Lighthouse Jubilees thankful for gospel music career

By Ed Pierce

A chance meeting at the Bangor Civic Center in 1996 has led to a longtime musical partnership between a local singing duo called the Lighthouse Jubilees.

Angie Guillette of Windham, left, and Pat
McLellan of Buxton make up the Lighthouse
Jubilees singing group and have been
performing gospel, oldies and Christmas
classics at events for more than 30 years.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

Angie Guillette of Windham and Pat McLellan of Westbrook teamed up to sing harmony driven Gaiter-style gospel music, along with Oldies tunes and Christmas classics, and it’s taken them to perform at concert halls in Tennessee, Washington, D.C., throughout New England and in Canada. During their heyday, the singers were performing between 30 to 32 shows a month and drawing rave reviews for their authenticity and beautifully arranged vocals.

Their first performance came on Aug. 3, 1996 at Gorham House retirement community, earning them $20 each, and since then, Guillette and McLellan made regular appearances for 20 years on Portland television’s Channel 5 and have become favorites at public events, conventions, and among residents at nursing homes in Maine.

Guillette is originally from East Hardwick, Vermont and came to Maine with her husband Roger when he landed a job working at Robert Hall in Portland. The couple had four daughters with six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Roger passed away in 2014.

McLellan met her future husband Dana in 1966 in Westbrook and her father worked with Dana’s father. They married and have two daughters, three granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren.

She has a three-octave voice but had never sung professionally before she met Angie at a TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) convention in Bangor. They quickly became fast friends and soon discovered that their voices blended perfectly, and they each were devout Christians and loved gospel music.

It led to them forming the “Lighthouse Jubilees” and embarking upon a career as a singing group.

“It’s really like a marriage,” Guillette said. “Weve found that it’s not my way or your way, it’s God’s way.”

Through the years, they have performed with musician James Rogers, who has opened many shows for Dolly Parton. The Lighthouse Jubilees have also recorded and released seven CDs including four featuring gospel song, two of “Golden Oldies” and one of Christmas music.

Both Guillette and McLellan say that their favorite song to perform as the “Lighthouse Jubilees” is “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” a tune first made popular in 1941 by the Andrews Sisters.

“We love that song and many of the other gospel songs we sing because these are songs that many people of our age know well and relate to,” Guillette said. “Many people in retirement communities and nursing homes of our age attended church growing up and because of our love of Christ, we want to share this music with them to enjoy.”

That popularity has fueled a lengthy career for the Lighthouse Jubilees.

“I think people just like the way that we do our songs,” McLellan said. “We are blessed to be able to do that.”

Because of her higher singing range, McLellan usually takes the lead on songs such as “Surrounded by Angels,” while Guillette’s two-octave range works well on “Climb Every Mountain” from “The Sound of Music.”

Each of their performances average around 21 songs per setlist, sometimes longer, depending upon the scheduled length of their concert.

For the first 25 years of their musical partnership, the Lighthouse Jubilees were in demand and traveling extensively to perform, but that slowed some when Guillette sustained a broken leg in 2019 and mobility issues persisted. The COVID-19 pandemic also curtailed some of their bookings for shows.

Now the duo typically sings at between eight and 10 shows a month and they usually are at locations in Maine closer to home. They recently performed at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough and the Windham Veterans Center. This Tuesday they will sing during a show at the Chapman House in Auburn.

In what was a highlight of their career, the Lighthouse Jubilees were presented with a Portland Media Center gold record in 2024 that is inscribed “for excellence in music that makes people happy.” It’s a tribute both Guillette and McLellan appreciate greatly.

“God has been with us the whole way,” Guillette said. “We would also like to thank so many people who have helped us reach this point in our career.”

But neither Guillette nor McLellan want to give up singing.

“We may not do as many shows as in years past, but we’re always looking for places and venues to perform,” McLellan said. “It is our privilege to entertain and it’s what God wants us to do.” To learn more about the Lighthouse Jubilees, find them on Facebook. <

Four candidates vie for two seats on Raymond Board of Selectmen

By Dina Mendros

Raymond residents will choose two new Board of Selectmen on June 10. Those on the June ballot for the three-year terms include Mark Meister, Christopher Hanson, Kaela Gonzalez and Frederick Miller.

Two candidates for Raymond Board of
Selectmen will be elected to three-year
terms on June 10. Candidates are,
clockwise from top left, Mark Meister,
Christopher Hanson, Kaela Gonzalez
and Frederick Miller.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS 

Candidates share their thoughts on whether the town needs a new Public Works building; what they think about building solar farms; whether the in-person style of town meeting should be brought back; and what they think are other important issues to the town.

Mark Meister, 40, is married with two young children. He is a consulting executive at IBM Consulting. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University. He has also served on nonprofit and community boards.

Meister said he believes whether to build a new Public Works building “should be based on clear need and long-term value … with community input and fiscal responsibility guiding every step.”

Solar farm proposals, Meister said, should be evaluated on “a case-by-case basis, balancing zoning rules, environmental impact, community benefit, and landowner rights.”

Meister said he “respects the tradition of in-person town meetings but believes Raymond should explore modern options that allow more residents to participate.”

He said he “supports continued investment in education” and responsible development. He also said “protecting Raymond’s lakes, ponds, and rivers” is important, as is government efficiency and increased engagement between residents and government.

Christopher Hanson, 69, is married with two children. Hanson is the code enforcement officer for the town. He graduated from the University of Maine Orono. He is a member of the town’s Budget-Finance Committee.

“I believe the town needs a new Public Works building and would support it after the Public Works Garage Oversight Committee reports back to the Board of Selectmen,” Hanson said.

“I think solar farms are beneficial … in certain areas of town,” he said.

Hanson said he favors in-person town meetings that “bring the community together and build community spirit.”

Some of Hanson’s other concerns about what the town should be focusing on concern “climate change and working on resiliency” along with “protecting our lakes and environment.” “Creating more commercial businesses and empowering the tax base” were other concerns, as well as “providing the citizens with the best services while keeping taxes under control.”

Gonzalez, 42, is married with three young children. She is a program coordinator with the city of Portland and has a degree in Health Science. She has served on various town committees including the town’s most recent Comprehensive Plan Committee.

“I look forward to seeing the work that comes out of the Public Works Garage Oversight Committee,” Gonzalez said regarding a new Public Works building, noting residents voted against a proposal last year.

She said she considered the matter of solar farms “settled with an ordinance amendment in August 2024.”

Gonzalez said she thinks the current way of voting and providing two public hearings before the June vote, allows people to ask questions but having more time to vote “increases accessibility.”

Important issues she sees facing Raymond include short-term rentals, a housing shortage, building community, offering programming for all ages, and “increasing services while keeping an eye on the tax rate.”

Miller, 67, is married, with two adult children. He is the owner of Miller Flooring LLC and went to trade school after high school. He is on the town Zoning Board of Appeals.

About a new Public Works building, Miller said “if it is needed, and the town has a location and if the budget makes sense, then my answer is yes.”

Regarding solar farms, he said, “I would want to make sure that they would not affect our water/wetland areas,” whether there would be storage power issues and what would be cost or the return value to the Raymond residents.”

Miller said residents should be asked about whether to revive in-person town meetings.

Regarding other issues he thinks are important to the town, Miller said, committees should “work together as a team,” there should be a better process “for residents to make suggestions,” and “town employees need to communicate and work together as a team.”

In-person voting is to take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 10 at the Jordan-Small Middle School gym at 423 Webbs Mill Road in Raymond.

Absentee ballots are available now at the town office. <

Two on Raymond ballot for RSU 14 board seat

By Dina Mendros

Susan Accardi and Diana Froisland, both of Raymond, will face off for the RSU 14 Board of Directors vacancy on June 10.

Susan Accardi, left, and Diana Froisland will be on the
ballot for the RSU 14 seat representing Raymond on
June 10. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The position is a three-year term. Candidates told The Windham Eagle what they think about student test scores, Title lX, and their thoughts on other important issues facing the school district.

Susan Accardi, 76, is divorced and has two adult children. She is a retired BSN registered nurse and served as a school nurse with RSU 14. She has served on the Raymond Budget-Finance Committee for two terms, on various short-term town committees, as a ballot clerk and sits on the board of the Friends of the Raymond Village Library.

Regarding student test scores, Accardi said, “Tests are one of many indicators of student progress. Indicators for poor performance are many, some not within the power of schools to address. Chronic absenteeism is one of the best-known indicators of school performance. Schools need resourced staff for early identification followed by intervention and an appropriate learning environment to fully support these children.”

RSU 14 follows all federal and state laws regarding Title lX and has school policies addressing those laws, Accardi said.

One of the most important issues facing the district, she said, is keeping politics out of schools.

In addition, she said, “we need to remind ourselves how lucky we are to be here. Our Grade 5 to 8 students in both communities will be attending a new school in a couple of years. We all want our students to get the high-quality education they need and deserve in a safe, respectful environment. That is my commitment.”

Diana Froisland, 60, is married and has two grown children. She attended Gordon College and graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a double major in Economics and Business Administration. She and her husband co-own Northeast Property Management. She has volunteered with the Raymond Recreation Department as a ski instructor, and is a regular election worker, serving two terms on the RSU 14 Board of Directors from 2012 to 2018.

To improve test scores, Froisland said, “we need to take an honest assessment of current curriculum to determine which programs provide the best outcomes and seek alternative approaches that would help improve student achievement.”

“Title IX was established to provide equal opportunities for girls in public education,” she said. “We need to implement the law as written and passed by the Federal government.”

“It is alarming that Maine schools are continually increasing costs while simultaneously providing declining results,” Froisland said about what she thinks needs to be addressed. “Students and taxpayers deserve better since over 70 percent of our property tax bill funds public education. I will focus on improving academic outcomes and fiscal responsibility and returning the focus back to providing opportunities for our students to be competent and productive citizens.”

In-person voting is to take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 10 at the Jordan-Small Middle School gym at 423 Webbs Mill Road in Raymond.

Absentee ballots are available now at the town office. <

Southpaw Meat Market employee cherishes award from Raymond Fire and Rescue

By Kendra Raymond

Southpaw Meat Market and Packing Company in Raymond knows a thing or two about community involvement. Owner Nichole Sargent was the recipient of the Caring about Lives in Maine Award in 2024 presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness for her work around suicide awareness and prevention. Now it’s her daughter Devon Sargent’s turn.

Raymond Fire and Rescue presents the 2025 Chief
Reginald Brown Community Service Award to
Devon Sargent for her kindness and dedication to
community outreach. From left are Raymond Deputy
Fire Chief Lee O'Connor, Devon Sargent, and Raymond
Firefighter/EMT Dustin Carroll. SUBMITTED PHOTO    

Southpaw Meat Market is once again in the spotlight, receiving the 2025 Chief Reginald Brown Community Service Award from the Raymond Fire and Rescue Department. The remarkable 24-year-old received the accolade for her generosity and kindness, and deep dedication to community outreach.

In announcing the award recently in a social media post, Southpaw Meat Market said, “We are thrilled to share with you that thanks to Devon’s remarkable compassion, Southpaw received a Community Service Award from Raymond Fire and Rescue. She and Ruckus (the dog) bring treats, cinnamon rolls, and meals to nourish them. I’m sure she offers sarcasm and laughter too! We are beyond proud of Devon!”

Devon Sargent said that her blue heeler Ruckus goes everywhere with her and often accompanies her on the deliveries.

“He is kind of a mascot, especially at our plaza in Raymond,” she said.

The Chief Reginald Brown Community Service Award was established around 2005. It is given to someone who goes above and beyond to contribute to the Fire and Rescue Department. Chief Brown served the department and donated the land on which the current fire department building is located.

Raymond Deputy Fire Chief Lee O’Connor is proud of the program.

“Every year Raymond Fire Department recognizes a citizen who helps out in the littlest or biggest way,” he said. O’Connor says he appreciates Sargent’s sense of using the butchering products for greater good.

“Devon has taken the initiative to help out our EMS training program by donating bone marrow and organs,” he said. “(Our trainees) can develop their respiratory training, learning how to intubate the lungs and just how little air it actually takes,” said O’Connor.

Aside from the practical usage of the donated products, Sargent doesn’t forget the other members of the Raymond Fire and Rescue Department, delivering delicious baked goods, pasta salad, meals, and stews to firefighters.

“She really takes care of us bringing food and checking in on everyone,” said O’Connor. “She is always asking if there is anything we need.”

Members of the department are also loyal customers at Southpaw, which is celebrating its grand reopening this week following some extensive renovations.

“They are always coming into the market looking for marinated meats, special cuts, or whatever they are planning. We always make sure to take care of them,” said Devon Sargent.

She was honored at a banquet recently where she received a plaque and challenge coin for going above and beyond to serve her community.

“I never expect to get anything out of all things I do,” she said. I was really surprised. Just making sure everyone is OK is one of the best honors there are.”

Wise beyond her years, Devon Sargent gives credit to her mom for instilling a deep sense of giving back to the community.

“It feels good to be recognized for doing good,” she said. “I wish more people did caring things in today’s world. This is a community and if we can feed or take care of others, that’s I what I want to do.”

Sargent’s empathy, sense of giving, and wisdom are qualities that will serve her well in her personal and professional life.

“Food connects everyone. A full belly goes a long way,” she said. “People that serve the town make the town go around.”

Firefighters agree.

“We love hearing from our community and giving back when there is a great opportunity. There are so many good folks in our community. We would love to recognize them all, but this one really stood out,” said O’Connor. “It is awesome to see a young person so dedicated to giving back to their community. Devon really shows up – it’s impressive.” <

Windham Public Library purchases study pod using grant funds

By Kira Pilot

A new study pod purchased with grant money awarded to the Windham Public Library by the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) has been installed and is available for community members who need space to conduct a private call or hold a meeting.

Windham Public Library has purchased a
new study pod available for community
members who need space to conduct a
private call or gold a meeting, thanks
to a grant from the Cumberland County
Digital Equity Stipend Award.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The Cumberland County Digital Equity Stipend Award aims to provide funding to libraries, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations in Cumberland County for programs that increase digital literacy, provide access to devices, and promote online safety.

Library Director Jennifer Alvino Wood says of the council’s mission, “We’ve been thinking of ways we can promote the use of technology to help people in their everyday lives and make sure we’re getting that access out to all different types of groups – veterans, older adults, new English language learners, students - whoever in our community needs digital access.”

The $5,000 grant was used in its entirety for the purchase of the new pod, Alvino-Wood said.

The remainder of the funding needed was generously donated by the family of Barbara Kelley, a former Reference and Technology Librarian who worked at the library prior to her passing in February of last year. Her husband, Bill Barton, brought in a gifted check to the library and was present the day the pod was delivered in March. The pod will be named in honor of Kelley.

Alvino-Wood describes Kelley as someone who “loved to promote digital access, was such a great teacher, had so much patience, and a lovely attitude when helping our patrons learn to use the computer.”

The library already has two designated study rooms that can accommodate groups of up to four people at a time. The rooms are equipped with a computer and whiteboard and can be reserved for up to two hours by calling or emailing the library. It is the policy of the library to make available its meeting rooms and study pod to citizens and groups throughout the community for non-commercial purposes free of charge.

If anything comes up at the last minute, a person may also simply stop by the library and check for availability. The rooms see frequent use and Alvino-Wood said that the library is excited to additionally provide the new pod.

By contrast, the new study pod is portable and can accommodate one person having a private conversation. It features both a light and a table for a device. Once the door is closed, the pod is completely soundproof.

According to Alvino-Wood, the study pod can be reserved and booked in the same way as the library’s study rooms, by calling or emailing, or simply stopping by and inquiring about its availability.

Both the meeting rooms and the study pod may be reserved free of charge and are available for use during scheduled library hours. Guidelines for usage can be viewed on the Windham Public Library’s website at https://www.windham.lib.me.us/meeting-room. For further details, Ray Marcotte, the Reference Librarian responsible for booking these resources, can be reached 207-892-1908, ext. 5. <

Raymond resident to receive ‘Maine Citizen Planner of Year’ award

By Ed Pierce

Hours of volunteer work and attention to detail have paid off for Kaela Gonzalez of Raymond as she is about to honored as “Maine Citizen Planner of the Year.”

Kaela Gonzalez of Raymond will be
honored by the Maine Association
of Planners as 'Maine Citizen
Planner of the Year' in Lewiston
on May 16 for her efforts in helping
to formulate Raymond's new 
Comprehensive Plan.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Gonzalez served as Co-Chair of the town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee and as someone who lives in Raymond and used to work for the town, she played a key role in bridging the gap in building the committee’s outreach with residents and boosting local engagement in developing a new plan for Raymond’s future. She will receive the award during a ceremony at the Lewiston Public Library on May 16.

The “Maine Citizen Planner of the Year” Award is presented annually by the Maine Association of Planners and is given to a citizen who has made a distinguished contribution to planning such as members of planning boards/commissions, zoning boards of adjustment/ appeals, economic development boards/commissions, or other elected or appointed officials.

Gonzalez said her nomination and selection for this honor came as a total surprise.

“Raymond is very fortunate to have a slate of dedicated and hard-working volunteers and committee members across all of the various committees and organizations,” she said. “I am really just one of many that deserve recognition. Our Comp Plan committee was engaging, and everyone had valuable input, and I believe the end result would not have been possible without the whole team. We are all MVPs in my book.”

According to Gonzalez, Raymond Comprehensive Plan Committee members received fantastic support with North Star Planning, who kept them on task. She also praised the work of her committee Co-Chair Peter Leavitt.

“Peter Leavitt is wonderful to work with and comes to every meeting well prepared and with receipts,” she said. “I am very grateful for his leadership on the committee.”

Originally from Owls Head in the mid-coast region of Maine, Gonzalez spent time in the service and hospitality industry as a waitress and then earned a degree in health sciences at the University of Southern Maine. Moving to Raymond and starting a family, she had an epiphany that led to a career change and a desire to go to work for the town.

“Each time they had an opening, I applied for it,” Gonzalez said. “We had started a family and wanted to root here. I kept on applying and I told them at the time that I would continue to apply for openings until they hired me, and it must have worked because they did.”

She served as Raymond’s Communications Director until 2021 when she went to work for the City of Portland in the Housing and Economic Development Department, as ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Program Coordinator.

“I was approached by a neighbor asking if I had an interest in being part of the Comprehensive Plan Committee in 2022, and it was an easy choice,” Gonzalez said. “Even though I was no longer a town employee, I still wanted to keep a connection to the town and be involved. It may be worth noting that I am running for Raymond Select Board this year.”

North Star Planners were just one of a group of individuals who nominated Gonzalez for the award.

“When we encountered early concerns that it was difficult to reach the Raymond community, Kaela took on leadership of the public outreach process,” they wrote in their nomination. “She created a Facebook page and made social media content throughout the process to keep residents informed. She worked with her neighbors, town staff, and key stakeholders. She also led the committee to organize pop-up events on election days at the town office, with fun activities, like voting on different topics with pom-poms, that increased community knowledge of the comp plan process.”

They said that Gonzalez consistently brought positive reinforcement to meetings and asked insightful questions throughout the planning process to ensure the effort stayed on track.

Raymond Code Enforcement Officer Christopher Hanson, Interim Raymond Town Manager Joseph Crocker and Comprehensive Plan Committee members John Clark, Greg Foster, Peter Leavitt, Frank McDermott, Shawn McKillop, Danelle Milone, John Rand, and Jacqueline Sawyer also nominated her for the honor.

“The work was not challenging, especially since we were receiving excellent guidance from North Star Planning. However, community engagement is the part that everyone tends to struggle with,” Gonzalez said. “The goal is to engage as many citizens as possible.”

Raymond’s new Comprehensive Plan is nearing the final stages and Gonzalez says the Select Board should accept the final version in the near future.

“The plan will then be brought to the voters for acceptance, likely at a Special Town Meeting,” she said. “There will still be a great need for involvement for implementation of the plan though.” <

In the public eye: Retiring teacher inspires generations of RES students

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

By Ed Pierce

Imagine working one job in one place for the past 41 years and you’ll realize that Patti Gordan is an exceptional and dedicated individual and an outstanding teacher who students will miss terribly when she retires next month.

Patti Gordan teaches a weekly General
Music class for all students attending 
Raymond Elementary School from
PreK through Grade Four. She is 
retiring at the end of the school year
after working at the school since
1984. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Gordan had completed her first year of teaching in another school district but did not reapply for her position when school started back up in the fall of 1983. She didn’t apply for any others and was leaning toward quitting the profession permanently when something miraculous happened.

“I was a cantor at my church, where Frank McDermott, the Superintending Principal of Jordan-Small School, was a member. One day after a service he came up to me and asked me if I would be interested in applying for a seven hour a week, long term substitute position teaching band,” Gordan said. “The current teacher was going on maternity leave. I started on Jan. 4, 1984. Then, right before February vacation, he came to me again. The band teacher had decided not to come back, and the current General Music/Chorus teacher had resigned. He asked if I would be interested in the entire music position. So, I guess I put in my toe and then jumped into the deep end. Forty-plus years later, here I am.”

Growing up in Scarborough, she played saxophone for the school band and sang with the school chorus. She was also a member of a select show choir and a participant in District and All State honors music festivals. During her senior year of high school, she was awarded the John Philip Sousa Award for band. At the University of New Hampshire, Patti majored in voice and singing and appeared with the UNH Concert Choir and Women's Choir. She also participated in the UNH Wildcat Marching Band as a member of the color guard and for a brief time she was the lead singer in a rock band called "Round Trip." She earned a degree in music education from UNH and was hired as a music teacher out of college for another school, but she wasn’t happy in that job.

“I didn’t think I wanted to be a music teacher,” she said. “My mother advised me to try it one more year in a different place. I was hired by the Raymond School Department in January 1984 and have been here since.”

RES Principal Beth Peavey says the school will not be the same without Gordan.

“After 42 incredible years of inspiring students through the power of music, Patti Gordan, our beloved elementary school music teacher, is retiring,” she said. “For more than four decades, she has filled our halls with song, sparked creativity in young minds, and helped generations of children find their voice – literally and figuratively. As we celebrate her well-earned retirement, we thank Mrs. Gordan for the passion, dedication, and heart she brought to every single note.”

Gordan credits three people for being instrumental in her teaching career.

“Nancy Cash-Cobb was an important mentor. I learned to teach General Music classes by attending workshops that she organized and workshops that she presented herself,” Gordan said. “She has been, and still is, a dear friend. Norma Richard was the principal of Raymond Elementary School for the first decade of its existence. She truly believed that music education was just as important as any other subject. She supported me and encouraged me to reach for the stars and create a music program that was more than typical for most Maine elementary music programs. And Jani Cummings was a dear friend and mentor. She taught in Raymond for over 40 years, mostly first grade. She supported me in every kind of way. When I came to Raymond, I was still a beginning teacher. My skills were, shall we say, survival level. She taught me the art of teaching.”

She currently teaches all students at Raymond Elementary from PreK through Grade 4 in a weekly General Music class.

“Kindergarten has music class twice a week. We have a music curriculum which aligns with the Maine Learning Results. I plan and teach lessons, assess the students’ knowledge and skills, give them feedback and help them plan their next learning steps,” she said. “They learn singing skills, beat/rhythm skills, music artistry/listening skills, musicianship, and general musical knowledge such as musical terms, styles, instrument identification, music history and the science of music. Second through Fourth grade students also learn basic music literacy. I also teach Third and Fourth grade chorus. We rehearse once a week during the school day and present two concerts a year.”

According to Gordan, whatever songs, activities, or games she teaches to the students, she tries to be sure that they can perform them without me.

“I went to a workshop once where the presenter said that when you give someone a gift, you don’t hold on to the other end,” she said. “You let it go. I will have done no good if my students cannot make music without me.”

Married for 44 years and the mother of two grown sons who live in the area, Gordan has young grandchildren and wants to spend more time with them.

“Also, I want to go on vacation in the fall, when all the kids are back at school,” she said. “Fewer crowds, fewer lines, less expensive, and it will distract me, so I won’t think about how weird it is to not be coming back to school. If I were home, I’d probably wander around in little circles.”

She says that the best thing about being a music teacher is when her students work hard at learning a song or music game and then have a deep sense of pride that they have created something amazing and can perform it independently.

“I love listening to them sing, especially my chorus. Their angelic sound sometimes makes me tear up,” Gordan said. “I love the children’s enthusiastic expressions of affection. When they see me in the grocery store, you’d think I was some kind of star. I love the hugs and little notes, covered with hearts and music notes, that they leave in my mailbox. I always hope that I am ‘that teacher,’ the one that made a difference.”

For Gordan, her own most influential teachers include her fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Murray, who enriched lessons with hands-on experiences and her seventh-grade English teacher, Mr. McIntyre, who used a book called “30 Days To A Better Vocabulary” and showed students that big words could be fun.

“The most influential music teacher to help me did not come into my life during childhood but in the mid-1990s,” Gordan said. “Dr. John Feierabend of Hart School of Music developed a music education method for early childhood and a music literacy education method for elementary students. I attended several of his workshops and took a week-long summer course with him. To say that it changed my professional life would be an understatement. In retirement I plan to get certified as a trainer.”

She says that her most enduring memory that she’ll take away from working at Raymond Elementary School is that it’s a warm, caring, place to work.

“I have taught generations of Raymond students,” Gordan said. “In fact, many of my current students are children of former students. It feels like a large family.” <

Study touts water quality in Raymond lakes but stresses continued vigilance

By Ed Pierce

The first of what is planned as annual studies of the water quality in Raymond lakes and ponds has been completed by the Raymond Waterways Protective Association and the results are hopeful.

A new study has examined water quality in lakes and ponds
around Raymond and found them to be healthy, however
members of the Raymond Waterways Protective Association
say that residents and visitors need to remain vigilant to
keep them that way for future generations.
FILE PHOTO   

The report compiles and explains data collected over the years by volunteers on all the lakes in or surrounding the town.

Steve Craine of the Raymond Waterways Protective Association said that the results are very encouraging.

“While our lakes are considered healthy, ongoing vigilance is necessary,” Craine said. “Our waterways will only remain clean and healthy for future generations if we identify and mitigate problem areas quickly and efficiently.”

Craine said this water quality report is a new initiative in a campaign by the Raymond Waterways Protective Association of education and public outreach to encourage residents and visitors to protect local lakes for the long term.

According to Craine, the study shows that Raymond’s lakes are healthy and are among the best in the state, but few lakes show significant quality declines.

“Water clarity is generally good, but a few areas of decreasing clarity need attention,” Craine writes in the report. “Water clarity decreases are usually an early sign of underlying issues.”

The significance of water clarity is that it is a key indicator of lake health, Craine said.

“It is measured as Secchi disk transparency which denotes the maximum depth at which a black and white Secchi disk can be seen from the surface,” Craine writes in the report. “The greater the depth, the clearer the water. Clarity is also easily observable to anyone who uses the lake for swimming, fishing, or boating – a clear lake is a beautiful sight.”

He says that the main cause of reduced water clarity is suspended algae.

“Algae, in turn, are an indication of excess nutrients – especially phosphorus – in the water,” Craine said. “When algae die in huge numbers at the end of the season, they decompose – a process that consumes available oxygen, leaving less oxygen for fish. Thus, changes in Secchi disk transparency can expose underlying threats such as excess phosphorus and algae, as well as oxygen depletion.

He said that no lake in Raymond has experienced an algal bloom for at least 30 years and most of the lakes are below the state average in phosphorus concentration.

Phosphorus is a naturally occurring element that is essential to all plant and animal life, Craine said.

“In fact, it is a necessary component of every molecule of DNA and other vital components of every living cell,” he said. “Phosphorus is the ‘limiting nutrient’ in lakes in our region. That means algae generally has sufficient other necessities for growth but are limited by the availability of this key nutrient. When phosphorus increases, algal blooms may occur, turning water green, depleting dissolved oxygen, and killing fish and other animal life.”

Other issues that affect lake water quality are chlorophyll and invasive plants.

“Regarding chlorophyll, readings in our lakes are higher than they should be, but well below the levels indicating algal blooms,” Craine said. “Variable milfoil has infested Sebago Lake for at least 50 years but is being held in check in Raymond waters while our other lakes are invasive-free.”

Continued vigilance is needed to keep Raymond’s lakes healthy for all to enjoy, he said.

Ongoing initiatives from the Raymond Waterways Protective Association include

● Self and courtesy boat inspections (provided by individual boaters and Raymond Waterways) to prevent invasive plants from entering our waterways

● LakeSmart Program, free onsite property inspections for shorefront property owners to minimize runoff and erosion

● Water quality monitoring, by volunteers throughout Raymond waterways, lakes and ponds.

● Watershed Stewardship, assistance provided to lake associations in conducting watershed surveys and implementing lake protection projects (e.g. erosion and polluted runoff protection)

● Education and outreach to promote public awareness and education of water quality and watershed issues

For the past 50-plus years, the Raymond Waterways Protective Association has worked tirelessly to preserve and protect lakes, streams and ponds in the town of Raymond. It is a volunteer organization that works closely with lake associations, residents, shoreline property owners, visitors, and state and local agencies to address watershed issues of concern.

Over the years, Raymond Waterways has addressed lake contamination attributed to septic system leakage. Acid rain, non-point source pollution from erosion and runoff, and invasive plants are other factors affecting lake water quality in Raymond.

“We remain vigilant in detecting and addressing threats to our waterways and educating the public and local officials about these issues,” Craine said.

For more details about best management practices and an abundance of water, fishing and boating-related resources, visit the website at https://raymondwaterways.org/

Donations to the Raymond Waterways Protective Association are always accepted and appreciated. Donations may be made online at Raymondwaterways.org or by mail at Raymond Waterways, P.O. Box 1243, Raymond, ME 04071. <

Community joins forces to provide free fishing for veterans

By Kendra Raymond

Veterans in the Lakes Region are fortunate to be part of a community dedicated to providing resources and support for those who served. The Sebago Lake Anglers Association (SLAA) will be teaming up with local businesses and organizations to host the 8th Annual May Veteran’s Fishing Event from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 15 on Sebago Lake.

A veteran shows his catch during last year's
Veterans Fishing Event at Sebago Lake State 
Park. This year's Veterans Fishing Event
runs from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on
Sebago Lake and is free to all veterans.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kevin Ronan is president of the Sebago Lake Anglers Association of Raymond and is an active member of American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 in Windham. The association he leads is committed to community outreach and conducts the event each year as a way of saying thank you to veterans for their military service.

“Members of the Sebago Lake Anglers Association have close ties to American Legion post 148, as many of our members belong to both groups,” Ronan said. “A number of years ago a dialogue began between the two groups to see how we could help each other.”

He says the concept of the Veterans Fishing Event was the brainchild of retired Air Force Colonel Bob Chapin, who is the President Emeritus of the SLAA. Chapin worked alongside Adjutant David Tanguay of Post 148 in creating the event.

“We use our resources for a day on the lake just for veterans,” Ronan said. “It involves members of SLAA taking veterans out fishing for a day from Sebago Lake State Park. We have a lot of gear in our trailer and sharing it with veterans is something we like to do.”

The day kicks off with free breakfast for the veterans, courtesy of Village Donut Shop & Bakery in Raymond. The bakery will provide coffee and donuts for the fishermen before they embark on their fishing adventures.

“Village Donut is involved in everything good in our community,” Ronan said. “It is a favorite of everyone. The owner gives us two dozen donuts free of charge for our American Legion Post 148 meetings in Windham, which are held behind Hannaford. They’ve gotten to know the veterans and are very supportive.”

What’s more, following a great day of fishing, veterans will be treated to a picnic lunch.

“Once they finish fishing, they eat!” said Ronan. “This year we have been very blessed. Ryan Cormier, the owner of Cormier’s Dog House in Windham, will be preparing and donating lunch for our veterans.”

Participants can choose any combo of two hotdogs and/or hamburgers, chips or French fries, and a drink for their lunch.

Ronan said he expects to host around 40 veterans out on the lake this year. He says that the event is growing exponentially and is a function of outreach.

“We reached out to all the American Legion posts in the northeast, so we will be fishing with local veterans and some from afar,” he said.

Tanguay is a proponent of getting veterans into key positions in Windham’s American Legion post. Ronan says that the involvement and support of the post then translates into getting veterans out and involved in their communities.

Ronan says he also gives a tip of the hat to several SLAA club members who are Registered Maine Guides who are helping out with the event.

“We are lucky that several of our members are Registered Maine Guides who live and work in our area,” Ronan said. “They are an invaluable resource in providing education on public waterways and fish species. Last year we caught 165 fish. The boats actually came in early because they caught their limit.”

Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife also partners with the event, providing one-day fishing passes with the fee waived for participating veterans but the partnership doesn’t stop there.

“If the veterans don’t want their fish, we will donate any discarded fish to the Maine Wildlife Park to feed the eagles and small mammals,” said Ronan. “There is no waste.”

According to Ronan, the Veterans Fishing Event is a great day for many veterans and their families.

“We just want to thank the veterans for their service,” he said. “We’d like to take you fishing and spend the morning on Sebago Lake with you.”

The event will be held at Sebago Lake State Park and leaves from the boat ramp there. It is free and open to all veterans regardless of age, branch of service, or physical abilities. Pre-registration is required, and slots are filling up quickly due to limited boats and gear.

Veterans will be provided with everything needed for a great day of fishing including bait, boats, and gear. Free breakfast and a picnic lunch will be provided.

For more information about SLAA or the Veteran’s Fishing Event, call 207-838-4855 send an email to kronan388@gmail.com

Check out the Sebago Lake Anglers Association page on Facebook for upcoming events and news. <

Mock CSI exercise tests student deduction skills

By Elle Curtis

This past week, Windham High School students participated in the annual Mock CSI exercise and this time it was on the Saint Joseph’s College campus. Students focused on detective and evidence tech work with a combination of curriculum skills and life skills taught through engaging mystery solving.

Windham High School students gathered to participate in an
annual Mock CSI exercise on the Saint Joseph's College
campus on May 2. In the exercise, students focused on
detective skills and life skills taught through engaging
mystery solving. PHOTO BY GARY HARRIMAN  

On May 2, WHS students, alongside Saint Joseph’s Criminology Department, worked together to determine the suspect of a hit and run scenario. Saint Joseph’s Criminology Department helped set up and run the scenario, with many students serving as actors in the CSI exercise.

Students from Windham High School’s APEX English classes taught by Adrianne Shetenhelm, and Tess Hall’s English classes, primarily focused on interviewing suspects and writing reports, while students from Lauren Ruffner’s Honors Chemistry class, and John Ziegler’s Honors Pre-Calculus classes, viewed the case from a different perspective, primarily focusing on analyzing blood samples and calculating a suspect’s speed from skid marks.

“The CSI project is great because it teaches students a combination of curriculum skills and life skills,” said WHS teacher John Ziegler, a coordinator of the event.

“Speaking from a Pre-Calculus perspective, my students apply their knowledge of the law of sines and the law of cosines in order to do cell tower triangulation, and they apply their knowledge of equation solving to calculate speed from skid marks,” he said. “However, it's the life skills that make the unit great. Students learn how to communicate effectively, organize information, and draw conclusions from evidence, which are all skills that will benefit them not only if they decide to go into a law enforcement career, but also in most other careers they might opt to pursue.”

In addition to showing students how the skills they learn in class can be applied in a real-life scenarios, the mock CSI exercise aimed to weave subject areas together in an interdisciplinary fashion. Whereas coordinators used to separate the content areas, now content areas are mixed together, which goes toward creating a more worthwhile experience for everyone.

Their critical thinking skills were challenged as groups crafted their theories through debating and discussing amongst themselves to try to find out who the killer was with evidence including suspect alibis and locations gleaned from cellphone tower data.

“Being able to take disparate pieces of evidence and weave them into a compelling narrative to advance your argument is a skill that students will be asked to use many times in life, and this exercise is a chance for them to begin practicing that skill,” Ziegler said. “That's not to say it's easy. At the beginning of the CSI day, I saw many students making mistakes in how they were questioning witnesses. However, the more they did it, the better they got at it. Critical thinking skills are almost like a muscle.”

This year was the first time a narrative was re-used from a Mock CSI scenario from previous years. The previous one was first used in 2019, however, this year it was updated to better create a sense of community among students so that no one felt left out of any part of the scenario.

Ziegler said the Mock CSI Exercise strives to inspire students, as well as turn them into creative and practical problem solvers that will continue to flourish, even outside of the classroom. <

Windham Town Council reviews warrant for Annual Town Meeting

By Ed Pierce

Members of the Windham Town Council reviewed the Town Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in June during a council meeting on Tuesday evening.

The proposed budget in the Windham Town Warrant for 
2025-2026 is $50,582-929, a 7.26 percent increase from 
last year's $46,991,715 budget. The municipal portion is
about 36 percent of the budget with Cumberland County
and RSU 14 accounting for the rest. COURTESY PHOTO   

The Town Warrant contains municipal budget specifics for the coming year and will be voted upon by town residents at the Annual Town Meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14 at the Windham Town Hall Gym. Articles contained in the Town Warrant are detailed descriptions of town expenditures and each article is voted on separately at the Annual Town Meeting.

Prior to reviewing the Town Warrant, councilors received a briefing from Assistant Town Manager Bob Burns about the proposed budget that included budget figures from Cumberland County and RSU 14 should voters from Windham and Raymond approve the RSU 14 budget during a public meeting at Windham High School on May 14.

Including the county and RSU budgets, the overall Windham budget in the Town Warrant is $50,582,989 which is a 7.26 percent increase from last year’s $46,991,715 budget, Burns said.

Burns said if the proposed budget is approved, the mil rate for Windham would rise to 12.18, up 71 cents from the current mil rate of 11.47, or a 6.39 percent increase.

Cumberland County is proposing a 7.2 percent mil rate increase, while RSU 14’s proposed budget asks for an 8.1 percent increase primarily driven by construction funding for the new Windham Raymond Middle School, he said.

According to Burns, under the new budget, taxes on a home with an assessed value of $400,000 would rise $80 a year, or $6.67 per month.

Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts said that despite the 71-cent increase, the 12.18 mil rate remains one of the lowest in the surrounding area of Maine.

He said the budget proposal was formulated using many different factors and influences, including slightly increased projected revenues, the town’s general operating budget and fixed expenses, insurance costs, contractual obligations, energy costs, debt expenditures and personnel changes. Fixed expenses for the town included in the budget proposal take into account insurance costs, employee healthcare, contractual obligations for municipal organizations, long-term contracts, debt expenditures and wage adjustments.                

Among items included in the proposed municipal budget are funds to add a part-time General Assistance employee in January, a projected Cost of Living increase for municipal employees of 3.5 percent, and funding for three projects including a new North Fire Station on Franklin Drive behind Hannaford Supermarket and across from Home Depot, renovation work to turn the current Windham Middle School into a community center for the town when it is vacated as construction is completed on the new Windham Raymond Middle School in 2027, and $1.5 million for acquiring land from Portland Water District for expansion of the youth athletic fields at Gambo Park and to build a new public ice rink and playground by the new North Windham Fire Station.

Town Council Chair Jarrod Maxfield said that a misconception circulating on social media is that town taxes are paying for the sewer project underway in North Windham.

“The sewer is not in your taxes,” Maxfield said.

Funding for that $40.4 million project is derived from a combination of grant funding, a $38.9 million award by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, a federal grant obtained by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and North Windham TIF funding supported by North Windham businesses.

Town Councilor David Nadeau said that of the budget that voters will ultimately be asked to approve during the Annual Town Meeting, just 36 percent of it is for the Town of Windham with county and the RSU 14 budgets making up the rest. 

The budget will now have a public hearing during the Windham Town Council meeting on May 13 and a public vote on June 14 at the Annual Town Meeting. 

In addition to reviewing the Town Warrant, councilors also unanimously approved appointments to town boards and committees at the meeting.   

Councilors appointed Yvonne Myer as Chairman of the Voter Registration Appeals Board for a four-year term to expire Aug. 15, 2029, and appointed Gary Lytle to the Board of Assessment Review for a three-year term to end Feb. 15, 2028.

Susan Marean was appointed to the Natural Resources Advisory Committee for a term to expire Aug. 15, 2028, and appointed Geoffrey Sparrow as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term to end Feb. 15, 2028. The council also appointed Peter Forbes to the Board of Assessment Review for a three-year term to end Feb. 15, 2028.

Many volunteer board and committees have vacancies and are seeking individuals to serve.

Open positions include four members for the Assessment Review Board; one position for the Human Services Advisory Committee; three positions on the Natural Resources Advisory Committee; one position on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee; one on the Summerfest Committee; and one alternate seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Volunteers willing to serve are asked to apply at the Town Manager’s Office at Windham Town Hall. <

Windham woman assists in Hurricane Helene recovery effort in North Carolina

By Masha Yurkevich

While many of us may be thinking about taking a vacation, Diane Dunton Bruni decided to visit the area of Black Mountain, North Carolina with a team of 16 other people as part of the Fuller Center for Housing Disaster Rebuilders.

Diane Dunton Bruni of Windham, in orange, spent one week
in North Carolina with the Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders
to help residents there recover from Hurricane Helene. She
was part of a group of 16 other volunteers who worked on
rebuilding homes for families there to move back into.
SUBMITTED PHOTO     

She returned with stories of people being trapped in basements, breaking holes in attics to climb on roofs and trying to stop water rushing in. Every week teams from around the country are giving hope to the most vulnerable by rebuilding their homes.

This part of the organization reaches out to areas hit by natural disasters and started when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region.

“Although I have been part of many cycling rides raising funds for the Fuller Center for Housing, this is the first time I spent a week with the Disaster Recovery Team,” says Dunton Bruni. “A cycling friend of mine, Nancy Fish, pulled together a team from her church along with fellow cyclists to work in the area of Black Mountain. This area was hit so hard by Hurricane Helene. Three days of rain and then 12 inches more when the hurricane hit causing mudslides, raging creaks overflowing their banks and ultimately a loss of at least 100 lives.”

Dunton Bruni was in North Carolina from April 12 through April 18 and was in a team that worked to rebuild three homes.

“I learned how to insulate a home, replace particle board and install vinyl siding. I met the homeowners and prayed with them,” she says. “I met the young leaders - ours were James, Caleb, and Jacob - who were only in their 20s and had five or six houses they were managing. This is under the direction of Tony and Aaron who head up the efforts in the area.”

The Fuller Center for Housing Disaster Rebuilders are working on 22 homes in the area.

“These are the most vulnerable people who do not have the resources to rebuild,” says Dunton Bruni. “I painted, insulated a home, reframed windows and put up siding. Other than painting, I had never done the other tasks before, and I am not sure I want to do insulation again,” she said.

The team was up by 6 a.m. each day, having breakfast and then sharing a devotion and information about their worksite.

“We were split up and at the worksites by 8 in the morning,” says Dunton Bruni. “It was hard work, but we met the families whose homes were so badly damaged. We listened to their stories, and we gave them hope. One family crawled to their roof and stood on it as they watched their car port and cars swept away. Their home was completely damaged inside. The second home was again completely damaged; the owner tried to stop the raging waters flooding into her home to no avail. The third home was a man who lived in the basement and his sons lived above. When the waters came rushing in, the man was trapped; his sons had to break a window to get him out.”

A street that the Fuller Center Disaster Recovery teams are working on is one in which every home was damaged.

“Markings for safety or lives lost are still on the doors,” says Dunton Bruni. “A car sits on the street full of mud. A hole is seen where a family broke through the attic. The waters rose to the eaves in this neighborhood.”

During her time in North Carolina, the team and Dunton Bruni were close to finishing two homes for families to move back into and started work on three others.

While the tasks were difficult, Dunton Bruni says that hearing the stories and seeing the tragedy of the area was more difficult.

“They need more help,” she says. “Teams have been coming every week since September and there is still so much work.”

Even through all the tragedy and disaster, Dunton Bruni still kept a positive view.

“The area is beautiful,” she says. “Flowers are blooming, and the mountains remind me of our mountains. The people were amazing and the team I worked with connected deeply in God's work we were doing to serve others.”

Disaster can hit at anytime and anywhere, says Dunton Bruni.

“We cannot forget the people who need us,” she says. “They are survivors, but they need our help. They need hope.”

As Board Chair and President of the Sebago Lake Region Fuller Center for Housing, Dunton Bruni says that she is committed to keep serving others and giving them hope. She said the hurricane damage in North Carolina is sad but efforts to help the survivors are inspiring.

“I am exhausted, but I learned skills that I can use with our families here in Maine,” Dunton Bruni said. “I feel blessed to have been physically and emotionally able to help these families and give them hope.”

Dunton Bruni says you can support the local effort to help repair homes for seniors and veterans by visiting sebagofullerhousing.org. For more details or if you are interested in working with the Fuller Center for Housing Disaster Rebuilders, please visit the Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders website, or contact Diane Dunton Bruni at prdunton@msn.com. <

Nangle bill to protect consumers by simplifying subscription cancellations

AUGUSTA – On April 24, State Senator Tim Nangle, D-Windham, introduced LD 1642, “An Act to Protect Maine Consumers by Simplifying Subscription Cancellations,” to the Committee on Housing and Economic Development during a public hearing for the bill.

The bill aims to save Maine people money by simplifying the cancellation process for online subscription services.

“With all the new subscription services available online now, it’s easy to fall into the trap of automatic renewal,” Nangle said. “Whether it’s a streaming service like Netflix or monthly grocery deliveries, it can be hard to keep track of it all – and even harder to cancel when needed. Mainers deserve to be able to opt out of subscriptions easily, quickly and without having to sit on a customer service line for hours on end. My bill aims to make this a reality.”

Nangle’s LD 1642 bill would amend the law regulating automatic subscription renewals to clarify the disclosure requirements for sellers offering such subscriptions and require a seller to obtain a consumer’s express consent for automatic subscription renewal prior to enrollment through a check box, electronic signature or other affirmative action. The seller would also be required to provide the option for cancellation using the same method by which the consumer initially agreed to the subscription. The bill would further prohibit a seller from misrepresenting an automatic subscription offer in the marketing of such subscriptions.

The legislation also directs the Maine Attorney General to adopt rules for the enforcement of the law if passed and to bring forward necessary actions for violations of the law. If a seller is found liable, the bill stipulates that, in addition to damages authorized pursuant to the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act, the seller is required to provide the consumer with a refund or credit for three times the unauthorized amounts billed or paid.

Nangle said that LD 1642 is supported by Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey.

As written, LD 1642 does not currently apply to memberships requiring in-person cancellation, such as gym memberships. However, Senator Nangle said that he intends to draft an amendment that would make the bill apply to such memberships.

If LD 1642 is enacted, it would only apply to subscriptions that are entered into or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2026, giving businesses time to adapt to the new law.

The LD 1642 legislation now faces further action in committee.

Senator Nangle represents Maine State Senate District 26, which includes Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook in Cumberland County. <

Hofstra University recognizes Windham student

During National Student Employment Week, Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York is celebrating the impact and experiences of student workers across campus and in the surrounding community.

Audrey Day of Windham has been
recognized by Hofstra University
for her work on campus.
COURTESY PHOTO

Through the student employment program - whether through Federal Work-Study or other opportunities - students are receiving more than just a paycheck. They're building transferable skills, gaining practical experience, forming meaningful professional relationships, and in many cases, they are engaging with the wider community.

Audrey Day of Windham is among the many student workers at Hofstra. She was the valedictorian of Windham High School’s Class of 2022 and is a junior studying mechanical enginering at Hofstra University.

While attending WHS, Day was in the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, TriM Music Honor Society, Girl Scouts of Maine, Science Olympiad, and Class Office. She also participated in the District II Honors Music Festival and The Maine All State Music Festival on trumpet. The WHS volleyball team she played on reached the state semifinals during her sophomore year.

At Hofstra, Day was recognized for her two jobs, both of which were merit-based offers. She is a tutor for the school's  Engineering department, and a Peer Teacher for the Engineering Design class. 

Supporting student employment is one of many ways Hofstra is advancing its commitment to student success, a key priority of the Hofstra 100 strategic plan. On-campus jobs help students like Day integrate into the university community, while Federal Work-Study positions connect them with meaningful opportunities both on and off campus.

The Office of Student Employment plays a central role in supporting Hofstra's student workforce, which includes more than 1,100 students each year. Amanda Nastasi, manager of the Office of Student Employment, sees firsthand the impact these opportunities have on students' personal and professional growth. "One of the most gratifying parts of my role is meeting a student at the start of their job search and later welcoming them into the office for onboarding once they've secured a position," she said. "It's a privilege to play a small part in students' journeys, and to watch them grow through the student employment program."

Hofstra University's primary mission is to provide quality education to its students in an environment that encourages, nurtures, and supports learning. At Hofstra, new ideas take shape through collaboration, engagement, and interaction. Hofstra students create their success with small classes and dedicated faculty, alongside a beautiful campus, plus all the opportunities of New York City within easy reach. <