Mitchell Institute honors two WHS graduates as 2025 Mitchell Scholars

By Ed Pierce

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Mitchell Institute

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

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

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

By Dina Mendros

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Ed Pierce

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He considers his duties essential to the public.

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

Huge yard sale event major annual fundraiser for HART

By Dina Mendros

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The shelter was custom-designed and built in 2004.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barbecue fundraiser to benefit recent WHS grad stricken with lymphoma

By Ed Pierce

When Austin Woodbury walked across the stage at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on Sunday, June 8 to receive his diploma during Windham High School’s 2025 graduation ceremony, neither he nor his family were aware that he was about to enter a fight to save his life.

Austin Woodbury, who graduated in June from
Windham High School, has been diagnosed with
Stage 3 lymphoma and is undergoing treatment.
A benefit fundraiser and barbecue with live music 
will be held at the Windham Veterans Center from
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 27 to help Woodbury's
family pay his medical expenses.
COURTESY PHOTO
  

Woodbury, 18, told his parents that he felt ill on Monday, June 30 and had stomach pain and constipation. What Austin’s parents Josh and Rachael Woodbury thought at first was something simple then quickly evolved into something much bigger though.

Following a barrage of testing and examinations at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Austin was initially diagnosed by physicians with renal failure as his kidneys were being blocked by a tumor. That in turn led to a more detailed diagnosis of Stage 3 Mature B-cell Lymphoma which was found extensively throughout his abdomen, pancreas, bowel wall, lower right lung, and femur. He has also had testing performed to see if it has spread to his bone marrow and they are waiting results from that.

To resolve his kidney issues, drain tubes were installed into each kidney and since then, Austin’s kidney functionality has returned to normal.

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, a part of the body's immune system. It's characterized by the uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes which are a type of white blood cell that help fight infection. Stage 3 Mature B-cell Lymphoma indicates that the cancer is present in lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm and may also be present in Austin’s spleen.

This type of Stage 3 Mature B-cell Lymphoma is an advanced form of cancer, and treatment for Austin was started immediately involving chemotherapy. His oncologist may consider other treatments for Austin based upon his age, overall health, and the specific type and stage of his lymphoma.

Mature B-cell lymphomas are a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and account for about 85 percent of all lymphomas diagnosed in America.

Survival rates from this type of cancer are generally listed as good, with the five-year survival rate for Stage 3 Mature B-cell Lymphoma estimated at 65 percent according to mylymphomateam.com. Younger adults tend to have a better outlook when diagnosed with Stage 3 Mature B-cell Lymphoma compared with older adults, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Members of Austin’s family say that he’s currently undergoing intensive treatment, and both his parents have been by his side every step of the way in dealing with his diagnosis, meaning they have missed work, have mounting medical bills, and the additional financial stress of trying to keep things afloat at their home in Windham.

Josh Woodbury’s brother, Jason Weatherby, has been tasked to help them try and raise funds to meet the expenses associated with Austin’s treatment.

“They asked that they focus solely on being with Austin and being available to doctors without interruption so I’m running fundraising initiatives,” he said.

A fundraising goal was established online for a Go Fund Me to help cover medical expenses, transportation, and basic household needs like groceries and keeping the lights on at home while Austin’s parents are with him at the hospital during his medical ordeal.

Along with the Go Fund Me effort, Weatherby said the community is invited to participate in a barbecue and fundraiser from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 27 at the Windham Veterans Center, 35 Veterans Memorial Drive in Windham.

“We’ll have food, a silent auction, and we just locked in “The Only Hope” band to play their first charity event,” Weatherby said. “It should be an amazing day.”

If you are interested in donating items for the silent auction, please contact Weatherby at 207-572-7051.  

The Minervino Family, which owns Long Beach Marina in Sebago, also donated proceeds from their Fuel Up for Charity event on Saturday, July 12 for Austin and his family as he undergoes treatment.

According to Weatherby, Austin remains strong during his treatment, is kind, and full of life.

He said having this happen to Austin at a time when he should be focused on his future and his life ahead is a real shame and it shouldn’t be a time when he is having to fight cancer instead.

“With your help, we can ease some of the burden on his family so they can focus on what matters most – Austin’s recovery,” Weatherby said. <

Animal educator to offer free ecology program for kids at WMS

By Kira Pilot

Reptiles and amphibians and insects, oh my! Andrew Desjardins, the man behind the educational outreach program “Mr. Drew and His Animals Too,” will be bringing some of these creatures to a July 25 presentation at the Windham Middle School.

Windham Parks and Recreation and the Windham Public
Library will host a free show for children by animal
educator Mr. Drew at 2 p.m. Friday, July 25 at Windham
Middle School. Kids ages 3 and over are invited to attend.
PHOTO BY CATLIN CREATION 

This free event is coordinated by the Windham Library, Windham Parks and Recreation, and the Middle School itself. Children ages 3 and over are invited to attend and see up close some critter guests as well as learn about responsible pet ownership, rehabilitation, and stewardship of our natural world.

Desjardins, who has assumed the ‘Mr. Drew’ moniker for the past 15 years, takes in and cares for neglected or unwanted pets. Often the animals in his care aren’t the fluffy mammals stereotypically domesticated. Instead, he nurtures exotic insects, arachnids, amphibians, turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes from around the world. At any given time, Desjardins houses and looks after 300 to 400 creatures at his new facility in Poland. Some animals are responsibly rehomed and others are used in his outreach work after they have been socialized.

Desjardins originally got his start as an educator at a campground one rainy weekend. Noticing the youthful campers were bored, he brought over some pets he was rehabilitating for a show and tell. Parents in the audience inquired if he appeared at birthday parties which sparked the idea for Mr. Drew and His Animals Too. Today, Desjardins as Mr. Drew travels throughout New England, scheduling close to 200 shows in a summer. He is so busy that lately his son Sylas has been stepping in to help him at his summer camp shows.

The content Desjardins presents includes anecdotal stories, ecological facts about the animals he brings with him, humor, and environmental awareness. More than anything, he says he wishes to impart a sense of conscientious care to would-be pet owners.

“Learn about an animal before you buy it, not after,” he said, and he encourages audience members to reach out directly via email with any questions they have about the responsibilities of pet ownership.

Younger generations are increasingly interested in owning exotic pets, perhaps due to social media portrayals. A 2021 study done by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that reptile ownership in the U.S. has more than doubled during the previous two decades with an estimated 4.5 million homes currently containing at least one reptile pet. About 79 percent of reptile species trades are unrecorded and thus unregulated, which makes the welfare of these traded species difficult to monitor.

Besides his rehabilitation work, Desjardins is an environmentalist and challenges his audience to participate in his “One Piece Challenge” by picking up one piece of trash and discarding it properly every day for a full calendar year. He points out that if the entire world took on his challenge, we would pick up close to three trillion pieces of garbage.

“Every day is Earth Day – not just one day a year – and it is the one thing we all have in common: this planet we live on,” says Desjardins.

Samantha Cote, a Children’s Librarian at the Windham Public Library, oversees all programming for children up to age 12. Every year the library partners with Windham Parks and Recreation so that youth attending Parks and Rec events can take part in the Library’s Summer Reading Program. Windham Middle School generously provides space for program events such as this one that draw in audiences too large for the library’s event room which has a maximum capacity of 50 people.

This is the second year these three local institutions are hosting Mr. Drew. Last summer this same event drew an audience of 230 people, and Cote is hopeful that the crowd this year may be even larger.

“I think kids are fascinated by the natural world,” Cote said. “This presentation provides them an opportunity to see animals up close that they might not see otherwise, giving them a sense of who we share the planet with. What I love about Mr. Drew is he’s really good with the kids, he’s fun and educational at the same time.”

Mr. Drew’s show will last about 75 minutes and starts at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 25. If you have questions about the event, you can call the library at 207-892-1908 ext. 4. <

Windham presentation to discuss often-neglected subject

By Ed Pierce

Those who’ve had to endure the strain of making funeral arrangements soon after the death of a family member know about the emotional strain and burden of having to make tough choices under duress.

Maine funeral professional
Jeffrey Dobson will offer a
free informative presentation
about funeral planning and 
funeral trusts from 11 a.m. to
1  p.m. Friday, July 25 at The 
Little Meeting House in
Windham.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Forced to make significant personal decisions while grieving takes a toll on all of us and can leave us overwhelmed on the worst possible of days. Yet by giving the subject a little preparation and with guidance, the process can turn out to be meaningful, helpful to healing, and manageable.

To that end, a Maine funeral professional is offering a free informative presentation to alleviate some of the uncertainty from having to plan funerals and make sound decisions during a time of grief and emotional stress. The presentation will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday July 25 at The Little Meeting House, 719 Roosevelt Trail in Windham.

“Our goal is to help the public gain a clearer understanding of how paying for end-of-life arrangements works, and to build their confidence that preplanning can be a secure and beneficial option,” said Jeff Dobson, the owner of Dobson Family Funeral and Cremation Services and Casco Bay Cremation. “Recent funeral home closures, some of which made headlines, have raised concerns, so we hope this event will reassure families by providing accurate, trustworthy information.”

Dobson said that the presentation will cover an array of key topics including:

** How preplanning a funeral works in Maine

** The three types of mortuary trusts allowed under Maine law

** The cost of cremation and what contributes to that cost

** The advantages and disadvantages of preplanning

** An open “Question and Answer” session for families

“We also want to address the common reasons some families avoid preplanning: discomfort discussing mortality, fear of high costs, or concerns about relocating” Dobson said. “Many people don’t realize that arrangements can be easily transferred if they move.”

According to Dobson, he believes it is especially important to educate the public about mortuary trusts.

“For instance, there's a funeral home currently advertising that they accept transferred mortuary trusts at ‘no cost,’ but in reality, there are often fees involved,” he said. “Families deserve transparency so they can make informed decisions that truly serve their best interests.”

Dobson said working with a funeral professional is essential for the public because they help families navigate the complex process of planning a funeral or memorial service for their loved one. They provide guidance, support, and expertise in areas such as arranging for cremations, obtaining necessary permits and certificates, and coordinating with other professionals involved in the funeral process while helping families make important decisions and providing emotional support during a difficult time.

Preplanning can be both a learning and decision-making process, he said. By learning what your available options are, decisions can be made to help balance value and cost. Once decisions have been made about services, a plan can be created to document and share these decisions with the next-of-kin, family and friends.

The process doesn’t necessarily include having to pre-purchase goods or services. But if pre-planning decisions are to be made without purchases being made, pre-planning can result in a clear, well-documented record of an individual’s wishes and selections.

“On a personal note, one of the most challenging parts of this work is the responsibility we carry,” he said. “We always strive to give every family our absolute best. But as humans, we know we may fall short at times, and that pressure to be perfect can be very heavy.”

As the owner and founder of Casco Bay Cremation and Dobson Family Funeral and Services in Arundel, Dobson has worked in funeral service for more than 16 years and started his career in Portland at a funeral home assisting the funeral directors there. It led him to go back to school to obtain his mortuary science degree.

For more details about the presentation in Windham and to RSVP, call 207-747-8240 or send an email to: info@cascobaycremation.com. <

Nangle decries federal court blocking implementation of FTC’s ‘click-to-cancel’ rule

AUGUSTA – Last week the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit blocked the implementation of the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule, citing procedural errors it said the agency made.

The rule aimed to make it easier for Americans to cancel unwanted subscriptions and protect consumers from charges they did not authorize.

State Senator Tim Nangle, D-Windham, released the following statement after he championed state legislation earlier this year to enshrine provisions similar to “click-to-cancel” in Maine law.

“Too many companies count on confusion and delay to keep people locked into services they don’t want and extract more money from them,” Nangle said. “The federal 'Click to Cancel' rule marked a meaningful step forward that aimed to protect consumers and save their hard-earned dollars. This week’s action in the federal courts that blocked implementation of the rule on a procedural technicality is exactly why I introduced legislation to enshrine similar "Click to Cancel" provisions into Maine law.”

He said that he’s proud that his Maine bill was passed this session.

“When the law takes effect, Maine people who sign up for a service online will be able to cancel online, no tricks, no runaround,” Nangle said. “Mainers deserve a system that’s honest, simple and puts them back in control of their own money. Regardless of what happens at the federal level, we secured a win for transparency and fairness in the Maine Legislature.”

Nangle’s bill LD 1642 was introduced in the 132nd Legislature and was signed by Maine Gov. Janet Mills on June 20 and will apply to automatic subscriptions and health club memberships. 

The new law strengthens consumer protection in Maine by requiring:

** Clear disclosure of subscription or membership terms before enrollment

** Affirmative consent before charging for automatic renewals

** Online cancellation using the same method as sign-up

** Advance notice before long-term renewals.

As non-emergency legislation, the bill will take effect on Sept. 24, 2025, some 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned sine die. <

Norway Savings Bank appoints Windham native as CFO and Treasurer

Norway Savings Bank has announced that Richard St. Pierre has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Executive Vice President.

Windham native Richard St. Pierre has been
named Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Executive Vice President for Norway Savings
Bank. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

St. Pierre succeeds the retiring Brian Shibles, who has served at NSB for over 23 years, including 20 years as NSB’s CFO and 12 years as Treasurer.

St. Pierre arrived at Norway Savings Bank in December of 2023 as Senior Finance Officer SVP and has since overseen the overall management of the bank’s financial accounting, budget, investments, facilities management, and project management.

He possesses more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, including over a decade in community banking.

“In his time at NSB, Rich has proven to be a tremendous addition, working closely with Brian and the Finance and Facilities Teams to prepare for his transition as well as overseeing the implementation of Norway Savings Bank’s new Online and Mobile Banking platform earlier this year,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of NSB. “He has an extensive finance background and that prior experience combined with his calm and respectful demeanor make him the perfect choice as the bank’s new CFO and Treasurer.”

A Windham native, St. Pierre earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Southern Maine and later earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. His extensive knowledge and experience in financial reporting, budgeting, strategic planning, asset liability management, investment management, regulatory reporting, insurance, new branch development, business continuity planning and vendor management make him a valuable asset to the NSB team.

In his free time, Rich enjoys watching New England Sports (Go Pats!) and spending time with his family at their camp. He is also a year-round outdoor enthusiast.

Besides his leadership role at NSB, St. Pierre currently serves on the board of Kennebec Valley Community Action Program as well as the board and loan committee of Southern Maine Finance Agency.<

In the public eye: RSU 14’s Katahdin Program administrator essential to student success

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

By Ed Pierce

Rich Meserve considers himself fortunate to work with a team of talented colleagues that help students find their way in school after having struggled in other settings.

Rich Meserve has led RSU 14's 
Katahdin Program as its Head of
School since 2016 and will be 
entering his 15th year this fall
of working for the school district.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

As the Head of School of the Katahdin Program, RSU 14’s alternative high school program, Meserve says that seeing students embrace the opportunities and challenges that they are presented with at Katahdin is inspiring.

“In one way, shape or form, I am almost always thinking about the students I work with and how I can best support them,” Meserve said.

His duties as school administrator include supervising and evaluating all professional and support staff, helping to plan, organize and directly implement all school activities, assisting in the development, revision, and evaluation of the curriculum, and establishing and maintaining an effective learning climate in the school. He also prepares the Katahdin program’s budget, monitors expenditures, and coordinates school transportation and logistics.

The upcoming 2025-2026 school year will be Meserve’s 15th year working for RSU 14.

“I first started with RSU 14 in 2004 working as a teacher at the REAL School for a number of years,” Meserve said. “I then served as the assistant principal for REAL School until becoming the Katahdin Head of School in 2016. I served in that capacity for almost three years and then left to take a position as Director of School and Student Supports at the Maine Department of Education. I then returned for a year at Windham Middle School assisting with starting their Altitude Program and I am now back in my role as Head of School at Katahdin.

According to Meserve, the most challenging aspect of his job is breaking down the stigma of what an alternative program is.

“The Katahdin Program has the same graduation requirements as Windham High School, but we are small enough that we can tailor school to be a bit more individualized as well as having the flexibility in our schedule to incorporate experiential learning into the mix,” he said.

He was born in Augusta and graduated from Falmouth High School and has lived all his life in Maine except while attending college and eight years that he spent in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts. 

“I moved back to Maine over the summer of 2004 and had three jobs offered to me, from three different districts, on the same day,” Meserve said. “Weighing all three offers, I felt the most comfortable with the position at RSU 14. This initially had to do with the three people at my interview, Pender Makin, Lillie Hanlon and Rod Nadeau, and the way they painted a picture of what working with them would be like. Since that time, I have been incredibly impressed by the leadership of the district from the members of the superintendent’s team to the school board.”

Education is a second career for Meserve.

“I first got involved working with students as a part-time tutor in Massachusetts in my early 30s. Shortly after that I went back to school at UMass Amherst and became an Ed Tech for two years and then a classroom teacher,” he said. “I have been a regular ed as well as a special education teacher/case manager. I have served as Assistant Principal, and Head of School, as well as in a director position at the Department of Education. I have volunteered for a number of education-related boards and committees and have been a member of the Teacher of the Year State Review Team for the last 11 years.”

His most memorable moments in his career with RSU 14 involve connecting with students a few years after they have graduated.

“They are so thankful for the opportunity that the Katahdin Program provided them to not only earn their high school diploma but also the many other skills and experiences they were afforded by being part of the program,” he said.

Meserve says the most important thing he has learned while working for RSU 14 is simple.

“Every human being has potential and supporting all students is paramount to giving everyone the best opportunity to live a happy and successful life,” he said. <

Raymond to apply for community resilience grant

By Dina Mendros

Raymond will apply for a grant later this summer to help the town prepare for climate change. The Raymond Select Board held a workshop on Tuesday where residents and Select Board members discussed priorities of how the grant, if approved, could be best put to use.

The Town of Raymond intends to apply for a
grant through the Community Resilience
Partnership that supports projects to reduce
energy use and make communities more
resilient to climate change. FILE PHOTO  

During the workshop, led by Lucy Perkins of Siler Climate Consulting, community members were invited to share their thoughts about how the town could use grant funding to make the town more resilient in planning for climate change. Funds can be used to support projects that reduce energy use and costs and make communities more resilient to climate change effects, such as flooding, extreme weather, drought, and public health impacts.

The town of Raymond has contracted with Siler Climate Consulting, together with North Star Planning, for assistance in enrolling in the Community Resilience Partnership, a program under the Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, and applying for a Community Action Grant that would range between $50,000 and $75,000. The grants are funded through a mix of federal and state sources.

The Community Resilience Partnership “helps towns plan for and fund projects that improve energy efficiency and local resilience,” according to Ben Smith, the founder of North Star Planning. The program, he said, “provides technical assistance and grant funding for community priorities and those could be town facilities, emergency preparedness, open space and trails, broadband access and a number of different kinds of projects related to resiliency, economy, public health and infrastructure.”

In the most recent grant awards that took place during the spring, some of the projects which received funding included modernizing municipal facilities through energy efficiency upgrades in Acton, conducting a municipal energy assessment in Alfred and a resilient outreach and education plan in Bath.

According to Perkins, so far 263 Maine municipalities have enrolled in the program, which encompasses about two-thirds of the state’s population; and a large percent of those communities have received funding.

There’s no guarantee Raymond will receive a grant, Smith said. However, he said, “priority is given to communities who haven’t received grant funding yet.”

The town learned about the grant opportunity, according to Town Manager Joseph Crocker, when “two members of the Comprehensive Plan Committee brought this to our attention in partnership with North Star Planning.”

In addition to Tuesday’s workshop and completing self-assessment forms, to enroll in the program, Crocker said, “the Select Board will need to pass a municipal resolution (written by the state) agreeing to join the partnership. … Raymond should complete enrollment by July to apply for a grant in August/September.”

During Tuesday’s workshop, several residents as well as Select Board members, named some of the priorities they thought the grant could go toward.

Select Board member Kaela Gonzalez said some of the priorities for the town that she would like to see the town address include weatherization and solar energy for town buildings, more community gardens, to incentivize energy efficiencies for new building and placing more EV chargers around town.

Shelter and disaster preparedness were mentioned by Age Friendly Raymond Coordinator Debby Tarr.

Increasing conservation and open space were noted by Loon Echo Land Trust Executive Director Matt Markot, as well as ensuring that use ordinances were aligned with community goals of where development should take place.

School Board member Grace Leavitt emphasized that communication and education were also important.

The benefits of enrolling in the Community Resilience Partnership, Smith said, are twofold. “The biggest payoff will be a successful grant award,” he said. “The other reason I think is that it starts some community conversations about resilience broadly (and) … how does Raymond balance community needs around facilities and infrastructure with open space and rural character and making improvements around housing and transportation.” <

Rogers Scholarship Dinner honors legacy of veteran who loved Windham community

By Ed Pierce

Everyone who met Don Rogers was impressed with his love for the community, his sense of humor and his dedication to helping others. It was what people admired about him and why more than five years after his death, Rogers is still fondly remembered in Windham.

World War II veteran Don Rogers of
Windham died in 2020 but before his
passing, the American Legion Post
148 chose to honor him by renaming
its annual student scholarship
program or him and it funds two
scholarships for local students 
through a special dinner every July.
This year's dinner will be at 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 19 at the Windham
Veterans Center. FILE PHOTO   

A graduate of Windham High School in the Class of 1944, Rogers was 94 when he passed away in May 2020, but he left behind a legacy that continues to benefit area students to this very day.

Rogers was born Sept. 21, 1925, and lived most of his life in Windham Center. He served in the Army Air Corps and trained to be a fighter pilot before World War II ended in August 1945. He returned to Windham and worked for his father, M. L. Rogers, as a construction equipment operator in town. In 1954, he married Norma Kimball, and they raised two sons, Donald Scott Rogers, and Dale K. Rogers, in Windham.

Friends and family say that Rogers loved sports and athletics, and played baseball, basketball, track, swimming, and horseshoes. Through the years, he formed a local basketball team and supplied uniforms for the players. He also coached Little League baseball for Windham children for many years.

Being active in the community was something Rogers embraced. He belonged to the Presumpscot Lodge #70 of Masons Scottish Rite, the WHS Alumni Association and the Windham Historical Society. Rogers joined American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 in 1947 and served as Post Commander on four different occasions including 1965-66, 1968-69, 1972-77, and 1979-80.

“His father Maurice was one of the original Post 148 founders in 1938, and his brother, Wayne, was also a member,” said Legion Post 148 Adjutant David Tanguay. “Don believed in our youth. As the Post Commander, he presented students each year with the Legion School Leadership Award. I was a recipient in 1965 and continue to cherish that award.”

In 2019, Legion members chose to honor Rogers by renaming their annual student scholarship program for him and funds the scholarships through a special dinner held at the Windham Veterans Center every year in July.

“The scholarship is now coupled with the Legion award from a fundraiser and dinner, and I think he would be humbled by the honor that it is named after him.” Tanguay said. “Don could light up a room with his stories and one-liners. Don was a prankster and loved a good laugh.”

This year’s annual Don Rogers Scholarship Dinner will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 19 with all proceeds from the meal to be used to help local graduating students, one male and one female, to pursue their dreams of higher education.
The popular dinner has become a favorite mid-summer tradition for many families in Windham, and organizers are hoping to raise at least $1,400 through this fundraiser for the scholarships. The meal is an old-fashioned bean supper.

A requested donation of $15 is asked and there will also be a 50/50 drawing and an American Legion Auxiliary homemade pie auction to benefit the scholarship program. Children under 12 will be admitted for free and additional donations for the scholarships will be welcomed.

This year’s American Legion Leadership Award/Commander Don Rogers Scholarships were presented to 2025 Windham High School graduates Ethan Fletcher and Addison Profenno. Fletcher will attend Northeastern University at the Boston Campus to study Mechanical Engineering this fall, while Profenno will attend Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts to study nursing.

For those who wish to donate to the Don Rogers Scholarship program but will not be able to attend the dinner, contributions can be sent to the Don Rogers Scholarship at: Post 148-Scholarship, PO Box 1776, Windham, Maine 04062. <

Author to discuss new book about writing in Windham

By Ed Pierce

As a writer, teacher, and creative encourager dedicated to helping people reclaim their stories and their voice, Anna Brooke believes everyone has a story worth telling and that writing it down can be a profound act of healing, clarity, and connection. It’s the basis of a new book “WRITE! Revealing the Writer Within” she co-wrote and will be discussing in Windham during an upcoming event.

Author Anna Brooke will appear
at Sherman's Maine Coast Book
Shop in Windham from 1 to 3 p.m.
Sunday, July 20 to promote her
latest book called '“WRITE!
Revealing the Writer Within.'
PHOTO BY ROBERT WHITE

 

Brooke will be at Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop in Windham from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 20 to meet the public and answer questions about her new book.

She said that “WRITE! Revealing the Writer Within” is a warm, encouraging guide for anyone ready to bring their story to life.

“Whether you’ve been journaling for years or are just beginning to explore the idea of writing, WRITE is a friendly companion for the journey,” Brooke said. “It’s designed to demystify the writing process, the book offers a blend of inspiration and down-to-earth strategies that help you get your words onto the page – your way, in your voice.

According to Brooke, she co-wrote the book to remind people that their stories matter.

“This book is here to hold your hand and give you practical ways to start, continue, and finish your writing, whether it’s a journal entry, a memoir, or something else entirely,” she said.

Born and raised in New York City, Brooke attended Boston University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and then obtained a master’s degree at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London in Post-War Contemporary Art. She’s worked in the healing arts for the last 24 years as a counselor, body worker, and energy worker.

“I have also been a performer for the last 18 years and regularly host and perform in cabaret and variety shows,” she said. “Last but not least, I am also a full-time wedding officiant and use all of my writing skills in crafting custom ceremonies for couples from here and away.”

But Brooke has always loved stories and storytelling and writing was a natural progression for her.

“I was very fortunate to be raised in a house full of books with two parents who loved to read, and they still do,” she said. “I have always kept a journal and when I was younger, I would write short stories and turn them into handmade books. I guess I always wanted to share my work with the world. I have a very busy mind that is often disorganized, but writing helps me slow down and organize my thoughts. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate how storytelling transports readers to another time and space along with its power and potency for both imagination and inspiration.”

Her first book was called “Stripped Down: How Burlesque Led Me Home” which she is revising with the intention of reissuing it in 2026. She’s also contributed to a couple of anthologies “Awakened Leaders: Empowering Stories of Self-Healing, Triumph, and Transformation” and “Sex on Stage: Performing the Body Politic.”

The idea for her latest book came from when she started co-teaching writing classes with a fellow author, Vindy Teja, in 2021.

“We had both published our first books with the same publishing house which is how we met,” Brooke said. “She is a Punjabi Canadian and despite our different cultural backgrounds, we connected over the importance of not just telling stories but preserving them within our families and communities. This book is a product of our collaboration and the shared ethos of helping people get their stories out of their heads and down onto paper. As we like to say, we’re not going to tell you how to write, but we are going to tell you to write no matter what.”

She says in total, it took them about 18 months to write the new book.

“Co-writing was a new experience for me, so we would get together every other Friday for three hours to just work on the book together,” Brooke said. “We would write on our own and keep each other updated for feedback, edits, or additions. It was a pretty seamless process once we found our groove. We also made sure that we didn't rush anything.”

She likes to write when the mood strikes her, but if she’s working on a deadline or a piece that is time-sensitive, she’ll schedule daily writing time into her calendar.

“When I wrote my first book, I discovered that setting aside an hour was too much time for me,” Brooke said. “In retrospect, I was feeling overwhelmed. I landed on scheduling only 15 minutes per day. That way, if the muse was speaking, I could fill that 15-minute window and let it flow until the inspiration dried up. If, however, the muse was not speaking, 15 minutes of proverbially squeezing blood from a stone felt a lot easier than 30 or 60 minutes.”

Those attending Brooke’s appearance at Sherman’s in Windham are encouraged to bring their questions about writing, creativity, and self-expression. She will also have copies of “WRITE! Revealing the Writer Within” available for purchase on site. <

Beech leaf disease spreads into Lakes Region

By Kendra Raymond

Residents and visitors to the area may have noticed something strange is going on with the local beech tree population. Where lush, deep green serrated leaves should be present, Lakes Region residents are noticing stunted, shriveled, or even missing leaves throughout the local beech tree population.

A healthy doe is shown on the Raymond Cape, whose primary
food source includes beech nuts. Also shown is a beech branch
at a Raymond home exhibiting classic symptoms of what's
known as Beech Leaf Disease.
PHOTO COLLAGE BY NEILY RAYMOND

With the disease being spotted widespread throughout the state, property owners are becoming concerned.

The Maine Forest Service has published the following update about Beech Leaf disease (BLD). “A disease that has been leading to decline and mortality of beech trees from Ohio to Southern New England is now impacting Maine’s forests. Beech leaf disease (BLD) was confirmed in Lincolnville, ME (Waldo County) in May 2021 by forest pathologists from the Maine Forest Service and US Forest Service.

The BLD-infested trees were brought to the attention of the Maine Forest Service by the forest owners. Reports from the public continue to play a critical role in understanding the distribution of the disease. BLD is widespread and severe throughout many areas of Maine and is now found at various levels of severity in 15 of Maine’s 16 counties.

This distribution does not include every town in each county, so efforts continue to track and document disease distribution through survey and reports from the public. In cooperation with the US Forest Service, nine long-term monitoring plots have been established to learn more about disease development and impacts at the individual tree and stand levels in Maine’s forests.”

With all this concern, property owners are wondering what can be done to slow or stop the spread. Then Maine Forest Service fact sheet offers a few FAQs:

• BLD can kill American beech, European beech, and many other beech cultivars of various origins;

• BLD symptoms are associated with the presence of a non-native foliar nematode (microscopic roundworm), Litylenchus crenatae mccannii;

• Disease symptoms tend to begin in smaller beech trees in the understory, however larger trees are also vulnerable to attack and decline;

• BLD may weaken beech trees over time, making them more vulnerable to secondary pests.

Symptoms include:

• Dark bands between the veins of leaves;

• Leaves are cupped, deformed, shriveled and may be smaller than usual;

• Leaves can be thick and have a leathery texture, unlike the papery texture of healthy leaves;

• Premature leaf drop;

• Aborted buds leading to sparse leaf cover;

• Thinning canopy.

Property owners are left with many questions and a feeling of helplessness with the situation. As with many diseases, BLD will eventually run it’s course. In the mean time, small efforts can make a difference.

While there is no cure for BLD, homeowners can help control symptoms by pruning or removing diseased trees. The refuse should be kept on site, to avoid infecting other areas. It is suggested that infected plant material is burned or composted. Make sure to obtain a burn permit. Other options include chipping and firewood, which should all be used on site.

Smaller infected trees will likely not survive BLD. Mature trees will likely also not survive but will last for a longer duration. While BLD may not directly kill older trees, they can be weakened and susceptible to secondary diseases and pests.

Pamela Hargest is a Horticulture Professional with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County.

“I recommend getting in touch with the Maine Forest Service as they are our go-to experts for tree diseases and pests that are impacting our forests,” she said. “They also have a lot of helpful information on their website about Beech Leaf Disease.”

Forest Pathologist Aaron Bergdahl is with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry Maine Forest Service, Forest Health & Monitoring. He says that the disease is pretty serious.

“Well, it’s certainly gaining genetic resistance. The outlook is not great for beech,” he said. Bergdahl said that the prognosis for smaller trees is 3-5 years and 5-7 for larger trees, with 10 years being the maximum survival time. Many trees may have pre-existing issues which can tip the scales toward decline. The concerning asked is that there are a lot of beech trees in our native forests. It will become more apparent we start to see decline.”

Bergdahl said that there seems to be no genetic resistance to the organism that causes beech leaf disease.

"I don’t want to give people any false hopes and lead them to not manage their high-value beech trees. Also, Beech Leaf Disease is found in all 16 of Maine’s counties,” said Bergdahl.  

Aside from the impact on Maine’s visual landscape, the potential catastrophic loss of the beech tree population could affect mammals in the forests. Beech nuts are well-known for serving as a food source for deer and are also consumed by bears. Additionally, the trees can serve as valuable shelter in the woods for various mammals.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife staff members are monitoring the situation and planning accordingly.

At the Region A headquarters in Gray, biologists are not overly concerned at this tenure and Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist Joshua Matijas is cautiously optimistic.

“It is a shame that we have yet another disease negatively affecting our native Beech trees. Unfortunately, Beech leaf disease (BLD) seems to be spreading fairly rapidly and at varying levels of severity,” he said. “Beech nuts are one of many food sources for deer when they are available, but they are produced on a very cyclic and sometimes irregular basis. Depending on a variety of factors a mature and healthy Beech tree might produce nuts every two to six years.”

Matijas reassured residents that the deer will likely come out unscathed. “Deer are browsers meaning they feed on a variety of leaves, buds, grasses, twigs, shrubs, as well as soft and hard mast. Beech nuts by themselves are not sustaining our deer population by any means and with the many other options available on the landscape I do not foresee impacts to our deer population,” said Matijas.

The Maine Forest Service website has provided the following information sheet: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/beech_leaf_disease.htm

Homeowners can also take advantage of the Disease identification/management resource at: https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/plant-disease/digital-diagnostic-submission-form/

The Maine Forest Service can be reached at: foresthealth@maine.gov or by phone at 207-287-2431. <

Town of Windham considers creating Forbes Lane pocket park

By Ed Pierce

During the Windham Town council meeting on June 12, councilors voted unanimously to explore the possibility of creating a pocket park for the Forbes Lane and Misty Drive neighborhood off Varney Mill Road.

A vacant lot on Forbes Lane off
Varney Mill Road in Windham 
could eventually become a new
pocket park for Forbes Lane and
Misty Drive residents.
PHOTYO BY ED PIERCE    

In April, Cumberland County Commissioners awarded $40,000 in Community Development Block Grant Funds to Windham for the purpose of eventually constructing a park in the Forbes Lane neighborhood based upon an application received from the town.

The funding is subject to an environmental review by Cumberland County to ensure compliance with the State Historic Preservation Office, local Historic Preservation Ordinances and other environmental regulations.

Community Development Block Grants supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities. Activities may address needs such as infrastructure, economic development projects, public facilities installation, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, clearance/acquisition, microenterprise assistance, code enforcement, and homeowner assistance.

Windham used CDBG Block Grant funding in 2020 for assistance in expanding a parking lot at 35 Main St. in South Windham to encourage economic development and recreational purposes. Through CDBG funding, Cumberland County contributed $205,295 to the project for surfaces and materials.

The site for the proposed pocket park in the Forbes Lane neighborhood is a vacant lot between adjoining neighborhoods. A pocket park is defined as a small park accessible to residents and the public which can be used for recreational purposes including picnic tables, benches, flower beds and greenery.

Councilors voted to establish a committee to research and explore the development of a pocket park in the Forbes Lane community area.

Jarrod Maxfield, Windham Town Council chair, said that committee members will recommend to the council a concept plan establishing connectivity with trails suitable for walking and biking to serve area residents and the public as well as an optional picnic pavilion, benches and recreational amenities suitably sized for the 1.33-acre land parcel.

Committee membership will be made up of up to four individuals who reside on Forbes Lane or Misty Drive, two town staff members and a Windham Town Councilor.

In voting to establish the committee, councilors mandated that town staff members would serve in an advisory capacity and not be voting members of the committee. The council also appointed Councilor Mark Morrison as the council’s representative to the Forbes Lane Misty Drive ad hoc park committee.

Members of the committee at the direction of the Council will research and explore property information to facilitate desired park amenities interconnectivity, access, and parking accommodations.

Anticipating this committee work taking up to two years, the group will make recommendations for a design concept and plan for the Forbes Lane Community Park and eventually present a concept plan for the park to the Windham Town Council. The effort satisfies a requirement by the federal government to replace recreational land which was reclaimed when RSU 14 upgraded the high school campus years ago.

If the council approves a design concept and before the park could be built, a series of public hearings to solicit public input would be held and it will also require approval from the Windham Planning Board. When and if the park is constructed, it will be overseen by the Windham Parks & Recreation Department, a town agency whose mission is to develop, operate, and maintain a park and recreation system that enriches the quality of life for residents and visitors, fosters a sense of community, and preserves and protects community open spaces. Windham’s Parks and Recreation Department currently maintains nearly 500 acres of parks and preserves for Windham residents.

The council is asking that any residents of the Forbes Lane or Misty Drive neighborhoods who are interested in serving on the ad hoc park committee to call the Windham Town Manager’s Office at 207-894-5900 and leave their name and contact information. <

Volunteers still needed for Sebago Lake loon count

By Ed Pierce

Maine Audubon is still seeking volunteers to assist with the 42nd Annual Loon Count to be conducted on Sebago Lake later this month.

Maine Audubon is seeking volunteers to assist with the 42nd
Annual Loon Count to be conducted 9n Sebago Lake 
early in the morning of Saturday, July 19. The annual
event is part of a statewide initiative to count loons and 
chicks and track the population changes.
COURTESY PHOTO  

The Sebago Lake count is part of a statewide initiative to count Maine loons and chicks and track the population changes and trends in the population. Information collected during the count helps Maine Audubon to assess the impacts of conservation efforts and to address any significant changes in the population and offer better management solutions in future years.

On Saturday, July 19, a contingent of volunteers will gather at Sebago Lake early in the morning for the count.

“The data volunteers collect is used to track population trends over time,” says Maine Audubon Director of Conservation Sally Stockwell. “We expect some fluctuations year to year, but the numbers indicate a healthy loon population, with a slowly increasing adult population and relatively stable chick numbers.” Maine has the largest population of loons in the eastern United States, which makes the breeding success of loons here critical to the regional population at large.

For years, counting Sebago Lake’s 100-plus miles of shorefront on nearly one trillion gallons of fresh water and at 49 different survey areas presented a significant challenge to Maine Audubon. And despite the efforts of many volunteers, the entire lake was never fully counted.

In 2022, volunteer counters were recruited from each of the seven municipalities that border Sebago Lake and other volunteers signed up as well who wanted to be part of the count. What resulted was the first-ever full Sebago Lake count thanks to more than 50 volunteers who participated and covered more than 30,000 acres of water.

Statewide in 2024, Maine Audubon drew its greatest amount of volunteer participants for the annual event and counted 1,624 loons on 407 lakes. Because of this, Maine Audubon estimated a Common Loon population in Maine of 3,146 adults, south of the 45th parallel. However, the organization says not enough lakes were surveyed north of the 45th parallel to estimate the loon population for the entire state.

Therefore, to expand its reach and involve more volunteers in the count, Maine Audubon will conduct Extended Duration Surveys this summer. This pilot program will count loon populations on remote lakes not surveyed in previous years from July 19 to July 26 while scouting, accessing, and conducting a one-hour survey of their assigned lakes

Most loons nest within one foot of the water’s edge, so they are especially vulnerable to washout from large waves. All motorboats on Maine lakes are required to travel at no-wake speeds when they are within 200 feet of shore or islands. Boats that facilitate wake surfing create even larger waves and can impact loon nests even when operating as far as 500-600 feet offshore. In 2024, a new state law was implemented to address wakesurfing activity and requires individuals “from operating a motorboat in less than 15 feet of water or within 300 feet of the shoreline when the motorboat is engaged in a wakesurfing activity.”

The Common Loon faces all kinds of threats including from boat strikes, nest flooding, lead tackle, eagle predators and despite that with the help of an ever-growing volunteer base, the population remains robust.

“There are so many people looking out for loons,” says Loon Count Data Coordinator Ethan Daly. “Loons are something Mainers can appreciate and unite behind. More people are educating their neighbors, more people are involved in our loon restoration program, more people are getting rid of lead tackle, and more people are considering how shoreline management can impact freshwater ecosystems.”

For more information about the annual count or the Maine Loon Project, or to volunteer as a counter on Sebago Lake, contact SebagoLakeLoonCount@gmail.com or visit maineaudubon.org/loons. <

Raymond-Casco Historical Society launches season with ‘Honey Bee Family Celebration’

By Kendra Raymond

There is always something exciting going on at the Raymond Casco Historical Society Museum and with the recent addition of bee hives to the site, people are swarming to check out the latest developments. From regular weekend events to new collections, there is always something there to fit everyone’s interests.

Beekeeper Ingo Hartig of Raymond will give
a free presentation to the public about bees
during the 'Honey Bee Family Celebration'
from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 20 at
the Raymond-Casco Historical Museum,
1 Shadow Road in Casco.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

The museum campus has expanded exponentially over the past several years with the addition of a blacksmith’s shop and an old schoolhouse. Visitors can take in exhibits showcasing actual items from the area as well as the museum’s transportation barn.

Sue Pride is the collection manager for RCHS and recently shared some exciting news.

“A lot is happening here at Raymond-Casco Historical Society,” she said. “Construction has been completed on our brand-new kitchen and bath, making our location ideal for small group meetings. We have new exhibits, a model farm, and new bee hives,” she said.

The bee hives are an intriguing new feature at the museum campus and historical society members are busy preparing for the upcoming Honey Bee Family Celebration.

“Beekeeper Ingo Hartig set up two hives here at the museum in late spring because of the cold weather,” Pride said. “The idea is to let people know how important honeybees are. He especially likes working with children. We are having a Honey Bee Family Celebration from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. It will be a family fun afternoon where folks can visit the hives, meet the beekeeper, learn about honeybees, kids can do bee-related crafts, learn the bee dance, and have some ice cream.”

Best of all, Pride said that the event is free.

A variety of upcoming events are planned for the summer season at the museum.

Mike Davis will present a talk about the Portland-Harrison canal and the canal boats at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 14. Then at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, Cheryl Callahan will present Processing Wool and the Sheep Boom of New England. She will be talking about all things textile, sheep, wool, mills in Raymond and the tariffs on textile industry leading up to the war of 1812.

The society’s facility is finishing up a full kitchen and bathroom renovation and remodel and RCHS members are excited about the improvements.

“It is all done said RCHS member Greg Plummer who did all the work, and it is just beautiful,” Pride said. “It now makes it possible for us to rent out space for small meetings and functions year-round. RCHS members hope to make their space more accessible with these improvements.”

The historical society is working on a 2026 sesquicentennial project about Revolutionary War soldiers of Raymond, which will serve as a traveling exhibit for local schools and town groups.

Plummer is the host of the all-new Early Bird Show. Episodes can be viewed on YouTube, and includes the likes of Wayne Whitney, local legend Trudy Files, and Babbs Bridge history with Walter Lunt. He keeps these episodes brief but jam-packed with humor and history.

The RCHS is committed to preserving the history of Raymond, Casco and surrounding areas. It was created in 1971 as an educational, charitable, non-profit organization devoted to collection, preservation, and experiential learning which highlights the culture and working history of the Lakes Region Area.

Meetings are open to the public and held on the second Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. May through October on site at the museum, 1 Shadow Road in Casco. Donations are always accepted and greatly appreciated. RCHS is always looking for volunteers to assist in any capacity and is a great opportunity for students to gain community service hours, or for scouting groups to get involved with the history of the area.

The RCHS farm campus is open from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

For further details, visit https://raymondcascohistoricalsociety.org/about or call 207-655-6389. Find them on Facebook and Instagram under Raymond-Casco Historical Society.

View Greg Plummer’s Early Bird Show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@raymondcascohistoricalsoci7498 <