In the public eye: Shift Captain leads by example at Windham Fire/Rescue

By Ed Pierce

Editor’s Note: This is another in an ongoing series of Windham and Raymond town employee profiles.

Ask Dan O’Connor and he’ll tell you that there is no higher honor than to be given the responsibility to safeguard the community of Windham and he embodies that philosophy every day in his job as a Shift Captain for the Windham Fire/Rescue Department.

Shift Captain Dan O'Connor has worked for
the Windham Fire/Rescue Department for
five years and is responsible for
conducting day-to-day operations of
the department involving fire and rescue
calls, training and employee resources.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

O’Connor has worked for the Windham Fire/Rescue Department for five years and is responsible for conducting day-to-day operations of the department involving fire and rescue calls, training, and employee resources. It is a working supervisor position responsible for not only fire-rescue employees, but also fire department apparatus, and those assigned to fire stations on their assigned shift.

“I am expected to run routine calls and for large-scale incidents to take command of initial operations until resolved or command is taken by a fire chief,” he said. “I enforce department policy, and I provide daily training for all members on and off shift in both Emergency Medical Services and firefighters.”

Among his duties, O’Connor also works as a paramedic assisting the frontline ambulances and takes rescue calls that require a paramedic, and all other medics are being used for other emergency situations. He performs fire suppression activities as required including but not limited to, accountability, safety, suppression, ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue overhaul, rehab, and assuming incident command when needed.

“I ensure all of the daily reporting is completed and perform EMS CQI, or quality control of EMS calls,” O’Connor said.

As a shift captain, O’Connor participates in and oversees the periodic inspection and testing of protective clothing and other equipment worn by firefighters and plays a key role as part of fire prevention education programs throughout the community.

He is originally from Hanover, New Jersey and attended Whippany Park High School there.

“I studied industry specific educations in my previous career of automotive repair and received all my Fire/Paramedic through adult education services but at present I do not have a college degree. I will be completing that in the future.”

While attending advanced training in Lewiston, an instructor suggested that O’Connor apply for an opening with Windham Fire/Rescue and he then interviewed for a position and was hired.

“The best thing about what I do is that every day the job has different challenges and calls can be similar, but they are never the same, so I am forced to solve different problems each shift,” O’Connor said.

According to O’Connor, the most challenging aspect of his work with Windham Fire/Rescue is making accurate and timely decisions within a rapidly changing environment.

But his previous experience serving as a firefighter, paramedic, wildland fire fighter ICT 5, and engine boss trainee has helped him make sound decisions and rise through the ranks to become a Shift Captain.

“The biggest misconception people may have about what we do is thinking that we have a lot down time,” O’Connor said. “This department is extremely busy and when not on calls our crews are constantly training or studying to keep up with the enormity of tasks we are expected to perform with a high degree of success.”

He says his most memorable moment working for the Windham Fire/Rescue Department was his very first day.

“On my first orientation day, I came in and immediately went on a complex call and the calls stacked up back-to-back all day long so it was a big eye opener and I knew I was going to be utilizing my skills,” he said.

O’Connor’s family is proud of him and his career in public safety.

“My children love to come say hello at the fire station and see all the apparatus and meet the crews,” he said.

One thing that the public may not know about his job is that members of the Windham Fire/Rescue Department perform practical services for the community.

“We can assist the public without an emergency such as assisting with smoke detectors or evaluating the safety of a home,” he said.

O’Connor emphasized that the important thing he has learned while working for the Windham Fire/Rescue Department is simple.

“Take on one thing at a time and do it well because there is always more,” he said. <

RSU 14 school district Pre-K program expanding

By Dina Mendros

Maine’s too-short summer is quickly coming to an end and before we know it, the new school year will begin. This year Raymond schools will welcome some new teachers, in particular a new music teacher at Raymond Elementary School after the retirement of Patti Gordon who taught in the district for 41 years. Another change for the 2025-2026 school year is the expansion of the school district’s Pre-Kindergarten program.

Raymond Elementary School, which educates students from
Pre-K through fourth grade, has 258 students registered for
the fall. Some 44 students are also registered in the three
Pre-K classes at the school.  FILE PHOTO 

Raymond Elementary, which houses students from Pre-K through fourth grade, has 258 students registered for the fall. Forty-four students are registered in the three classes of Pre-K at RES.

“Our Pre-K program has expanded across the district. With new community partners and the addition of a class at WPS, all families who registered for the Pre-K lottery have been offered a spot,” said RES Principal Beth Peavey. “For the first time, all Raymond resident Pre-K students selected through the lottery will attend RES.”

Pre-K is associated with many benefits to students. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, “early childhood education interventions like pre-K are associated with increased kindergarten readiness as well as improved long-term academic performance.” In addition, the website said, “the benefits of these programs and policies may also have implications beyond educational benefits. Universal pre-K fits into the growing conversation around the social determinants of health: improving outcomes for children and families by focusing on the places in which they live, work, learn, and play. Studies find that pre-K with parental support and engagement is associated with a higher rate of high school completion, more years of completed education, and higher rates of attendance in four-year colleges.”

In line with the school’s Pre-K expansion, Julie Raymond has been hired as the district’s early childhood coordinator and will be based at RES. She previously worked at the Maine Department of Education where she was the Pre-K expansion consultant as part of its Early Learning Team.

With the retirement of Gordon, Marie Jacques is the school’s new music teacher. She formerly taught at Monmouth Memorial School. Other new teachers include Susan Ray who will replace Kirsten Chansky as the standards-based teacher; Kirsten Chansky will be the district math coach; and Susan Ray is joining RES from RSU 57 with experience as a literacy/numeracy specialist as well as in previous positions as a Title 1 coordinator/RTI (Response to Intervention) teacher.

Some RES teachers, while not new, will be moving into new positions. Sara Childs is moving from Grade 2 to be a Grade 3 teacher and Joy Goddard is moving from Grade 3 to be a Grade 4 teacher. There will also be one less regular education classroom teacher.

Peavey said that another change at RES is that “this fall, we’ll be introducing new schoolwide expectations focused on: Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be Kind.” This is a shift from the previous I-CARE rules she said and align with the overall RSU 14 district framework. “Since many RES students eventually attend Windham schools, having consistent messaging and expectations across schools is essential to support smooth transitions and a shared understanding of behavior expectations.”

The school mascot will also change, Peavey said, from the Raymond Ravens to the Eagles “to align with the rest of the district.”

Facility changes at RES include major HVAC construction. "Once completed, classrooms will have air conditioning, making hot fall and spring days much more comfortable for students and staff,” she said.

Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond will also have a few changes this school year. The school which provides education for Raymond students in Grade 5 through Grade 8 will have some new teachers for its 180 registered students. Ben Ferguson will teach eighth grade English and Language Arts and seventh grade Social Studies; Shannon Lennon is an academic interventionist Ed Tech III; Marshall Maxsimic is a school social worker; and Andrew Wing is the Wellness teacher and JSMS athletic director, according to JSMS Principal Michelle Brann.

Rich Drummond also will teach Wellness along with Wing. The course will combine Health and Physical Education.

JSMS will also offer outdoor education for seventh and eighth graders this year as one of the school’s Academic Enrichment courses.

RSU 14 school start dates are Wednesday, Aug. 27 for Grades 1 through 9, Thursday, Aug. 28 for students in Grades 10 through 12. Half of the RSU 14 Pre-K and kindergarten classes start on Tuesday, Sept. 2 with the other half starting on Wednesday, Sept. 3. <

Great Falls Bridges to close for 45 days of repairs starting next week

By Ed Pierce

The contractor for the Maine Department of Transportation’s Great Falls Bridges Project has announced the bridge linking Gorham and Windham will be closed for about 45 days starting next week.

Scott Construction Corporation of Portland will close the
Great Falls Bridges over the Presumpscot River for 45 days
for bridge wearing work. The closure starts at 7 a.m. Monday,
Aug. 18 and is expected to continue to Wednesday, Oct. 1.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE   

Scott Construction Corporation of Portland will close Windham Center Road to complete the rehabilitation of Great Falls #1 and Great Falls #2 Bridges over the Presumpscot River for the MaineDOT. The closure starts at 7 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 18 and is expected to continue through Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The bridges are located about 0.5 miles west of River Road. The project was first detailed on MaineDOT’s list of road and bridge projects in its annual Three-Year Plan in January 2023.

According to a recent MaineDOT study, the average daily traffic crossing the Great Falls Bridges between Windham and Gorham is 1,910 vehicles per day with about 8 percent of that traffic consisting of heavy trucks.

The scope of work for this bridge project consists of replacing the wearing surfaces on both Great Falls Bridges. The east and west bridges span the Presumpscot River between North Gorham and Dundee Ponds. MDOT officials say that replacing the wearing surfaces for the bridges will preserve the longevity of their existing decks and superstructure.

The actual bridge wearing surface replacement involves 350 feet of approach work, installation of guardrail transitions and flare terminals, and expansion joint modification. Workers will also install concrete coring connect to the bridge beams and remove a troublesome light pole that conflicts with the new guardrail plans.

The project’s purpose is to improve the condition of the existing structures while preserving the existing deck and superstructure longevity of the bridges.

Scott Construction says it intends to minimize impacts to the traveling public and impacts to adjacent properties and utilities throughout the project and implement a cost-effective solution to fixing the bridge’s wearing problem.

Maintenance of traffic during construction will be achieved by closing the bridges and detouring traffic to an alternate route.

All project work will use specific erosion control measures conforming to the latest version of State of Maine Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges and the Department of Transportation’s Best Management Practices for Erosion and Sediment Control.

Both Great Falls Bridges were built in 1970 and during its most recent MaineDOT inspections, each show signs of significant cracking and rutting on deck and surfaces.

The bridge site is located near the Great Falls Dam, one of the first sources of hydroelectric power in the Lakes Region of Maine.

Estimated MaineDOT funding for the Great Falls Bridges Wearing Replacement Project is $500,000. <

Pollutants at forefront of Raymond Waterways’ Annual Meeting

By Nancy Crilly-Kirk
Special to The Windham Eagle

Many diverse topics were discussed during the Raymond Waterways Annual Meeting on July 19 at the Raymond Village Church, but those who attended remained committed to protecting and improving the water quality of Raymond's lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams and foster watershed stewardship in the community.

Guest speaker

While eroding soil still holds the top pollutant spot for Raymond’s lakes, ponds, and streams, Raymond Waterways members took a deeper look during the meeting at the cumulative effects of water pollutants with Ali Clift, Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, who was the main speaker. She presented a “YardScaping” workshop, explaining how landowners within a lake’s watershed can improve their property to benefit themselves and lake health.

Clift said that a waterbody’s “watershed” is all the land area that drains into that waterbody. It is much bigger than just the shoreline. Panther Pond itself, for example, covers 2.28 square miles, but its surrounding watershed encompasses more than 12 square miles of woods, homes, yards, farms, roads, and development.

She said that individual lake watersheds also combine, with the watersheds of Crescent Lake and Raymond Pond flowing through streams into Panther Pond, adding considerably to the 12 square miles, which are then part of the larger watershed of Thomas Pond and Sebago Lake. Moreover, water falling on any of this land has the potential to carry soil, pet waste, herbicides, and pesticides into our waterways, which eventually lead to the Presumpscot River, and into Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Waste pollutants

According to Clift, many people believe that dog waste in the woods, seemingly far from waterfront property and human activities, is harmless, or is comparable to wild animal waste. However, dog waste is double trouble for local lakes and streams because it contains high levels of coliform bacteria and nutrients that can be washed to nearby waters in the next rainstorm or attached to eroding soils. This can contribute to increased algal growth and elevated bacteria levels that require towns to close beaches and take other precautions to protect human health.

The Conservation District’s strong recommendation is for all pet owners to: Scoop up pet waste, Bag and Trash it. Every. Single. Time.

Watershed Workshop Landscaping

Clift continued her program by giving explicit instructions on how everyone in Raymond can help maintain lake health and property values in town:

** Avoid using pesticides and herbicides.

** Take a soil test before adding any fertilizer, lime, or other plant care products.

** Create winding paths, rather than “straight shots” to lower areas, such as the waterfront.

** Use erosion-control mulch, which is available from local gravel companies, instead of commercial bark mulch or wood chips as its extra dense fibers help it stay in place, prevent weeds, filter out some pollutants, and slow down water to prevent erosion and encourage absorption.

** Consider reducing lawn areas in favor of adding more native plants, which are numerous and varied enough to thrive and beautify any landscape.

Here is a link to the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Yardscape Program: https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/yardscape

Bob French of Panther Pond, a champion for lake health around the state, raised his hand and summed up Clift’s advice by saying, “Being lazy, I have found the easiest way to landscape is just to let nature take its course – the survival of the fittest. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel with fancy landscaping. Native plants grow fine, without any help.”

“That’s the best advice of all,” Clift said.

Other activities

Raymond Waterways members at the meeting also heard from various officers of the board reporting on the past year’s activities:

 
** A new program of hand removal of invasive milfoil from Sebago Lake’s Turtle Cove was initiated by Raymond Waterways Board Members Pete Rowland, Ron Schanze and John Pritchett, as well as other volunteers in that neighborhood.

** The first Annual Raymond Waterways Water Quality Report and executive summary for our lakes, edited by Environmental Officer, Steve Craine, is available on our website, raymondwaterways.org.

** The continuation of the LakeSmart Program, a free, voluntary, and non-regulatory service that will evaluate your lakefront property and help you protect the lake by ameliorating erosion, is again available for sign-ups on the raymondwaterways.org website.

** The establishment of an experimental self-reporting kiosk at public boat launches in Raymond was started in July to compensate for times when our Courtesy Boat Inspectors cannot be there to check boats for invasive plant fragments.

 
** Acknowledging the great contributions of three retiring board members, Marie Connolly, the treasurer and “collective memory” of Raymond Waterways for several years; Angelo Conti, who oversaw the Courtesy Boat Inspection program for the last two years; and Jessica Fay, who handled membership lists and relations with local and state-wide organization. Wayne Eckerson, Raymond Waterways President, thanked all three of them for their great service.

** Wayne also thanked the many, many ‘IPPERS” – volunteer, trained, invasive plant patrollers on our lakes under the guidance of Sibyl French and Bunny Wescott.

** John Pritchett and Ron Schanze, who have a home on Raymond Neck, were elected as new Raymond Waterways board members. <

Agencies urge resident preparedness as hurricane season ramps up

By Ed Pierce

With Hurricane Erin lining up for an approach to striking somewhere along the east coast of the United States next week, Mainers are being asked to prepare in the event an Atlantic hurricane takes a turn for the Pine Tree State during the remainder of hurricane season which ends in November.

In August 2020, Hurricane Isaias bears down on the New
England coast. Remnants of the storm struck the Lakes
Region with 45 mph winds, power outages and trees
knocked down. State officials are asking residents to
create an emergency plan in the event a hurricane hits
Maine this season. COURTESY PHOTO NOAA   

This year, the hurricane outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts the possibility of 13 to 18 named storms, with five to nine becoming hurricanes, and one to four of them powering into major hurricanes with winds greater than 110 mph. The normal Atlantic Hurricane Season has about 14 named storms, with about seven storms becoming hurricanes, and three of them major hurricanes.

Maine typically doesn't see many hurricanes, but in 2011 Hurricane Irene, which had been downgraded to a tropical storm, resulted in a disaster declaration for the state. In August 2020, the remnants of Hurricane Isaias blasted through Maine, and the Sebago Lake Region was one of the locations hardest hit with trees knocked down, power outages and six moored boats being beached in estimated 45 mph winds produced by the storm.

Over decades, several hurricanes have severely impacted Maine. Hurricane Edna in 1954 created $7 million in damage statewide. Also in 1954, Hurricane Carol left behind $5 million in storm-related damage. Hurricane Bob in 1991 caused $5.5 million worth of damage in Maine. Two other significant storms, Hurricane Donna in 1960, and Hurricane Gloria in 1985 also created significant problems for Mainers.

In the event a hurricane or tropical storm takes aim at Maine again this summer and fall, Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) recommend some simple steps to be taken now to be prepared if it should bear down on Maine:

MEMA encourages everyone to take inventory of existing supplies in their homes and vehicles, replace or update any expired materials, obtain supplies that are essential in the event of a hurricane, and discuss emergency plans with household members.

“When any storm with strong winds hits Maine, the real danger is trees toppling onto buildings, cars, and powerlines,” said MEMA Director Pete Rogers. “Our power grid is especially vulnerable, and any damage could ripple through our state. Maine residents need to make plans well ahead of any storm to prepare for long power outages.”

He suggests that because hurricane impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland, Maine families should create an emergency plan to decide how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate. Those sites could include a friend’s home in another town or a hotel. Choose destinations in different directions so that you have options during an emergency and if needed, identify a place to stay or the nearest evacuation center that will accept pets. Some emergency shelters only allow service animals.

Rogers advises to assemble supplies that are ready to go in the event of an evacuation. Prepare a “go-bag” you can carry when you evacuate on foot or public transportation and supplies for traveling longer distances if you have a car.

Supplies should include one gallon of water per person per day to last for three days, non-perishable food that does not require cooking, a manual can opener, medications, and a small amount of cash for when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel, or food.

Cell phones and other electronic devices should be charged in advance of a storm as power could be out for hours and days if a storm strikes Maine.

Pertinent financial and critical personal, household, and medical information should be stored along with other important documents either in a safety deposit box, an external drive, or on the cloud online to make it easy to access during a disaster.

It’s also helpful to review your homeowner’s insurance policy prior to a natural disaster.

MEMA recommends bringing in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down that could become damage-causing projectiles during high winds.

Cumberland County EMA recommends keeping a full tank of gas if an evacuation could be a possibility. It’s also helpful to keep an emergency kit in your car. Some emergency kit supplies could include jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, cell phone charger, blanket, map, snacks and bottled water.

Additional hurricane preparedness and safety information tips are available by visiting MainePrepares.com or visit MEMA on Facebook, X, and Nextdoor. <

Student program benefits from Substance Abuse Prevention Grant from Town of Windham

By Ed Pierce

For the past four years, Windham Middle School’s Altitude Program has partnered with Rippleffect to help students make positive choices through activities to build their confidence.

Windham Middle School Altitude students had the
opportunity during the last school year to participate 
in a series of adventure-based learning experiences
with Rippleffect field guides thanks to a Substance
Abuse Prevention Grant from the Town of Windham.
COURTESY PHOTO 

The program has benefited from a Substance Prevention Grant from the Town of Windham and at a Windham Town council meeting in July, program administrators briefed councilors about activities partially funded by the grant during the 2024-2035 school year. The Substance Prevention Grant Fund is derived from annual licensing fees collected from cannabis businesses in Windham and used to promote collaboration and positive choices in reducing youth substance use within Windham.

During the report to the town council, administrators said Altitude students had the opportunity during the last school year to participate in a series of adventure-based learning experiences with Rippleffect field guides. The goal of these experiences is to help students develop healthy coping skills, build conflict-resolution strategies, improve self-confidence, and gain a greater understanding of the role of endorphins in feeling good.

Rippleffect trips so far have included high ropes challenge course days at the Rippleffect Outdoor Community Center, a visit to Mackworth Island, Kettle Cove, and a day trip to Cow Island. These trips were focused on individual and community legacy. For W<S eight graders, it included a legacy piece of art installed in the WMS classroom where Altitude students gather.

With Rippleffect students learn about teamwork, communication, conflict-resolution, positive-decision making, and self-discipline. They put these skills into action throughout the school year and during field days with Rippleffect. While in the field, trained guides bring students together to highlight community moments.

These moments may involve evaluating our own mental status or the group's status, bringing attention to a potential danger, or simply letting the group know the water is ready for hot chocolate, program administrators say. Many of these moments offer a challenge to overcome, self-discipline to recognize, validating positive decision making, a conflict resolved, and a team working together.

All these adventures are meant to highlight students' skills, abilities, and community contributions to show how students can do hard things.

“Grant money has allowed us to work with Rippleffect as part of the Altitude pathway,” said Autumn Carlsen Cook, Windham Middle School (WMS) Altitude Teacher during an interview with The Windham Eagle in 2024.

The new partnership between Altitude and Rippleeffect started at Windham Middle School in May 2023. The idea was born out of Altitude students’ time spent on Cow Island, Carlsen Cook said.

“For the 2023-2024 school year, we designed monthly excursions that offered outdoor challenges to both seventh and eighth grade participants,” she said. “The Altitude community spent time hiking, climbing, and engaging in teamwork games outdoors.”

She said the goal of the partnership is to challenge students in ways they may not be challenged in their daily lives within the traditional school setting.

“We work with the intent of exploring students' abilities and the assets they contribute to their peers, and their community,” Cook said. “We strive to show students that there are many healthy ways to experience the world and face challenges at whatever level they are comfortable.”

The Altitude Rippleffect partnership has grown to become a significant part of the Altitude program at WMS and each month during the school year, Rippleffect field guides visit the classroom the day before an excursion.

“We prepare together by reviewing the schedule, packing needs, lessons in outdoor adventure ethics (such as Leave-No-Trace) and engaging in energizing community games,” Carlsen Cook says. “We then bring seventh and eighth grades separately on their adventure. Following the excursion, we complete an in-class reflection that encompasses recognizing a high point from the day, a challenge that was faced and how it was overcome, and we look to the next trip and ask students what they are looking forward to.”

Rippleffect programs help youth build confidence, develop critical leadership skills, strengthen relationships, and grow their appreciation for the outdoors through exploration of Cow Island, the waters of Casco Bay, and the wilderness of New England.

Altitude is an alternative pathway program at Windham Middle School, and its goal is to create more hands-on learning opportunities for students struggling within a traditional school setting. The Altitude Program is a connector for these students academically as well as personally. It aims to help students make relationships, build community and work on social skills and communication. <

Presentation focuses on importance of sheep farming in 19th century Raymond

By Ed Pierce

In a time when forests, trees and lumber dominated the local economy in Raymond, there was a period when sheep farming mattered to area residents and that topic will be explored during a presentation by the Raymond-Casco Historical Society.

Cheryl Callahan will discuss 'Processing Wool and the Sheep
Boom of New England' during a free presentation at 6:30
p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11 at the Raymond-Casco Historical
Society campus at 1 Shadow Lane in Casco. 
COURTESY PHOTO

At 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, Cheryl Callahan will discuss “Processing Wool and the Sheep Boom of New England” at the Raymond-Casco Historical Society campus at 1 Shadow Lane in Casco. The presentation is free, but donations will be accepted. The community is welcome to attend and learn more about the relevance of sheep farming in Raymond’s history.

Callahan says that some tools used in the 18th and 19th centuries to process sheep’s fleece into yarn for spinning are still in service today.

During her presentation, she will demonstrate how some of them worked and discuss options that were available to spinners, weavers and dyers of days gone by to transform sheep wool into products.

According to Callahan, Raymond’s history of the sheep boom in New England was a direct reflection of economic uncertainty facing New England at that time.

“Cloth production increased when exports were restricted,” she said. “We will look at a local business that thrived here in Raymondtown to meet demands of the community.”

During the 19th century, Maine farmers tended almost a million sheep that produced wool and for a 35-year period in New England history, in what was called “Sheep Fever” from 1810 to 1845, sheep farming thrived across the Pine Tree State.

At the onset of “Sheep Fever,” many Maine farms kept native sheep, which were small and not very good to eat, but in spite of short fleece they were hardy enough to stand up to cold winters. The Merino sheep breed had finer fleece and tasted better and became the preferred choice for sheep farmers.

New breeds of sheep from Europe, specifically the German Saxon and the British Leicester and Southdowns, were introduced and by 1860, Maine sheep were producing 33 pounds of wool each spring.

Merino sheep farms in Raymondtown grew in the 19th century as a result of the War of 1812, which disrupted the supply of English wool to New England. To contain the sheep to a farming property, numerous stone walls were constructed to contain the flocks.

A historical account uncovered by the late Raymond historian Ernest H. Knight reveals that a farm gifted to Major Simon Fog in Raymond in 1814 was initially a cultivated vegetable farm, before becoming a sheep farm, and then transitioning to dairy farming in the late 1930s and 1940s.

The popularity of sheep farming in Maine declined somewhat after 1840 as developments such as the opening of the Erie Canal and westward migration to more fertile agricultural properties continued. But it enjoyed a brief revival in the early 1860s, when the need for wool uniforms during the Civil War rose.

Raymondtown in the era included several mills that played a significant role in the area's economic development and one of them will be discussed by Callahan during her presentation.

Early Raymondtown settlers, including Dominicus Jordan and Joseph Dingley, had established sawmills to meet the immediate needs of the community and these early sawmills were typically located on sites with waterpower and the availability to shipping routes on land and by water. Raymond sheep farmers used these local mills to refine their products for growing cities like Portland.

The Raymond-Casco Historical Society was created in 1971 as an educational, charitable, non-profit organization devoted to collection, preservation, and experiential learning which highlights the culture and working history of the Lakes Region Area.

For questions about the “Processing Wool and the Sheep Boom of New England” presentation, or to learn more about the historical society and programs it offers, call 207-655-6389 or visit raymondcascohistoricalsociety.org/. <

Eagle Choice Awards to be announced next week

By Ed Pierce

The staff of The Windham Eagle newspaper have completed counting votes for the Eagle Choice Awards and once again the popularity of the annual competition is evident.

Launched in 2015, the Eagle Choice Awards recognize local businesses in the area through popular vote and shows that the community does take notice when it receives outstanding service and finds superior products offered by local merchants.

Melissa Carter, advertising director of The Windham Eagle newspaper, said that the awards remain wildly popular and established a new record this year by receiving more than 10,000 ballots cast resulting in over 191,000 votes across 93 categories.

“These awards salute those who the public thinks exceed the norm for their products, services, and overall customer satisfaction,” Carter said. “These votes are heartfelt and come from the people who use the goods and services provided by these outstanding businesses.”

Kelly Mank, owner and publisher of The Windham Eagle newspaper, says that the Eagle Choice Awards are an outstanding way for the public to learn about a business they may not be familiar with and to discover the very best services, food and products that are available locally.

“The Eagle Choice Awards give the community trusted options and a unique way to connect residents and visitors here with area businesses in meaningful ways,” Mank said. “Every vote comes from the readers and is based upon how they feel about local businesses.”

Voting opened on June 29 and continued through Sunday, July 20. A list of the 2025 Eagle Choice winners will be published in the Aug. 15 special section of The Windham Eagle newspaper.

“The special section is saved by many residents and used all year long to find the area businesses that have been singled out for recognition as being the best of the best by local residents,” Carter said. “The Eagle Choice Awards special section is also posted to the newspaper’s website for convenient and handy reference throughout the year.”

Two awards are presented in each category, gold for first place and silver for second. At times, if votes are within 10, a tie is then called, and two businesses are awarded for the category.

The awards will be presented at a gathering at Erik's Church in Windham, starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14. Each winner is given a decal and a plaque to display at their business or on vehicles to recognize their accomplishment.

“Now in its 11th year, the Eagle Choice Award has become a well-known symbol of business trust and top-notch customer service,” Carter said. “It is an honor to be able to recognize the many companies that pour their heart and soul into their businesses each year. The competition is tough and even for those businesses that are not awarded gold or silver, we hope that they appreciate every vote they get. The exposure of even being listed on the ballot is a win for branding and for name recognition.”

Carter said a few new categories have been added this year and some from previous years have been updated. For 2025, there are a total of 93 categories.

Businesses in the updated categories have been split to better represent business services. Those include Auto Detailing and Car Wash into two separate categories, Aesthetics/Med Spa has been split into Facial and Med Spa, and Trash Services has been split into Junk Removal and Trash Services/Dumpster Rentals.

New categories this year are Burger, Dog Training, Interior Design/Home Staging, and Remediation.

While the newspaper does its best to keep current on adding new businesses and deleting those that are closed and including everyone, they welcome feedback to help improve ballot choices for the upcoming years by sending an email to: awards@thewindhameagle.com. Voters also had a write-in option to nominate a business that is not already listed.

Eagle Choice Award voters must cast ballots in at least 10 categories or more and must also include their email address when uploading or turning in a ballot for it to be valid to ensure that only one vote is cast by an individual. Email addresses collected during the Eagle Choice Awards competition are not sold or distributed to a third party.

“Every business mentioned in the Eagle Choice special section is more than worthy and deserving of this recognition and we are so happy to be able to showcase their popularity with the Annual Eagle Choice Awards,” Carter said. “We can’t thank everyone enough who took the time to cast a ballot, to our readers for supporting these fine businesses and to the many companies that support our publication not just for Eagle Choice by on a weekly basis. We can’t wait to reveal the list of winners in the Aug. 15 edition.” <

State extends exemption for polystyrene foam food containers to 2027

AUGUSTA – A new law will go into effect immediately in Maine that extends the exemption from the ban on polystyrene foam food containers to allow raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs to be sold in polystyrene foam containers until July 1, 2027.

Maine retailers have been granted an exemption until July
2027 to stop selling products packaged or contained in
polystyrene containers as mandated by the Maine
Legislature. Polystyrene has been linked to cancer-causing
carcinogens in humans and is not biodegradable.
COURTESY PHOTO
    

It also extends the exemption to allow retailers to sell food or beverages in or on disposable food service containers composed of polystyrene foam that is prepackaged at the wholesale level until July 1, 2027.

This law does not make any change to the ban on polystyrene foam disposable food service containers for take-out foods, bakery products, and leftovers from partially consumed meals that are currently in effect. Disposable food service containers are service ware designed for one-time use, and include bowls, plates, trays, cartons, cups, lids sleeves, or other items for containing, transporting, and serving foods.

A "frequently asked questions" guidance sheet has been prepared by the Department to provide additional information regarding who and what must comply with the ban can be found on the Departments web page at the link above.

This change in the law only extends the exemption. After July 1, 2027, all food and beverage products sold in Maine, including food prepackaged out of State by wholesalers for retail sale, cannot be packaged in polystyrene foam.

Expanded polystyrene foam, commonly but inaccurately known by the trade name Styrofoam (which is a material produced for building insulation or craftwork), has been in use since the 1960s. Because of its light weight, impact absorption, insulation qualities, and low price, it has been particularly popular for making disposable packaging and food ware.

Recently polystyrene foam service ware has become a concern for the environment as well as human health and safety. It is one of the top 10 contributors to environmental litter. It is not biodegradable, is resistant to photo-oxidization, and is difficult to recycle.

Currently in Maine, polystyrene foam is not collected for recycling and must be treated as trash. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Toxicology Program has listed styrene, a chemical found in expanded polystyrene foam, as a reasonably anticipated human carcinogen that can be transferred from expanded polystyrene foam containers into food and beverages that people consume.

To protect people and the environment, reduce litter, and keep polystyrene out of the waste stream, in 2019 the Maine Legislature passed a statewide ban on certain expanded polystyrene foam products 38 MRSA Chapter 15-A. This law bans the use of disposable polystyrene foam food service wares including any container, bowl, plate, tray, carton, cup, lid, sleeve, stirrer or other item used to contain, transport, serve or consume prepared foods, with the exception of home use and use by certain exempted entities.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov <

New Comprehensive Plan heads to town vote in Raymond

By Kendra Raymond

It’s been over two years in the making, and the Raymond Comprehensive Plan is nearly ready for the next phase. A special town meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 12 to hold a vote on accepting the plan.

After a lengthy and involved process of information gathering, survey distribution and analysis, public workshops, and plan revisions, the Raymond Comprehensive Plan is rounding the corner and coming into the final steps of the project.

In formulating the Comprehensive Plan, phases for the project included data analysis, an inventory of vision and values, a look toward Raymond Tomorrow, development of an implementation plan, and the adoption of the final plan.

The comprehensive plan is a document with a long-range view that guides municipal policy, growth, and investment over the next 10 to 20 years. The plan incorporates community vision, values, and data analysis on existing conditions in areas like housing, transportation, population, and public facilities.

Raymond has not updated its plan since 2004, and the committee recognizes that a lot has changed in the past 20 years, while some things have remained much the same. The Comprehensive Plan Committee (CPC) is leading the way to decipher these nuances while remaining true to the core values and history of the town.

For towns in Maine, having a state-certified comprehensive plan is mandatory before applying for various grants and loans, or to incorporate various regulations.

Along with Peter Leavitt, Kaela Gonzalez is co-chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee and Gonzales took a minute to answer the following questions residents have been asking about the new plan.

What is new about this Comprehensive Plan?

The 2024 Comprehensive Plan builds upon the previous plan from 2004, focusing on preserving Raymond’s small-town rural character and natural resources while addressing challenges such as limited housing, traffic congestion, and development pressure. The new draft incorporates clear and defined policy actions, including a proposed future land use map providing a structured approach to managing growth. The map details areas of growth and transition concentrated along Rt 302 and the village areas. Rural and critical rural spaces include shorefront and large areas of land in North and East Raymond. The Plan also contains updated information on current trends in population, housing, and the local economy. If the Plan is deemed consistent with the State's Growth Management Plan, Raymond becomes eligible for future funding opportunities.

What does this mean to residents?

Essentially, the Comprehensive Plan sets the agenda and future initiatives for town staff, elected officials, and the various town committees. In time, the goals and policies outlined in the Plan will take shape. These may include improvements to roads with a focus on traffic calming measures, safer shoulders, and increased sidewalks for pedestrian and bike safety. Zoning updates could allow for more housing options like duplexes, apartments, or senior housing in designated areas, while still protecting rural and shore land areas from overdevelopment. The Comp Plan will also play a major role in deciding how Jordan-Small Middle School will be used after the new Windham Raymond Middle School opens in 2027.

Will it be added to the ballot?

The Select Board will be holding a public hearing and special town meeting on Aug. 12, 2025, in which voters will have the opportunity to accept or reject the draft plan. If rejected, the Comprehensive Plan Committee will be asked to make changes based on comments received on Aug. 12. If accepted, the Plan becomes a longterm guide for our community and allows Raymond to impose changes and policies outlined legally.

What changes can residents expect to see going forward?

The first recommendation to the Select Board after the acceptance by the voters will be the formation of an Implementation Committee, which is where the real work will begin. The Comprehensive Plan lays out goals and policies which include suggested benchmarks for achievement (short-term, mid-range, and long-term). That committee will be charged with putting forth action plans to set the goals and policies in motion. Raymond is already moving forward with actions to improve resiliency through participation in the State's Community Resilience Partnership and applying for funding through Community Action Grants, with the help of North Star Planning and Siler Climate Consulting.

The Comprehensive Plan Committee has been meeting regularly to synthesize data and fine-tune the cohesive Comprehensive Plan, which is the citizen’s vision for the future of the town.

Leavitt cites strong community involvement in the process. He says that citizen data collected from these workshops along with two internet-based community opinion surveys and committee polling of Raymond citizens has formed the core of our current plan. The committee has also completed a series of one-on-one interviews of all town department heads.

Gonzales said that community feedback and support has been positive throughout the process thus far.

“There was a comment period before the committee finalized a draft in December of 2024. The Comprehensive Plan Committee has not held a meeting since December,” she said. “There have been some comments to the Select Board, which have been positive and supportive. Residents are eager to see meaningful changes, an increase in community connectivity, and the preservation of Raymond's natural resources.”

For more information and updates, visit the website at https://compplan.raymondmaine.org/.

Survey reports are available on the website, as well as other resources such as factsheets and workshop reports.

To read a copy of the proposed Town of Raymond Compressive Plan, visit: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/583c12f2ebbd1a75232464df/t/678aacc33941ac1f59524b16/1737141451023/Raymond+Comprehensive+Plan+1.7.25.pdf <

Decades later former Girl Scouts reunite, share memories

By Dina Mendros

In the early 1990s, Nancy Cash-Cobb’s daughter Sara decided she wanted to be Girl Scout, and her mother told her “I’ll be the leader as long as you want to do it.”

Windham Girl Scout Troop 704 that met on Thursday
afternoons at Windham Elementary School for 12 years
until 2004 went on trips to a variety of places including
Washington, D.C. where they met U.S. Senators Olympia
Snowe, back row far left, and Susan Collins, back row far 
right. Former Scout Mia Perron, front row, third from left,
was a member of that troop and attended a troop reunion on
July 27 at Crescent Lake in Raymond. COURTESY PHOTO    

For 12 years, Cash-Cobb led Girl Scout Troop 704 which held their meetings on Thursday afternoons at Windham Elementary School. Sara and other area girls were troop members for all 12 years.

The girls, who are now 38- to 40-year-old women, have moved on, some have moved to other states, some have careers, and some are married with children. But the bonds of their Girl Scout adventures and experiences continue, and on Sunday, July 27, a number of the former Scouts and their former leaders gathered at Cash-Cobb’s home on Crescent Lake in Raymond to catch up, reminisce and make new memories.

Barbara Phinney, the assistant troop leader, came up with the idea for the reunion, Cash-Cobb said. Although the reunion wasn’t as well attended as she had hoped for, with only six scouts returning, still, Cash-Cobb said, “we had a good time.”

The reuniting Scouts agreed.

“The reunion was great!” former Scout member Mia Perron said. The married, 40-year-old Westbrook resident who works at Unum and plays violin and acts in her spare time said, “while our numbers were small, our Girl Scout pride was mighty! We looked at pictures, talked about our favorite experiences, and shared where we are now - kids, careers, life.”

Cash-Cobb said, she and other parent volunteers took the girls on many adventures through the years.

“We went to New York City and (Washington) D.C. and we went to Europe.” The troop also met some interesting people from an astronaut to Maine’s U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins. The girls and their leaders held fundraisers to help pay for trips. We made and sold a lot of spaghetti and meatballs meals.”

She said the Scouts also participated in community service activities from volunteering at an animal shelter to helping out at soup kitchens.

As she reminisced, Perron said, “one thing that really struck me as I looked back … on these childhood experiences through the eyes of an adult was how much work my troop leaders put into cultivating these incredible experiences for us. I looked at a picture of us covered in mud and holding up starfish and thought how much work must have gone into bringing a dozen girls camping on a Maine island. I laugh at a photo of myself ‘tied’ into my seat at a Broadway show (I'm afraid of heights and those balconies are steep) and I can't imagine herding these inquisitive, excited girls through the streets of Times Square. Not only did they guide us through incredible experiences, it also helped us face adversity – like the time I toppled down the stairs at the Hard Rock Cafe in D.C. and broke my ankle one day into our trip. Did the girls let that slow us down? Never! I got pushed, pulled, and carried all over the city by determined and diligent girls who wouldn't let me miss a single experience.”

Being a Girl Scout, Perron said, was a very positive and important part of her growing-up experience.

“The leadership opportunities I had as a Girl Scout, whether leading younger troops or organizing events, gave me confidence that carried into my career,” she said. “The emphasis on helping others shaped my values, and the problem-solving skills I learned have been invaluable throughout my life. To this day, I seek out opportunities to give back to my community. This week, my Unum coworkers and I made dinner for residents at the Ronald McDonald House. Last year, I raised over $1,000 for the Maine Cancer Society participating in ‘Tri for a Cure’. Those values were nurtured through Scouts.”

Perron said she still is good friends, and in close contact with some of her former troop members but not all of them.

She attended the event because, “I wanted to reconnect and see the women what the girls of my memories have become. There's something special about people who knew you during those important growing-up years.”

Another Girl Scout Troop 704 reunion is planned for next year.

“I hope in future years, we are able to reach more girls who are women now,” Perron said. “I would love to hear about their lives, careers, families, and how scouting shaped their journeys.”

To find out about next year’s reunion event, call Nancy Cash-Cobb at 207-671-7064. <

Collector donates significant book collection to Hawthorne House

By Kendra Raymond

Maine author Stephen King once said, “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” For Raymond resident Jim Long, sharing the gift of magic with his community comes naturally. The impactful donation is being received by the Hawthorne Community Association, part of author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s boyhood home.

Jim Long of Raymond, left, presents part of
his personal book collection to Tom Ewig,
president of the Hawthorne Community
Association. Long's donated books will be
used to further develop the Hawthorne 
House library. COURTESY PHOTO  

Hawthorne Community Association President Tom Ewig is delighted with Long’s generosity.

“Jim Long has downsized his library and has offered the association some rather rare and interesting first additions,” he said. “It has been one of our objectives to make the Hawthorne House library more relevant and interesting to our members and visitors.”

Ewig says that the donation will further enrich the Hawthorne House collection and is grateful that Long thought of them.

“Jim is a longtime resident of Raymond, but not yet a member of Hawthorne Community Association,” Ewig said. “He contacted me because he was looking for a steward of his beloved collection. It will inspire us to expand the Hawthorne House library and offer our books to our membership. We already have quite a good collection of both Hawthorne works, books written about him as well as other historical books so this will fit right in.”

Long reflected on the decision to initiate the donation.

“I have spent the last three days divesting my home of 50-plus years of accumulated literature in the form of hardcover books,” he said. “Like all my acquisitions, they were always gained with the hope that they would offer a meaningful and lasting value when passed on to the next generation. I am cleaning out things that I found had become important in shaping who I am and it aided me in defining that path. I am learning that a history known and shared does not hold things together quite like one that has been lived and experienced together. Most personal knowledge, understanding, and experiences are nontransferable with the same meaning or value.”

Long said that the books represent deep interests in his life including children, artistic illustrations, and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom and passing it along. Titles donated include classics such as a 1909 edition of the “Prince and the Pauper “by Mark Twain, “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe, “The Story of Don Quixote” by Arvid Paulson and Clayton Edwards. Also included is a 117-year-old copy of “The Toy Shop” by Margarita Gerry, and “Franz Schubert and his Merry Friends” by Opal Wheeler and Sybil Deucher.

Of notable importance to the Hawthorne House is the donation of “Tanglewood Tales” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

“It was originally published in 1913, but I acquired a 1940 edition,” he said. “This book holds a special place as I have kept and enjoyed it in my home. I am pleased to extend its presence in a proper historical environment to be enjoyed by many visitors in the future.”

Long resides nearby the Hawthorne House in Raymond.

“I have been in Raymond since 1972. Having four daughters that all went through most of their school here, I was pretty active in school and town functions for a long time,” he said. “I started collecting books many years ago after getting to know a longtime Raymond Cape resident, Ester Astor, who had an extensive library of her own. As an avid reader with an interest in history and art, I decided to start a modest collection. I was very happy that I could find such a worthy place for them.”

Long reflected on his history in the town and his memories.

“My days of belonging to organizations are mostly behind me, but am always looking to support worthy causes,” he said. “I had a painting and wallpapering company that served many clients along the cape who became friends as well. I had many lunch stops at the old country store behind the Hawthorne House.”

Long is skeptical about the direction that books are headed and remains dedicated to acquiring his reading through physical copies.

“I dread the loss of a medium that has had such a wonderful physical presence, history, and smell that provides a reality you cannot experience any other way. A book is not just a book; it’s an experience,” he said. “I must admit that I am slowly transitioning in how I think about and acquire my reading material. I still like hard copies of timeless subject matter like biographies, settled histories, books that document the evolution of things or thoughts.”

Ewig says he hopes to get busy cataloging and organizing the significant gift.

“A word of thanks to Jim, and I personally will delight in paging through this fine collection,” he said.

Long said he’s glad the books are in a good place.

“I have done my homework and know that the books I have are well preserved in a digital space for now and all the tomorrows to come,” said Long.

To learn more about the Hawthorne House, visit their website at: https://hawthorneassoc.com/ <

National Night Out a great way to get to know Windham’s first responders

By Ed Pierce

Members of the Windham Police Department are looking forward to meeting the community and showcasing what they do every day for public safety during the popular community gathering called National Night Out.

Held annually on the first Tuesday evening in August, this year’s National Night Out will be conducted from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the Windham Public Safety Building at 375 Gray Road in Windham. The event is an opportunity for the residents of Windham to meet with local law enforcement and public safety personnel in a casual setting and learn more about the important work that they’re doing protecting the town.

National Night Out is entirely free and open to the public and will include food, and a vast array of fun activities for the entire family.

Representatives from the Windham Police Department, the Windham Fire Department and Windham Parks and Recreation will be on hand for the event and participants will be able to view police and fire equipment and emergency vehicles up close.

The original National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and protection of community-based, law enforcement-affiliated crime prevention activities.

Over the years, National Night Out has developed into an effective crime prevention program that emphasizes building a partnership between the police and the community.

Windham Police officials say that community involvement in crime prevention generated through a multitude of local activities and events such as National Night Out assist in bringing prominent attention to crime prevention programs offered by law enforcement agencies and assist in the dissemination of information about successful strategies used by police officers to thwart crime in the town.

The National Night Out program is designed to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Along with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone who attends, there will be active demonstrations at the National Night Out event by a Windham Police K-9 dog and handler, drone flights and demonstrations, and displays of specialized equipment and information available about various law enforcement programs used by the Windham Police Department. There will also be bounce houses for children, a Kids Coloring Contest, a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway and a demonstration of ax throwing.

Windham police officers and firefighters and first responders will be on hand and in unform to meet the public, talk with them about their duties, and promote camaraderie with Windham residents.

All National Night Out activities generate a true sense of community under positive circumstances, Windham Police officials say.

For more information and specific details about this year’s National Night Out activities in Windham, call 207-892-2525. <

Mitchell Institute honors two WHS graduates as 2025 Mitchell Scholars

By Ed Pierce

Two 2025 graduates of Windham High School have been honored as 2025 Mitchell Scholars by the Mitchell Institute.

2025 Windham High graduates Jolene Bailey, left, and
Fiona Harmon have been honored as Mitchell Scholars
by the Mitchell Institute. The distinction includes a
$10,000 scholarship, along with ongoing personal and
professional support to help them find success throughout
college and beyond. COURTESY PHOTO 

Jolene Bailey and Fiona Harmon both graduated from WHS with the Class of 2025 in June and now join more than 3,800 past recipients as Mitchell Scholars who have been unlocking their potential, having successful college experiences and contributing to the vitality of their communities. Students receiving this honor are awarded a $10,000 scholarship, along with ongoing personal and professional support to ensure they find success in their journey throughout college and beyond.

Harmon will attend Husson University in Bangor while Bailey will attend college out of state in Michigan.

The Portland-based Mitchell Institute was founded by former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell of Maine to improve college outcomes for students from every community in the state.

“Senator Mitchell realized a bold vision when he created the Mitchell Institute in 1995 which is to increase the likelihood that young people from every community in Maine will aspire to, pursue, and achieve a college education,” said Jared Cash, Mitchell Institute President and Chief Executive Officer. “In our 30th year, his vision is more important than ever before. We're proud to support these remarkable young people as they begin journeys that will benefit Maine for generations to come.”

Throughout their college experience and in the years following, both Bailey and Harmon will have opportunities to engage with Mitchell Institute programs and resources focusing on financial assistance, leadership training, and academic and career support, Cash said.

Some of those resources include participation in signature events and providing valuable information designed to meet Mitchell Scholars where they are and to support them in college and well into their professional careers.

“Each scholar represents the best of our great state and reflects Senator Mitchell’s vision of investing in young people so they, in turn, can strengthen their communities,” Cash said.

Each year the Mitchell Institute receives more than 1,600 applications and is tasked with choosing at least one student from every public school in the state. Scholars are chosen with a balanced view of their financial needs, academic achievement, and community impact.

This year marks the largest class in Mitchell’s 30-year history with more than 200 scholars in total.

But 2025 was unique in more ways than just the numbers.

“Every part of the Mitchell community had a hand in choosing who made up the incoming class,” said Casey Near, Scholarship Director. “I was joined by our Access Ambassadors to help promote the Mitchell Institute on visits to high schools, and Alumni were able to read applications for the first time ever, along with the staff and board to help select recipients.”

She said that the benefits of this unique program can be proven through its statistics. Mitchell Scholars graduate college at a rate 30 percent higher than the national average; 81percent are working in career-related jobs; 29 percent report they hold a master’s degree; 10 percent hold either a doctorate, JD, or an MBA; and 71 percent say access to the Mitchell Board, donors, and alumni network have had a positive impact on their careers.

About the Mitchell Institute

The Mitchell Institute unlocks the potential of Maine college students so that they can find success in college and contribute to the vitality of their communities. The organization awards $2 million in college scholarship funds every year to students from public high schools in every community in Maine. What separates the Mitchell Institute from traditional scholarship organizations is the broader array of support programs that it provides to students. This combination of personal, professional and financial support makes college degrees more attainable for Mitchell Scholars, who graduate at a rate 30 percent higher than the national average. Mitchell Scholars are also more likely than their peers to stay in Maine or return to the state after college. Founded by U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell, the Mitchell Institute’s core mission is to improve the likelihood that young people from every community in Maine will aspire, pursue, and achieve a college education. The Mitchell Institute strengthens Maine communities by providing a path to success in college and beyond.

For further details about the Mitchell Institute, go to www.mitchellinstitute.org. <

Raymond appoints new director for town’s Parks and Recreation Department

By Dina Mendros

The Raymond Parks and Recreation Department is relatively new, only starting in February 2020, and it has undergone a number of changes in that short time. The latest change is appointing Riley Silvia as the department’s new full-time director.

Riley Silvia, 23, has been appointed by
the Raymond Select Board as the 
director of the Raymond Parks and
Recreation Department. She has been
serving as the town's assistant director
of the Parks and Rec Department and
she obtained a degree in Sports
Management as Lassell University
in Massachusetts.
SUBMITTED PHOTO    

Silvia, 23, who grew up in Raymond and graduated from Lasell University in Massachusetts with a degree in Sports Management and a minor in Communication, started working for the department during the summer of 2020 and every summer since until last July, when she was hired full time as the assistant director before her recent appointment as director.

Though young, Silvia has a history of excellence. As a student-athlete, she competed during both high school and college in both women’s soccer and track and field. While in college, Silvia was a two-time Great Northeast Athletic Conference champion, winning the discus title in 2022 and indoor shotput title in 2024, as well being a two-time GNAC runner-up with Lasell University’s women’s soccer team. She was selected as the “Scholar Athlete of the Year” for Lasell University in 2024.

She also has had a history of success during her tenure with the Raymond Parks & Recreation Department. In 2022, she created the department’s first-ever summer camp, building it from the ground up and serving as camp director until becoming the department’s assistant director.

“One of my proudest accomplishments while being assistant director was introducing a variety of new programs and events that strengthened community involvement,” she said in an email. “I launched the Camp Raymond After School Program, as well as several events including Merry and Bright Family Night, Elf Workshop, Kids Night Out, and the Sweetheart Soirée. On the athletic side, I introduced our futsal program, goalkeeper training clinics, and brought in Challenger Soccer Camps to provide a new level of instruction. I also brought the Summer Ticket Program to Raymond to help families access local attractions at a discount. Most recently, I helped bring back the UCan 5K.”

She also made strides in enhancing the department’s marketing strategy, expanding its social media presence, and building stronger connections with local families and partners.

Silvia credits much of her success to her predecessor, Joseph Crocker, who stepped down as department director earlier this year to focus on his own new position as Raymond’s Town Manager.

Crocker, Silvia said, “was a very important mentor to me. He saw potential in me early on and gave me opportunities to step up, take on responsibility, and grow within the department. The foundation he built and the guidance he gave me played a huge role in preparing me for this new position, and I’m incredibly grateful for the path he helped me take.”

For his part, Crocker said that Silvia was a natural fit for the director position as she continued to grow and be promoted within the department. She was first hired as a Tassel Top Park attendant six years ago while still in college, he said, and by the end of the first summer she was promoted to park supervisor. She led successful initiatives for the park and was appointed as the first-ever childcare camp director.

“With her deep knowledge of the town, having grown up in Raymond, combined with her energy, creativity, and commitment to expanding community opportunities, Riley was a natural choice for assistant director of Parks & Recreation and then as department director,” Crocker said.

Her new position will shift Silvia’s focus from primarily running programs to leading the entire department’s vision, resources, and growth.

“In my new role, I’m responsible for setting long-range direction, managing the budget, guiding full-time and seasonal staff development, overseeing projects and facility planning, and strengthening partnerships across town departments, schools, and community organizations,” she said.

Silvia says that one of her biggest challenges so far has been balancing limited space with increasing demand for programs.

Since the department’s inception, revenue has grown over 25 percent from nearly $125,000 in the first fiscal year to about $383,700 in the last, according to figures supplied by Crocker. Silvia said she is excited that more full-time staff will be hired to help meet department demands.

Silvia’s long-term goals include growing programs and capacity.

“I’m most looking forward to expanding our audience and creating more opportunities for all members of the Raymond community,” she said. “I want to ensure our department reaches beyond traditional youth programs and offers something meaningful for teens, adults, and older residents as well. With more staffing support and a growing foundation, we’re in a strong position to introduce new ideas, strengthen community connections, and ensure everyone in town feels they have a place in our programs and events. It’s an exciting time to build on what we’ve started and continue growing.” <

In the public eye: Windham patrol officer dedicates career to serving community with distinction

Editor’s note: This is another in an ongoing series of Windham and Raymond town employee profiles.

By Ed Pierce

Windham Police Officer Nicholas Sanborn believes that working tough shifts builds a strong spirit and he gratefully accepts his service to the community on the night shift.

Officer Nicholas Sanborn has worked for
the Windham Police Department since
December 2023 and his duties involve
handling calls for service, enforcing Maine
traffic laws, and patrolling an assigned
district of the town. He's also a member
of the Cumberland County RIDE Team
(Regional Impaired Driving Enforcement).
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Sanborn is a Windham Patrol Officer assigned to the “late out shift” from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and his duties involve calls for service, enforcing Maine Traffic Laws, and patrolling an assigned district of the town. On any given shift, he conducts traffic stops, property checks, and assigned calls for service.

Along with that, Sanborn is also a member of the Cumberland County RIDE Team (Regional Impaired Driving Enforcement), a group of municipal and county officers and deputies from Cumberland County that work together to target impaired driving in the county.

He joined the Windham Police Department in December 2023 and has been working with the department for just over a year and a half.

“The best thing that I am able to do in my job is to bring people back to safety,” Sanborn said. “This is something that I have enjoyed in my endeavors with lifeguarding and search and rescue, and most definitely applies here. For instance, when I am able to locate a person who is missing and in need of medical attention, or in a domestic violence call where someone in the home may be making matters unsafe by being there. This job allows me to bring safety to those people and see the impact that it makes firsthand.”

According to Sanborn, the most challenging aspect of his work is responding, or being present for situations that result in the loss of human life.

“It is a necessary part of the job, but it is the most difficult because no matter how hard you try and even if you do everything right, there is no easy way to tell someone they just lost a loved one and nothing to say that will make them feel whole again in that moment,” he said.

The biggest misconception Sanborn thinks people may have about police work is that some believe they only see officers on their worst days.

“Despite that being true some of the time, it is our goal and our duty to help and hopefully improve the lives of those we meet,” Sanborn said. “We are also very involved in our community with sporting events, parades, and community outreach events.”

Originally from Standish, Sanborn attended Bonny Eagle High School where he graduated in 2018. Through the years he was involved with many extracurricular activities in Windham. That includes Boy Scout Troop 805, Windham Center Stage Theater, and the Maine Dance Center in Raymond where he would perform at Windham High School every year. He also worked for Windham as a lifeguard at Dundee Park in 2017 and remained at the park for the next four years with the various positions of Lifeguard Supervisor, Assistant Park Ranger, and Facilities Management Intern.

He studied Recreation and Tourism Management with a Concentration in Conservation Law Enforcement at the University of Maine at Machias and graduated as Salutatorian of his class.

“All my life I have been working to become a Maine Game Warden,” Sanborn said. “Despite my success in school and extracurriculars related to the career field, I did not have success in this career field. I then reached out to a few close friends within the town that helped me along my way. They encouraged me to apply to become a police officer in Windham and continued to support me through each step of the application process. I was hired in December 2023, and the rest is history.”

Sanborn’s family is greatly supportive of my position with the Windham Police. He says his family is aware of the dangers that come with his job but find comfort that he is close to home and that he’s well-supported by a department of well-trained officers. His parents are also both involved in the community as his mother has been a Windham teacher for more than 20 years.

His most memorable moment as a police officer was helping find a missing woman.

“I received a call for a missing person who had left her doctor’s appointment around 5:30 p.m. and not returned home,” Sanborn said. “The call came in well after 10 p.m. The missing woman had diabetes and other conditions and did not have her medications on her. I knew the clock was ticking. I eventually found her phone ping in Portland and was able to send officers to check the location which resulted in her receiving much needed medical treatment. The woman had fallen inside her church and was alone with no way to reach help or self-rescue.”

He considers his duties essential to the public.

“I have always wanted to have more than just a regular 9 to 5 job,” Sanborn said. “Part of becoming an Eagle Scout is to live your life in service every day and I believe that this job embodies that. Furthermore, this is not just a job but a lifestyle. It’s a reminder to live each day as a role model for the community and that an officer is never truly off duty.” <

Huge yard sale event major annual fundraiser for HART

By Dina Mendros

If you love cats, love a good bargain or both, the Homeless Animal Rescue Team’s (HART) annual yard sale next month is the place for you. This event takes place at Cumberland Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall from Aug. 7 to 10, with a Sip and Shop preview on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

The Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART)
annual yard sale fundraiser takes place from
Aug. 7 to Aug. 10 with a special preview
event on Aug. 6 at Exhibition Hall at
Cumberland Fairgrounds.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The event is an important one for the no-kill cat shelter and adoption center, raising about $80,000 last year and hoping to raise even more this year. Fundraising income makes up about 16 percent of the organization’s income. Other funding comes from donations and grants, adoption and surrender fees, and fundraising programs.

Event organizers are hoping lots of shoppers will attend the yard sale and are also counting on people to donate items before the event. Everything from kitchen small appliances, clothing, jewelry, and more are being accepted at the HART office through Saturday, July 26. After that, items including things like large furniture can be dropped off at the fairgrounds.

HART, which started in 1997, deals exclusively with cats and focuses on “giving them the best care that they can get until we find their forever home,” said HART board Vice President Sarah Michniewicz.

The shelter takes in surrendered, abandoned, injured and abused cats.

“We never turn away cats due to medical needs,” according to the HART website. “Every cat receives vaccinations, a microchip, spay or neuter surgery, testing, and, when necessary, extensive medical treatments - sometimes costing thousands of dollars.”

Michniewicz said that in 2024, more than 489 felines were taken in and about 36 cats are adopted out each month. As a no-kill shelter, cats that are not are adopted remain with HART.

Cats are surrendered for a variety of reasons, Michniewicz said. Some owners “can’t necessarily keep up with the care or someone has passed away and their family needs to find a placement for the cat. Sometimes people just get in a rough spot, and they just can’t take care of the cat anymore.”

The shelter was custom-designed and built in 2004.

“We have open rooms where the cats roam free,” Michniewicz said. “We have an intake room where we will bring them in until they’re ready to go out in the general population,” she said. There’s also a storeroom, a veterinary care room and a front office.

HART has more than 100 volunteers she says who perform a variety of functions such as fostering cats, working in the office, fundraising and more.

Those interested in adopting a HART cat can fill out an application at the organization’s website hartofme.org. Then “people come in and meet the cats and we have adoption coordinators at the shelter who will try to match people with the cat and see if it’s a good fit for them,” Michniewicz said. “Just trying to make sure that it’s the best fit possible so that it’s a forever home.”

The upcoming yard sale is important in helping HART fulfill its mission of caring for cats, Michniewicz said.

It first started at the parking lot of the shelter on Range Road until it outgrew that site and moved to the Cumberland Fairgrounds. Over the years the event has grown “and we’ve ended up having more and more merchandise and more and more shoppers,” she said.

“We take all kinds of things in, kitchenware, dinnerware, antiques, collectibles, furniture, tools, books, craft items, clothes and shoes, purses, jewelry, and all kinds of things, and we just ask that they be clean and in sellable condition,” Michniewicz said.

Items to donate can be brought to the shelter facility at 302 Range Road in Cumberland through Sunday, July 27. Starting Monday, July 28, donations can be brought to the Cumberland Fairgrounds at 197 Blanchard Road in Cumberland in the Exhibition Building. 

The HART yard sale takes place at the Exhibition Hall at the Cumberland Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 7, Aug. 8 and Aug. 9 and from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 10; the Sip and Shop preview is Aug. 6 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., tickets for that event are $28 online and $30 at the door.

To learn more, call 207-289-4116 or visit hartofme.org. <