Detour coming as Varney’s Bridge replacement project nears

By Masha Yurkevich

Motorists can expect a detour on William Knight Road across the Pleasant River in Windham sometime this summer as work to replace Varney’s Bridge is expected to begin.

There will be a detour for about a month on
Varney's Bridge on William Knight Road in
Windham this summer as bridge replacement
work will be performed. Motorists are
advised to use Falmouth Road or Route 302
to get around the bridge construction.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

An inspection of the bridge by the Maine Department of Transportation determined that it has weakened over time and is not safe for passage by larger vehicles such as garbage trucks, construction vehicles, and plow trucks.

Mark Arienti, Windham Town Engineer, said that the bridge was originally built around 1950 and has not seen much work since.

“The DOT does periodic inspections on bridges that are over 20 feet long,” says Arienti. “During one of their inspections about five or six years ago, they found some issues with the bridge, particularly the concrete abutments, and reduced the allowable load to three tons.”

This makes it not possible for construction trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, and other large vehicles to cross the bridge because of the weight limitation.

“For example, when the town plows, it has to stop at the bridge, turn around, and then go the other way,” Arienti said.

Right now, there are concrete abutments that support the current bridge, which is a steel structure, and Arienti said that scouring from the river has caused erosion where the concrete makes contact with the water. There has also been rusting on the steel supports which need to be replaced. The bridge has lasted quite a long time but has aged due to the erosion and corrosion of the concrete foundation and abutments and needs to be replaced.

Around three years ago, MDOT asked if the town would like to replace the bridge or do any other work that is necessary to help the bridge support larger loads so that heavier vehicles can use it. According to Arienti, Varney’s Bridge is classified as a redundant bridge, meaning that you can take alternate routes, such as Route 302 or Falmouth Road, and not experience a significant detour to avoid the bridge.

The town has had the option to close the bridge, but Arienti says that would make it inconvenient for the people who live on the road and use the bridge daily.

“We worked out an agreement with the state where the state pays for half and the town pays for half. This agreement is called a locally administered project, an LAP,” says Arienti. “The town is administering the replacements with contribution from the state with 50 percent of the cost, which is estimated at about $1.7 million.”

With the total cost for the bridge around $1.7 million, the town will pay about $900,000, and MDOT will cover the rest.

“What we have been working over the last year designing a new replacement bridge,” Arienti said. “We hired an outside firm to do some of the technical work and we have now completed a final design of a new bridge, which will be fairly similar to the existing bridge, but it will be a bit longer because we wanted to make the drop down to the bridge a little gentler.”

The design has been approved by MDOT, which leaves Arienti with one final task ahead of the bridge replacement.

“The last thing that I am trying to hire now is for right-of-way impacts; we have some slopes around the abutments, where the bridge is supported on either side, where some of that earthwork needs to go onto the private land next to the road right of way,” says Arienti. “In order to do that, we need to get a permit, easement, or purchase the small sliver of land from the landowners. There is one corner of the project where we are ironing out some of the details, and we hope that we can put the project out to bid this winter.”

Work is scheduled to start on the bridge this summer, around May or June, unless there are any issues. The project is predicted to be finished later in 2025.

“There will be a detour for probably a month at some point during the summer where people will need to go through Falmouth Road or Route 302 to get around the bridge,” says Arienti. <

In the public eye: Bridges/Life Skills teacher makes a difference at Windham Middle School

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

By Ed Pierce

It’s said that children with special needs, just like all other kids, require love, guidance, encouragement, positive influences, and an exceptional life teacher to help them reach their potential. Windham Middle School is fortunate to such a teacher, and her name is Margaret “Margie” Dionne.

Margaret 'Margie' Dionne serves as the
Bridges/Life Skills teacher at Windham
Middle School and works with special
needs students to teach self-advocacy, social
and emotional skills and help students
improve their communication skills.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

She serves as the Bridges/Life Skills teacher at WMS and makes a difference every single day in the lives of her students. Through her work, Dionne provides a supportive learning environment for special needs students that promotes personal growth and independence and gets them ready for high school experiences.

In her job, Dionne teaches self-advocacy, social and emotional skills and helps students to improve their communication skills. The program provides opportunities for community involvement for special needs students and Dionne teaches skills they need for independence in life such as grocery shopping, cooking, self-care and necessary tasks that can be used in employment situations like shredding, laminating and mail delivery to name a few.

“Our program does a lot of our activities and outings with the Windham High School Bridges program which helps to make an easier transition from middle school,” Dionne said.

She says that the best aspect of her work is watching her students grow in their independence and self-confidence.

“Since I have my students all three years of middle school, I get to see first-hand the changes that they make from that first day of sixth grade up until the last day of eighth grade,” Dionne said.

Now in her 11th year of her career at Windham Middle School, she worked as an Educational Technician at the school for eight years before becoming the Bridges/Life Skills teacher three years ago.

“My family agrees that my job is difficult but rewarding and like the fact that I love my job,” Dionne said.

As the Bridges/Life skills teacher at WMS, Dionne is responsible for the creation and implementation of student’s Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This means that Dionne provides her students with specially designed instructions to meet their academic and functional goals. She is responsible for coordinating with all members of a student’s teams including parents, other teachers, and related service providers, such as speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work, to ensure that her students have successful school experiences and are prepared for success in life beyond middle school.

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dionne attended college at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island and earned a bachelor's degree in education.

“I started my time in education when my husband and two sons and I lived in New Hampshire,” she said. “I was an educational technician in the elementary school in my town for 10 years. I turned volunteering into a job, then that job into a career. When we moved to Maine, I wanted to continue with a position like I had in New Hampshire and was lucky enough that a position was open at Windham Middle School.”

According to Dionne, the biggest misconception about her work is that teaching is about academics only.

“Teachable moments can be made out of any situation,” she said. “Yes, we may play games during class time, but the students are learning skills like waiting your turn, and how to communicate with each other. You can also add reading and math with board games and card games. Playing a game isn't just play.”

Her most memorable moment of serving as the Bridges/Life Skills teacher at WMS so far has been her first trip to a Special Olympics event, she said.

“It was amazing to be part of such a fantastic event,” Dionne said. “To see the relationships that have developed between the athletes, coaches and families throughout the state is very moving.”

And she says that the most important thing she has learned from her time at WMS is that when she needs support, all she needs to do is ask.

“Administration and fellow teachers are supportive of my students, even those who don't know them,” Dionne said. “An example are the send-offs with signs made by the students and the cheering us on as we leave for Special Olympic events.” <

Therapy Bunny sparks academic and social engagement for RES students

By Lorraine Glowczak

A fluffy new classmate is hopping into the hearts and minds of Susan Brackett’s fourth grade class at Raymond Elementary School. Since October, Peaches, a 15-month-old Red Flemish Giant rabbit, eagerly greets the students each morning, spending time with them during quiet classroom moments and at the end of each day. The students, in turn, welcome the bunny with even greater enthusiasm.

Taelynn Smith reads to Peaches, the therapy bunny, during
a class at Raymond Elementary School. The rabbit helps
students enhance social skills while alleviating stress
and anxiety. PHOTO BY SUSAN BRACKETTT

The fawn-colored rabbit is Brackett’s personal pet, and she shared the inspiration behind this unique addition to the classroom.

“I noticed that children these days face many stressors that they have not had to worry about in the past,” she said. “As a result, students are dealing with more stress, anxiety and depression than ever before, and attendance rates are dropping. These are some of the reasons why teachers are seeing a lot more disruptive behaviors in the classroom.”

She said that she felt more needed to be done to engage students that were struggling the most, so she started researching some alternative ways to help support the kids.

Brackett discovered that engaging with therapy animals can enhance social skills, while alleviating stress and anxiety.

“Their presence also helps children feel more focused and confident during learning activities,” she said. “For children developing their reading skills, therapy animals can ease shyness and build their self-assurance.

Students have experienced these benefits first-hand.

“When I’m sad or don’t want to be at school, Peaches makes me feel better,” said Sebastian Shamaoun.

Another student, Ella Moreau, said she must get up extra early because her mother is a teacher.

“When I feel tired and don’t want to go to school so early, I think of Peaches and then I get a boost of energy,” she said.

For one student, she gets more than a little energy boost from the classroom rabbit.

“Peaches is a great addition to our class,” she said. “I’ll be super honest; I forget everything and I hate it. I feel super stressed and I cry and become a mess. And then I look at Peaches and I forget everything [about what upsets me] and get calm and get back to my work.”

Beyond emotional support, Peaches motivates academic engagement.

“I noticed that kids who sometimes might be upset or angry, it will typically ruin their whole day,” Brackett said. “When they sit with Peaches, it turns the day around. I’ve seen a huge benefit in that way. When kids are doing work around the edge of the pen, they are less distracted and can get their assignments completed. It gives them an incentive and something to look forward to.”

One student admits that Peaches helps him to focus.

“It makes working on homework fun,” Shamaoun said. “It’s a privilege to get to sit with the rabbit while we work and if we don’t work, we have to go back to our desk.”

There are other ways Peaches makes a positive impact on the students and the classroom environment by being incorporated through weekly activities such as the “Wednesdays Lunch in the Classroom.” On those days, the students get the opportunity to share small parcels of food.

“We discovered that fruits and vegetables are her favorite snacks,” student Malia Borrayo said. “We hide little bits of food under little cups, and she sniffs to find out if there is food under there and if she likes it, she flips the cup over and eats it.”

Peaches also provides good humor and levity.

“We have a lot of favorite moments when Peaches makes us laugh,” Borrayo said. “One day, she grabbed her blanket with her mouth and pulled it into her cage. That made us laugh, but she was telling us that she needed some alone time.”

The rabbit has become such an integral part of the classroom that her absence leaves a noticeable void.

“When she stayed home sick the other day, the classroom felt empty,” said student Willow Bolstridge. “It was lonely without her.”

Loved by both students and parents and approved by the school board, Peaches isn’t going anywhere soon.

“As long as there are no bunny allergies, Peaches will always be my co-teacher and my students’ furry friend who sparks the love of learning,” Brackett said. <

MSSPA gallops into 2025 with optimism for mission

By Marianne Moran

The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA) on River Road in Windham is an equine rescue organization that has been in existence for 152 years and enters 2025 poised to continue its mission of caring for horses and other equines in desperate need of assistance.

The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals in
Windham is an equine rescue organization that has been
in existence for 152 years and cares for horses and other
equines in desperate need of assistance.
PHOTO BY MOLLY MCMAHON

Situated on 125 acres, MSSPA helps equines seized by law enforcement, whether the animal control officer, or the District Agent for the Humane Society of Maine. The owners of some of these animals had warnings to improve their condition and caretaking, and when that is not complied with, they are seized through court order. As these animals are still in the title of ownership of the owner until the court case is completed, they are not the property of the MSSPA, and are quarantined from the other animals, to protect the other horses there in case of contagious conditions.

Peg Keyser, MSSPA advancement director, says quarantined animals are cared for in the front left pasture of the MSSPA building. Other than through seizure, horses also come to the MSSPA after being surrendered due to them not being able to care for the horses any longer or their spouse has passed, or they are getting along in life, and are no longer as youthful. These horses are accepted on a case-by-case-basis.

Keyser said that during an intake exam a horse is meticulously quarantined immediately, and the veterinarian then assesses the health and needs of the horse to restore the horse to a healthy and thriving state.

“During the exam, blood is taken, shots are given, as well as care of teeth and hoof care, oftentimes routine care that had been neglected,” Keyser said.

A refeeding program is started immediately by incrementally increasing the amounts to reintroduce food, which is often a primary issue when a horse is rescued. Additionally, supplements are introduced, and a plan of care is formulated for each horse. During daily feeding times, each horse has a separate bin with specific supplements that particular horse was prescribed by the veterinarian.

“After 28 days, and once the horse is current and up on their shots, they are slowly integrated into the quarantined, resident herd,” Keyser said. “Once surrendered, or upon title of ownership has been finalized through the courts, with 99 out of 100 percent finalized, a retraining process begins for the preparation of the adoption process.”

In the entryway to the MSSPA building, there are before-and-after photos of each equine and their names. The whole picture of care, detailed, dedicated nurturing each animal receives at MSSPA is a testament to their good work and the horse’s rescue for life., Keyser said.

Whether it is adopted or not, the horses will live out their lives on this property being cared for by one or more of the 180 volunteers that are currently giving of their time to MSSPA.

Those horses who successfully are paired with owners for adoption are also looked out for life, with yearly inspections and forms to be completed. Once rescued, the MSSPA never lets the horse fall through the cracks, Keyser said. They want that horse to be cared for, comfortable, and to be loved for the rest of their lives.

Keyser said the first step to adoption for a MSSPA horse is the actual adoption application. What happens next is the process of being a good match.

She said that you would want a more advanced rider with a more advanced horse, and a beginner rider with a more beginner horse.

Some horses are not meant for riding at all, so these horses would be matched to be companions to the adopter’s horse. Perhaps their other horse dies and their remaining horse needs company. Keyser called these “pasture pets.”

After the matching process is complete, a meet-and-greet is conducted with the potential adopters and the horse that has been picked as a good potential match. Then a MSSPA staff member goes to the owner’s property in order to inspect the conditions that the horse will be kept in to ensure a safe environment, with proper fencing and shelter.

Just as in the beginning when the MSSPA was formed in 1872 to protect horses who pulled the streetcars and fire engines, the MSSPA continues to protect and devote its resources to the preservation and protection of horses.

Visitors will find it to be a true pleasure to see the horses happy in their stalls eating their dinners, seeing the volunteers working hard, and to hear about the future MSSPA barn and plans for the future.

You can visit on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays by reserving a one hour time so that you can have a tour at the MSSPA facility at 279 River Road in Windham. To arrange a time to visit, call 207-892-3040.

To donate to help MSSPA continue to care for seized or neglected equines, send a check to MSSPA, P.O. Box 10, Windham, ME 04063.

For further information about MSSPA, visit them online at https://www.msspa.org/ <

Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner celebrates achievements

By Kaysa Jalbert

The 2025 Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner will foster the theme Seeds of Growth, implying a focus on fostering development, progress, and the nurturing of new ideas, initiatives, and relationships within the organization and community, says SLRCC President and CEO Amber Rankine.

The meeting will host special guest speaker Diane Dunton Bruni, Board Chair and President of the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing.

“The theme "Seeds of Growth" implies a focus on fostering development, both personally and collectively, with a forward-looking approach that values continuous improvement and sustainable progress,” Rankine said. “The metaphor of seeds emphasizes the importance of planting the right foundations and cultivating an environment where growth can take root and flourish over time.”

The chamber’s annual meeting and awards dinner will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at Camp Sunshine, 35 Acadia Road in Casco. It will begin with a social hour and a welcome, followed by a meal and a guest speaker and then the presentation of awards for 2024.

Rankine said that the 2024 Businessperson of the Year Award will go to Hayley Moon. This award recognizes an individual or business operating in our region that has set an example in leadership, innovation and quality, and/or has provided noteworthy economic opportunity to the people of the Sebago Lakes Region.

The Community Leadership Awards will be presented to two recipients. Timothy Graham of Modern Woodman and a posthumous award to Lyle Merrifield of Merrifield Farm. This award recognizes a civic-minded individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the quality of life in the Sebago Lakes Region. Rankine said that nominees for Community Leadership Awards should be passionate about a cause, work tirelessly for the greater good and inspire others to become involved in their community, and are not required to be a chamber member.

Lastly, the Frank Koenig Chamber Hall of Fame will be presented to Sandy Donnelly posthumously. This highly distinguished honor is presented to an individual whose commitment of time, resources and talent have made the Sebago Lakes Region a better place to pursue one’s livelihood and dreams.

Rankine said that Frank Koenig was passionate about the Chamber and worked tirelessly for the betterment of our region and his local Chamber of Commerce. Like Frank, she said Donnelly was passionate and an active contributor to the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce and made an impact on the Chamber and the local community while maintaining the highest integrity.

This year, the Chamber will install four new Board Members and a new Treasurer during the annual meeting.

New Board Members include Tom Nash of Windham Adult Education to replace Michael Paradise, Denise Clavate of the Town of Gray to replace Laurie Noel, John Daniel of Edwards Jones to replace Pete Neelon and Lindsay Drumm of Saint Joseph’s College to replace Shelli Pride. The terms of Paradise, Noel, Neelon and Pride have expired. The new Treasurer will be Sara Thomas of Androscoggin Bank, replacing Maxwell Bangs. Also retiring from the chamber board this year are Joe Mclean and Maureen Lasalle.

“The annual meeting for the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce serves as a gathering for local business owners, community leaders, and stakeholders,” said Rankine. “It's an opportunity to network, discuss key issues, and look back on the achievements of this past year while planning for the future.”

Rankin says the Chamber plans to enhance community engagement, support local businesses, and strengthen the organization’s presence and influence in 2025.

This year’s annual meeting and awards dinner sponsors include Sabre Yachts as the Happy Hour Sponsor, CCFCU as the Music Sponsor, Saint Joseph’s College as the Award Plaques Sponsor, and this year’s Signature Sponsor is Maine Community Bank.

Rankine has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce since Oct. 1, succeeding Robin Mullins in the leadership position for the Chamber.

“So far it has been an amazing community, I have already made such amazing connections, and I am looking forward to the growth of those connections and continuing to build those new relationships in 2025,” says Rankine.

Rankine previously served as the Executive Director at the Greater Fort Kent Area Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce was launched 60 years ago by a group of innovative business owners and was called the North Windham Business Association. It is now made up of 14 Board Directors and seven officers whose mission is to foster economic growth and prosperity throughout the region. <

Local cyclists gear up for 2025 rides to support Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center

By Masha Yurkevich

Winter isn’t usually a time that Maine cyclists love to be out riding, but for two Windham residents it’s a perfect time to begin preparations for lengthy charity rides they will undertake this year.

Local cyclists Bill Turner, left, and Diane Dunton Bruni are
preparing for another year of riding to raise money for the
Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing, a nonprofit
organization of local volunteers who help elderly residents
and veterans with repairs and special projects so they can stay
in their homes. COURTESY PHOTOS 

For Diane Dunton Bruni and Bill Turner, taking pledges to ride and support the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing which is dedicated to helping families of older residents in the Lakes Region to stay in their homes.

As Board Chair and President of the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center, Dunton Bruni says community support is crucial for what the organization does and the families it serves through home repairs and individual projects throughout the year.

In leading by example in taking pledges for each mile that she rides this winter, Dunton Bruni says she’s helping to spread the word about the Fuller Center’s mission and engaging with volunteers.

“We are an all-volunteer organization," she said. “The biggest challenge is keeping volunteers engaged in-between projects, finding contractors when special expertise is needed, donors and continuing to spread our mission. We continue to grow and cannot get to every project as quickly as we would like.”

Having community support is critical to success in helping the families the Fuller Center serves.

“In 2024, we helped 20 families with 1,150 volunteer hours repairing roofs, building ramps, adding handrails, and various other projects,” Dunton Bruni said. “Since we started doing projects in 2020 during COVID, we have completed 63 projects for 78 families and 4,436 volunteer hours.”

This year, Dunton Bruni is cycling with the Home Team as part of the Fuller Center Bike Adventure.

“For the past few years, I have ridden in different parts along the East coast,” she says. “This year, I will cycle, hike or walk 800 miles locally to raise $3,000 for materials for home repairs.”

Despite setting her goal, Dunton Bruni said she would be delighted if she could raise that number to $5,000.

“All of my funds I raise stay local,” she says. “People have two basic needs: food and shelter. The families we serve are the motivation to keep me going. When I learn about a senior, veteran or a person who is disabled and in need of repairs for their home, basic shelter, for safety reasons, I am humbled. Being able to help a family is a privilege for me.”

Bill Turner is also gearing up to help raise money for the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing later this year. Many years ago, Turner used to participate in the Trek across Maine with his bike and his children.

“At some point in 2017, I decided to see if I could bike across the country,” Turner says. “I began to look for trips and came across the Fuller Center Bike Adventure, and so I signed up for a trip from San Francisco to Santa Fe to see how my body would react.”

Along the way, bikers are asked to participate in projects for the national Fuller Center.

“I am not used to asking people for money, but for such as good cause as the Fuller Center Bike Adventure, it seemed like the right thing to do,” Turner said.

In 2018, he decided to ride across the country with the Bike Adventure, and signed up for a ride from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine. He managed to ride the entire distance.

Turner has had a lot going on since then. Two years ago, he learned that he had cancer. After getting it removed, he has tested cancer-free ever since. He also had his shoulder replaced a year and a half ago, from which he has recovered and is doing well, and recently had another shoulder surgery just three weeks ago.

Still, Turner was able to ride 1,000 miles in three weeks in 2024 from Seattle, Washington, to Salt Lake City, Utah.

This year Turner has decided that he will be undertaking an epic bicycle ride at home to give his body a bit of a rest. He plans to ride and hike on his own in 2025, often accompanied by his rescue dog Tucker, with a personal goal of raising $10,000 this year and riding 1,000 miles.

According to Turner, he currently hikes about two miles a day, as his shoulder is still recovering. He will soon switch out his fat bike with studded tires to his road bicycle and will also begin doing 5-mile hikes.

“The community has always helped our local riders accomplish their goals and help others throughout our country,” Turner said.

To assist Dunton and Turner reach their 2025 fundraising goals, send a check donation payable to “The Fuller Center for Housing” with the rider’s name in the memo line and mail them to Attn: Bike Adventure, The Fuller Center for Housing, PO Box 523, Americus, GA 31709. <

Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank merge

Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank have announced the completion of their merger of equals, forming the largest mutual savings bank operating exclusively in Maine.

Maine Community Bank CEO Steve deCastro meets with
Bank President Jeanne Hulit at the bank's India Street
headquarters in Portland following a merger between
Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

This significant milestone creates a new major player in community banking, with nearly $3 billion in assets and 21 branches throughout Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. The combined entity will offer businesses and consumers enhanced financial capabilities and an even greater commitment to serving the communities of southern and central Maine.

The merger closed on Jan. 1, 2025. The combined institution will operate under the name Maine Community Bank, uniting the strengths and traditions of both legacy banks.

Customers of both Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank can expect their accounts, services, and banking relationships to remain uninterrupted and secure. All branches will continue to operate as usual with the same familiar staff. Customers will retain access to their existing online banking platforms and mobile apps, with no changes to account numbers, routing numbers, or debit and credit cards at this time.

Gorham Savings Bank will undergo a rebranding process to transition building signage, online banking, and mobile apps to the Maine Community Bank name and logo over the next several weeks. The newly combined Maine Community Bank website can be accessed at a new URL: maine.bank <https://maine.bank/> .

Following systems integration in late 2025, Maine Community Bank will offer customers greater convenience and accessibility through the largest branch network spanning Androscoggin, York, and Cumberland counties, along with a wider array of financial services, combining the strengths of both legacy banks.

Customers will benefit from enhanced products and services, including wealth management and expanded cash management services. There will also be increased lending capacity allowing for more substantial support of personal and business financial needs. Significant investments will be made in improved technology providing the community with a more efficient and user-friendly banking experience.

Maine Community Bank is all in on Maine and will reaffirm its deep commitment to southern and central Maine, continuing to invest in local initiatives and partnerships that foster financial literacy, economic growth, and support entrepreneurship. The merger strengthens the bank’s capacity to support community development projects and nonprofits, enhancing its role as a vital community partner.

Steve deCastro, President and CEO of Gorham Savings Bank, becomes the new CEO of Maine Community Bank, leading the unified organization with the support of a skilled board of directors and an experienced executive team drawn from both banks. Jeanne Hulit, the former President and CEO of Maine Community Bank, will serve as President of the combined institution through 2025 and oversee the integration.

“Our merger of Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank marks a significant milestone in banking in this region, as we become the largest mutual savings bank serving Maine exclusively,” said Steve deCastro. “I’m very proud of our teams, who have integrated seamlessly over the past year, and while there’s still work to be done, our focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition for all customers. This merger represents a true partnership of equals, driven by shared goals, common interests, and a deep dedication to building a better bank for our customers and Maine communities.”

“I am so very pleased with the entire newly combined Maine Community Bank team and how they have come together in the past year,” added Jeanne Hulit. “I’m also thrilled that our combined bank will be led by CEO Steve deCastro and board chair Jeff Worthing. They each possess considerable skills and abilities that will ensure Maine Community Bank continues to lead the way throughout the communities we serve.”

Work to integrate the core operating systems of the two banks into a single platform is already underway. Customers will receive advance notice of any changes and personal support to ensure a smooth transition, with core integration expected in late 2025.

About the newly combined Maine Community Bank Headquartered in Portland, Maine Community Bank is the largest mutual savings bank operating exclusively in the state, with nearly $3 billion in assets and 21 branches across Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. Formed from the merger of Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank—two of Maine's longest-standing community banks with rich 150+ year heritages—the bank combines the strengths of both institutions to create an even stronger, more capable, and more convenient institution for Maine families, businesses, and communities.

As the only bank headquartered in Cumberland County, Maine Community Bank is a depositor-owned institution committed to local decision-making and offering a comprehensive suite of both personal and business financial services, as well as wealth management.

Committed to the well-being of its communities, Maine Community Bank annually contributes thousands of volunteer hours and financial resources to community-based initiatives. By investing in local partnerships that promote financial literacy, stimulate economic growth, and foster entrepreneurship, the bank strengthens the fabric of the communities it serves.

Maine Community Bank is a member of the FDIC.

To learn more, visit maine.bank <https://www.maine.bank/. <

In the public eye: Exceptional WMS STEM teacher inspires young minds

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

By Ed Pierce

English theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking got it right when he said that behind every exceptional person there is an exceptional teacher. Windham Middle School’s Jason Lanoie is a great example of what Hawking was talking about.

Jason Lanoie teaches Seventh Grade Science, Engineering,
Technology and Math (STEM) on the Sebago Team at
WMS and is now in his 19th year of working at 
the school. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Lanoie teaches Seventh Grade Science, Engineering, Technology and Math (STEM) classes on the Sebago Team at WMS and is now in his 19th year of working at the school.

“Many times, when I tell people I teach STEM, they always ask, ‘What is that?’ and I always start off by telling them it’s technology,” Lanoie said. “I also tell them we do 3D printing, we make solar cars, we do laser engraving and so much more, but I always include woodworking. It’s still an important part of STEM, and in the earlier days of technology education in school, it was called Shop.”

He sees his students every day for about 50 minutes but at the beginning of the new semester, Lanoie will switch to the other seventh grade team, O’Hana.

“I get to see a different side of students, those who may not love school and struggle with classes like math or English and Language Arts, but love the hands-on projects in STEM,” Lanoie said. “I get to see the creative side of my students. I’m able to incorporate math and science skills in an alternative form.”

Growing up in Gorham, Lanoie graduated from Gorham High School in 1999. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology Education from the University of Southern Maine and then obtained a master’s degree in educational technology from Southern New Hampshire University.

“In late December of 2004 I got a phone call from Randy Perkins who at the time was the other STEM teacher at Windham Middle School,” Lanoie said. “He knew I was about to graduate from USM, and they were looking for a long-term substitute. I started in January 2005 and have been here ever since.”

Besides teaching, Lanoie currently serves as part of the WMS leadership team that is working on getting ready for the new middle school. He also has numerous positions, including vice president of the teacher’s association and is the head coach of the WMS Girls’ Indoor and Outdoor track teams.

According to Lanoie, his most memorable moment at the school is when he wrote his first grant with the Perloff foundation.

“Dave and Sandy Perloff purchased my first 3D printer back in 2012. Since then, I have received thousands of dollars in equipment from their foundation and it has changed the way I am able to teach,” Lanoie said. “We have 10 3D printers and laser engravers and Lego kits all from the Perloffs. We are able to do things I never thought possible when I first started teaching here almost 20 years ago. Another memorable moment was when I started the Guitar builders club last year. In the first year of the club, I had six students build a working guitar that they get to keep. This year the club has grown to 12 students and has been funded with a grant from the town council.”

Following in his father’s footsteps as a teacher, Lanoie says he truly feels his family is proud of the work he is doing.

“My father taught Industrial Technology and computers in Cape Elizabeth,” he said. “My wife Ashley is my biggest support. She also is a teacher, and we often help each other with our struggles, and if we just need another set of professional eyes for curriculum or lesson plans. I also like to try out some of the projects like my Rube Goldberg machines with my son and daughter.”

Lanoie said the people he works with at WMS are like a second family.

“We are all here to support each other. I remember when I was new to the building, and I needed the support from the veteran staff,” Lanoie said. “Teachers like Lee Allen and Charlie Haddock helped make me the educator I am today. Now that I have been at Windham Middle School for a number of years, I get to be that support for the next generation of teachers. We try to show new staff that at this school we will do whatever we can to support you. By showing new educators that we have their backs, we hope that it will continue long after the current teachers retire. It is really what keeps all of us at WMS going some days.” <

Maine Marathon announces additional donation to assist Riding To The Top

Bob Dunfey, the Volunteer Race Director for The Maine Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, has announced that Riding To The Top (RTT) of Windham will be receiving an additional donation in addition to the $10,500 previously awarded to RTT as a 2024 beneficiary.

Gorham Savings Bak President and CEO Steve deCastro, left,
joins Andrea Connor of the Maine Marathon, center, in
presenting an additional donation of $9,500 to Riding To
The Top Development Director Kelly Johnson for use in
programs offered by the therapeutic riding center
in Windham. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Dunfey said RTT has also been awarded an additional $9,500 after final race expenses were tabulated.

“Christmas came early this year. We were so honored to be named a beneficiary of this year’s Maine Marathon,” says Sarah Bronson, RTT’s Executive Director. “And then to receive news this month that the donation amount was increased has been an unexpected and overwhelming gift. We are so grateful to Gorham Savings Bank and to the many volunteers who work tirelessly to make the marathon possible.”

Bronson said as an organization that operates with a small paid staff and a large corps of volunteer, RTT is simply in awe of the all-volunteer effort of the Maine Marathon.

“Funds from the Maine Marathon will help the clients, horses and programs of RTT as we look forward to the start of the new year,” she said.

Riding To The Top is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted services, including therapeutic riding, therapeutic carriage driving, equine-assisted learning, and hippotherapy.

Based in Windham, the RTT team includes certified instructors, specially trained volunteers, and a herd of exceptional horses. Clients range in age from 3 to 90-plus and are referred by doctors, therapists, social workers, teachers, family members, and friends.

The Maine Marathon races are organized by the Maine Track Club. It is a volunteer driven, nonprofit event with proceeds going to local Maine charities. Since 1997, the Maine Marathon has raised almost $8 million to charity. Over 50 volunteer race coordinators plan the event during the year and about 900 volunteers deliver the event on race weekend.

“By pulling together funds from race registrations, individual donations and sponsors, we are able to have a real impact in the community,” Dunfey said. “The overriding mission of the Maine Marathon is to hold a quality event that runners and spectators will appreciate and support while raising funds for local Maine charities.”

This year’s 2024 Maine Marathon was held on Sunday, Oct. 6 in Portland.

For further details about Riding To The Top, visit https://www.ridingtothetop.org/ <

New Paid Family and Medical Leave Employer Portal to launch Jan. 6

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Labor has announced that the new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Portal, the online system for employers to register their business information, designate a payroll processor, file quarterly wage reports, and remit quarterly premium contributions, will be launching on Jan. 6.

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, any employer with at least one Maine-based employee must begin payroll withholdings for their employees. Employers with 15 or more employees will contribute 1 percent of wages and may deduct up to half of the contribution from the employees' wages. Employers with less than 15 employees will contribute 0.5 percent of wages and may deduct the entire amount from the employees' wages

All employers must register on the portal to begin wage reporting in April 2025. This portal will allow employers to register their business information with the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program, file quarterly wage reports and remit contributions, and to apply for private plan substitutions when eligible.

The system will also provide the opportunity for self-employed individuals and tribal governments to opt into coverage from the Paid Family and Medical Leave program.

Employers will begin their first quarterly wage reporting and premium payments starting April 1, 2025, and they are due by April 30, 2025.

Stay up to date by signing up for the PFML Get Notified List and learn more in our FAQ, employer resources, recorded demonstrations, and step by step guides on our website: https://www.maine.gov/paidleave/

The Department partnered with FAST Enterprises - https://www.fastenterprises.com/ to build the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program's online contributions portal.

FAST Enterprises has previously worked with Maine Revenue Services - https://www.maine.gov/revenue/ to create the Maine Tax Portal - https://revenue.maine.gov/.

Benefits are scheduled to begin May 1, 2026. <

PWD completes lead inventory and certifies no lead service lines in system

The Portland Water District (PWD) has announced the successful completion of its comprehensive lead inventory, confirming that there are no lead mains or service lines within its water system.

This significant achievement met the October deadline set by the new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule, which mandates Public Water Systems to thoroughly document the materials of both public and privately owned service lines.

Over the past 18 months, PWD has diligently reviewed its water service records and conducted physical inspections, when necessary, of over 56,000 privately owned service lines. This exhaustive process was undertaken to ensure the health and safety of the community by identifying and replacing any lead or unsafe service lines.

During the inventory, PWD discovered and promptly replaced one lead service line and three galvanized service lines, which were removed because they can be a source of lead if they were ever downstream of lead pipes.

"We are proud to report the completion of our lead inventory ahead of the EPA’s deadline," said Chris Crovo, Acting General Manager for the Portland Water District. "This achievement reflects our ongoing dedication to water quality and public health." The Portland Water District’s efforts align with its mission to protect public health and the environment through delivering high-quality water services.

Portland Water District maintains a 1,000-mile network of water mains ranging from 60 inches to 2 inches, pump stations, and reservoirs that bring water from Sebago Lake to home and businesses in Maine. Large mains for transmission extend from PWD’s treatment facility near Standish to Westbrook and Portland.

The district operates four wastewater treatment plants, providing treatment and collection services to customers in Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Gorham, Portland, Westbrook, and Windham.

The water district keeps about 25 million gallons of water in storage to help maintain proper pressure and allow for a water reserve in case of an emergency, like a fire or a flood. It serves about 200,000 people across 11 communities and because of that, PWD must ensure that Sebago Lake water quality is of utmost importance.

Sebago Lake itself is more than 300 feet in depth and contains nearly 1 trillion gallons of water which is considered of excellent quality. The source of water in Sebago Lake originates in the Sebago Lake Watershed, which is more than 50 miles long, stretching from Bethel to Standish and includes parts of 24 towns including the towns of Windham and Raymond.

The excellent water quality of the Sebago Lake Watershed is attributed to surrounding forest lands that act as a natural filter for the watershed.

The recent EPA rule is part of a nationwide effort to eliminate lead contamination in drinking water, a move that the Portland Water District fully supports and has proactively addressed with its latest inventory. PWD reviewed paper and digital records going back more than a century and visually inspected thousands of services in the field. This inventory and replacement work underscores PWD’s commitment to providing safe, clean drinking water for its customers. <