Windham Public Library is rolling out two exciting changes

Beginning September 1^st, the Windham Public Library (WPL) will be fine free. Becoming fine free allows the library to remove financial barriers and make books and materials accessible to all patrons. All items will still need to be returned in a timely manner and staff will continue to send overdue reminders as well as bills for lost or damaged items. If a WPL patron has fines (as opposed to a bill) on their library card, the patron’s account will be cleared and activated for use. Please see the circulation supervisor with any questions about your account.

So, why is the library go fine free?

It is WPL’s mission to ensure community access to the information and resources it needs. The library staff’s hope is that these changes will encourage prior users to return to the library and will also attract new users.

Research has shown small fines have no impact on return rates.

With a rise in use of digital resources which do not accrue late fees, fines are not a sustainable revenue. The overall amount of money collected is less than 1% of the library’s budget.

And there is more! WPL’s second piece of news is that a shared borrowing pilot program with the Maine State Library will begin September 16^th. This means the WPL is expanding the number of libraries at which a patron can use their library card. Look for more information on the WPL website about specific locations and other policies as they begin the program. Shared borrowing will greatly enhance library cardholders’ ability to access resources from libraries throughout the state.

Registration deadline for fifth annual togue derby is quickly approaching

It is getting close to the Sebago Lake Anglers’ Association’s Fifth Annual Sebago Lake Togue Derby and registration deadlines are quickly approaching. The annual Lake Trout Derby is scheduled for September 7 and 8, 2019 at beautiful Point Sebago Resort. Cash prizes will be paid to ten open categories. Top prize will be $500 for the biggest fish by weight with a special lottery for all legally caught togue.

New this year is a cash prize for the smallest togue legally caught via hook and line (no regurgitations). Biggest fish by Saturday night wins another special prize. Additional cash and merchandise will depend upon the prize committee’s success with local merchants. An awards ceremony with adult beverages available begins around 3 p.m. on Sunday at the weigh in station by the Point Sebago docks.

Point Sebago is offering a special Derby package which includes accommodations at $175 per person double occupancy that includes two night’s stay in a park home, boat launching privileges, dock space for overnight use, trailer and vehicle storage, evening meals for two nights including an Italian buffet Friday night and lobster/prime rib Saturday night, and two box lunches. Reserve your space separately using special code:” Togue”.

Fees for the derby are $30 for adults and $10 for children under 16 years old. Register for the derby at Naples Bait and Tackle on Route 35 in Naples, Jordan’s Store in Sebago, or Sebago Marina in Sebago. Forms are also available at the Hilltop Mini Mart on on Route 302, Raymond. Registration forms are also available at the SLAA website sebagolakeanglersassn.com or call Bob Chapin 571-217-1700 or Dave Garcia 207 310-1435.

Late registration will be accepted at Pat’s Pizza, Route 302 Windham, Thursday, September 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. They will also be accepting registrations on Saturday at Point Sebago Welcome Center until 10 a.m.

Come join the run and help  raise funds for Maine’s Youth Lifetime Fishing License Program for kids!

Instrument donations needed to help Little Kids Rock

By Charles Oehrtmann

I teach music in RSU 14, grades Kindergarten through fifth at both Windham Primary School and Manchester School.  I’m here to announce an exciting addition to the music curriculum at Manchester School – it’s called “Little Kids Rock”.  Using guitars as a basic instrument, students will learn chords and strumming patterns so they can accompany popular songs. Students do not need to read traditional music notation, but the approach does include icons that guide performance.  This approach was developed by the organization Little Kids Rock and is known as the Modern Band program.

A workshop for the Modern Band Program was presented last May in Orono in conjunction with the Maine Music Educators’ Association (MMEA) All-State In-Service Conference on Saturday, May 18.  

Twelve music teachers from across the state gathered to play guitars, explore some of the aspects of teaching the Modern Band Method in music classes, and used some of the resources available online available when we returned this fall.  Having never touched a guitar, I felt a bit apprehensive about attending, but I soon learned that even a seasoned music teacher can do something new and succeed.  We laughed, improvised, watched some videos and absolutely loved what we did. 

When I returned to work the next week, I took a survey.  One of the questions was “Would you like to have some instruments for your classroom from Little Kids Rock?”  Being the adventurous sort, I replied “yes”.   Much to my surprise, I received an instrument order form, based on my attendance at that workshop.  Manchester School is now the proud recipient of ten guitars and five guitar stands to get the ball rolling with the Little Kids Rock class.

While ten guitars is a good start, more instruments could be used.  If you have any spare instruments such as guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, drum sets or anything else that might work in a rock band ensemble, please contact me so we can make arrangements for drop-off at Manchester School.

You can reach me by phone at 892-1830 and leave a message, or you can contact me at my school e-mail: coehrtmann@rsu14.org

I am excited and eager to incorporate this experience in the music classes at Manchester School.  I’ve had so many students through the years ask me “Do you teach guitar?”  My answer now will be “YES!!”

Annual car show allows Richards family to give back

By Elizabeth Richards

In February of 2018, the Make- A-Wish® Foundation granted Seth Richards, who has severe epilepsy, his wish to meet Mickey Mouse. The whole family – Seth, his father Dwaine, mother Susan, and sister Falon – was sent on a Disney cruise to the Bahamas. The experience inspired the family to help grant wishes for other children.

The Richards family while on their cruise

“This was a spectacular trip for the entire family,” said Susan. On the cruise, Seth met Mickey Mouse, who gave him a stuffed Mickey Mouse. “The trip was a chance to think of more than seizures,” Susan said. Seth has daily seizures, she said, and though those continued while on the cruise, being away from the typical environment allowed the family to focus on other things. 

The Richards wanted to give another child, and another family, the feelings of excitement and peace, and the benefit of getting the medical aspects of their situation off their minds for a while, Susan said. “This was such an amazing feeling and we wanted other families to get that same feeling,” she said. 

Seth loves cars and going to car shows, Susan said, so the family decided to raise money by putting on their own car show.  For the past two years, the Richards family has raised money with a car show at Seacoast Adventure in Windham. They plan to hold the event annually.

The first show, in July 2018, involved approximately 30 cars, raising $1215 for Make A Wish Maine. The 50/50 winner, Danny Douglass of Casco, even donated his winnings to the cause, Susan said. Trophies were given to the top three cars, voted on by those in attendance.

In July 2019, the second show featured nearly 80 cars, growing significantly with $1500 raised for Make A Wish Maine. “One hundred percent of all the car entry fees and donations go to Make A Wish Maine.  It all stays for Maine children,” Susan said. 

This year, local businesses donated items for door prizes.  As people entered the show, they received a ticket, and the band drew winners approximately every hour. “We had awesome giveaways,” Susan said. These included gift cards to Beacon Pizza in Raymond, Aubuchon Hardware, Mad Mike’s, and Applebee’s; a bird feeder from Tractor Supply, tools, hats and clothes from Napa Auto Parts; a wrench set from Auto Zone, a wash bucket and hats from O’Reilly’s, and a grill donated by Lowe’s.

Roy Moore, owner of Seacoast Adventure, set up live music and a beer tent, and the Deck House Tavern was open to provide food and drink. The activities at Seacoast were also open throughout the event. 

The 2019 trophy winners were: Third place, Janet Mathews of Raymond for her 1939 Cadillac Special; Second Place, Bill Bains of Dayton for 1965 VW Pickup; and first place, Tom Marsh of Limington for his 1969 Pontiac GTO. Trophies were purchased by Seth Richards and Mike Bolk Construction.

Moore has agreed to hold the Make A Wish car show at Seacoast Adventure on the second Saturday in July each year, Susan said. 

On August 8, 2019, Seth delivered the $1500 donation to Make A Wish Maine in Scarborough.  “He gets so much joy out of bringing this money to Make a Wish for other children,” Susan said. “the smile on his face pretty much says it all.”

\Seth was given the chance to ring the bell, which is rung anytime a wish is granted or a large donation received.  “Seth loved it and looks forward to hitting the buzzer every year,” Susan said.  “The Richards family wants to thank everyone that attended the car show. Without all of you, none of this would be possible.”

Schools supplies to be given away by Windham Assembly Rainbow girls this Saturday

Windham Assembly Rainbow Girls will conduct a school backpack giveaway complete with school supplies at the Windham Farmers Market located at Turning Leaf Drive in Windham from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2019. School aged children are encouraged to stop by to take advantage of this opportunity which also helps the Rainbow Girls fulfill their community outreach requirement. The Rainbow Girls are sponsored by Presumpscot Lodge of Masons of Windham.

Music with a Mission receives recognition for donating to the RSU14 Backpack program

This year, North Windham Union Church’s Music with a Mission (MWAM) series supported the RSU14 Backpack program with proceeds from their April 27th concert that featured Travis James Humphrey (a singer-songwriter from Northern Maine). This was the fourth time in the past three years that performers chose to support the Backpack program, including once in 2017 and twice in 2018.  “They do great work for students and families in need -- and MWAM has been delighted to shine the light and share the proceeds as part of our mission with the music,” stated MWAM Board Member, Jim McBride. “The Backpack program is an amazing effort that helps so many kids and families year-round. I would like to think the Backpack program for their ongoing service to our schools and our community! 

In addition to and support of the Travis James Humphrey concert, Zack Conley and his colleague from Modern Woodmen also donated an additional $500 to support the RSU14 Backpack program efforts.

Evergreen Credit Union donates to local lake associations

Three local lake associations, whose mission is to protect and preserve water quality, received donations from Evergreen Credit Union. Recipients included Collins Pond Improvement Association, Lakes Environmental Association and Little Sebago Lake Association. “The work of these and other lake associations need to be supported so that Maine and our waterways remain healthy and continue to make Maine a place to live and thrive,” stated Evergreen Vice President of Marketing Howard Lowell.

Alyson Smith from Lakes Environmental Association receives check From Howard Lowell, Evergreen VP Marketing

Bill Burke from Collins Pond Improvement Association accepts check  from Allie Floyd, Evergreen Marketing Assistant

Pam Wilkinson and Tim Greer from Little Sebago Lake Association accept check  from Howard Lowell, Evergreen VP Marketing

O’Shea Builders has been named by REMODELING Magazine to its 2019 Big50 Class of America’s Top Remodelers

Owner, Warren O'Shea

O’Shea Builders of Windham has been selected by REMODELING magazine to join the REMODELING Big50. Each year since 1986, the REMODELING Big50 inducts 50 remodeling companies that have set exceptionally high standards for professionalism and integrity through exemplary business practices, craftsmanship, and impact in their community or the industry at large. Big50 remodelers run successful, growing companies of various sizes that have taken the lead in raising industry standards.

Since the Big50 program began, REMODELING has selected about 1,600 firms for Big50

status, approximately less than 2 percent of all remodeling businesses in the country today.

“We are honored to receive this distinction,” says Warren O’Shea, owner of O’Shea Builders

“The award recognizes excellence and leadership, and we are privileged to be named to this

select group of remodelers.”

REMODELING editors, columnists, industry leaders, and the companies themselves make the

nominations each year. Following a lengthy evaluation and interview process, the editors select

the 50 individuals who exemplify the best of the industry that year, and who have something to

offer other remodelers in proven practices.

This year’s Big50 includes full-service remodelers, home improvement firms, and specialists in

specific parts of the homes, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Some have a history going back

decades, while others are just a few years old. “There’s no single strategy here and no lack of

competitors for their services,” REMODELING’s introduction to the list declares. “What Big50

firms share is a culture that celebrates employees and customer service above all.”

The Big50 awards will be presented at a dinner at the Remodelers Summit and Awards Gala on

Wednesday, September 24, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. The 2019 Big50 winners are featured in the

July-August issue of REMODELING, a national trade publication read by more than 150,000

professional remodeling contractors. Longer profiles of the winners are posted on the

REMODELING website, remodelingmag.com.

REMODELING, published by Hanley Wood, is the leading publication in the home

improvement industry. REMODELING has and continues to be an indispensable tool that

remodelers cannot do without—delivering the business know-how, product and technical

information that home improvement pros need to help make smart decisions that will shape their success.

It has been more than 20 years since a Maine based remodeler has received this award.

Congratulations O’Shea Builders!

Fay to chair group studying labor shortage among long-term care workers

AUGUSTA – Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, will serve as House chair of a new panel to study the shortage of workers for long-term care services. There is currently a shortage of direct care workers, and the shortfall of qualified workers to care for Maine’s growing senior population is expected to get worse in the coming years.

“There are not enough people who can provide long-term care services, and this is a very serious concern.” said Fay. “There are many cases of people going without the help they need because workers can’t be found to fill the jobs.”

The Commission to Study Long-term Care Workforce Issues, which was created as part of the state budget, is tasked with determining current demand for direct care workers, projecting future needs and developing strategies for meeting those needs. They are also tasked with developing strategies to improve the quality of long-term care jobs.

Fay is serving her second term in the Maine Legislature and represents parts of Casco, Poland and Raymond. She serves on the Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee, the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and is House co-chair of the Legislative Caucus on Aging.

Long standing challenges of Gore Road in Raymond coming to an end

By Craig Bailey

In the April 12th edition of The Windham Eagle an article was published providing background information and an update related to the progress being made towards addressing the long-standing issues of Gore Road in Raymond and Gray. (see online article: news.thewindhameagle.com/2019/04/long-standing-challenges-of-gore-road.html

In summary, the length of Gore Road included sections of ownership and maintenance by the Town of Raymond, residents of Raymond, residents of Gray and the Town of Gray. As stated by Nathan White, the Town of Raymond’s Public Works Director, “We have over 200 miles of private roads in Raymond and Gore Road was the only private road connecting Raymond to another town.”

Don Willard, Raymond’s Town Manager, reinforced, “Gore Road has long been a public safety issue as it was almost impassable. The privately-owned portion of the road (part of a through way between the two towns), known as “no man’s land, had long since deteriorated beyond the residents’ ability to implement the necessary improvements”.

In fact, White explained that last winter a plow truck fell through a culvert on Gore Road.

Raymond resident Bob King, one of the driving forces behind getting the issues addressed stated, “This road has been a mess for over 40 years, so much so that I find a lot of car parts in my yard.”

White explained that securing the necessary funding to address the Gore Road issues, with ownership spanning the two towns and their residents, resulted from a cooperative (quid pro quo) arrangement with the Town of Gray.

As stated by Deborah Cabana, Gray’s Town Manager, “This has been a very unique, long-standing issue between the two communities. We were able to come up with a creative way for the communities and residents to resolve the issues, with no tax impact. It took a lot of people willing to come to the table and think outside the box, including: Public Works, Board of Selectmen, Town Council as well as residents. This has made numerous members of both communities extremely happy.”

Willard stated that another driving force to affect the long-awaited result was the Town of Raymond’s Selectmen Teresa Sadak.”

“Improvements are now underway. This has included tree work, excavation, putting in place proper drainage and finally paving, all of which should be complete by the middle of September,” White stated.

Willard emphasized, “As a result of this work we now have a public road connecting the two towns: a win-win for residents of Raymond and Gray.”

King was compelled to offer a big thank you to Willard, White and the Public Works crew “for the great work being done!”

VFW supports the NAVY SEALs Swim for Camp Sunshine

Windham Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 10643, was proud to again support the Navy SEALs Swim for Sunshine Challenge. Five Navy SEALs swam 16 miles from Bridgton to Casco to raise money for military families who have children with life threatening illnesses to attend Camp Sunshine. 

Mike Wisecup, a retired Navy SEAL, originated this challenge six years ago and the VFW has been honored to provide assistance to these SEALs events since its inception. The SEALs for Sunshine events are a highlight of the year for VFW members including having one of the VFW members in the lead boat each year, members placing flags at the finish of the challenges, and it's a proud moment for all when the VFW members line up to salute the SEALs as they enter the Gala, the culmination of the annual two day event. 

"Each year, we're in awe of, and inspired by, these men who perform incredible athletic feats to raise funds to enable military families to go to Camp Sunshine.  We are honored, and humbled, to be able to join with the SEALs each year," stated Willie Goodman, Commander of the Windham VFW.

 

In addition to joining the SEALs on the beach at the end of their challenge, the VFW members donated $1,000 and many members attended the Gala event, a memorable night for all.

Camp Sunshine, founded in 1984, is nestled on the shores of beautiful Sebago Lake. It’s mission is to provide a retreat - combining respite, recreation and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through the various stages of a child’s illness.

Camp Sunshine's program is offered year-round and has the distinction of having been designed to serve the entire family in a retreat model. The program is free of charge to families and includes on-site medical and psychosocial support. Bereavement sessions are also offered for families who have experienced the death of a child from a supported illness.

Windham Parks and Recreation senior campers’ program: A big summer success

2019 senior campers and camp counselor

By Matt Pascarella

This summer, Windham Parks and Recreation’s Senior Campers Program celebrated its fourth year as part of the Adventure Camp for grades six through eight. The Senior Campers Program is a next step for rising high school freshman who are interested in working towards becoming a Windham Parks and Recreation camp counselor.

Recreation programmer, Sarah Davenport and counselor, Lauren Syphers oversaw the program.

“Our goal is for them to start to take that next step and transition from campers into more of a leadership role; to work on leadership skills, character development and still have a really fun time getting to be a part of the summer camp program,” explained Davenport.

During a regular day, they were given additional responsibilities such as activity set up, helping counselors/directors with special projects, and holding their fellow campers accountable for their words and actions.

“Throughout the summer, the staff of adventure camp witnessed all eight of the senior campers step up to tasks given, demonstrate their ability to plan and execute activities, and gain more and more maturity. Whenever a counselor needed additional help during camp, the senior campers were the first kids to be asked and continuously stepped up to the plate,” remarked Syphers. 

Each week, the senior campers chose a different character trait to focus on and what they, as a group wanted to accomplish. Syphers was the lead counselor and stated she was very fortunate to have such a great group of senior campers who were proactive and ready to take on any task given. There were days where the senior campers would beg her for more responsibility. Syphers stated that it was a big help to know these individuals could be relied on throughout the summer.

The senior campers worked really hard and did a lot of things that ended up serving other people. They volunteered at Black Brook Preserve and did some work to get their garden up and running. 

The senior campers also ran activities for the middle school campers as well as for those in the fourth and fifth grade. The activities included: a Slip n’ Slide, a water balloon relay, frozen t-shirt race and water gun games.

One of the purposes of having the senior camper program is to prepare them to be counselors in training for the next summer. These activities helped the senior campers understand what a counselor

has to go through and think about daily.

They will be invited to return next summer as counselors-in-training; once they are 16, they can apply as counselors.

“We’re really hopeful that we can see this current group of senior campers move forward in our program, knowing that they enjoy summer camp and love what they’re doing; that they’ll get to take the next step towards sharing that with the next generation. It was a great summer with them,” concluded Davenport.

Syphers added, “They are just such an enthusiastic group and I think their ambition to do better each time is what made them such amazing kids to have worked with this summer. I’m beyond grateful and proud of the eight senior campers and I’m so excited to see all of the amazing things they each accomplish in the coming years!” 

Raymond Select Board is ready for next step in main street sidewalk project

By Lorraine Glowczak

At their Tuesday evening meeting held on August 13, the Raymond Select Board received an update from Owens McCullough of Sebago Technics and Raymond Road Commissioner and Public Works Director, Nathan White regarding the status on the sidewalk to be placed on Main Street from Route 161 to Route 302.

Town Manager, Don Willard, began the discussion by explaining that the sidewalk project has be under review for a long time. “It is something we should do, and this project hasn’t moved as fast as I’d hoped,” he stated. “We are here tonight to find a way to proceed in a cost effective and time efficient manner.”

McCullough provided an updated cost estimate comparing the MDOT LAP project to a project that the Town would complete with town resources and supporting subcontractors, referred to MPI (Municipal Project Initiative).

“Option one is working in conjunction with the Maine Department of Transportation, LAP,” McCullough said. ““LAP, the ‘locally administered project’ would mean that all federal and state requirements are met, which means there would be very little local control.”

McCullough continued by stating that this option would cost $802,652 of which the town’s share would be 25% of that cost –approximately $200,663.00. The state’s share would be 75% of that cost – in the amount to $601,989.00.

“I suspect the state probably wouldn’t go along with a mill and overlay so that would have to be removed from the project costs,” McCullough explained. “Also, given the cost escalations we have seen, the overall project cost is likely to be more than the State is willing to contribute too. Lastly, there will likely be other costs for ROW negotiations and easements.”

Option two would cost approximately $478.605. The town’s share - $239,302 with the state’s share also coming in at $239,302. This option provides local municipal control.

“While on the surface, Option one appears to have a slight advantage, there remains a number of unknowns and we will still have to be completed under the full review and administration of MDOT as part of the LPA process,” McCullough continued. “Option two is a much simpler (less onerous and complicated) process but my understanding is that MPI money won’t be available until 2020. 

Regardless, either option would have to wait until 2020 anyway. Given the escalations in costs we are seeing (even the MDOT has had to cut some of their projects due to cost escalation), the complexity of the LPA project and scope of work the town would like to undertake, it appears that option two would be preferable assuming you can get the MPI money.”

Willard and White both agreed with the recommendation McCullough put forth. “The sidewalk project is important as it promotes community, walkability and safety for the town,” Willard said. “And having local control without all the complexities will help to speed up the process.”

The Board directed Willard, McCullough and White to start working on the option two plans which will include a meeting with Sen. Bill Diamond, Chair of the Committee on Transportation. Sen. Diamond has already been working with the town to assist in the completion of the sidewalk project and they will continue to seek his assistance.

Maine’s 200th birthday

By Senator Bill Diamond

In July of 1819 the voters of the District of Maine voted overwhelmingly to approve our secession from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Less than a year later, on March 15, 1820, an Act of Congress made it finally so, and Maine became the 23^rd state in the union. As those of you who remember your history lessons may know, the establishment of the State of Maine was ultimately part of the Missouri Compromise, which kept the balance between free and slave-owning states equal.

Maine has certainly lived up to our motto, “Dirigo,” which translates from Latin to “I lead”:

We were leaders as a new free state, in the Civil War when the famed 20^th Maine Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, led by Col. Joshua Chamberlain fixed their bayonets at Little Round Top, successfully turning the tide of the deadliest battle of the Civil War towards the Union. We sent the first woman, Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, to serve in both houses of Congress, and she herself led her colleagues against the tide of McCarthyism in 1950. The leadership of Chamberlain and Smith paved the way for Sens. Ed Muskie, Bill Cohen, George Mitchell and others from Maine to stand above the petty fights of the day and accomplish great things for the people of Maine and the country.

So clearly, there is much to celebrate.

Last week, for the anniversary of Maine’s statehood vote, the Maine Bicentennial Commission kicked off our state’s 200^th anniversary party. Gov. Janet Mills conducted a whirlwind tour of the state, from Presque Isle to Bangor to Portland to Augusta in one day. At each location she raised a ceremonial flag and dedicated a Tricentennial Pine Grove with local leaders, and announced programs and events for Maine’s 200th anniversary of Statehood.

As chair of the Bicentennial Commission, which comprises various legislators, the governor, Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, and officials representing various organizations of historic and civil
importance, I was lucky enough to take part in ceremonies in Portland’s Deering Oaks Park. It was a touching ceremony dedicated to both Maine’s past and future, and Gov. Mills delivered remarks that highlighted all that makes Maine great and wonderful.

It was the first of what will be many events and programs marking our state’s 200^th birthday.

Starting in March of next year, and going through October, there will be concerts, a parade, festivals and fireworks. In addition, the largest ever display of tall ships from around the world will be coming to Maine ports, starting in Portland and making stops up the Maine coast. This will be a spectacular showing, and people will be invited aboard to view these magnificent structures. Community grants will also be made available to cities and towns to host their own bicentennial celebrations, which will allow local communities to celebrate in whatever way they see fit.

There will also be a Maine200 Time Capsule exhibit on the State House grounds in Augusta, which will highlight moments in Maine history; facilitated, topic-focused book discussion groups, promoting literacy at public and school libraries across the state, put on by the Maine Humanities Council; an interactive 360 virtual reality experience of notable places in the State of Maine, available through the State Archives; and other programs celebrating Maine’s history and culture.

To learn more about Maine’s 200^th anniversary, see a schedule of events and programs or apply for a community grant, visit Maine200.org.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my office with any questions, comments or concerns. You can call (207)287-1515 or email me at diamondhollyd@aol.com. It’s a pleasure to serve as your state senator.

North Yarmouth Academy Honor Roll for Second Semester 2018-19

The following students who live in the Windham Eagle’s coverage area attained honor roll status for the second semester:

Highest Honors

Grade 8:

Emily Greene of Windham

High Honors

Grade 5:

Nathan Geary of Gray

Grade 6:

Timothy Taylor of Raymond

Grade 9:

Emma Rothrock of Naples

Grade 12:

Hannah Gagne of Raymond

Elizabeth Kennedy of Raymond

Clara Mulvihill of Raymond

Honors

Grade 10:

Reese Merritt of South Casco

Grade 11:

Emily Beisel-Bolen of Raymond

Pierce Manchester of Raymond

North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational school for

toddlers to students in grade twelve. Since 1814, NYA has fostered integrity, character and

intellect in its students. For more information, please contact NYA at 207-847-5423 or visit our

website at nya.org.

Partnership between Raymond Village Library and HART Adoption Center benefits cats and kids

Winnie Burke with Allison Griffin, Director
of Raymond Village Library and Callie the cat

By Briana Bizier

The Raymond Village Library hosted a special guest last Monday. Although she didn’t have much to say, Callie the calico cat delighted library patrons as she graciously accepted attention and questions from the children participating in the library’s summer reading program.

For the second year in a row, Raymond Village Library has partnered with HART Adoption Center and Shelter for Cats. Children in the library’s summer reading program set their own reading goals by deciding to count books, pages, or minutes spent reading. For each goal they reach, the children can decorate a tag and then choose a special treat for the kitties at HART’s shelter in Cumberland.

“We’re going for experiences over prizes,” Allison Griffin, the Director of Raymond Village Library and the Intake Coordinator for HART, explained.

This year, one of the cats available for adoption at HART traveled to the Raymond Village Library to accept her gifts in person (or, in feline). Callie, an even-tempered, two-year-old calico, arrived at the library on a Monday afternoon to calmly accept belly rubs, ear scratches, and gifts from several children enrolled in the summer reading program.

“I think she’s falling in love with me,” my five-year-old Ian declared as Callie calmly rolled onto her back and let him pet her fuzzy tummy.

After explaining that we already have plenty of pets at home, I told Ian to keep reading this summer so he could earn more treats to give kitties like Callie. He ran off in search of new library books to bring home.

Callie, who is truly an exceptionally sweet cat, originally hails from Tennessee. HART partners with a group called Perfect Match Animal Rescue, which takes animals from high-intake shelters in Tennessee and brings them to New England, where their chances of being adopted are much higher. 

HART also brings adoptable cats to Maine from as far away as North Carolina, Georgia, and Puerto Rico. Callie and her sister Izzy arrived in Maine last week after being surrendered when their previous owner was forced to move into a smaller home.

Unlike traditional animal shelters, HART has a no-kill policy, which means their cats are not euthanized unless they suffer from a severe illness or injury. All of HART’s cats receive veterinary care, which includes seeing specialists if necessary. HART is also cage-free.

“Once the cats get out of intake, they’re free to roam,” Allison tells me. This means a visit to HART’s custom-designed shelter feels more like stepping into a cat-lover’s sunny living room and less like going to a traditional pound. The kitties who live at HART as they await their forever homes are separated into different rooms.

“We have a special diet room for cats who are diabetic or have allergies, and a room for cats with FIV,” Allison explained. Kitties who test positive for FIV, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, are still considered “adoptable” because they can live for many years without any health complications, although HART does keep the FIV cats separate from their other kitties.

Currently, HART is hosting about eighty cats in their shelter with another seventy cats in foster homes throughout the area. All kitties with special medical concerns, pregnant cats, and newborn kittens are in foster homes, and all of HART’s adoptable cats can be found through Petfinder.com or at HART’s website: hartofme.org.

Callie, the sweet female who visited Raymond Village Library, is one of HART’s many adoptable kitties. Despite my children’s protests, this journalist is not able to adopt another cat. But, if you’re looking for a friendly kitty who is good with children, dogs, and enjoys an occasional trip to the library, you might want to contact HART at (207) 829-4116 or info@hartofme.com.

If, like us, you’re not in a position to adopt a cat but you still want to support HART’s good work, HART’s Annual Yard Sale will be held on August 22, 23, 24, and 25 at the Exhibition Hall in the Cumberland Fairgrounds. This yard sale features thousands of donated items, from furniture to tools, jewelry to books, and more! HART will hold a special preview event on Wednesday, August 21, from 5 to 7 in the evening; a ten-dollar admission fee includes early sale access, a glass of wine or a soft drink, and snacks. For more information, call HART at (207) 829-4116 or visit their web site: hartofme.org.

           

Sen. Diamond earns perfect attendance record in 2019 legislative session

Sen. Diamond: “My constituents expect me to show up and work hard on their behalf.”

AUGUSTA — Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, earned a perfect attendance and voting record during the recently concluded legislative session. He is one of 20 Senate Democrats to receive a perfect attendance score.

“My constituents expect me to show up and work hard on their behalf,” said Sen. Diamond. “I’m proud of my perfect attendance record and commit to continuing to work hard for the people of Windham, Raymond, Casco, Standish, Baldwin and Frye Island.”

During the 1^st Regular Session of the 129^th Maine Legislature, Sen. Diamond cast a total of 350 votes – 100 percent of the votes recorded, excluding absences excused by the Senate President for illness or other extenuating circumstances. This year, lawmakers cast critical votes to protect children in state care, make our roads safer, provide $130 million in property tax relief and create good-paying jobs in rural Maine.

Sen. Diamond also had a perfect attendance record last year. The 129^th Legislature adjourned on June 20. The Legislature is set to reconvene in January.

Over 20 teams compete at Chamber’s 19th Annual Golf Open

Top gross scoring team Hartford Funds - Ron Girard,
Tim Hampson, Luke Rodrigue & Colin Roy

On Thursday, July 18^th, the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce held its 19^th Annual Chamber Golf Open.  The event was presented by Signature Sponsor Norway Savings Bank and hosted by the Poland Spring Inn & Resort. 

The weather and the spectacular course views made for a perfect day of golf in Maine. Twenty-four teams vied for the coveted top gross and net scores, enjoying contests such as longest drive, closest to the pin, hole in one and putting along the way. 

Top net scoring team - Evergreen Federal Credit Union -
Justin Collett, Jon Merrill, Carol Swenson & Jim Wiley

An air cannon situated on picturesque hole number four made for an exciting way to launch players’ golf balls onto the awaiting green. Adding to the excitement was Brian Bartlett, the only player to hit a thirty-foot qualifying putt in the putting contest, who just missed the fifty-foot putt worth $5,000. 

Other standouts included Derek Mathieu who had the longest drive for men, Laurie Berry who won

longest drive for women, and Charlie Ward who landed his golf ball just five feet and eight inches away from the pin to take home the closest to the pin award. 

The top gross scoring team was Hartford Funds (Ron Girard, Tim Hampson, Luke Rodrigue and Colin Roy) and the top net scoring team was Evergreen Federal Credit Union (Justin Collett, Jon Merrill, Carol Swenson and Jim Wiley). 

Chamber Executive Director, Lynn Mansfield said, “It was a very successful tournament. The weather and venue were amazing and everyone seemed to have a fantastic time.” 

The event raised over $11,000, a portion of which funds the annual Chamber scholarship awarded to a deserving high school senior or adult education graduate from one the Region’s local school districts.  Mansfield added, “On behalf of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber Board of Directors, I would like to thank David Pollard, Golf Open chair and his committee, participating teams, sponsors and volunteers who made this golf open so successful.  Volunteers really are the heart of the Chamber.”