sport and encouraging the next generation of disc golfers are two of the major goals in the disc golf community,” Souliere said. “When we can use that community involvement to help an organization that does so much for children when they need it the most, we leap at it.”

Bittersweet Ridge coordinator Nicole Russell agreed

“The event brought in about 120 people last year,” Russell said. “They were primarily from Maine, but it has drawn a small crew from New Hampshire in the past, as well.” Russell said that she had been sharing the registration information to other state disc golf Facebook pages and knew that they would do well again this year. Last year, the disc golfers who converged on Bittersweet Ridge helped to raise $7,500 and then a corporate sponsor matched it, giving $15,000 to the CMN and BBCH.

Helping to fund improvements

 Richardson said that all the money raised from past fund-raiser tournaments has helped the BBCH to implement a whole laundry list of improvements, including the new Angel Two, a dedicated pediatric critical care ambulance.

“In 2016 we fully renovated the pediatric intensive care unit and relocated and redesigned it into a new unit for kids. We have a new pediatric ambulance that was funded by community support, fully equipped with child sized equipment,” Richardson said. “They know when they're doing a transport from one place to another, they have an emergency care unit on wheels.”

Giving back

Ben O’Brion is the event organizer on the disc golf side. He has worked hand-in-hand with the folks at Bittersweet Ridge over the years to be sure the event maximizes the benefits to the CMN and BBCH.

“Being a father of two little girls, 9 and 12, I understand the importance of what CMN and BBCH do for the children and their parents,” he said. “I have witnessed first-hand, with friends of mine and family, the impact they have in providing a wonderful environment for the children and the families that stay with them … I want to be a part of [that].”

Good folks having an impact

Richardson said the impact of the fund raiser event couldn’t be overestimated.

“The group of folks that come out are just the best. They have hearts of gold,” She said. “They’re there to raise money for the kids as much as they are to play a sport that they love. It makes such a difference when people choose to support.”

O’Brion said there were definite plans to keep on and to continue to help wherever they could.

“When the disc golf community sees a need they go full force to satisfy that need and take care of those in it,” He said. “No place I would rather be but with these kinds of people.”

BBCH is the only fully accredited children’s hospital in the state and is home to some of the only pediatric specialists in the state. The BBCH sees on average about 100,000 patient visits a year and serves the eastern most counties in New Hampshire as well. The hospital’s goal is to provide the very best health care for families as close to home as possible. BBCH is located inside Maine Medical Center. The Children’s Miracle Network also has a pretty broad network of specialty and outpatient clinics throughout the state.

Sixth annual “Lobstah Bake” to be held at Faith Lutheran Church

Members of the Faith Lutheran Church, 988 Roosevelt Trail, North Windham, are elated to announce

that their sixth annual fundraising “Lobstah Bake” will be held on Sunday, August 5 with two different seatings available at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The lobsters arrive fresh from a Vinalhaven lobster boat the morning of the event and the meal includes one lobster, ½ pound of steamers, corn on the cob, potatoes, coleslaw, blueberry cobbler, and lemonade. Tickets are $20. The same meal with two lobsters is $25. A hotdog or a hamburger meal, with the same side options, is also available for $10. Single lobsters to take home are also available upon special order for $5 each.

Lobsters fresh from Vinalhaven. Order yours today.

“This fundraiser is really an event for the whole Windham community - not just the members of our church,” stated Jane Field, Pastor of Faith Lutheran. “It's a chance for old friends to reconnect and for new friendships to form as people gather under the tents to enjoy delicious lobster caught just hours before in Vinalhaven. Everyone in our congregation gets involved in putting this on, and you can really see the incredible spirit of hospitality and welcome that is at the very heart of their faith. The money we raise goes to support the work of the church, including our ongoing involvement in the Monday Meals Program and our extraordinary music leadership program for teen artists; led by our beloved and phenomenally talented Music Director, David Hansen, and our audio and technology expert, David Muise. The sign out in front of our church says, ‘All Are Welcome,’ and that's true every Sunday - but it's especially true on Sunday, August 5 when all are truly welcome to join us in enjoying great lobster and supporting a good cause." 

To place your order for “Lobstah Bake” tickets or for lobsters to take home, contact Melinda Zimmer-Rankin before July 31 at 749-9503.

Summer reading is for the dogs (and cats) by Briana Bizier

Are you looking for a way to encourage your children to read more this summer? The Raymond Village Library is here to help.

Children of all ages are welcome to join Raymond Village Library’s Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is music, and the library is hosting special events the entire month of July to celebrate. Stop by to sign up for the program and receive a bag with a monthly calendar of all the library’s special events, two Seadogs tickets, a bookmark, a reading tally sheet, and a whistle.

This summer, the Raymond Village Library has partnered with local animal shelters to offer special rewards to young readers. Children who join the reading program are able to set their own goals by planning on reading, or being read to, a certain number of minutes per week or a certain number of books per week. The readers, or their parents, keep track of books or minutes read on the tally sheet. Each time the readers meet their goal, they’ll be given the chance to win a special prize for a cat or dog.

Prizes of cat and dog toys, treats, and food are on display in the children’s section of the Raymond Library. When a young reader completes their goal for the week, they have the chance to decorate a special gift tag with their name, select a prize for the shelter animals and move the tagged prize to a separate shelf. At the end of the summer, all the “prizes” will be delivered to the animal shelters with the children's tags attached. This summer, the more kids read, the happier local dogs and cats will be!

Stop by the Raymond Village Library for your chance to support your local animal shelter, read great books, and have fun at your library this summer.

Windham Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief retires after many years of service by Matt Pascarella

Deputy Chief David Nichols with Deputy Chief Jim Poitras and Captain Ken Thorpe at the South Windham Fire Station. Submitted photo

Deputy Chief David Nichols has been a member of the Windham Fire Department since he was 15 years old. He followed in the footsteps of his dad and hero, Ernie Nichols. “It was part of the family business; giving back to the community,” Nichol states. “It was always part of our family tradition.”

Nichols retired on June 1st after serving the Windham community for 34 years.

His dad, Ernie Nichols, was a fire fighter in the South Windham Village for 25 years and left in 1981 as Deputy Fire Chief; he’s now 82. Deputy Chief David Nichols grew up around the fire station and being around the other firefighters he became aware of the lifestyle; he realized he wanted to help others in the same way as his dad.

Nichols started in August of 1984 at the age of 15 as a junior member in South Windham. By the age of 18, he had become a lieutenant. In 1993, he moved to North Windham and became a captain shortly after, beginning his role as Deputy Chief approximately 10 years later.

After some initial training, Nichols became a member of the Portland Fire Department in 1999. He has been in this highly sought after and competitive position for 19 years and is currently a lieutenant. He will continue to serve on the Portland Fire Department.

Serving the community has been very rewarding. Nichols states that when the phone rings and someone is having their worst possible day he, and the other firefighters, want to do their best to help and try to find the positive in that worst day. For Nichols, the good outweighs the bad.

Nichols will miss his firefighting family in Windham. Nichols thanks his dad, his wife Jen and his two kids, Tim and Steph; he thanks them for their patience and sacrifice. Nichols would also like to thank the individuals who have mentored him along the way: Chief Dolby, Chief Hammond and Chief Libby and his first Captain, Jim Poitras.

“It’s been very rewarding…” reflects Nichols.

He plans to spend his extra time with his family, as well as participating in two of his favorite activities, hunting and fly fishing.

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce welcomes new Executive Director by Lorraine Glowczak

Lynn Mansfield

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has recently appointed Lynn Mansfield as their new Executive Director. Mansfield, who began her position approximately one month ago, has many professional and personal experiences that will contribute to the Chamber’s commitment to supporting Lakes Region businesses in meeting their economic successes and goals.

This is not the first time Mansfield has held the position of director. She was the State Executive Director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for ten years until the MADD Maine office closed its doors. Unfortunately, she became involved in the organization two years after she lost her own brother to a drunk driving crash in 1996. Her role as director was to educate the public on MADD’s mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims in this violent crime and to prevent underage drinking.

During her time there, she worked closely with a diverse group of volunteers, much like she will at the Chamber. “My new position with the Chamber allows me to continue my work with volunteers as we strive to foster and sustain economic growth and prosperity throughout our region by promoting commerce,” stated Mansfield. “While the mission may differ, it takes an extraordinary person to volunteer their time and talents to the community. I hope to use my experience working with the legislature, media, educators, program sponsors and high-profile agencies to propel the Chamber forward as it seeks new opportunities for growth.”

In addition to her experience as an executive director, she also knows a thing or two about entrepreneurship and running her own business. Loving to bake, she created a specialty bakery, Lulu’s Cupcakes. Mansfield was such a success with that endeavor that she entered and made it to the final elimination round of the Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover Challenge in 2012. “The experience took me out of my comfort zone and while I didn’t win the food spot (or the million dollars), the confidence I gained continues to pay dividends.” 

She also enjoys the art of natural light photography which has been a profitable business for her as well.

But her talents and professional experiences do not end there. Mansfield and her husband, Cary, are parents to ten children ranging in ages 27 to 10. How does that contribute to her role as the director of the Chamber? “People often ask me to describe what it’s like to raise ten children and my answer is always ‘controlled chaos,’” explained Mansfield. “I’ve learned how to balance a large workload with the needs of ten very different people and multitasking is my superpower. It takes a fair amount of diplomacy to maintain harmony and while I haven’t figured out how to clone myself yet, I’ve learned to find creative solutions to achieve balance. I measure my success as a mother by ensuring that my children feel valued at the end of the day. Working with a board of directors is similar, in that our members bring something unique to the table based on industry and life experiences. Identifying their strengths and interests allows me to offer volunteer opportunities that provide the most value for their contributions. Like a large family, there’s a place for everyone.”

And speaking of those children, it is also important to mention Mansfield homeschooled them. “When MADD closed its Maine office, I looked at it as an opportunity to invest more time in my growing family and homeschooling felt like a natural extension.” Mansfield said. “It’s an absolute privilege to be present for a child’s educational milestones, to watch a face light up with each new accomplishment. Children often have different learning styles, so being able to provide a curriculum that teaches to their strengths has been such a gift.”

The accumulation of experiences has not only helped her build a certain level of strength and knowledge to assist businesses in the region, but it has also helped her clearly define what her plans are in the next six months or so. “I’m fortunate to be joining the Chamber at a time when its board is open to pursuing positive changes that will expand outreach and provide more value for membership,” stated Mansfield. “During the coming year, I hope to be a catalyst for the economic success of our members by strengthening efforts to advocate for their business interests. We need to re-engage our members and find out what they need from the Chamber. I’ve already discerned the need to provide more meaningful networking opportunities and step up our efforts with marketing support. Chamber membership is a great way to increase visibility and connection to the community and we wouldn’t be able to offer new programs and improve services without the generous support of our sponsors. We are fortunate to have so many member businesses that are vested in our growth. As I find my groove in my position, my goal is to reach out, strengthen those partnerships and provide more value for their contributions.”

Not only is Mansfield excited to be a part of the Chamber, the members and its board are very happy that she is a part of this organization. “Lynn Mansfield has come into the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber at a time of great change for the organization and the community,” stated Michelle Libby, Chamber President. “We are excited to have her at the helm to enable the business communities we serve to band together to work as a unified group for the success of all. Lynn has an engaging personality and makes everyone she meets feel comfortable and welcome. We are very lucky to have her.”

An update on investigation into Maine’s child protective system by Sen. Bill Diamond

Sen. Diamond

As responsible and caring citizens, we have a profound responsibility to lookout for the safety and well-being of Maine kids, especially when it comes to reporting signs of abuse or neglect. However, those reports mean nothing if the proper infrastructure isn't in place to follow through on these reports and remove children from harmful situations. It doesn’t matter who’s at fault; a strained child protective system is bad for our kids and society as a whole. The alarming fact is - kids are being severely abused and the only reason we don't have names is because these abused kids haven't died yet.

Last week, the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee (GOC) met again to receive an update on the investigation into the tragic deaths of Kendall Chick and Marissa Kennedy and to get answers to some of our most pressing questions. What I learned was very concerning. But what was most revealing was the lack of information and cooperation from the Department of Health and Human Services, which is extremely frustrating. The fact is this: the system currently being used to identify and protect abused kids is badly broken.

Much of our meeting involved taking a deep dive into the Child Protection Intake process, which I did find to be informative. In Maine, when a mandated reporter or a concerned citizen submits a report, there are three paths forward. If the report is found to not contain sufficient allegations of abuse or neglect in accordance with statute, the case is closed. If the report does contain credible allegations that are consistent with state law, then the report is referred to the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) for a child protective assessment. The Alternative Response Program (ARP) is an option used to assist OCFS for low-moderate cases. However, too many reported cases are never even given the initial investigation because these reports fall through some very large cracks. 

Regardless of the process, reports and caseloads are up and we need to do something to make sure caseworkers have the tools, resources and support they need to manage their caseload and keep kids safe. Right now, caseloads are too high and staff is ill-equipped to meet the increase in calls to the hotline. Some people have reported being put on hold for over an hour while waiting to report cases  of abuse.  

One of the ongoing challenges in this investigation is obtaining the information. While it shouldn't be this difficult, there have been a number of unnecessary roadblocks, with the latest being the failure of the Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner to show up to the last GOC meeting per order of the governor. He has the answers to some very important questions that will help us fix the system and the governor needs to allow the Commissioner to work with us.

If we are going make sure this tragedy never happens again, we need to all work together to create a robust child protection system that best meets the needs of our children and our state. Innocent children who are being severely abused need to be rescued,  not left to suffer at the hands of cruel and demented abusers. We can only fix this system if lawmakers (Democrats, Republicans and Independents), the governor and the Department all roll-up our sleeves and work together to make it happen. Time is of the essence and every day we sit around spinning our wheels is another day of horror and torture for these abused children.

Since the start of this investigation, I’ve received an extraordinary amount of information from professionals who report possible cases of child abuse and neglect. It's become frustratingly obvious that the Department has failed to follow up on too many cases. To me, this is more than a red flag; it's a scream pleading for help. And I want answers.

I urge anyone with information related to Maine’s child protective system to contact me at diamondhollyd@aol.com or (207) 287-1515. As we go forward with this investigation and fixing this broken system, it’s imperative that we have all the information necessary to do our job. I know there are people out there who have experiences with the Department and could be extremely helpful. After all, Maine children are counting on us.

Faith Lutheran Church to host a large three-day yard sale

The Faith Lutheran Church located at 988 Roosevelt Trail in Windham will hold a three-day yard sale from Thursday, July 12 to Saturday, July 14, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The yard sale will feature a wide variety of valuable and beautiful treasures to include antique furniture and dishes, eclectic vintage items, clothing and toys.

Although many items have been donated by church members and friends, a large portion of the

upscale yard sale selections are from a vintage and antique shop in Bridgton. “I have been a part of a group shop for six years and have decided to step back and retire from antique retail,” explained church member and yard sale organizer, Dori Madsen. “I had three booths, so I have a lot of things and nowhere to put them. It all must go, so there will be plenty of items for sale.”

Madsen stated that many objects are chic collectables and upscale furniture such as an antique china cabinet, drop front secretary desks, oak dresser drawers with a mirror, bookcases, wooden stands and tables as well as a wooden saddle holder - to name just a few.

“I also have a lot of beautiful clothing from the shop,” Madsen stated. “That doesn’t include the clothing and other items that have been donated.”

Proceeds of the yard sale will go toward a new memorial garden on the church grounds as well as the church’s mission fund. “A portion of our sales will go back into the community,” explained Madsen. “In the past, we have provided monetary donations on the local level to include the RSU14’s Backpack Program and Village Funds, Windham Food Pantry and the free weekly Monday Meals to name a few. We also contribute to national and international non-profit and social justice organizations that help others live a full life.”

If there are any items left over once the yard sale ends, Madsen will continue to hold a private sale at her home in Naples throughout the rest of the summer. Proceeds from the items donated by church members and family that did not sale during the three-day event, will continue to go toward the church’s mission fund at Madsen’s private sale.

To donate new or gently used, clean and in good working order items to Faith Lutheran’s yard sale or for more information, contact Madsen at 207-233-3805.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Windham Farmers Market

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce helped the Windham Economic Development Corporation celebrate the grand opening of the Windham Farmers Market at Turning Leaf with a celebratory ribbon cutting. The event included a delicious sampling of goods offered by local vendors, from organic vegetables, pastured meats, locally brewed beers, crafts and more. Several members of the SLRCC were in attendance, but the visiting calves and the Pond Lilies stole the show. 

About the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce: The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, representing the towns of Casco, Gray, Limerick, Limington, Naples, New Gloucester, Raymond, Sebago, Standish and Windham, is one of the most active chambers in the State of Maine. It is comprised of business members ranging from young entrepreneurs and ‘mom & pop’ shops to the largest employers in our region.

Faculty spotlight on Phil Rosetti by Matt Pascarella

Phil Rosetti

Assistant principal, Phil Rosetti has been in the district, in one capacity or another for over twenty years. He began his career in 1996, right out of college, as a social studies teacher at Windham High School.

Rosetti loved working with his Social Studies teacher during high school and that individual inspired him to become an educator. “I think that connection you make with people is important,” he explained. Education and working with kids is something he has always enjoyed.

In college, he investigated a couple career options, including sports medicine and journalism. By the end of his sophomore year, his passion for history and working with kids lead him to teach social studies. “I made that decision and have not regretted it since.”

Rosetti’s love of athletics steered him to coaching at Windham High. His passion for football is what created the first football team. He, along with the basketball coach at the time, Kevin Millington, organized the team in 1999.

During the late 1990s, some students were not feeling like they were a part of the community and creating the football team helped to solve that issue, at least for those who joined the football team.

“These were kids, who may have been disassociated with school - once they put those jerseys on they were proud of who they were, proud of what they represented and proud of their community and school,” Rosetti said.

In 2015-2016 he moved to South Portland High School becoming assistant principal for one year. He found his way back to Windham and became a full-time assistant principal working with at risk youth.  “I’m looking to make a connection to help kids learn from their mistakes.”

“Windham has been home for me,” says Rosetti. “I’ve made so many great connections with so many people within the community. It’s a really nurturing place with people who really care about kids and want the best for them.”

Rosetti lives in Raymond with his wife, Sara and 7-year-old daughter, Maria. He enjoys golfing and travelling with his family.

Mike Gilman represents Windham at third annual Varsity Maine Awards by Matt Pascarella

Some of the state’s best and brightest athletes gathered at the University of Southern Maine’s Portland Campus to be honored in the third annual Varsity Maine Awards. Senior Mike Gilman was nominated as a finalist in early June, by his basketball coach, Chad Pulkkinen, for ‘Play of the Year.’ This was for a shot Gilman made during the Class AA North tournament game against Portland.

Mike Gilman

Windham had been trailing Portland for a majority of the Class AA North semifinals game until Gilman sunk a three-point shot with the clock winding down. Windham was then able to hold off Portland leading to a very celebrated victory as excited fans rushed the stage after Windham shut down number one seeded Portland, 55-53.

Gilman remembers that game and that moment. “It all went by pretty quick; I wasn’t expecting to be that open. It was just what we needed.”

“A lot of the best athletes in the state are here, so just to be a part of that, I feel pretty good,” remarked Gilman. He said it felt good to be nominated and recognized for the shot, but it was a team goal. He has Coach Pulkkinen to thank for calling the play and his teammates to thank for helping to execute it well. 

 “Such a monumental shot, not only for Mike, but for the entire team and what they’ve been able to do together over the last three years with me,” commented coach Chad Pulkkinen on why he nominated Mike for the Varsity Award.

Pulkkinen continues, “Without Mike, teammate Nick Curtis as well as some of the seniors, we wouldn’t be in this situation to have recognition of a shot like that.”

Although Gilman was not selected from one of the five finalists, the hard work put forth by him and his teammates have made this town very proud.

Gilman will attend Thomas College in the fall.