Sewer pipe installation underway in North Windham

By Ed Pierce

A significant step to improving public health and sustainable economic development has started in North Windham, as a contractor has begun to install sewer lines there.

Work to install sewer pipes along Route 302 near the Shaw's
Supermarket Plaza and on Route 115 at Boody's Corner 
started on the night of April 20. The installation will be
performed between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. and
is expected to be completed by sometime in June.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Windham Communications Director Roger Cropley said the project is a collaboration between the Town of Windham and the Portland Water District with sewer line installation work starting in the Shaw’s parking lot area of North Windham.

Cropley said the sewer line will span the Shaw’s parking lot through the Walmart lot, and over to Landing Road before crossing Route 302 to the Windham Mall. Shaw Brothers Construction also started installing another section of the sewer line April 20 along Route 115 in North Windham, he said.

“The installation will begin on the Gray side of Walgreens, progressing across Boody’s Corner and over to a section of Route 35, eventually connecting to the line being installed through the Shaw’s parking lot,” Cropley said. “That work will run through early May.”

According to Cropley, the sewer line work is scheduled to be performed at night in order to cause as little disruption for motorists as possible.

“Construction will start at 6 p.m. and go to 6 a.m. with start times varying depending on traffic volume,” he said. “Flaggers and police will be set up each night to control and redirect traffic when lane closures are in effect. The sewer work is scheduled to be completed by June.”

Voters approved installation of a sewer system in Windham during a special referendum in June 2022.

By installing a sewer system treating 50,000 gallons per day, Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts said that business growth in North Windham will be of significant benefit to the community, leading to economic growth and the creation of new housing, new hotels, new office and retail space and affordable options for small-scale manufacturing development.

Tibbetts said that environmental benefits will also be realized by installing sewers in North Windham including preventing 7,500 pounds per year of nitrogen and 1,000 pounds of phosphorous from entering the aquifer.

“This project will be the first of this magnitude in Maine and can be a model for other communities who lack receiving waters,” he said. “It will be the most advanced micro-filtration system in the state for handling contaminants.”

Along with the sewers, construction of a public wastewater system will result in the removal of about 100 septic systems that are currently discharging into the North Windham aquifer, Tibbetts said. A collection and pumping system over three miles in length will connect businesses and residents to the system and will treat wastewater through the advanced micro-filtration system.

“Current businesses will be able to further grow and expand while new businesses can be situated without further degrading the aquifer and using valuable real estate for septic systems,” Tibbetts said.

The overall estimated cost of the sewer project is $40.4 million. Partnering with the Portland Water District and RSU 14 to create the massive infrastructure project, the Windham Town Council covered the initiative through a combination of grant funding, a $38.9 million award by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and North Windham TIF funding supported by North Windham businesses.

Because of construction costs and materials increases since receiving voter approval in 2022, Tibbetts said that a warrant article approved by voters at the 2024 Windham Annual Town Meeting authorized the town to issue a bond of $4 million through the state’s Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund. In doing that, the sewer project shortfall will have no impact for taxpayers.

The new system includes the creation of a new pumping station near Windham High School and RSU 14 that would service from the high school campus to a new treatment facility in North Windham and establish a wastewater treatment facility on the grounds of Manchester School and a new pumping station at Windham Middle School. <

In the public eye: WMS special education teacher forges lasting relationships with students

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

By Ed Pierce

Special education teachers are uniquely trained to support the learning needs of students with disabilities and to ensure their educational, behavioral, social, and emotional success. Windham Middle School has one of the best in Adam Deveau.

Adam Deveau is now in his eighth year as
a special education teacher at Windham 
Middle School and provides specialized
instruction to support students when
they are challenged or struggling.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Deveau is now in his eighth year working at WMS and says he considers himself fortunate to be part of the RSU 14 team. In his job, Deveau is challenged to find specific interventions that fulfill the needs of his students, kind of like trying to solve a new puzzle every day.

“My responsibilities vary a bit from year to year. This year, my main responsibilities include providing specialized instruction and supporting students throughout the day when they are challenged or struggling,” Deveau said.” Since starting at WMS, I have taught reading, writing, math, and science on the academic side as well as social skills, social-emotional learning, and executive functioning. I also create and manage educational plans and positive behavior support plans.”

At the middle school, special education teachers work with fewer students than their general education counterparts and they also work with the same group of students over the course of several years they attend classes there. The smaller class sizes in special education coupled with the increased time of working with the same students at WMS gives him the opportunity to forge strong relationships with his students and their families.

“The best thing about what I do in my job is that I am in a unique position to help improve the quality of life for students and help them enjoy and benefit from their time at school,” he said. “I get to help shape their overall experience at Windham Middle School and when I do my job well, I see amazingly positive outcomes in the way they feel about school in general.”

But the most challenging aspect of Deveau’s job is the fact that he can only be in one place at a time and sometimes there are many things that he would like to be doing and many people he would like to be supporting.

“People don’t always understand that special education is not just a service to address academic needs, but it also can help students that struggle in many areas including behavior, daily living skills, and social skills,” he said.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Deveau’s family moved to Maine when he was just an infant. He has spent much of his life living in Bridgton and graduated from Lake Region High School. He originally studied philosophy at the University of Southern Maine but when I graduated, he found out that “philosopher” is not exactly a job in high demand. He enrolled at USM again and earned enough additional credits to become a special education teacher.

According to Deveau, he first applied to work at WMS when the school that he was working for moved to a new location further away.

“I have taught nearly every subject in special education. I started my career in a private day treatment program for students with emotional and behavioral health challenges,” Deveau said. “After that I came to WMS, and have worked as a functional academic teacher, a resource room teacher, and a behavior support teacher.”

He says he’s enjoyed many memorable moments working for WMS.

“Some of my favorite memories include seeing them perform in talent shows, participate in door decorating contests, and other moments where they chose to step up to the plate to show us their unique skills and talents,” Deveau said. “The moment that stands out the most is when I worked with a group of students who came into my room almost every day to learn how to sing three or four songs. Our goal was to bring some joy and entertainment to the residents of Ledgewood Manor, a local assisted living facility. On the day they performed, my students showed courage, compassion and kindness in so many ways, and I was honored to help them.”

The most important thing that Deveau says he’s learned working for WMS is that all students want to do well.

“If we create the right conditions for student success, they will almost always meet us halfway,” he said. “They communicate their needs with not only their words but their actions, so we need to listen to them on so many different levels to be effective educators.” <

Windham Historical Society to host Victorian Tea Party at Little Meeting House

By Masha Yurkevich

The Little Meeting House in North Windham will be decorated in a Victorian style setting for a special High Tea at High Noon on Saturday, May 31. This event is being held in honor of the passing of the Windham Historical Society’s Secretary Karen Lougee in January.

A special 'High Tea at High Noon' event will be held on
Saturday, May 31 at the Little Meeting House in North 
Windham to remember Windham Historical Society
member Karen Lougee, who died in January.
COURTESY PHOTO

Haley Pal is one of three Event Coordinators for High Tea at High Noon with the other coordinators being Susan Simonson, the Society's President and Carol Manchester, the Membership Chair.

“This is the first time we are doing a tea,” says Pal. “It was inspired by the passing of our Secretary Karen Lougee in January. Lougee loved all things British, was an avid reader and Steward of the Windham Center Library on the Society's Village Green. Her favorite flowers were lilacs, so we decided to host an event in her memory during lilac season.”

Lougee’s love of books and history came together when she joined the Windham Historical Society after retiring from Unum. She joined the Society’s Board and served as Secretary and on the Programs Committee. Lougee enthusiastically helped and led in the restoration of the original Windham Center Library building for the Society’s Village Green, proudly completing this large and complex project in the fall of 2024.

She also worked hard to restore the library and has left this piece of Windham history as her lasting gift to the community.

“Lougee’s first exposure to Windham Historical Society was at a fundraiser held in 2017,” says Susan Simonson, President of the Windham Historical Society. “As a way to encourage more membership and exposure of the society, we held a History Tour around Windham, highlighting the historical sites and building while providing local Windham history. Lougee and her husband, Gerry, were on that tour. It was not long afterward Lougee showed interest in becoming an active member of the society. She ran and was elected Secretary the following year. It did not take long for her to blend into the fabric of the historical society, helping in any way she could. Lougee was retired from Unum’s legal department, and her administrative and professional skills were much welcomed by the organization. She was able to juggle many hats, and most importantly her love for her family.”

High Tea at High Noon will start at noon on May 31 and run about two hours long. It will open with a greeting from Simonson. Then, a buffet luncheon will be served with the meal consisting of quiche, tea sandwiches, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, mini muffins, scones, and a large assortment of delicate desserts.

“During lunch, Ray Marcotte and Elle Kanner of Teafarers will do a talk about the history of tea and talk about some of the teas that guests will be sampling with their lunch,” says Pal. “Dessert will be served by Society members and be delivered to each table. Desserts range from cupcakes to mini cheesecakes, to tea breads to cream puffs, plus cookies and mini lemon tarts.”

Tickets are $25 per person with 60 seats available. People can purchase tickets by emailing Haley Pal at haleypal@aol.com.

“Lougee was the steward of the Windham Center Library which had not been open for several years” says Simonson. “She has put a lot of time, energy, and research into getting the library open to the public as part of the society’s Village Green. The building had a major structural issue and took a year or two to get it addressed. Once those repairs were completed, the roof was re-shingled, windows were puttied, the exterior painted. The next step is to get electricity brought over to the building. The funds raised by the tea will help to offset the electrical costs, remaining interior painting, and other small miscellaneous projects.”

If you are looking to enjoy a high tea in an historic old building, you are highly encouraged to join this event.

“The Little Meeting House will be decked in Victorian style using china teacups and porcelain and glass plates,” says Pal. “Tablecloths will be color-coordinated, and it should make for an elegant, but fairly inexpensive way to spend a couple of hours.”

This event is also an opportunity to meet Society members and learn about some of the things that they do for the community.

“It is also a wonderful way showing those who attend that the Windham Historical Society truly does know how to ‘have fun with history’ which is our slogan,” says Pal.

Lougee’s unexpected passing had a major effect on the society board members. She was very much a part of their team, always lending a hand where needed.

“The fundraiser in her memory is a way for us to heal and let the community know how much she meant to the society,” says Simonson. “The society has been fortunate to have Becky (Plummer) Delaware step in as the new steward of the Windham Center Library. Becky is a retired schoolteacher and grew up in Windham. Her knowledge of Windham and as an avid history buff will provide the tolls needed to continue Lougee’s vision while adding her own touch to displays on Windham’s organizations of the past.” <

Lions Club honors volunteer work of Windham resident

By Ed Pierce

When Evelyn Brissette’s husband passed away from lung cancer in 2016, she decided that she had more time on her hands to do some of the things that would make her happy and be able to help others. She joined the Windham Lions Club, and that decision has led Brissette to be awarded the highest form of recognition possible for a Lions Club member.

Evelyn Brissette of Windham was presented 
the Melvin Jones Award for her humanitarian
efforts and devotion to the community. It's
the highest honor that a Lions Club member
can receive. From left are Gene Tanguay,
Windham Lions Club President Camille
Swander, Evelyn Brissette, and Patricia
Tanguay. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Windham Lions Club presented Brissette with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award during its April meeting for her humanitarian qualities such as compassion, concern, and generosity to the Windham community. The award is named after the original founder, secretary and treasurer of Lions International who established the organization to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need through humanitarian services and grants that impact lives locally and globally, and encourage peace and international understanding.

Brissette served as president of the Windham Lions Club for several years and created the club’s Adopt-A-Family program that provides Christmas gifts to families in need in the Windham Community. She also has participated in community meals and the RSU 14 Backpack Program and volunteers for the Windham Parks and Recreation Department and at senior citizen luncheons. She’s active in the Lions Club’s eyeglass screening, Touch-A-Truck, the Windham Lions Annual Craft Fair, Stuff the Bus, and many other community activities.

“I saw an article in The Windham Eagle, I think that first summer, that the town was looking for volunteers to give out lunches to the children at Dundee Park,” Brissette said. “I thought I can do that and totally enjoyed it. When they stopped distributing food at the park but did it at the middle school one summer with parents picking up a much larger quantity of food, I joined to help there. I heard about the weekly backpack program, so I joined our Tuesday morning group of fellow volunteers at least four or five years ago at this point. We started at Windham Primary School and have been at Windham Middle School for several years now. During COVID when the children were home, I made home food deliveries.”

She joined the Windham Lions Club in 2019 after being invited by longtime friends Gene and Patty Tanguay.

“I have always enjoyed doing whatever I can to make life as good as possible for others,” Brissette said. “The Windham Lions Club has given me the opportunities that I needed to get out there and do even more.”

Receiving this award means a lot to Brissette.

“I did not do what I have done for the past several years to be rewarded but just to help others in need,” she said. “I feel very fortunate that my family and children have never gone without. We were never rich, but we always managed. Knowing how hard some families have it today really concerns me when the children’s needs are not met, especially when it comes to food.”

Originally from Portland, Brissette and her husband moved to Windham in 2012.

“We needed a more accessible home with one floor living only,” she said. “Stairs are not my friends anymore. As much as my husband liked to keep busy, he had to cut back on keeping up with our big, older home. Moving to Windham was the best move we could have made, especially since I became a widow a few years afterward. I have met wonderful people through the Windham Lions Club and the businesses, and others that I have established relationships with while organizing our Lions Club events. I also enjoy working with the Parks and Recreation Department as a volunteer and participating in their events.”

Working at Shaw's Supermarkets for 29 1/2 years, Brissette spent the majority of her career in the Payroll and Human Resources departments and she helped to organize in-store United Way fundraising drives and was a United Way Loan Executive twice.

“When I left Shaw's, I became a companion/caregiver with Home Partners for 12 years, a job I truly enjoyed,” Brissette said. “At 73 years young I thought I finally deserved to spend more time to pursue other interests as well. As it happened, I left Home Partners and joined the Windham Lions Club that same year.”

According to Brissette, besides organizing United Way campaigns in the Shaw’s store, she was occasionally asked to solicit volunteers to donate blood for Red Cross blood drives.

“The personnel and training coordinators would sometimes set up a little competition between ourselves and other stores to see who could convince the most associates to donate blood,” she said. “One year I convinced and really begged 40 associates to donate. That was one out of every three or four of the associates in my store, including me. I have no shame for a good cause. Our store ended up having the most associates that donated blood. The joke in the store afterwards was to watch out if you see Evelyn coming. She will be asking you for either your money or your blood.”

The Windham Lions Club was formed in 1969 and is a small but active group of service-minded men and women who want to make Windham a better place to live by serving the community in a variety of ways. It is part of the world’s largest and most active service club organization, Lions Club International.

Windham Lions Club members work with their fellow Lions in more than 170 counties and geographical areas to seek out and help the needy in their own communities, their country, and the world.

The Windham Lions Club meetings are held at the Windham Hill United Church of Christ, 140 Windham Center Road in Windham Maine on the first Wednesday of each month.

For more details about the Windham Lions Club send an email to windhamlionsme@gmail.com or visit http://sites.google.com/site/windhamlionsclubmaine/announcements <

Town of Raymond property tax revaluations ongoing

By Kendra Raymond

The Town of Raymond is currently conducting property tax revaluations and anticipating a steady process while asking for cooperation from residents as they move through the process, which should wrap up during the summer of 2026.

Town of Raymond property revaluations for
the area included in this map are currently
underway by KRT Appraisal and the Town
of Raymond. The revaluation process for
the entire town will stretch into 2026.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

KRT Appraisal of Haverhill, Massachusetts has been contracted to collect data by making a site visit to each property in the Town of Raymond. Employees will measure buildings on each property and perform a quick interior inspection, which allows for accurate determinations of value.

Raymond Assessors Agent Curt Lebel says that things are going smoothly so far. His role is to implement the program as the town moves through the steps.

“Right now, probably for the next five months or so we will be in the data collection phase,” he said. “KRT staff will be visiting every property in town measuring every house through the summer into the fall.”

With over 4,000 properties to visit, Lebel said that KRT staff are focused on working area by area. If property owners are not at home, a letter will be sent to schedule a return visit.

Lebel says that obtaining solid information on each property will allow the town to build a valuation model for the appraisal process. Currently, KRT staff members are visiting homes in the Mill and Main Street neighborhoods as well as the first part of Webbs Mills Road.

KRT continues to send out batches of post cards for various neighborhoods. Once you receive a card, you can plan on a visit within the next 60 days. KRT employees are working through a methodical process street by street. Unfortunately, homeowners are not able to pre-schedule appointments. If the property owner is not home, a letter will be sent requesting an interior inspection appointment.

Property owners can be reassured that KRT personnel will clearly identify themselves with name badges and signage on their vehicle, Lebel said. They will also present a letter from the Raymond Contract Assessor and Raymond’s Town Manager.

So far, Lebel says that the data collection has been sporadic, but residents are becoming more aware of the visits.

“Overall, residents know what is going on. Most of our feedback will be later in the process,” he said. “Right now, like a lot of towns, our average assessment is 40 to 50 percent of the market value. Valuations can double but there could be a corresponding decrease in the tax rate."

The KRT Appraisal in Raymond website provides the following FAQs:

What is a Full Revaluation?

The Town of Raymond has hired KRT Appraisal (KRT) to complete a Full Revaluation. According to Maine Revenue Service, “Revaluation” means the development of new property valuations by a firm through the introduction of new grading and pricing schedules, the updating of existing grading and pricing schedules, or the maintenance of an existing valuation system.

A “Full Revaluation” includes measuring and listing all properties to verify existing assessment data. The end goal is for assessments to be adjusted to reflect market value as of April 1, 2026. This creates equity and ensures a fair distribution of the tax burden across all property owners. The last Revaluation was implemented in 2005.

Stages of a Full Revaluation

KRT will be updating existing grading and pricing schedules for property valuations and maintaining the existing valuation system by performing a Full Revaluation of assessment values. To accomplish this, KRT will complete five phases: (1) Data Collection, (2) Sales Review and Validation, (3) Market Analysis/Valuation, (4) Field Review, and (5) Informal Hearings. During these phases, many tasks will be completed to ensure the Full Revaluation is successful. Below is a general outline and explanation of each phase of the project.

Phase 1: Data Collection

The first phase, Data Collection of all property, began in February 2025. During this phase "Data Collectors" go to each property in the Town to measure the exterior of each building and attempt to inspect the interior if the owner is available at the time of the visit. These Data Collectors note the buildings’ location, size, age, quality of construction, improvements, topography, utilities, and numerous other characteristics both inside and out. They may also ask the homeowner a few questions regarding the property. To confirm that a home was inspected, the homeowner is asked to sign a data collection form. The data collected is subject to verification by the Town Assessor and a KRT Supervisor. KRT Field Representatives will carry Picture IDs, Municipal Letters of Introduction, and have their vehicles listed with both the Assessor’s Office and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department.

Prior to starting the data collection in your area, a postcard will be mailed to each property as notification that the property will be visited in the next few weeks. Data Collectors will arrive at your property unannounced shortly after the postcard is mailed and ring the bell and knock on the door. If someone is home, they will explain who they are, with their KRT badge visible, and ask for an interior and exterior inspection. Due to the large volume of properties to be inspected, we are unable to conduct this portion of the project on a pre-scheduled appointment basis.

If no one is home, they will assume it is ok to measure the outside of the building and proceed to do so. A letter will be mailed out towards the end of the project (early spring of 2026) asking for a phone call to schedule an appointment for an interior inspection. The visit from KRT should not take more than 15 minutes from start to finish. Data Collectors will not visit a property posted “No Trespassing.” Posted properties will receive a letter asking for permission to visit the property at a scheduled time convenient for everyone.

Phase 2: Sales Review and Validation

During this phase, KRT appraisers will field review each property that sold between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2026, to verify the information on the property record card for data accuracy. The appraiser will make notes regarding the property location, size, condition, quality of construction, and numerous other characteristics that may affect value. The goal is to gain a clear understanding of what sold and for what price. In conjunction with the Assessing Office, KRT will begin the process of qualifying sales as “arm’s length”. Only sales with market exposure between a willing buyer and willing seller (in other words, an “arm’s length” sale) will be used in the analysis.

Phase 3: Market Analysis/Valuation

A variety of resources are used to analyze the real estate market. KRT will be analyzing property sales that occurred between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2026, to determine which market factors influenced property values. KRT will gather and use information from Maine Multiple Listing Service (MLS), property managers, developers, and local real estate professionals. Once all the data is collected and reviewed for accuracy, the appraiser will determine land values and delineate neighborhoods, which rate the desirability of locations throughout the town as determined by actual market activity.

During this phase, individual characteristics of the buildings are analyzed using information gathered in both Phases 1 and 2. Each property is compared to other comparable properties with similar characteristics. Then the market values of the improvements are added to the land value that was previously determined. This value is the final estimate for each parcel of property, building and land.

Valuation is done using one of the three recognized appraisal methods: Cost Approach, Income Approach and Sales Comparable Approach. Mass appraisal uses a market adjusted cost approach to generate assessments. The income approach will be used for all income producing property and will be reconciled with the market adjusted cost approach.

Phase 4: Field Review

Field Review is the method of checking and re-checking both the values that have been determined and the accuracy of the data used. During this phase, properties are viewed in the field by experienced appraisers to ensure that the appraisal methodology established from the sale properties is consistently applied to the entire population of properties within the town.

Phase 5: Informal Hearings

Once the Field Review is completed and the values are approved by the Assessor’s Office, a notice stating the proposed value will be mailed to each property owner. The goal is for this phase to be completed in July of 2026. At that time anyone with questions concerning the revaluation process or the value established for their property will have an opportunity to meet with a member of KRT’s staff. After the five phases are completed, all data, files and records used in the revaluation will be turned over to the Assessor’s Office for retention.

Lebel explained the logic behind the property valuations.

“The goals in Maine property valuations are used to apportion property taxes. The total tax includes schools, town, and county budget,” he said. “The values determine who pays what share. Over time, old models become less accurate. The new model better fits the current sales market,” he said. “Some folks will see no change, but some may see increases depending on how the market sees the property. It’s the appropriate sharing of tax with more fairness to distribute it.”

Raymond residents with questions are welcome to contact Lebel at 207-655-4742 to discuss the process.

To keep up to date on the current neighborhoods where data is being collected, or to learn more, visit the KRT website at: https://www.krtappraisal.com/dist/raymond

Visit the Town of Raymond website for additional information or to view the current map at https://www.raymondmaine.org <

Windham Public Works sets dates for residential leaf disposal site

By Ed Pierce

After a long and dreary winter of removing ice from the driveway and shoveling snow from sidewalks, Windham residents are now taking a long look at their yards and once again collecting leaves and brush that may have built up on their property since last fall.

The Windham Leaf and Brush Disposal
Site will open starting at 7 a.m. Saturday,
April 19 and will close for the season at
6 p.m. Sunday, May 11. The facility is at 
the end of Enterprise Drive off Route 302
behind the self-storage building in
Windham. COURTESY PHOTO  

This week Windham’s Department of Public Works has announced the window of availability and hours for dropping off leaves and brush for disposal after spring residential clean-ups. The Windham Leaf and Brush Disposal Site will be open starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, April 19 and will close for the season at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 11.

The site will be open only for the disposal of leaves and brush and is located at the very end of Enterprise Drive off Route 302 behind the self-storage building in North Windham.

Windham DPW officials ask that residents dropping off items for disposal separate leaves from brush and place them in the appropriate areas where the marked and posted signs indicate.

For those transporting leaves to the site in paper or plastic bags, DPW requests that the leaves be removed from the bags and the bags taken back home for proper disposal. They also ask that residents not take any brush or branches larger than 12 inches in diameter to the site for disposal. Grass clippings are allowed but large heavy tree stumps are not.

As a reminder, residents are not allowed to dump garbage, metal trash, used televisions or appliances at the town’s Leaf and Brush Disposal Site.

Windham DPW reminds town residents that leaves are not collected at the curb by the town, and bags of leaves should not be placed in recycling bins for collection.

Typically, about 400 to 500 yards in cubic feet of leaves and unwanted brush are collected each spring at the town disposal site every year during the spring season.

To use the service, load up your vehicle and take it to the site, which is located behind the self-storage units on Enterprise Drive to the left. It will be open 24/7 to town residents.

While Windham's Public Works department once handled both spring and fall brush disposal services, the town now is assisted in this bi-annual collection by R.J Grondin and Sons, a family-owned construction company.

Larry Grondin, vice president of Grondin and Sons, said that it was a "good fit" to offer the town assistance with brush disposal.

"After we helped with Public Works' new building, the initial plan was to just help out while construction was taking place,” he said. “Though we settled on us taking over with the brush disposal entirely since they no longer had the room for it. It's worked out so far for us both and we like working with them."

All materials gathered during the spring and fall brush seasons are given new life through Grondin and Sons.

Instead of burning the leaves and brush like residents in the past once would, Grondin and Sons instead repurpose the organic materials. The leaves are composted, and wood-based materials go toward creating heating materials.

Grondin said it’s great knowing that the leaves and brush gathered are repurposed rather than sent to a waste facility. The disposed materials gain a new purpose, and it also provides residents with a local site place to self-dispose of leaves and brush free of charge.

For further details about Windham’s Leaf and Brush Disposal Site, call the Windham Public Works Department at 207-892-1909 or visit www.windhammaine.us. <

Windham continues 2025-2026 budgeting process

By Ed Pierce

Members of the Windham Town Council will review 2025-2026 proposed budget subtraction and additions during a meeting on April 23 and then listen to public comments about the budget during a public hearing on May 13.

Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts and Assistant Town Manager Bob Burns presented the budget proposal to town councilors in February. It estimated a town budgetary increase of 5.26 percent with budget figures from RSU 14 and Cumberland County still being formulated.

Burns told councilors that town revenues for the next year are expected to be $18,224,864 which is up slightly from 2024-2025’s $18,083,104 and an overall increase of 0.78 percent.

“We’re projecting stable and increasing revenues for Windham,” Burns said.

According to Burns, town expenses will rise in 2025-2026 if this proposed budget is adopted by about 5.23 percent, going from $33,497,270 to $35,248,462.

He said that town overlay and TIF funding will remain the same as the previous town budget, leaving the overall estimated Windham Town Budget at $48,601,147. That’s a 3.4 percent increase from 2024-2025’s $46,991,715.

“We feel this budget fairly and accurately meets the needs of the town,” Burns said.

Tibbetts said the annual budget proposal is calculated based upon 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.

Barring any significant changes to the proposed budget, Windham’s mil rate for tax purposes will rise from $11.47 to $11.74 which Tibbetts and Burns say is among the lowest of towns in Cumberland County.

Among items included in the proposed budget are funding to add a part-time General Assistance employee, a projected Cost of Living increase for municipal employees of 3.5 percent, and funding three potential 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 when 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 youth athletic fields at Gambo Park and building a new public ice rink and playground by the new North Windham Fire Station.

The existing North Windham Fire Station on Route 302 is more than five decades old, and has experienced electrical issues, heating and cooling problems, and insufficient crew space, as the building was not designed to accommodate round-the-clock fire department staffing. The new location would be much easier and safer for firefighters when answering calls for assistance.

The proposed budget also would include a four-year incremental bond for construction of the new Windham Raymond Middle School, the purchase of new radio equipment for first responders, creation of a pocket park at Forbes Lane, purchasing two new snowplow trucks, a new dump truck, and a digital sign for the Windham Central Fire Station. Other expenditures included in the proposed budget are $960,000 for continued roadwork and street maintenance, and $1,466,110 for town building and facilities improvements.

The budget proposal was reviewed by the town’s Finance Committee in March and was discussed again by town councilors on Tuesday evening. The council will hold a public hearing about the budget proposal on May 13 and final voting for the budget will be conducted during Windham’s annual Town Meeting on Saturday, June 14. <

Windham company to be featured in Magnolia Network’s ‘In With the Old’ TV series

A Windham company specializing in reclaimed lumber and flooring, Rousseau Reclaimed Lumber & Flooring, will be featured in an upcoming episode of the Magnolia TV Network’s “In With the Old” debuting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26 and streaming on Discovery+ and Max.

Rousseau Reclaimed Lumber & Flooring of Windham will be
featured in an upcoming episode of Magnolia TV Network's
'In With the Old" series and details the makeover of a 1910
Germantown, New York farmhouse owned by celebrities
Amanda Pays and Corbin Bernsen. COURTESY PHOTO   

The episode is titled “Hamlet on the Hudson” and shows the results of the makeover of a 1910 Germantown, New York Hudson Valley farmhouse owned by entertainment personalities Amanda Pays and Corbin Bernsen that sits on eight acres of farmland dating back to before the Revolutionary War.

Rousseau Reclaimed Lumber & Flooring provided flooring that was reclaimed from the roof sheathing of a Northern Maine clothespin factory and beams from an 1800s barn. Although both buildings have been torn down and their sites redeveloped, the centuries-old materials have found a new life in the Germantown home of Pays and Bernsen.

John Rousseau has owned Reclaimed Lumber & Flooring for 30 years and is one of the region's foremost experts on turning salvage wood into useful products such as flooring, structural and aesthetic elements for homes and businesses, according to a press release. His business reclaims salvaged and antique lumber turning it into flooring, timbers, millwork and job-ready lumber for architects, contractors, designers and homeowners throughout the Northeastern United States.

The Bernsens have refurbished over 30 homes in New York and California while each of them had successful acting and entertainment careers. They recognized the value of reaching out to Rousseau in providing a unique product for their home.

The “Hamlet on the Hudson” segment of “In With the Old” will air on the Magnolia Network on Spectrum channels 97 and 161, DIRECTV channel 230, and DISH Network channel 111. It will be available for streaming on Discovery+ and Max.

The Magnolia Network is an American cable network owned by Warner Bros., Discovery and Chip and Joanna Gaines. It broadcasts personality-based lifestyle programs related to topics such as home construction, renovation, and cuisine.

“In With the Old” is a Magnolia Network series that launched in 2021 and highlights designers, builders and old-home enthusiasts across America who re-imagine and transform abandoned structures by preserving their historical integrity while giving them new purpose. <

Area student exhibits his photography at Windham Public Library

By Masha Yurkevich

The interest in photography for Matteo Sandora, a Windham High School senior, began during the COVID pandemic.

An exhibit of photos taken by Windham
High School student Matteo Sandora is
now on display at the Windham Public
Library. He became interested in
photography in school and plans to
become a professional photographer
as a career after graduation.
PHOTO BY ALISSA JAMES  

“On social media, I saw how people used their phones for beautiful photography and thought I would give it a try,” said Sandora. “We have a trail behind our house, and I decided to talk a walk and snap some photos with my phone.”

From there, his interest in photography has grown into a passion and has given him the opportunity to display his work at the Windham Public Library, which can be seen on the second floor throughout the month of April. He is selling his photography at the library and all funds will be going towards Sandora’s photographic uses.

At WHS, Sandora found a photography class, led by Alissa James, who taught Sandora how to use a camera and many other tips and tricks, elevating his photography.

“I have known Matteo since he started at the high school during the fall of 2021 when he took my photography class,” said James. “One of the first things I noticed about Matteo was his excitement about photography. He immediately took to the art form. He was unique as a student because of how much he enjoyed practicing photography outside of the classroom. He began checking out the equipment I have available for students – Digital SLR Camera and tripods – and really took what he was learning in class to a place of personal interest and fulfillment. As a teacher, I strive to help students see and celebrate the areas of their learning and life, where they feel successful. I have continued providing Matteo guidance on his photography throughout his time as a student.”

Through an Extended Learning Opportunity working with Lorraine Glowczak at WHS, Sandora had the chance to display his photography at the Windham Public Library. Glowczak helped organize the plan, reaching out to the library and requesting an exhibit of Sandora’s photographs.

“This year, Matteo began an ELO to investigate the profession of being a photographer,” said James. “I have worked closely with Lorraine Glowczak to create a professional experience for Matteo; finalizing, printing, framing and pricing an art show, as well as learning to correspond with likely display locations, is a necessary step on the journey to being a professional artist and I really wanted Matteo to gain that experience before he graduates.”

Sandora prefers to photograph nature and cars and chose some of his best nature photography for his public display. For the exhibition, he decided to show black and white photos and eight colored photos, which he then color-coordinated with each other.

All of Sandora’s displayed photos were captured locally in the beautiful state of Maine.

“If someone would have told me at the beginning of my senior year that I would be having my photography displayed at the Public Library, I would have thought that you are crazy,” said Sandora. “Having this opportunity is absolutely amazing; I post a lot on social media, but I think it is much cooler to have your work displayed in a real setting.”

For Sandora, photography is very therapeutic. He often goes for a walk on a trail, taking photos along the way.

“If I am not feeling too well mentally, I will grab my camera and go for a walk to calm myself down,” he said.

Sandora considers art a very important part of his life.

“Through photos, you can show many different types of emotions without having to speak to someone,” he said. “You can convey so much emotion through art that you cannot necessarily convey through words.”

He hopes to pursue photography later in life, turning it from a hobby into a career. He would like to get into street photography and automotive photography.

“A dream of mine is to work for National Geographic,’ said Sandora.

After his Windham Public Library exhibition, Sandora hopes to do more art shows in local shops, hoping to sell his work and be able to improve his equipment, enhancing his photography.

Sandora’s work can be found on Instagram at doggosgg.media and can also be viewed on Facebook at Matteo Sandora. <

WMS and Manchester School musicians to team up to perform spring concerts in Windham

By Jolene Bailey

There’s an old saying that when you create an orchestra you are building better citizens for the community. In RSU 14, music educators believe that when students play music, it allows a part of their artistic mind to express itself, key to helping provide balance to students intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.

Windham Middle School's Eighth Grade Orchestra rehearses
a musical composition while preparing for its upcoming 
annual Spring Concerts with student musicians from
Manchester School at Windham High School's
Performing Arts Center. PHOTO BY MORGAN RILEY

This spring, Windham Middle School musicians will team up with younger Manchester School musicians to perform two concerts together at the Windham High School Performing Arts Center next month. One concert will be performed with band students and the other with orchestra students.

According to Morgan Riley, WMS Band, Orchestra and Music teacher, this year’s concert will be a combined effort with fifth- through eighth-grade students performing so that students and parents from younger grade levels can be recognized for the dedication that all student-musicians put in throughout the years.

“They like sharing all the hard work they've put into perfecting the concert songs,” Riley said. “It's great to see so much support for student-musicians. Sometimes their whole extended families attend to hear the students.”

Riley says that in school music classes, the option of playing a musical instrument becomes available as early as in fifth grade at Manchester School. To showcase the student-musicians work before they enter high school courses, RSU 14 offers spring concerts to showcase student knowledge, talent and the musical skills that they learned over the course of one school year.

Granted the students in older grade levels have more years of experience and perform at a greater level, but Riley said all of the grade levels team up to collaborate and perform on the final song of this year’s concert.

Music teachers at WMS and Manchester School have been having students rehearse for this concert since January. During the rehearsals, students learn the music selections and prepare to give the best possible performances.

“We play for part of the class individually, but most of the class plays together as an ensemble,” Riley said. “In every class we move forward on our concert music and Method Book, where students learn new notes, rhythms, scales and musical markings.”

Among selections to be performed for this year’s concert are "Banana Boat Song," a Jamaican folk song made famous by Harry Bellafonte in the movie "Beetlejuice," two spring-themed songs called "Spring" by Randall Standridge, and "After the Rain" by Matt Neufeld, which is a song with audience participation.

The student-musicians will also perform "Handclap," a pop song made famous by Fitz and the Tantrums, and WMS eighth graders will perform "Blinding Lights," a popular song originally performed by The Weeknd.

The WMS Sixth Grade Orchestra will perform songs ranging from the Beethoven tune, "Ode to Joy," to an exciting piece by Richard Meyer called "Dragonhunter."

Riley says that the older WMS orchestra students will perform an upbeat song by Soon Hee Newbold called "Storm," and they will also perform a beautiful slow piece that stretches their ability to play differing dynamics called “Colorful Sunrise” by Jukiko Nishimura, as well as Lady Gaga's hit "Poker Face." The WMS Eighth Grade Orchestra will present the theme song from the Disney Movie "Beauty and the Beast" during the concerts.

“I like making audio recordings of the ensembles and playing them back to the students,” Riley said. “They listen critically for things they are doing well and what we need to improve, and we work on those things. That self-assessment skill is essential for musicians. In the end, they always improve and feel proud of their accomplishments.”

She said that the middle school students are excited to perform with their younger counterparts from Manchester School and encouraging and inspiring the next generation of musicians in the school district.

“Young people often look up to older people due to the accumulated wisdom, life experiences, and established social roles that older individuals possess, offering guidance and perspective,” Riley said. “The magic of music can bring a community together and spark untold passions.”

The WMS/Manchester Spring Band Concert will be held on Tuesday, May 20 and the WMS/Manchester Spring Orchestra Concert is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 with both concerts beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night in the Windham High School Performing Arts Center. <

Windham PTA supports school culture through fundraisers

By Elle Curtis

The Windham PTA continues to strive to create an environment where students can thrive, with a goal of enhancing the educational experience for all students. Through the PTA, connections can be built among families, teachers, and local businesses leading to community engagement.

Members of the Windham Parent Teacher
Association work the concessions stand
at a recent Maine Mainers hockey game
as a fundraiser for the organization.
Proceeds from PTA fundraisers are
used to purchase classroom supplies,
provide educational resources, and fund
extracurricular programs for students.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Throughout the year, Windham PTA members organize a variety of fundraisers and community events such as Spirit Nights and events with the Maine Mariners professional hockey team. Community events include the Family Fun and Fitness Festival and the Windham Primary School Fall Festival.

They focus on building a strong relationship between families and schools, offering programs and events that encourage parent involvement and community engagement.

“These events create opportunities for everyone to engage in the school community, whether it's through family-friendly activities, learning about future career paths, or simply enjoying time together. By working together to organize and participate in these events, we strengthen the bond between the schools and the community, showing how vital it is to support our students and their education,” said Windham PTA President, Tiffany Sinclair.

Exciting events like Glow Night and the K-8 Career Fair provide opportunities for students to explore potential careers and build connections with local professionals.

Funds raised at these events play an instrumental role in supporting our schools, Sinclair said. Funds go toward purchasing classroom supplies, providing educational resources, and funding extracurricular programs in addition to providing enriching opportunities for students to grow both academically and personally in a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

Windham PTA aims to create an environment where every student excels, and they work to provide teachers and staff with the resources they need to succeed.

“We’ve been working hard to revitalize our efforts post-COVID and ensure we remain visible in the community. However, continued involvement from parents and community members is essential to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Sinclair.

Strong participation goes toward ensuring students have the support they need when striving to reach their full potential, she said.

“The PTA is powered by volunteers, and the more people we have involved, the more we can do for our schools and students,” Sinclair said. “When community members volunteer, they not only contribute to the success of the PTA but also help create a more vibrant, supportive school culture. Volunteering is a great way to connect with other parents, teachers, and staff, while also showing our students the importance of giving back.”

Volunteer support assists Windham PTA in providing grants to classrooms, teams, specialists, and grade levels to help support their needs. It additionally goes toward extracurricular activities and awards two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors looking to further their education. Staff Appreciation Days and conference dinners are organized as well for teachers across all schools by Windham PTA, helping to recognize and support local educators. Sinclair says more than 2,700 students and 400 staff members are impacted by these efforts.

For more information about Windham PTA, a list of upcoming events, and ways to get involved, visit the PTA website at www.windhammainepta.org or check the official Facebook page at Windham Maine PTA. Updates are shared through Windham Parks and Rec's Community Announcements on Thursdays and RSU 14 Parent Square on Fridays. <

In the public eye: Director of School Nutrition positively impacts student health and lives

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

By Ed Pierce

It’s no secret that good nutrition creates improved health in all areas of our existence and all parts are interconnected. It’s a philosophy that Jeanne Reilly has taken to heart.

Director of School Nutrition Jeanne Reilly
has been a full-time employee of RSU 14
since 2012 and oversees schools kitchens 
in Windham and Raymond which serve
65,000 breakfasts and 78,000 lunches
every month. SUBMITTED PHOTO   

Reilly serves as RSU 14’s Director of School Nutrition and her duties are crucial to student success and well-being.

She plans school breakfast and lunch menus in compliance with all state and federal regulations for RSU 14 and provides oversight over all aspects of the district’s school nutrition program. Reilly ensures compliance, manages RSU 14’s procurement of food and supplies, staffs school kitchens, trains kitchen staff, manages the district’s school nutrition budget and markets the school meals program.

“The best part of the job is ensuring that all children in RSU 14 have access to healthy and delicious breakfast and lunch every school day,” Reilly said. “Hungry kids can't learn, but because Maine has Healthy School Meals for All legislation, we have the opportunity to fuel every child for success. We love that we are not only feeding students breakfast and lunch but that we also have opportunities to use the ‘Cafeteria as a Classroom’ teaching kids lessons about cooking, healthy eating, farm to school and nutrition.”

Starting her job during the 2009 school year, Reilly’s position was originally shared between Westbrook and Windham, but in 2012, she became a full-time employee of RSU 14.

According to Reilly, the most challenging part of her duties is to keep RSU 14 school kitchens fully staffed at all times.

In looking at her work, Reilly said she thinks the biggest misconception people may have about her role is that school meals haven't changed over the years.

“In fact, we are preparing nearly 70 percent of our menu items from scratch, offering students choices, fresh fruits and vegetables and Maine milk,” she said. “We are focused on partnering with local farmers and producers to bring local food to school meals, and we have a full-time chef on staff to support our team in creating fresh and delicious menu options that are in compliance with federal school nutrition guidelines.”

The other thing that has changed in the last few years is that all students can get breakfast and lunch at school at no cost,” Reilly said.

“This has greatly reduced the stigma previously associated with school meals,” she said. “Now, it is not uncommon for almost every child in the school to be eating a school lunch. And in today's economy, why not? School meals can save families time and money.”

Growing up in New Jersey, Reilly moved to Maine when she was in middle school. She earned a degree in Dietetics from Southern Maine Community College and then another in Food Systems Management from the University of New Hampshire. She’s been working in the food service industry for her entire life, serving with the Women Infants and Children program, hospital dietetics departments, and in long-term care as a Director of Food and Nutrition. She began her career working for schools in Westbrook and her passion for nutrition expanded in her job with RSU 14.

One thing that the public may not know about her job as RSU 14 Director of School Nutrition is that the school district serves between 65,000 and 78,000 meals, total breakfasts and lunches, each month depending on how many school days they are in session.

It’s difficult for Reilly to pinpoint one moment that stands out from all the rest in her career with RSU 14.

“The best moments are when I hear from students and families about how the school meals that we serve have positively impacted their lives,” she said. “Parents often ask us for the recipes that we make because their child loves the _________ (fill in the blank) that we serve at school, and they would like to recreate the same menu item at home. Often, parents comment that their child tried something for the first time as part of school lunch and now they love it. I recently had the pleasure of meeting with a young professional who is a Food Corp Member working in Westbrook. This young woman attended Windham Primary School the first few years we celebrated National Nutrition Month by Eating Our Way Through The Alphabet – Fruits and Vegetables A - Z. She remembered trying both kiwi and jicama for the very first time and loving them. Hearing her reminisce on how it impacted her life really helped our team feel that all of the hard work is worthwhile.” <

Nangle bills aim to protect Maine consumers, mobile park residents

Two recent bills introduced by State Senator Tim Nangle, D-Windham, look to protect consumers and discourage predatory practices by out-of-state corporations.

In late March, Nangle introduced legislation to protect Maine consumers from hidden fees and ensure transparent pricing when booking short-term lodging or purchasing live event tickets.

His bill LD 992, “An Act to Protect Consumers from Hidden Fees and Ensure Transparent Pricing for Live Event Tickets and Short-term Lodging,” received a public hearing in the Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development Committee.

“Too often, what starts as a seemingly fair price ends as a frustrating surprise,” Nangle said. “A $100 advertised room becomes $160 by the time you reach the final screen. A $50 ticket jumps to $75 – not because the product changed but because the price wasn’t honest to begin with. This bill is about restoring trust. It’s about fairness, plain and simple. Mainers work hard for their money. They deserve straight answers, not fine print and hidden fees.”

The LD 992 legislation would require that the full cost, including any mandatory fees, be clearly disclosed whenever a price is advertised or displayed. It applies to two rapidly growing sectors where deceptive fees are particularly common: short-term rentals and live event ticketing. The bill empowers the Attorney General to enforce the new standards and allows consumers to take legal action if they’re harmed by noncompliance.

While the Federal Trade Commission has finalized a similar national rule, Nangle said during the bill’s public hearing that LD 992 reflects Maine’s core value of fairness and creates a state-level standard that is resilient against future federal policy shifts.

It now faces further action in committee.

Nangle also introduced legislation earlier this month to protect residents of mobile home parks from predatory practices by out-of-state corporate investors and ensure fair treatment during park sales or land-use changes.

His bill LD 1145, “An Act to Protect Residents Living in Mobile Home Parks,” received a public hearing before the Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development Committee.

“For many Mainers, mobile home parks are critical sources of affordable, stable housing,” Nangle said. “Too often, private equity firms swoop in solely for profit, drastically raising rents and destabilizing communities. This bill ensures residents are treated fairly and have a meaningful opportunity to preserve their homes and communities — it’s a step toward a Maine where stability, dignity and community well-being are valued over corporate profit.”

The LD 1145 bill addresses key issues faced by residents of mobile home parks by:

** Requiring mobile park owners to provide written notice to residents when they intend to sell.

** Extending the waiting period from 60 to 90 days, giving residents more time to respond.

** Establishing a clear "right of first refusal," enabling residents to match and purchase their park if they choose.

** Clarifying that park owners are not required to complete a sale if residents cannot secure financing within 90 days.

** Introducing protections when park owners intend to discontinue park use entirely, including mandatory relocation assistance funded by the owner and restrictions preventing eviction until residents are safely relocated.

During LD 1145’s public hearing, Nangle shared his family's personal experience managing a mobile home park in Massachusetts for over 70 years, emphasizing the value of community-focused ownership versus the detrimental impacts of profit-driven corporate acquisitions. He highlighted that Massachusetts law allowed residents of his family’s park to successfully purchase the community themselves, preserving affordability and stability.

Speaking in support of LD 1145, Nora Gosselin, the Director of Resident Acquisitions at the Cooperative Development Institute, shared similar insights drawn from her extensive experience assisting resident communities:

“The Opportunity to Purchase statute has been an essential stepping stone, a proof of concept,” Gosselin said. “Under this statute, two cooperatives successfully purchased their properties within the last year for $26.3M and $8M respectively, showing that residents can indeed pull off these transactions on competitive timelines and at competitive price tags. The law needs to be strengthened into a Right of First Refusal to build upon an effective model, in an environment with so many aggressive, deep-pocketed, out-of-state corporations, amid an affordable housing crisis.”

LD 1145 will now undergo further review and discussion in the committee.

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

Gracie Gym Maine soars in New England Jiu-Jitsu Championships

By Ed Pierce

Gracie Gym Maine, a premier martial arts academy in Windham specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, made a striking impression at the recent Jiu-Jitsu New England Championships, claiming second place overall among 120 other distinguished academies last weekend.

Gracie Gym Maine's Head Coach Vincius
Garca shows the banner that members of
the Windham facility won by finishing
in second place at the New England
Jiu-Jitsu Championships held at
Agganis Arena in Boston.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Participants from Gracie Gym Maine displayed immense dedication, skill, and discipline, bringing home the silver medal from the event. These victories were achieved by competitors ranging in age from 6 to 50 and spanning across various expertise levels from white belt to black belt rank.

During the New England Championships held at Agganis Arena in Boston on March 28, Gracie Gym Maine members showcased their extensive training and commitment to martial arts, reflecting the high-quality instruction and supportive community found at their Windham facility.

Located at 770 Roosevelt Trail Suite 6 in Windham, Gracie Gym Maine stands as a beacon of excellence in martial arts training. The academy offers an inclusive and welcoming environment, coupled with world-class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The gym prides itself on fostering a community where individuals of all ages and skill levels can learn, grow, and thrive.

Gracie Gym Maine is excited to welcome new students to become part of their thriving community. Whether you are new to martial arts or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your skills, Gracie Gym offers a range of classes and programs to suit every individual's needs and goals. Participants embark on a journey of self-discovery, physical fitness, and mastery of the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Having opened in March 2023, Gracie Gym Maine is owned by Michael Smith, who said that he extends hearty congratulations to all the Gracie Gym Maine participants for their outstanding performance and dedication at the New England Championships.

“The academy also expresses sincere gratitude to the organizers of the New England Championships and the supportive family and friends who have made this achievement possible,” Smith said.

The Windham program’s head coach, Vinicius Garcia, joined Gracie Gym Maine participants at the event and said local participants performed remarkably.

“We are so proud of what these members achieved,” Smith said. “They worked hard in the gym training prior to the championships and showed grit, determination, and a dedication to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”

Originating in Brazil in the early 20th century, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on using leverage and submission holds to defeat opponents, making it an effective form of self-defense for people of all sizes and abilities. It is an effective form of self-defense because it teaches practitioners how to stay calm and composed in high-pressure situations.

Along with teaching physical techniques, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also emphasizes the development of mental toughness and a strong, positive mindset. Its practitioners learn to be confident and mentally prepared for any situation, and its intense, full-body workout will help participants get in great shape and improve their overall physical fitness.

The Gracie Gym Maine academy draws students from all over the state and offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons to everyone ages 4 and up.

Garcia is widely considered one of the most elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world. Garcia has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 16 and he has competed in many of Brazil’s top events under renowned coach Rodrigo Castro, who promoted him to black belt in 2015.

The Gracie Gym Maine academy in Windham offers an inclusive and welcoming environment, coupled with world-class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the gym prides itself on fostering a community where individuals of all ages and skill levels can learn, grow, and thrive.

Smith said that no matter if you are new to martial arts or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your skills, Gracie Gym Maine offers a range of classes and programs to suit every individual's needs and goals.

For further details about Gracie Gym Maine and enrollment information, call 207-383-2228 or visit https://www.graciegymmaine.com/ <

New water main to be installed on Chute Road in Windham

The Portland Water District will begin a significant infrastructure project this summer in Windham, installing a new 16-inch ductile iron water transmission main along Chute Road.

A new 16-inch ductile iron water transmission main will be
installed along Chute Road in Windham by the Portland
Water District this summer. COURTESY PHOTO

Water district engineers estimate that the project will take about one year to complete.

The new water main will connect the Wards Hill Pump Station to a newly constructed tank on Falmouth Road with 1-million gallons of storage capacity adjacent to the East Windham Conservation Area. Engineers say that in addition to improving overall system reliability, fire hydrants will be installed along the route to provide enhanced fire protection for the area.

The water district will install roughly 13,500 feet of new 16-inch ductile iron water main in Chute Road from River Road to Pope Road.

Residential properties located along the construction route are being offered the opportunity to connect to the new public water system at their own expense. While homeowners on Chute Road may also choose to remain on their private wells, those opting to connect will benefit from a reliable and high-quality water source provided by Portland Water District, which currently serves more than 20 percent of Maine’s population.

The Portland Water District invests more than $7 million each year in water main renewals. Since 1985, reported leaks have been reduced due to the effectiveness of this program, even with the continued aging of existing water mains.

According to PWD engineers, the district’s goal with the Water Main Replacement Program is to provide a reliable distribution system designed and maintained to enhance public health and safety. Water main replacement involves replacing existing water mains with new ones to improve water flow characteristics and to improve service to our customers.

Ductile iron pipe is made from ductile cast iron and is commonly used by municipalities and water distribution agencies across America for water transmission. It has an estimated life span of 110 years and is preferred over strictly cast iron pipe because of its resistance to corrosion.

Mains are identified for replacement according to numerous criteria, including:

** Partnering opportunities with municipal and MDOT road reconstruction and combined sewer overflow (CSO) projects

** Opportunities to improve water quality or address water quality concerns

** Leak frequency

** Aging infrastructure and/or outdated water main material

** Critical loop feeds (eliminating dead ends based on flow characteristics)

Service line installation costs are as follows:

** Even-numbered addresses: $4,500

** Odd-numbered addresses: $4,000

- New meter and installation fee: $500. The costs include a 5/8-inch residential meter, inspection, and waived engineering and inspection fees.

Service lines will be extended to the lot line as part of the project, with final in-home connections to be completed by a contractor of the homeowner's choice.

Interested property owners are encouraged to express their intent to connect, or with questions by contacting Kyle Jacobson, Senior Project Engineer, no later than May 15. He can be reached at 207-523-5242 or by email at kjacobson@pwd.org

For more details about the Portland Water District and this project, visit www.pwd.org <

Hidden chemicals in plastics present danger to Mainers

By Dennis Brown

In a world increasingly dependent on plastics, it’s easy to overlook the invisible danger lurking in many everyday items.

As plastic waste continues to accumulate in landfills and
oceans, exposure to chemicals from plastics breaking
down is expected to worsen. COURTESY PHOTO  

Yes, we all see the plastic waste along our roadsides, and the more responsible of us carefully sort out our plastics for recycling, not realizing that less than 9 percent of plastics are actually recycled (https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/plastics-material-specific-data - PlasticsOverview).

From food packaging and personal care products to medical devices and household goods, plastics have become an essential part of modern life.

However, scientists are sounding the alarm over the harmful chemicals that these plastics often contain, particularly endocrine disruptors, which have been linked to a range of health problems, from reproductive issues to chronic diseases like cancer.

The Silent Disruptors

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that can interfere with the body’s endocrine system, which regulates hormones essential for growth, metabolism, and reproduction. These chemicals can mimic, block, or alter the natural hormones in the body, leading to a variety of health issues.

While the effects of EDCs may not be immediately noticeable, their long-term consequences can be severe. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/endocrine_disruptors_508.pdf

Plastics are one of the primary sources of exposure to endocrine disruptors. Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and polystyrene, which are commonly found in plastic products, have been shown to disrupt hormone function. (https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.0900979 )

BPA, for example, is frequently used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are often found in food and drink containers, as well as thermal receipt paper. Phthalates, another group of chemicals, are used to soften plastics and are found in products such as toys, vinyl flooring, and even personal care items like lotions and perfumes.

The Growing Evidence of Harm

A growing body of research has shown that exposure to endocrine disruptors can have serious health consequences, particularly during critical periods of development, such as pregnancy and early childhood.

Studies (https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/10910) have linked BPA and phthalates to developmental and behavioral problems, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Other research has found associations between these chemicals and an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, infertility, and certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer.

Just one example is from Dr. Shanna Swan, author of Count Down, who has tracked human sperm count since the 1970’s, and she has documented a drop in over 50 percent since the beginning of her studies (6). Chemicals in plastics are linked as a major contributor. (https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/23/6/646/4035689?login=false).

In addition, scientists are concerned about the cumulative effects of exposure. While individual doses of these chemicals may be low, people are exposed to a wide variety of plastics throughout their lives—from the food they eat to the air they breathe – leading to a constant stream of endocrine-disrupting substances into the body. As plastic waste continues to accumulate in landfills and oceans, the problem is only expected to worsen.

Vulnerable Populations at Risk

Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to the effects of endocrine disruptors. Pregnant women, infants, and children are at the greatest risk because their endocrine systems are still developing and can be more easily altered by exposure to harmful chemicals. For instance, research has shown that prenatal exposure to BPA can affect fetal brain development, leading to long-term neurological and behavioral issues.

Additionally, women of childbearing age may face fertility challenges due to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Both BPA and phthalates have been linked to reduced fertility in both men and women, and some studies suggest that these chemicals may contribute to early onset puberty in girls.

Industry Response and Regulatory Gaps

Despite growing evidence of harm, the regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals remains insufficient in many countries. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not banned BPA or phthalates outright, though some restrictions have been placed on their use in certain products like baby bottles.

In the European Union, some of these chemicals have been banned from certain consumer products, but many still remain in use.

The problem lies in the fact that endocrine disruptors are not always clearly labeled on plastic products, making it difficult for consumers to avoid exposure. The plastics industry, while aware of the concerns, has been slow to phase out harmful chemicals, and in many cases, substitutes may still carry similar risks.

Alternatives to BPA, such as bisphenol S (BPS), are sometimes used, but early studies suggest that these substitutes may be just as harmful.

What Can Be Done?

Consumers can take steps to reduce their exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals by making more informed choices. Opting for glass, stainless steel, or other non-plastic alternatives for food and drink storage is one way to reduce the risk. Avoiding plastic products labeled with the recycling codes 3 (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), 6 (polystyrene), and 7 (other, which can include BPA-based plastics) is another precaution.

Choosing natural personal care products that are free from phthalates and other harmful chemicals can also reduce exposure. ( https://www.edf.org/health/chemicals/getting-toxics-out-what-we-buy )

At the policy level, experts are calling for stronger regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including more rigorous testing and better labeling of products that may contain them. Public health advocates are urging governments to take a more proactive approach to reduce the use of toxic plastics and encourage the development of safer alternatives.

A Call to Action

Maine has been ahead of most states by enacting laws starting in the 1980’s with the bottle bill, and accelerating the cause with more regulation, much at the hand of Defend Our Health, a Maine based organization that advocates for toxic free health. They have led the charge in enacting some of Maine’s laws relative to phthalates, bis Phenol a (BPA) and PFAS (all of which are known EDCs). There’s so much more to do.

The dangers of endocrine-disrupting chemicals are clear, and their widespread presence in plastics poses a significant threat to public health. As consumers, we must demand safer products, and as a society, we must push for stronger regulations to protect future generations from the long-term consequences of plastic pollution.

The time to act is now. The hidden chemicals in plastic may seem invisible, but their effects are anything but. It’s up to all of us – individuals, industries, and governments – to create a safer, healthier future for people and the planet.

Dennis Brown is the Chair of the Town of Windham’s Natural Resources Advisory Committee. Reach him by email at lakesideme@yahoo.com <