Sen. Diamond announces STEM grant for Windham High School

WINDHAM – Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, announced the presentation of a $2,000 Talent Pipeline Grant to Windham High School on December 13 for the purpose of reinforcing the school’s STEM education program. The grant, provided by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), will support the school’s STEAM Chemistry and STEAM Physics programs.

“As a former educator, I know how important it is to get students ready for life after graduation,” said Sen. Diamond. “And as a legislator, I know all too well the economic challenges facing Maine. This grant will help students in these programs build the foundation for a rewarding career and help provide our great state with its next generation of highly skilled workers. I am very pleased to have played a role in directing these funds to Windham High School and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to prepare for Maine’s economic future.”

Sen. Diamond recommended Windham High School to receive the STEM Talent Pipeline Grant because of its commitment to educating students in the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering and math. (The ‘A’ in Windham High School’s STEAM acronym stands for art.)  The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies and awards the Talent Pipeline Grant in order to educate students in preparation for careers in the medical and biopharmaceutical fields. Other speakers at the event included Ryan Caron, Principal of Windham High School, and Laura Perloff, PhRMA’s Senior Director of Advocacy & Strategic Alliances.

Sen. Diamond represents Windham in the Maine Senate. He was recently sworn in for his third consecutive term, and ninth overall.

2018 National Heritage Fellowship recipients to perform in Raymond

The National Endowment for the Arts announced local community members, Don and Cindy Roy as the recipients of the 2018 National Heritage Fellowship. 

“We are excited and pleased that Don and Cindy Roy have been recognized for their work in the fiddling community by the National Endowment for the Arts,” said Maine Arts Commission Executive Director, Julie Richard. “The National Heritage Fellowship is a great honor and they are most deserving.” The couple were honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC, this past September, for their devotion to sustaining this traditional music style.

Don Roy is a champion fiddler with depth in many styles. His uniquely Maine sound has roots in New England, Quebec and the Canadian Maritimes. Don has been a pivotal member of many successful groups including the Maine French Fiddlers and Fiddle-icious, and currently performs internationally with the Don Roy Ensemble.

Don also crafts violins, violas, cellos and basses for musicians influenced by the methods of the Italian master luthiers.

Cindy, a former member of the Maine French Fiddlers, is well known for her step dancing piano accompaniment which is among the best in New England. Cindy grew up immersed in the melodies and rhythms of Franco-American music; her grandparents came to Maine from Prince Edward Island. Although she – like Don – began to play music on the guitar, she quickly turned to piano. Her accompaniment is fluid and rhythmic and provides a perfect foil to Don’s virtuosic fiddling.

Following the fiddle contest years, Don and Cindy pursued other avenues for their music, both locally and on the broader stage. From 1988 to 1996 they led the Maine French Fiddlers, performing at festivals and venues such as Wolf Trap, the National Folk Festival, Carnegie Hall and public radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion”.

They have been members of other ensembles in Maine and now perform as the Don Roy Trio, with longtime musical collaborator Jay Young on upright bass, at a range of venues, large and small, local and national. Don has also received three Individual Artist Fellowships from the Maine Arts Commission and the Harold Carter Memorial Award from the Down East Country Music Association.

Don and Cindy will perform with Erica Brown and Matt Shipman as the group “Side by Each”, for a night of Franco-American fiddling with a touch of bluegrass. Erica Brown began fiddling at a very early age and she performs all over New England, although her roots are Lewiston Maine. Erica’s husband Matt is a performer and teacher of acoustic and traditional music and plays a variety of stringed instruments. This group has performed together many times over the past few years and usually draws a big crowd. Their music is high quality and entertaining - not to mention Cindy’s step dancing at the keyboard!

This event is scheduled for Saturday, January 5 at 7:30 p.m. The venue is the Raymond Village Community Church at 27 Maine St., Raymond, Maine. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and there will be a short intermission and refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by the Raymond Arts Alliance, the same group that coordinated the New England Jazz Band concert at Hackers Hill in Casco, in July. There is a suggested donation of $10.

Lake Region Eagles: "People helping people"

By Lorraine Glowczak

It’s a known landmark in Windham - the long white farmhouse-style building on Route 302 just past the rotary. The sign, a proud Eagle with open wings surrounded in a circle, sits at the driveway entrance announcing you have reached the Lake Region Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) #4352. The building and sign are welcoming all who enter their 456 Roosevelt Trail location. But what exactly is FOE #4352?

Collette Gagnon, Social Service Administrative Assistant accepts check and donations from Eagle members Anne Sikora, Dawn Kime and LeRoy Dyer

It is a part of an international, non-profit organization that was established in Seattle, WA in 1898 to “unite in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice and equality. To make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.” The mission is to serve others, as often as possible, all year long.

FOE #4352 are exceptionally motivated to do what they can to provide help for those in need in the Lakes Region area. Although they provide help in many ways to individuals and organizations all year round, the holiday season is a perfect time to give and introduce the community to FOE and the importance of giving year round. A few members made a special trip to deliver non-perishable food items and present a check to the Windham Food Pantry on Monday, December 10.

Even though it is a season of giving, the trip to the food pantry was a way to ceremonially give their last monthly monetary donation of the year by presenting it in person. “It is the Lake Region Eagles mission to give a monetary donation every month to the food pantry,” stated the organization’s President, LeRoy Dyer. “We are simply a group of individuals who hope to help others’ lives become better in some way – that’s what we are about. We are simply people helping people,” he said trying to choke back tears.

The Windham Food Pantry is very appreciative of the Lake Region Eagle’s monthly efforts. “Their financial donation is something we count on every month,” stated Collette Gagnon, Social Service Administrative Assistant in charge of the Town of Windham’s Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. “The cash donations benefit us far more than any other donations because we can purchase what is needed.”

In addition to giving to the food pantry on a monthly basis, all 275 members of the Lake Region Eagles raise funds for others in need. In the past year that has included raising money for a family whose house burned down, individuals who faced medical crisis, funding a dog training program for someone who was in need of a service dog – to name just a few of their many contributions. “’People helping people’ is the organization’s motto,” began Dyer. “We give in whatever way we can to anyone who needs support – including helping individuals in our own organization.”

According to their national website, it states that 100% of the funds raised go towards helping others. “We use membership dues to cover [administrative] costs to ensure your full donation is being used to make a difference in the lives of the men, women and children in need.”

The Eagles organization has a long history of philanthropy efforts. The national website also states, “Since 1898, the F.O.E. has worked to establish a philanthropic legacy, becoming the first organization to donate $1 million to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, donating several hundred thousand in aid to help solidify the Truman Cardiovascular Lab and Heart Fund Research Lab at Sutton Medical Research Foundation, and our crown jewel - the $25 million Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center at the University of Iowa.”

It has been said that happiness consists of giving and serving others. If that statement is true, then FOE #4352 must be a group filled with exceptionally happy members. To learn more about the organization and to become a member, call 894-2242

Seventh grade students speak to legislators about the dangers of vaping

By Matt Pascarella

Each year, Eliza Adam’s seventh grade health class advocates for a topic to make the community healthier. This year, the students did research on the dangers of vaping and wrote letters expressing their concerns to President Trump, Governor Paul LePage and Senator Bill Diamond.

Students present their concerns to local leaders

On Wednesday, December 12, the students got to address several individuals in a discussion panel that included:  Senator Diamond, Representative Patrick Corey, Becky Smith from the American Heart Association, Nicole Heanssler from the American Cancer Society and Windham Town Council member, David Nadeau. High school student representatives from the Be the Influence Coalition were also in attendance. The forum took place at the Windham Middle School Library.

Adams described vaping as “a freight train coming right at our kids.” A number of students from Adams’s class each gave a fact about vaping they had learned in the course of their research. The panel asked who in the crowd of students knew someone who vaped and just about everyone raised their hands.

According to students’ research, vaping is one of the most addictive drugs and teens become addicted faster than adults. One of the most startling aspects of vaping is that there are no rules for listing ingredients. Romaine lettuce killed one person and it got heavily scrutinized; vaping kills nearly half a million people each year and it doesn’t receive the same scrutinization. The amount of teens vaping has gone up 75% in the last year.

After the students presented the panel with the facts, the panel asked questions of students. Some questions asked included what should be done to prevent vaping. Students stated that more education about this activity should be available, both for classes and for individuals who are aware they have a problem. Students also thought spreading the word about vaping’s dangers is important.

Officer Matt Cyr, who leads the Dare to Adventure Program, identified vaping as an unfortunate fad that has reached a level where some students don’t want to use the restroom due to people vaping in it.

Senator Diamond was very impressed by the work done and wanted these students to know that their concerns were being heard. “These kids had done a lot of research and that really impressed me, and I want to do whatever I can to help,” Diamond said. “We have a deadline for new legislation which is the 31^st of December, so this is ideal. If these students, one of them or some of them or all of them want me to put in legislation, I’ll do it. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity and I hope they take advantage of it.”

“It’s important for us, as young people, to have a voice in the community; to start making people realize that vaping is a bad thing to do and it’s really important for kids my age to start realizing they do have a voice and they can be heard if they want to,” said Ava Collins, a member of Adams’ class.

“This group of students are now spokespeople to anyone they speak with about vaping,” explained Adams. “From now on, these students can speak up in a way that’s highly educated. This sets them aside as leaders. Having these adults come in to listen to them and honor what they’ve learned...really gels that leadership role for the students.”

Raymond Village Library hosted a trip to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Coastal Maine Botanical Garden

By Briana Bizier

Raymond was well represented at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden’s annual Gardens Aglow holiday event on Thursday, December 6th. The Raymond Village Library coordinated a bus trip for adults and seniors which left Raymond just after noon, stopped for lunch along the way at The Taste of Maine restaurant, and arrived at the Botanical Gardens in Boothbay just as the sun was setting. The brilliant colors of the sunset over Maine’s coast blended perfectly with the colored lights of Gardens Aglow!

Gardens Aglow is one of the signature events in the Boothbay Lights celebration, an annual holiday tradition for coastal Maine which features bright, colorful lights decorating houses, fishing boats, and even vehicles.

As the solstice approaches and Maine’s cold nights stretch to almost fifteen hours of darkness, these cheerful lights bring a sense of comfort and celebration.

The Botanical Garden’s own Gardens Aglow festival is the largest and brightest light display in New England with over 650,000 lights. The entire display is outdoors, and the Botanical Garden recommends spending at least an hour walking through the decorated grounds. The 45 hardy travelers from Raymond braved subzero temperatures in order to see the displays. Happily, the Botanical Garden also provides a fire, hot chocolate, and several indoor areas to warm up.

“The trip went really well,” Sheila Bourque, President of the Raymond Village Library’s Board of Directors, said. “Everyone had a blast, and we got a lot of suggestions for what trips to plan next.”

In addition to bus trips like this one, the Raymond Village Library now offers extended hours specifically for seniors on Tuesday mornings from 9 to noon. Anyone is welcome to stop by the library for activities like a bridge club, crafts, reflexology sessions, and jewelry making. Be sure to also keep an eye on the Raymond Village Library’s website to sign up for the library’s next outing!

Cub Scout Pack 805 brightens the Christmas season for one family

By Matt Pascarella

During this festive time of year, Cub Scout Pack 805 would normally participate in a toy drive. This year, however, their original plan changed after Cubmaster Tony Sweet learned from a business in the Town of Windham that a local family was in need of help. Sweet knew Pack 805 would be happy to assist in helping brighten this family’s life for the holiday season.

Sweet had to switch gears a little, but he and the pack were able to come together and make it happen.  His expectations were far exceeded, as the gifts brought in by the scouts and their families almost spilled over the edges of the table they were placed on.

Sweet as well as his wife and committee chair, Torrey Sweet, will drop the toys and other collected items to the Windham Primary School’s counselor, Michelle Patch, who will sort and then wrap the items before dropping them off to the family.

“I am beyond ecstatic with what we were able to do, as I always am,” responded Cubmaster Sweet. “My main focus of being a Cubmaster and leader for the Windham pack is two-fold: give the youth of Windham the best program where there is fun, excitement, hard work and growth and, secondly,  help support the town and community I have lived in all my life. The kids and parents never cease to amaze and humble me, and the committee and leaders behind me are the reason my vision comes together.”

When asked why the toy drive was important, scout and Webelo rank, Mason Butterfield answered, “So people who are less fortunate to [have] Christmas presents and food can have those things and have a Happy Christmas with their family and friends.”

Windham Food Pantry needs “Stocking Stuffers” for Windham children and teens

The Windham Delegation is making arrangements to collect donations that will be used by “Gift Certificates” and then given to the Windham Food Pantry who will then give to families as “Stocking Stuffers” for children who will not be getting many presents this Christmas.

For more information on how to contribute to this very worthy cause for Windham children call:

Sen. Bill Diamond. -  207-892-8941

Rep. Patrick Corey – 207-749-1336

Rep. Mark Bryant - 207-650-4086

Any amount is welcome, and all donations are tax deductible. The deadline for contributions is Tuesday, December 18.

Egg money to hatch great things at Riding To The Top

Allie Mannette is an eight-year-old budding equestrian who raises chickens at her family farm in Standish. Every year she sells her eggs and her handmade Christmas decorations at her grandparent’s family hosted craft fair in Gorham and then donates the money to charity.

Allie with Lily the horse and Sarah Bronson

In the past she has donated to the Animal Refuge League and to her school’s Back Pack Project that provide weekend meals for kids in need. This year she has decided to donate all the money she made to Riding To The Top (RTT) because of how highly her grandparents have spoken of the local nonprofit.

Her grandparents -- Mary Jane and Gerry Strumph attended RTT’s annual signature event, the Triple B ~ “Boots, Band and BBQ” in October as guests of their friends, the Vances. It was their first introduction to Riding To The Top and the impact that the organization has on the health and wellness of people with disabilities and their families.

On Thursday, December 6 Mannette visited RTT with her mom, Natalie Hodgdon, as well as with her grandparents and she got to see firsthand how her donation will make a difference. Mannette observed a lesson, toured the farm and met some of the 19 horses at RTT.  “After I heard about the event that my grandparents went to and what it was for, I thought it would be nice to donate here.” 

Mannette’s egg and crafts fair proceeds this year totaled $126 which she presented to Executive Director, Sarah Bronson during her visit.

“In addition to being a budding equestrian, Allie is a budding philanthropist! She personally understands the impact that horses can have, and for her to make this donation to Riding To The Top as an 8 year old is truly heart-warming. We were touched by her gift and visit to the farm and look forward to seeing her back as a volunteer in the future!” said Sarah Bronson, Executive Director.

   

For more information about client services, volunteering, or making a gift, please visit us at www.ridingtothetop.org or call 892-2813.

“Changing lives through the healing power of horses”

Raymond Village Library has seen the light

As winter settles into the Windham-Raymond area, temperatures drop precipitously, and darkness comes early. In order to provide more efficient and cost-effective services to the community, Raymond Village Library has acted to improve their operations and lessen their impact on the environment.

In the past, the library had the opportunity to install three heat pumps to condition the library’s space. This afforded the ability to provide air-conditioned space during the summer months and to lessen the use of an old forced hot air heating system fueled by kerosene. Last winter, the Raymond Village Library only used the forced air heating system as an emergency backup. The library consumed less than 50 gallons of K-1 that season, saving money and reducing their environmental impact at the same time.

This fall, the library finished converting all the indoor and outdoor building lights from fluorescent and incandescent to LED bulbs, which have no glass or mercury. With this upgrade, the library expects to save substantial electricity, to provide uniform and brighter lighting levels throughout the building, and to benefit from the 35,000-hour (or more) life expectancy of the new bulbs.

“The Library Board is looking at replacing the parking lot lighting fixtures next year. These two fixtures now account for a large part of our electricity consumption,” said Mark Jordan, Board member and Building Maintenance Committee Chair. “We are committed to being responsible stewards of our library and the environment. We are all excited about what the future may bring.”

Allison Griffin, Library Director appreciates the way the Board cares for the library building. “Board members repainted the front of the library this summer and volunteers installed a new library sign. With the lighting changes we look great inside and out!”

What will the future hold? “I can’t help but look to the sky. Our move to save energy and install long lasting bulbs not only helps with our operating costs, but also will provide new educational opportunities for our patrons”, said Sheila Bourque, Library Board President. “LEDs use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. According to the Department of Energy, widespread use of LED lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the United States. By 2027, widespread use of LEDs could save about 348 TWh (compared to no LED use) of electricity: This is the equivalent annual electrical output of 44 large electric power plants (1000 megawatts each), and a total savings of more than $30 billion at today's electricity prices. We want to do our small part.”

The Raymond Village Library is looking forward to sharing their future plans with the community and hope that they can count on your support as we move toward a future that will benefit their patrons, community and planet!

Windham and Gorham open new water pump station

By Matt Pascarella

Early this fall, construction was finished on the Wards Hill water pump station in Gorham as the old station, built in 1895, will be slowly phased out in the next two to three years years. It is important to note that the older water pump station is not unsafe, but it is not big enough to meet the demands of the growing communities. As a result, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at 69 Ward Road on Thursday, December 6 to officially bring the new station into the forefront. 

Ribbon cutting ceremony at new pump station

Joel Anderson, Water Services Plant Chief Operator for Portland Water District, explained that the new Gorham pump gives both Windham and Gorham increased flow capacity from the old 600 gallons per minute into the Gorham system to the now 1,200 gallons per minute.

Pride’s Corner in Portland pushes water into the Windham Center system. A new water tank storage facility will be built on the Windham Center side, behind town hall and extend a water main from the Little Falls bridge, back to Windham Center. Right now, the current water tank holds 200,000 gallons, but once the new tank in Windham is completed, it will hold up to 2 million gallons. This added storage in the new water tank on Windham Center, near town hall, will aid in reserve for fighting fires. 

Having the additional storage gives the ability to run the Gorham pump station in a more effective manner. When the pump runs nonstop during peak hours and uses more energy, more money is spent. Having reserve storage during non-peak hours saves energy and money.

“The project was identified by a Comprehensive Strategic Plan put in place twenty years ago,” added Anderson. “It’s something they’ve been working on for a while. A lot of pipe had to be put into the ground. Upgrades began in 2006 with the installation of water mains to Fort Hill Road, Huston Road and Wards Hill Road in Gorham; this improved water pressure to residents in the area.”

Over the next few years, improvements will be made to connect the Gorham and Windham distribution systems and allow the Wards Hill pump to be the primary feeding station for Windham. Once the systems are connected, Windham and Gorham can operate as a single, combined system. In “an emergency, the Windham tanks will be a backup, sending water to the point of least resistance, and vice-versa,” continues Anderson.

“We’ve already spent $8.3 million to build the piping and build the pump station in Gorham and will apply $5 million over the next five years for the new tank site and piping in Windham,” stated Chris Crovo, Executive Director of Asset Management and Planning for the Portland Water District.

 Design planning begins in 2019 and construction starts in 2020. They’ll be more investment for piping in Windham over the next five to ten years.

Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors receives donation

Vickie McMullen and Bill Diamond

Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors received $5000 from the Windham Branch of Mechanics Savings Bank. Vickie McMullen, Vice President, Banking Center Manager of Mechanics Savings Bank handing the $5000 check to Bill Diamond, President of Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a 501 C3 charity organization that provides emergency heating fuel assistance to Windham residents.  www.windhamneighbors.org.

Festival of Trees announce winners

The second annual Festival of Trees began Friday, November 30 and ended Sunday, December 2 at Windham Hill United Church of Christ. The church’s Fellowship Hall was a Winter Wonderland as it was home to 20 trees, all decorated and with gifts which were donated by local businesses. Many families and their children will have a very Merry Christmas as a result of this year’s Festival of Trees.

Tree donors and winners are as follows:

Aubochon Hardware won by Carol and Mike Waters

Hall Implement won by Christen Deschenes

Wildwood Properties won by Jeff Patridge

Spruce Salon won by Sara Rulman

Friends of Windham Hill UCC won by Fiona Dempstee

Halledge Farm won by Mary Dugans

Windham Jewelry won by Jessica Fortin

Time4Printing won by Carol Meader

MGM Builders won by Robin Norton

Patman’s Redemption Agency and Liquor won by Jessica Eaton

Greater Windham Business Exchange won by Madeline Boure

PR Webster won by Misty Hodgton

Windham Barber Shop won by Tim Graham

Kathie Hazel and Susan Moore won by Steve Hurdley

Cabinetry Concepts won by Angela Burnham

Blue Seal Feeds won by Diane Whittman

Hope Harbor Animal Society won by Sally Phipps

It Takes Two Farm won by Megan Dvilinsky

Dolby, Blais & Segee Funeral Home won by Barry Babb

The Dental Office of Dr. Leslie Elston won by Robin Norton

The 2019 WHUCC Festival of Trees will be December 6 through 8.

Second of three public forums to discuss proposed Windham Community Center held on Monday

T-shirts will go on sale soon as part of a fundraising effort

By Lorraine Glowczak

Approximately 20 Windham residents attended the second of three scheduled public forums to discuss the planning and development of a Windham Community Center on Monday, December 3 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall Chamber Room. The forum also included those who attended remotely on Facebook Live.

The evening began with a welcome by Pat Moody, Chair of the Windham Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee who introduced members of the design firm working with the recreation committee, Harriman.

Mark Lee, Sharon Ames and Emily Annis, all of Harriman, presented the results accumulated by participants from the first public forum that occurred in September. Among the findings from that first public forum - a gym track, large and small swimming pools, adult wellness area, youth wellness area and a senior space were among the most popular requests. Secondary requests included a ball field, a space for a Headstart program as well as room for the local food pantry. Outside space such as a playground, athletic field, parking lot and a walking path were also among the requests.

Also examined and discussed were the varieties of activities that would take place at the community center with a high concentration of those events to occur during the school year. There would also be opportunities for annual one-time events as well as activities that would require rental space such as birthday parties, etc.

The proposed location for the community center is the Morrell property located near the rotary and Smith Cemetery at the intersection of Routes 302 and 202. This property is owned by the town.

After the brief presentation, participants had an opportunity to look at three concept designs.

Concept Design One is a 20,000 square foot building with two floors that would include all the critical items such as a 2-court gym and indoor track, two locker rooms, pool, lobby and adult fitness area.

The second design is considered the “phase” approach which would entail constructing the center in phases. It would contain a 2-quart gym and indoor track, two locker rooms, a lobby, a 365 square foot kitchen, two multi-purpose rooms, a teen room, a senior room and administrative offices. This center’s design is also 20,000 square feet.

The third all-purpose design is a 60,000 square foot building that would include a three-court gym and indoor track, large pool, small pool, two locker rooms and a 625 square foot kitchen.

All designs would include outdoor space of an athletic field, playground and parking spaces.

The participants then had an opportunity to fill out a form to choose their preferred concept design. The form asked the participants to explain why they chose the design and provide specific details that would help Harriman fine-tune the next concept design that will be presented in March.

Concerns expressed after receiving all pertinent information included entry into the community center property from Route 302, the need for a larger kitchen space as well as the possible hindrance to the Smith Cemetery expansion.

“The land where they are proposing to build the community center was purchased by the town as an expansion to Smith Cemetery,” stated Clarence Wisecap. “I have concerns about this. The community center is a great idea and I’m for it, but what about the cemetery expansion?”

Pat Moody addressed the concern regarding the cemetery expansion. “The planning process takes into consideration that the ‘Morrell Property’ could encompass both a community center facility and space for Smith Cemetery expansion. This collaborative approach would synchronize the planning of both functions and take into account the environmental impact as well as the traffic safety aspect of entering and exiting the facilities.” 

Of those present, there was excitement filling the room for the proposed recreational center that would encompass all age levels, providing services for preschool students up to and including senior citizen events. “I was really excited to see so many people rooting for a center. I was also proud to see so many familiar faces that are vested in the community and came out to this planning session,” Moody stated.

Harriman will take in consideration the concerns express as well as the results of the form filled out by participants. A third public forum is scheduled for March and the final presentation of the proposed community center based upon feedback will be available and discussed.

T-shirts were created and worn by Recreation Committee and Town Council members who were present at Monday’s meeting. The t-shirts one part of many fundraising efforts and will be available for sale at the Windham Parks and Recreation Department in the near future.

For more information about each concept design and to obtain a form to or to obtain to choose your preferred community center concept design, contact the Windham Parks and Recreation Department at (207) 892-1905 or ljbrooks@windhammaine.us.

Raymond Village Library annual appeal: It can’t do it without you

This Thanksgiving, the Raymond Village Library kicked off its major fundraiser of the year. What an appropriate week to ask the community for their support!

The library’s annual appeal needs to raise $35,000 to continue to provide our many programs and services for the community. “The library is a vital part of the community in Raymond, serving as its community center and cultural focus,” stated Sheila Bourque, the Library Board President. “We are community focused. We are always looking for ways to make our community a better place to live. This past year has once again shown that by working together, collaborating with each other, we can create a special place.”

Under the leadership of Library Director, Allison Griffin, the Raymond Village Library continues to shine as they provide services to everyone in the community. In addition to expanding their print, audio, and DVD collection, the library has brought the Raymond Arts Alliance into its programming, adding art, music, poetry and many other cultural events to the Raymond community. The addition of Senior Hours every Tuesday morning offers yoga, games, reflexology, and monthly bus trips for our senior community. This popular service has filled a vital community need.

Collaboration with other community groups such as Age Friendly Raymond, the Raymond Village Community Church, United Church of Christ, Saint Joseph’s College, Windham/Raymond Adult Education, 4-H, Be the Influence and the Raymond Lions Club has brought the Raymond Village Library a traveling mural, Adult Education programming, and a grant funded intergenerational garden
next to the library’s parking lot.

The “Keeping Raymond Warm” insulating window program for our Raymond residents, a partnership between the Raymond Village Library, Raymond Village Community Church, the United Church of Christ, and an AmeriCorps volunteer based at Saint Joseph’s College demonstrates how neighbors can help neighbors to keep warm and save energy.

“The positive energy in our library makes working here a joy. Our staff and volunteers are committed to serving the community and making Raymond a special place to live,” said Allison Griffin, Library Director.

Raymond Village Library continues to act as the community center for Raymond. The library collected and distributed candy up and down Main Street for Raymond’s annual Halloween on Main Street celebration. Over 500 children passed through our doors on October 31! The Annual Christmas Tree lighting, sponsored by the Raymond Lions Club and complete with cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa, continues to be a highlight of the year for Raymond residents. The library’s weekly baby and toddler story time, monthly reading time with the therapy dog Lucy, and monthly Maker programs for kids continue to be very popular. Our addition of a microscope DASH the robot, and additional science programming has opened new doors for our children.  Our continuing author series and book club remain strong.

“While our activities are fun and entertaining, we have not lost sight of the important role we play in our community to fill some significant needs.  All of our programming and investments are done with
a purpose” said Leigh Walker, Library Treasurer.

With the successful completion of our Annual Appeal, the Raymond Village Library hopes to add 12 staff hours to our schedule in order to provide even more services to our community. But we can’t do it without you! Donations from our community are what allows the library to provide so many programs and services, and they are an important investment in a community organization which serves people of all ages and interests.

“Very simply, the Library needs your financial support. We need to raise $35,000 with this appeal. Our challenges include the minimum wage increase and our goal to provide more services for our school age children. We are committed to our library and managing our dollars wisely. We can’t do it without you. Our library is worth your investment,” said Paul Cullinan, Board Vice President.

You can donate to this wonderful community resource on-line by visiting www.raymondvillagelibrary.org, dropping by the library during library hours or by mail by sending your donation to Raymond Village Library, PO Box 297, Raymond, ME, 04071.

The Library:

- Provides community for our seniors though our Senior Only Hours, delivering educational programs, helping forge new friendships and eliminating potential social isolation.

- Improves literacy, science, technology, engineering and math skills in our preschool children through early childhood programs.

- Provides access to technology and internet resources by updating our computers and providing laptops and Kindle readers.

- Helps expand access to reading through use of those same technologies to people with low vision issues.

- Builds partnerships with 4H, Raymond Community Garden, Age Friendly Raymond and Raymond Arts Alliance to help build a social, cultural, arts and community center.

- Expands educational opportunities by hosting Windham/Raymond Continuing Ed classes, and hosting other arts and literature programs.

- Promotes civil discourse but supporting the Makeshift Coffee House and Seeds of Peace programs.

The Lake Region Community Chorus presents “Can You Hear the Angels?”

The Lake Region Community Chorus is proud to present its sixth annual holiday concert which will take place at the Twitchell Chapel at the Bridgton Academy in North Bridgton. The concerts are scheduled for Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 9 at 3 p.m. This amazing choral group is made up of fifty-five singers from fourteen surrounding towns including Windham and Raymond. They will present an exciting program that is made up of songs of many different styles and genres.

Come and hear these energetic singers perform the perfect blend of holiday and winter songs including “O Holy Night”, “What Child is This?”, “Can You Hear the Angels?” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” with audience participation. The program will include accompaniments by percussionist, Rusty Wiltjer and electric bassist, Mark Priola. Musicians from the chorus include Ginny Halligan, flute, Pam Ward, guitar, Jan Jukkola, clarinet and Glen Jukkola, violin.

The LRCC is directed by Jan Jukkola, Susan Stockwell and Dan Allen. The group is accompanied by Carolyn Stanhope and Sara-Sue Schreiber. The chorus would like to thank the Bridgton Academy for all their help and support and providing them with rehearsal space and a concert venue. They would also like to thank their enthusiastic audiences and local sponsors. Donations to help cover the purchasing of music and operating costs will be graciously accepted. Come and let the Lake Region Community Chorus sing in the season and fill your heart with their gift of music and song.

Beware of holiday scams - a presentation at Windham Public Library

Unfortunately, some people take advantage of the holiday cheer by either conning people into
purchasing items that do not exist or using other scam methods to steal money from the unsuspecting.

To help the community become aware of the variety of scams that are popular during the holidays, AARP Maine Communications Director Jane Margesson will be joined by Windham Chief of Police Kevin Schofield for an hour-long presentation on what to look out for and how to protect yourself from con artists.

Join them on Thursday, December 6 at the Windham Public Library from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a short presentation on common holiday scams and tips to keep you and your family safe. This will be followed by an opportunity for question and answers and free scam prevention resources will be provided.

Some topics of discussion will include “deals” that do not exist, gift card scams, online shopping safety, and genealogy, package delivery and charity scams.

The presentation will also provide information on prevention strategies, advising a number of things you can do to protect yourself from these crimes.

There is nothing festive about fraud. Make sure you keep the holiday cheer in your life by becoming informed and guarding yourself from a scam that could change your life. Join Margesson and Schofield next Thursday for this informative presentation.

For more information, contact Margesson at 207-776-6301 or at jmargesson@aarp.org.

Rick Charette and the Bubble Gum Band return for a free holiday concert

Children’s singer-songwriter Rick Charette and his Bubble Gum Band return to Saint Joseph’s College of Maine's Standish campus on Sunday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m. for the 28th Annual Holiday Benefit Concert.

The public is invited to join the College community for this family-friendly afternoon of music taking place in Pearson’s Café in Mercy Hall.

As in past years, concert-goers are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy as the price of admission. Additionally, donations are welcomed and encouraged. All items and money raised will go to benefit children of Sebago, Raymond, Standish, and Windham in need of some holiday cheer.

For more information about the concert or the Mercy Center at Saint Joseph’s College, contact Kathryn Cody at 207-893-7794 or kcody@sjcme.edu.

NESN Sportscaster Tom Caron speaks to athletes during Meet the Coaches Night

Tom Caron sports Windham Eagle apparel

By Matt Pascarella

Meet the Coaches Night was held Monday, November 26 at Windham High School. The evening included the keynote speaker, Tom Caron as well as coaches from the Windham Middle and High Schools, providing parents the opportunity to meet with their child’s coach and learn more about the sports season.

Athletic Director Rich Drummond began the evening by stating the number one goal of the athletic department was to improve communication.

Shelly Afthim, head of the Windham/Raymond Booster Program also spoke during the event, explaining the benefits of involvement with the program and that they are one team with one goal for every sport.

Caron, a Lewiston High graduate and NESN sportscaster, took the podium to expound the importance of being on a team and what that means. He illustrated the triangle approach with sports; with one side of the triangle representing parents, one side as the coaches and the third side, the athletes. “If each side is working together, it makes for a smoother season,” Caron stated.

He also told the athletes they will have a chance to write their season; to come together as a team for one goal. Athletes should ask themselves: “how can I help everyone around me be the best they can be?”

Caron added that it’s ok to be afraid of failure. “Preparation is the best way to avoid failure,” he began. “But it’s wise to learn to deal with rejection and be your biggest advocate.” Caron also stressed to be smart about posting on social media as athletes. “Whether you are a pro or high school athlete, students are role models to younger students and that’s very important to remember.”

Caron shared with the athletes and their parents regarding the road that took him to NESN. When he graduated from high school, Caron’s goal was to work for a newspaper as a sportswriter. He went to St. Michael’s College in Vermont and during his junior year, he received an internship at a television station. He fell in love right away with the teamwork aspect of working at the studio and thus his life began as a sportscaster.

Caron’s interest in sports stems largely from his dad, who was a huge sports fan and a great baseball player. Caron stated it was clear he wasn’t going to play a sport for a living, but he believes if you love something, try to find a career in that area of interest. “I never thought it’d be a lifelong thing, but I got the internship and that station hired me out of college” he said.

He worked for television station WGME as a sports anchor and station WPXT as a sports reporter. In 1993, he was looking to move away from TV and took a job doing play-by-play calls for Maine’s Portland Pirates hockey team. Although Caron says he was tired of TV, he fell in love with doing play-by-play and after two years with the Pirates, NESN took notice of him and offered him a job.

Caron hasn’t forgotten his roots as he writes a weekly column for the Portland Press Herald and appears weekly on radio station 102.9 WBLM. “Be true to who you are” says Caron. “I live in Massachusetts, but anybody who watches NESN knows I’m from Maine.”

Caron’s wife is also from Lewiston and they have a son who is a senior at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont and a son who is at Bridgton Academy, looking to play soccer next year in college.

“I’m a Mainer, I’m proud of it and that’s never going to change,” he exclaimed.

Good luck to all athletes during the winter season!

Cub Scout Pack 805 helps to make a difference in the community

Cub Scout Pack 805

By Matt Pascarella

Saturday, November 17 was no typical Saturday at Shaw’s supermarket in North Windham. On that day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cub Scout Pack 805 collected over 1,200 community donated non-perishable food items. This included items like toiletries, shampoo and toothpaste as well as raising $364 for the Windham Food Pantry.

The cub scouts handed incoming customers a flyer with items the Windham Food Pantry was looking for and customers would drop off their donations on their way out. “We did more than what we anticipated we’d be doing; which is just amazing and shows the support of the community,” commented Sarah DiDonato, Tiger Den Leader.

Tony Sweet, Cub Master for Pack 805 explained that they did this last year and this year was more successful with more people giving. While they don’t set a goal, they do aim to do a little better than the previous year. In 2017, the pack filled six carts worth of non-perishable food items and toiletries. This year, they almost doubled that, filling 11 shopping carts with food and non-food items, along with raising $364 for the Windham Food Pantry.

“For Pack 805, this is really big for us,” explains Sweet. “It’s definitely a way for us to give back and we all love doing it.” This food will be able to help a lot of different people. When Sweet looks at all the boxes of food collected, he cannot believe it.

“I feel much better knowing I have as much as I do,” commented Colette Gagnon, Social Services Administrative Assistant in charge of the Windham Food Pantry and the Windham Clothes Closet. She explained she used a lot of the donation for Christmas dinners and some for Thanksgiving baskets which feed approximately 400 people. Gagnon also mentioned that the donations really helped families looking for last minute donations.

“This was a great opportunity for the food pantry to give families a really happy Thanksgiving,” remarks Gagnon.

“People who are less fortunate...should be able to get food and be able to feed their families. I feel like that makes their day when they get food from the food pantry,” said AJ Sweet, Bear Den member and third grader.

Next month, Pack 805 plans to do a toy drive, so stay tuned for details.