Bridge replacement project back on schedule in Windham

By Ed Pierce

Work on a bridge replacement project in Windham delayed by sharp reductions in federal transportation funding will begin in 2027 after state funding for the project was obtained.

MaineDOT has put the Loveitt Bridge replacement on River
Road in Windham on its 2027 schedule of projects. The $4.220 
million project will replace the bridge and widen the bridge's
travel lanes. COURTESY PHOTO  

Last month, Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced that $136 million to support Maine’s transportation program had been secured addressing anticipated shortfalls in Maine Department of Transportation’s capital program. As a result of this infusion of new funding, MaineDOT has restarted projects that were considered for temporary delay while it evaluated the impacts of the projected funding gap and has placed the Loveitt Bridge replacement on the 2027 schedule.

Located 0.13 of a mile north of Laskey Road on River Road in Windham, the $4.220 million project will replace the Loveitt Bridge over the Pleasant River. The bridge was originally built in 1947 and is 88 feet wide and made of concrete and steel.

Maine DOT inspectors say the bridge is structurally deficient with advanced deck deterioration, minor section loss to the superstructure, minor substructure deterioration and major damage to the river’s bank there.

The goal of the bridge replacement project is to address the condition of the existing concrete deck and increase the bridge’s width while minimizing impacts to the public.

Current estimates show about 8,100 vehicles use the bridge daily, with about 3 percent of that traffic being heavy trucks. During the past three years a total of 23 crashes have been reported in that area.

Mills says that while this newly resourced funding addresses MaineDOT’s immediate needs, it does not resolve the long-term structural challenges facing Maine’s transportation program. She said that inflation, increasing construction costs, aging infrastructure, and transportation revenues that have not kept pace with those costs continue to create significant funding pressures.

“The $1.4 billion added to the highway fund over the past eight years demonstrates the scale of Maine’s transportation funding needs and the lack of a sustainable, long-term funding solution,” she said. “Maintaining Maine’s integrated transportation network in a safe and serviceable condition requires substantial ongoing investment.”

Just to preserve current highway and bridge conditions in the state and make only limited improvements, MaineDOT administrators estimate that an additional $195 million in state resources are needed in State Fiscal Year 2029 beginning July 1, 2028 with that funding gap expected to continue growing as inflation and federal funding reductions drive project costs even higher.

According to MaineDOT Commissioner Dale F. Doughty, the department will work with Mills, the incoming 133rd Maine Legislature, transportation stakeholders, local communities, industry partners, and the public to develop sustainable, long-term transportation funding solutions that preserves Maine’s ability to maintain and improve the infrastructure residents, visitors, and businesses depend on every day. 

“We recognize that our transportation system touches every household and every business, every day,” Doughty said. “We plan carefully, adjust when necessary, and keep our focus where it belongs, on delivering a transportation network that serves Maine.”

The Loveitt Bridge replacement project was originally listed on Maine DOT’s Three-Year Plan of statewide transportation projects in 2022 and had been scheduled to be take place in 2025 before being delayed. The original project in 2022 was listed as a bridge deck replacement only at a cost of $1 million.

The bridge is named after Jonathan Loveitt, who was part of a pioneering family with deep roots in the Windham and Gorham areas. Jonathan Loveitt established early local mills, a store, and a homestead near Gambo Falls along the Presumpscot River. At one time, Babb’s Bridge connecting Windham and Gorham over the Presumpscot River was also known as Loveitt’s Bridge but was subsequently renamed. <

Students and families receive a sweet welcome back at WPS

By Erin Rose

Students were welcomed back to Windham Primary School with the annual “Popsicles with the Principals” event, held at the school from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27.

For the 19th consecutive year, students and families have been
welcomed back to Windham Primary School with the annual
'Popsicles with the Principals' event held at the school on
Thursday, Aug. 27. COURTESY PHOTO 

“It gives us a way to celebrate school starting in a festive way and gives an opportunity for families to get together,” said Dr. Kyle Rhoads, the school’s principal. “They may or may not have seen friends over the summer, so it’s a chance for them to reconnect both with families and our staff as well. It’s always well attended, and weather permitting, is a good time for everyone.”

A variety of classic popsicles, the type where the top of the plastic sleeve is snipped to allow access to the icy treat, were available, including classic flavors like grape and cherry.

The “Popsicles with the Principals” event, held for the past 19 years, gives both students and families the chance to enjoy popsicles, the school’s playground and also to meet with teachers both and old. This year’s gathering allowed the students and families to meet new WPS Assistant Principal Allison Hopkins, who is joining the school this year.

“This year, it’s ‘Popsicles with the Principals’, plural, since we have an assistant principal who is new to us this year, so it was a chance for families to first meet her,” Rhoads said. “I think we’ve got a great staff coming back that is ready for the kids and families to return.”

Prior to the popsicles, some teachers provided the chance for families to explore their classrooms before the students return, allowing parents a glimpse into the learning spaces and time to connect with teachers.

“Many of our teachers, before the popsicle event, hold an open house so the parents can come in and see the room before their child shows up the following week,” Rhoads said. “We also give tours of the school for any families who might be new to the community.”

The event also allows past students to come back and grab a sweet treat while also connecting with the educators who helped them learn.

“Even some kiddos who are no longer primary school age, they may be at the middle school or the high school, they show up too,” Rhoads said. “They don’t mind getting a popsicle and they get to reconnect.”

While mostly fun, it also provides a chance for parents to handle administrative tasks before the new year begins. Required paperwork was distributed, along with information about programs available for the students.

“Families can pick up their dismissal card, which is an essential part of the dismissal process,” Rhoads explained. “There’s also some information about some of our programming, such as the Cub Scouts.”

“It’s an opportunity to learn more about the school and what’s available and get some of those logistical things taken care of,” he added.

In the new year, one thing Rhoads is looking forward to welcoming new faces to the school, as he seeks to expand the volunteers that help the school support students.

“One of the things we are going to try to do this year is really increase how we use our volunteers and increase how many volunteers we have,” he said. “We’re always looking for volunteers in many shapes and forms. It doesn’t just have to be a parent either. It can be a grandparent, an uncle, a friendly neighbor. If you want to be a part of the school and be involved, we can help find out what those ways are.”

Rhoads says he is looking forward to the return of students, as the school has been quiet over the summer months.

“The school has got a real buzz to it,” Rhoads said. “It’s welcome noise and soon there’ll be smiling faces to accompany it. We’re ready to come back.”

For more details about volunteering at WPS, visit the school’s website at https://wps.rsu14.org/. <

Nangle receives Maine Audubon Wildlife Champion Award

AUGUSTA – State Senator Tim Nangle, D-Windham, received a Wildlife Champion Award from Maine Audubon at the organization’s inaugural Wildlife Champion Awards & Celebration at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center on Aug. 20 in Falmouth.

Maine Audubon President Judy Camuso, left, presents
State Senator Tim Nangle of Windham with a Wildlife
Champion Award alongside Maine Audubon Director
of Advocacy Francesca 'Ches' Gundrum at Gisland
Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth on Thursday, Aug. 20.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Senator Nangle was recognized for his leadership on laws that strengthen shoreland zoning enforcement and help municipalities protect Maine’s waters, wildlife habitat and local property taxpayers.

“Clean water, healthy wildlife habitat and strong communities go hand in hand, especially in the Lakes Region,” Nangle said. “When a town has to spend more than half a million dollars just to enforce the law, that is unfair to the community and to every property taxpayer who does play by the rules. I’m proud we turned the town of Raymond’s experience into practical, state-wide protections, and I’m grateful to Maine Audubon for this honor, and for being a strong partner in that work. Giving towns both the authority and the resources to protect their waters is a win for wildlife, taxpayers, and communities across Maine.”

Maine Audubon said Nangle champions their environmental advocacy cause.

“We are thrilled to honor Senator Nangle tonight for sponsoring LD 1904, an initiative that builds on his work from previous sessions to help towns defend the shoreland zone by establishing the Municipal Shoreline Protection Legal Fund, which acts as a revolving loan fund to assist municipalities — especially small ones — in paying legal costs incurred in pursuing egregious shoreland zoning violations,” said Francesca “Ches” Gundrum, Director of Advocacy for Maine Audubon, while presenting Sen. Nangle with the award. “Senator, thank you for your leadership protecting our inland waters.”

Nangle’s work grew out of a high-profile shoreland zoning enforcement case in Raymond. The town spent more than half a million dollars in legal fees over three years pursuing violations involving two properties along Sebago Lake. The case showed how a prolonged legal battle can strain a town’s budget and make it harder to safeguard an important public water resource.

In 2024, Gov. Janet Mills signed Senator Nangle’s LD 2101, “An Act to Strengthen Shoreland Zoning Enforcement,” into law. The measure gives municipalities stronger enforcement tools, including the authority to deny, suspend or revoke locally issued permits when a property owner violates shoreland zoning ordinances. It also helps municipalities recover unpaid penalties and court-awarded enforcement costs and requires sellers to disclose known shoreland zoning violations to prospective buyers.

This year, Senator Nangle followed up that legislation with LD 1904, “An Act to Establish the Municipal Shoreline Protection Legal Fund.” It was signed into law by Gov. Mills in April, the measure establishes a dedicated revolving fund within the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to help municipalities cover substantial legal expenses associated with enforcing shoreland zoning laws. A portion of penalties collected under the Natural Resources Protection Act will support the fund, helping ensure communities can pursue serious violations regardless of a town’s size or budget.

State Senator Nangle represents Senate District 26, which includes Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook. He also serves as Senate chair of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee and as a member of the Health and Human Services Committee. <

Loon Echo Land Trust’s 2026 Trek for the Trails Fundraiser starts Sept. 1

Do you enjoy spending time outside in the Lakes Region of Maine? Have you hiked Pleasant Mountain, Bald Pate Mountain, or Pismire Mountain? Or watched the sunset from Hacker’s Hill or strolled the trails at Peabody-Fitch Woods?

The 2026 Trek for Trails is sponsored by Norway Savings
Bank and runs Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 with proceeds
to benefit Loon Echo Land Trust. FILE PHOTO 

These special places (and many more!) are owned and managed by Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT), a Bridgton-based nonprofit that ensures public access to these outdoor spaces is guaranteed forever.

This fall, you can give back to the trails you love by joining the 2026 Trek for the Trails, presented by Norway Savings Bank. The Trek is LELT’s largest annual fundraising event, running Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, 2026. Registration is free and open to all ages and 100 percent of proceeds from the event directly support trail maintenance, stewardship, and new trail building across the Lakes Region.

To participate, simply register online at LELT.org/trek, then log any miles you hike, walk, paddle, run, roll, or bike. Participants can also choose to raise funds individually or as a team, rallying friends and family to support their Trek.

Everyone who takes part will be automatically entered into a raffle for prizes from local businesses, including ski tickets to Pleasant Mountain Ski Area.

Money raised from the Trek help Loon Echo Land Trust steward more than 9,300 acres of land and more than 35 miles of recreational trails, ensuring they remain open, safe, and accessible year-round. This year’s fundraising goal is $15,000, which represents a quarter of LELT’s annual trail stewardship costs.

The 2026 Trek for the Trails is made possible thanks to the generous support of Norway Savings Bank, Good Life Market, Warren Excavation, Flycatcher LLC, Pleasant Mountain Ski Area, Squeaky Clean Laundromat, Wild North Counseling, Jones & Matthews P.A., Ski Hot Ski Shop and Bridgton Books.

Loon Echo Land Trust is a community-supported nonprofit working to protect the land and natural resources of the northern Sebago Lake region for future generations. Learn more at LELT.org or by following Loon Echo Land Trust on Facebook. <

In the public eye: Windham firefighter/EMT takes pride in saving lives

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

By Ed Pierce

As a firefighter/advanced emergency medical technician, Charissa Kerr believes that teamwork, training and expertise save lives and it’s the reason she chose a career in public safety.

Charissa Kerr, has worked since 2019 for Windham
Fire-Rescue as a per diem firefighter/advanced
emergency medical technician and enjoys being
able to help people in emergency situations.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Kerr is a per diem Windham Fire-Rescue staff member and picks up 12- and 24-hour shifts whenever she can. Among her duties, she provides fire suppression and emergency medical services, along with community outreach and is called upon for Touch-a-Truck events, fire prevention presentations, and the fire department’s annual open house.

She’s been working for Windham Fire-Rescue since May 2019 and says her co-workers are truly the best thing about her job.

“The people I work with are family to me, and we have an incredible leadership team,” Kerr said. “I also love being able to give back to my community and there's real pride in using what I've learned to help someone on the worst day of their life.”

Windham crews respond to about 4,100 calls a year and Kerr says roughly 85 percent of those are medical.

"Leaving those calls behind at the end of a shift can be tough,” she said. “We often don't find out what happened to the patient after we hand them off at the hospital. On top of that, the physical demands of the job and the toxic exposures we face put us at higher risk for heart attack and cancer.”

According to Kerr, she believes that the public’s biggest misconception about her work is that anyone riding in the ambulance is ‘just’ a driver.

“Everyone on that rig is a trained medical professional, we assess conditions, administer life-saving treatment, and stay calm in a stressful, fast-moving environment,” she said.

Originally from Massachusetts, Kerr moved to Maine in 2002. She earned college degrees in accounting and economics, and an MBA with a concentration in international business.

She worked as a Firefighter/AEMT with Raymond Fire-Rescue from 2003 to 2025, and she also teaches CPR at five different schools. Kerr is a certified American Heart Association CPR Instructor, and she also holds Fire I and Fire I Instructor certifications and is a licensed Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.

Kerr says that she joined Windham Fire-Rescue because she sought to work for a busier department with a strong focus on teaching and training.

“I didn't want my skills to get rusty, and I wanted more opportunities to help people,” she said.

Her husband is a full-time firefighter/paramedic in Scarborough, and they have two children who grew up with the emergency tones interrupting family dinners and movie nights. Even when the children were small, they understood it as ‘Mommy is going to go help someone.’ In our house, we always make sure to say, ‘I love you’ and “stay safe” before a call,” Kerr said. “The kids especially loved it when I'd show up for Fire Prevention Week at their schools. We live in Raymond, and so when I joined Windham Fire, it actually helped my kids to feel more connected to the town. It eased their transition from Raymond schools to Windham High School.”

Of everything she’s experienced on the job, she said her most memorable moment while working for Windham Fire-Rescue is physically demanding.

“Every year I run several 5Ks in full turnout gear,” Kerr said. “It keeps me in shape, and it lets the community see firsthand how hard we're willing to work to get the job done.”

She says she wants the public to know that her job may be tough, but she likes what she does for a specific reason.

“It's honestly one of the best jobs in the world,” Kerr said. “You have the ability to help others, and you meet like-minded individuals all over the world. It truly is an instant bond.”

The most important thing that Kerr has learned while working for Windham Fire-Rescue is basic.

“We don't rise to the occasion, we fall to the level of our training,” she said. “You have to be ready for any call, any emergency, and you have to train the way you intend to perform.” <

Raymond Waterways’ Annual Meeting focuses on keeping Raymond lakes, ponds and brooks healthy

A vastly improved Courtesy Boat Inspection program, a new initiative to hand-remove weeds on Turtle Cove on Sebago, a continuing program to lessen erosion, and a talk from an expert on maintaining camp roads were the subjects of the annual meeting of the Raymond Waterways Protective Association on Aug. 5.

Raymond Waterways is a 50-year-old non-profit organization, dedicated to keeping town lakes, ponds, and brooks healthy and free of invasive plants and animals. The theme of this year’s annual meeting was what we as water users and lakefront owners can do to protect Raymond’s most valuable natural resources. The organization is funded by private donations and grants from the town and state and is overseen by a volunteer board of directors.

“The great increase in hours and reliability of our Courtesy Boat Inspectors, which staff 4 boat launches in Raymond, was the subject of Ollie Kyllonen’s talk,” said Nancy Crilly-Kirk, RWPA president. “As manager for the RW Courtesy Boat Inspection program, Ollie reported that as of late July, Raymond Waterways’ CBI’s have checked 3,100 boats, removed 10 weeds, one of them invasive, and covered 2,100 hours. There were brief periods where scheduled coverage was not met, but overall, the coverage has increased from 47 percent last year to 97 percent so far this year at all launches.”

Pete Rowland, Raymond Waterways treasurer and a specially trained volunteer lead person for removing invasive milfoil in Turtle Cove on Sebago Lake, reported that his team has made progress in the main entry channel, but, despite the combined efforts of diver-assisted suction harvesting and hand removal, there are parts of the cove with worsening infestations and additional volunteer and hired help will be needed.

“Continuing use by anglers and other boaters adds to the regeneration of the weeds,” Rowland said.

Steve Craine, Raymond Waterways Environmental Officer, suggested an analogy between risks to lake health and risks in human heart disease.

“Doctors explain that heart disease may result from modifiable risks, such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle, and non-modifiable risks, such as genes and environment,” he said. “As a potential heart patient, you want to focus on the modifiable factors. In the case of our lakes, by far, the biggest modifiable risk to the lakes is nonpoint source pollution.”

Craine and another board member, Ron Schanze, volunteer to give free, non-regulatory advice to waterfront owners to minimize that pollution through the LakeSmart program.

The main speaker at the meeting was Heather Huntt, Senior Project Manager for the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCS&WD), who addressed maintaining camp roads and stormwater runoff, which harm area lakes and waterways.

Huntt offered steps residents can take to maintain private roads and reduce long-term repair costs, as well as how to budget for road maintenance. She recommended the state DEP’s manual on road maintenance, which lists proper procedures for building and maintaining camp roads, as well as a list of state-approved contractors who can work on roads near water.

She also said that staff at the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District office can arrange for their engineer to visit and consult, free of charge, on camp roads.

Raymond Waterways also elected board members during the meeting. Nancy Crilly-Kirk was re-elected to the board and in a later board meeting, was elected President to replace retiring president, Wayne Eckerson; Steve Craine was re-elected as the Environmental Officer, and Russ Hutchinson, President of the Crescent Lake Association was newly elected to the board.

Raymond Waterways is grateful to the Raymond Casco Historical Society for hosting the event, and for Aroma Joe’s for furnishing coffee. To learn more specific information about Raymond’s lake health and RWPA programs visit raymondwaterways.org. <

New program seeks to introduce kids and veterans

By Erin Rose

Kids are invited to come meet veterans from our local community to develop connections between the generations at a Meet a Veteran program at the Windham Veterans Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

“I’m hopeful that this event will help kids better understand what it means to be in the armed forces,” said Sam Cote, Children’s Librarian at the Windham Public Library. “I hope they get a sense of the commitment these folks made (and make) to their community and their country.”

Hosted by the Windham Public Library, the Windham Veterans Center, American Legion Field-Allen Post 148, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10643, the event tries to help veterans build relationships with younger members of the community.

“I think different generations have a lot to learn from each other, and I hope this makes everyone feel a little more connected,” Cote said. “This is the first time we have done something like this, and I hope it’s not the last.”

Kids in kindergarten through seventh grade will have the chance to hear from veterans, learn about the different branches of the military, and tour the Veterans Center.

“We’re going to have veterans from different branches of service give brief overviews of their time in their branch of the armed services, followed by a Q&A,” Cote said. “Kids will also see a flag folding ceremony, tour the Windham Vets Center, and have some snacks.”

The event developed from a proclamation issued by the Windham Town Council honoring veterans as part of the country’s 250th birthday celebrations, and the librarian’s drive to find a way to tie it to the library’s young visitors.

“The Windham Town Council made a proclamation that said they wanted to honor veterans as part of Windham’s America250 programming and celebration,” Cote said. “I liked that idea and thought about how I could apply that to the programming I do for children at the library.”

Cote’s brainstorming led her to an idea that would give kids who pass through the library the chance to write letters to veterans. Working with Alola Morrison and John Facella from American Legion Post 148, the idea bloomed into giving kids a chance to learn about those who have chosen to serve in the military.

“Alola suggested that we do something at the Windham Vets Center, because she thought that children would write better letters if they had context for what veterans did for our country,” Cote said. “We decided that having something at the Vets Center where kids could hear from vets would be a good starting point.”

“Alola and I can have a lot of ideas, and John was helpful in whittling it down so it would fit reasonably within an hour and a half,” she said.

Finding a date, however, was challenging, as summer winds down and families look to enjoy the last nice days of the season before school starts again the first week of September.

“We wanted as many people as possible to attend, so we looked for a date that would work for both families and the Windham Vets Center, and we came up with Aug. 26, a Wednesday before school starts, in the morning,” Cote said. “Six kids have registered so far. It would also be nice for the veterans that have volunteered to speak to have a bit of a crowd.”

Participants, including veterans looking to join, are asked to register by calling the Windham Public Library at 207-892-1908, ext. 4. Cote is asking for registrations by Friday, Aug. 21 so that the appropriate amount of food can be ordered.

Transportation to the center may be available for veterans. The Windham Veterans Center is located at 35 Veterans Memorial Drive, behind Renys Department Store in the Windham Mall.

More details can be found on the Windham Public Library website at www.windham.lib.me.us. <

Local authors to meet public at 'Books and Brews' event in Windham

By Ed Pierce

F. Scott Fitzgerald once said that authors don't write because they want to say something, instead they write because they have something to say. At a gathering in Windham on Sunday afternoon, nine different local authors will have plenty to say during the first-ever “Books and Brews” event at Bob's Seafood.

Between 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday. Aug. 23, eight Maine authors and one New England-based author who write books in a variety of genres will appear on the upper and lower patios of Bob’s Seafood to meet the public with copies of their books available for purchase and autographs.

The event was created by Windham author JC Ward, who says she was inspired to have a space where local authors can showcase their work, connect with readers, and introduce their books to a new audience.

“Being an independent author is challenging. Writing the book is only part of the journey,” Ward said. “Marketing and finding readers can be just as difficult, if not more so. Through social media, particularly Instagram, I have connected with many talented authors who are working hard to get their books into the hands of readers, and I was surprised to discover how many of them are local.”

According to Ward, “Books and Brews” participants will have the opportunity to meet local authors, purchase books, and have them personally signed. They can also relax, enjoy a beverage and some seafood, and spend time discovering the incredible talent right here in the community.

Authors who will be attending the “Books and Brews” event include:

E.E. Lawson (Women's fiction)

Thomasina Bloom (Fantasy/Science Fiction)

S.E. Martin (Sports Romance)

Kristine Delano (Domestic Thrillers)

Stacy Elizabeth (Romance)

KC Fetch (Urban Fantasy)

JC Ward (Thriller and a Cozy Mystery)

Jerry Farnham (Suspense/Mystery)

Jon Shannon, a 101.9 WPOR radio morning show host and an author of Urban Fantasy books will also attend the event.

Ward says that this is a great opportunity for local authors to meet new readers and for community members to discover new local authors in a fun environment. 

For every book purchased during “Books and Brews” participants earn a raffle ticket for a drawing for a $25 Bob's Seafood gift card. The drawing will be held at 4:15 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.

“My hope is that every author who attends walks away with new connections, new readers, and a stronger sense of community among local writers,” Ward said. “There is something special about discovering a local author whose books you love and being able to support their work. At the same time, authors love discovering local readers who connect with their stories.”

She said the event is free for the public to attend, and local authors will be happy to sign their books for participants. Bob’s Seafood is at 901 Roosevelt Trail in Windham.

“Ultimately, I hope the event creates lasting relationships between authors and readers and reminds everyone that there is an incredible community of talent right here in our own backyard,” Ward said.

For more details about “Books and Brews,” send an email to [email protected] <

 

Windham writer turns family history and Portland’s past into gothic horror novella

By Masha Yurkevich

After more than 20 years of living in Windham, Joe McNerney has turned a lifelong love of writing family stories and Maine history into his first published book.

Joe McNerney of Windham has written
a gothic horror novella called 'The Dark
Keeps Records' based upon his family
history and of Portland's past. McNerney
is a former freelance writer for The
Windham Eagle newspaper.
COURTESY PHOTO  

“The Dark Keeps Records” is a historical gothic horror novella set in Portland during the winter of 1942. The story follows Aurelia Vautrin, a young woman who leaves New Orleans to work at an elderly home in Portland, where she begins to notice unsettling occurrences, including residents who mysteriously disappear.

For McNerney, the book is the result of years of writing and an interest in history that began long before he became a published author.

McNerney has lived in Maine his entire life. Before moving to Windham, he grew up in Limington, another small, rural community surrounded by trees and woods. That upbringing influenced the way he viewed larger cities and communities.

“Whenever I would come anywhere beyond Windham to Portland or any place else, it felt like Boston to me,” McNerney said. “Everything was just very gigantic.”

Growing up in smaller communities made places like Windham feel more comfortable to him.

“When I started to branch out into living and exploring bigger areas, the idea of someplace like Windham or Limington or a smaller area felt more comforting to me,” he said.

McNerney has been writing short stories since middle school, but for years struggled to turn his ideas into a complete book.

“I have been steadily writing many short stories and similar things since middle school,” he said. “I just never was able to really put those things together in a way that I felt like made a cohesive story.”

The inspiration for “The Dark Keeps Records” came from several places, including his experience helping rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and stories told to him by his grandparents. Both of his grandparents were born in the 1920s and grew up in Portland, making the 1940s a formative period in their lives. After they passed away, McNerney found himself drawn back to the stories they had shared about their younger years.

“It was comforting to reconnect with the youth of my grandparents,” he said.

That connection helped lead him toward a story set in Portland in 1942.

In the book, Aurelia begins noticing that something is not right at the elderly home. People begin disappearing, while the residents cannot seem to remember what happened. Aurelia starts keeping her own records as she tries to understand what is happening without losing herself. Although the book is a horror story, McNerney said it is not focused on gore. Instead, the horror comes from the feeling that something is wrong even when it cannot immediately be seen or explained.

“I like the feeling of reading a book and not having a monster come out, but a supernatural kind of feeling that something is off,” he said.

McNerney spent nearly a year researching Portland and Maine during the early 1940s. He visited the Portland Public Library and looked for maps, articles and firsthand accounts to better understand how people actually lived during the period. The book incorporates real elements of the time, including blackout drills and sugar rationing. The story is primarily set on Stevens Avenue in Portland, and McNerney worked to keep the historical details close to what was happening in the city and state.

McNerney began putting the book together in December 2025 after writing shorter stories about some of the characters. The title The Dark Keeps Records serves as the central idea behind the story. McNerney said people often try to hide difficult things by ‘sweeping them under the rug’ or putting them away, without realizing those things continue to exist.

“My thought was, what if the dark itself kept records of these things that we tried to hide?” he said. “The Dark Keeps Records” is currently available on Amazon. McNerney is also working to get the book into local bookstores.

Although this is his first published book, McNerney is already working on another historical fiction story. For McNerney, publishing his first book is not the end of his writing journey, but the beginning of a new chapter – one that brings together his love of history, family memories and the unsettling unknown. <

Lake Region Backpack Program providing students with access to school supplies

By Sophia Atherton

Giving back to the community has been an amazing experience for Sandy Lowe and the members of the Lakes Region Fraternal Order of Eagles #4352, and this year is no different. Lowe has been a highly involved member of the Eagles since 2012 and has found her calling in helping to organize a backpack donation program for RSU 14 students for the past four years.

Sandy :Lowe and members of the Lakes
Region Fraternal Order of Eagles #4352
in Windham are collecting backpacks
and school supplies for donation to
RSU 14 students in need ages 5 to 15.
The goal is to collect 25 or more
backpacks for donation by Sept. 4. 
PHOTO BY LORRAINE GLOWCZAK

 BY Not to be confused with the RSU 14 Backpack program, the Lake Region Backpack Program focuses on students from the ages of 5 to 15 years old and although some of the Eagles members contribute to the cause, they welcome people of the community to join in their efforts as the start of school nears.

Lowe’s goal is for the Eagles to collect 25 backpacks and fill them with all necessary school supply items, but many more would be gratefully accepted and appreciated.

"We're accepting backpacks, school supplies, pencils, pens, erasers, crayons, and colored pencils and other supplies that are important to the learning experience," Lowe said.

Once the backpacks are collected by Sept. 4, Lowe and a few other members of the Eagles will deliver them to the RSU 14 superintendent's office so they can be distributed to students who need them the most.

"I enjoy helping out our community in many ways, and as the school year begins, the members and I want to help those students who may not have the financial resources to buy the many needed items for a successful school year," Lowe said.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) began in 1889 in Seattle, Washington. As their numbers grew, the organization chose the Bald Eagle as their official emblem and changed the name of the organization to “The Fraternal Order of Eagles and established a goal of helping others. Since its inception, the Eagles have grown into an amazing resource for parents and students in need and in bringing communities together to give students what they need to demonstrate learning beyond the classroom.

The local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles is at 456 Roosevelt Trail in Windham and backpacks and monetary donations to support the Lake Region Backpack Program can be dropped off there.

"There are a number of ways the community can donate items, including monetary," Lowe said. "People can drop everything off at the Eagles Club or they can email me at [email protected] and I will make arrangements with them. The club is open every day from 2 to 9 p.m. except on Sundays, when we open at 1 p.m."

The spirit of giving back to the community is an important aspect to Lowe and her involvement extends beyond the Lake Region Backpack Program.

"I like helping out as much as I can. I try to be a part of the Adopt-a-Family Christmas program, raise money for the food pantry, and last year we helped with raising money and donating to the nursing home,” she said. “We also adopted a family for Christmas and went out shopping for the children. We've also raised money and have gotten donations for many cancer patients."

Lowe says that the Eagles organization is always seeking out new members, and it provides a great opportunity to give back and help better the educational experience for local children in need.

In the future, Lowe said that she hopes to continue the Lake Region Backpack Program and to help create a healthy environment where students of all ages can learn and grow in a classroom.

For more information about donating a backpack, school supplies or making a monetary donation to the Lake Region Backpack Program, call 207-894-2242. <

Area students receive recognition for academic achievements

The following students from Windham and Raymond have been recognized for academic achievement at their colleges and universities.

Haley Atherton, Bella Bragdon and Addison Profenno, all of Windham, have been named to the Dean’s List at Emmanuel College for outstanding academic performance during the Spring 2026 Semester.

Olivia Hamilton of Raymond has been named to the Dean’s List at Tufts University for exceptional academic performance during the Spring 2026 Semester.

Brady Reed of Windham has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise & Sport Science from Vermont State University.

Robyn Shafer of Windham has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Vermont State University.

Bella Lorenzatti of Windham has been named to the Dean's List for top academic performance at Salve Regina University during the Spring 2026 Semester.

Emma Bennett of Windham has been named to the Dean's List at Bates College for outstanding academic performance during the Winter semester ending in May 2026.

Antonio Candelmo, Arthur Belanger, Christie Thetonia, Dawn Brazalovich, Jonathan Charron, Leann Johnson, Mike Potter, Miranda Moulton, Heidi Cox, Neal Hurley, Sharon Kennedy, Danielle McQuarrie, Isaac Mireles, Jade Pierce, Matthew Searway, Luke Vashon, all of Windham, and Kayla Taylor of Raymond, have been named to the President’s List for exceptional academic performance at the University of Maine Augusta during the Spring 2026 Semester.

Cadence Hebert and Jenn Weed, both of Windham, have been named to the Dean’s List for outstanding academic performance at the University of Maine Augusta during the Spring 2026 Semester.

Joe Donnelly, Amelia Greslick, Aiden Hanson, Levi Hayman, Logan Hirning, Ainslie Hougaz-McCormick, Stella Jarvais, Tyler Johnsen, Nathan Jordan, Kenzie Keeney, Jadyn Kimball, Elizabeth Levesque, Victoria Lin, Emma Morrison, Jude Morrison, Grace Paiement, Olivia Saucier, Sarah Talon, Abbey Thornton, and Claudia Yurrita, all of Windham, have been named to the Dean’s List for outstanding academic performance at the University of Maine during the Spring 2026 Semester.

Baxter Engelman, Jacob Lanouette, William Ray, Drew Robinson, all of Raymond, for outstanding academic performance at the University of Maine Augusta during the Spring 2026 Semester.

2026 Eagle Choice Award recipients grateful for community support

By Ed Pierce

Voting has been tabulated and once again the popularity of the annual Eagle Choice Awards competition for local businesses is plain to see.

Launched in 2015, the Eagle Choice Awards recognize local businesses in the area through popular vote. This honor is evidence that residents take notice when they receive outstanding service and find superior products offered by local merchants.

Melissa Carter, advertising director for The Windham Eagle, said the Eagle Choice Awards continue to set new participation records each year. In 2026, more than 11,000 ballots were cast across 93 categories, and she expects even greater participation in 2027.

“This tremendous response each year reflects just how much Lakes Region residents value outstanding service, exceptional products and the businesses that help strengthen our communities,” Carter said. “Because every Eagle Choice vote is cast by the public, these awards are a meaningful way for residents to recognize and thank the local businesses and merchants who consistently go above and beyond throughout the year.”

Kelly Mank, the owner and publisher of The Windham Eagle newspaper, says that the Eagle Choice Awards remain as relevant today as when they first launched and reveal that outstanding customer service and trusted products are not overlooked by the community.

She said the Eagle Choice Awards not only celebrate outstanding local businesses but also introduce community members to hidden gems and trusted favorites they may not have discovered before, inspiring them to explore new connections and support businesses they might otherwise have overlooked.

“It’s all about giving people choices,” Mank said. “The Eagle Choice Awards highlight businesses that have earned the trust and support of the community, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to discover outstanding local businesses throughout the Lakes Region of Maine. Each vote cast this year is a reflection of the public’s confidence in those businesses and the impact they have on our communities.”

Carter said that a few categories for this year’s voting were revised and public input about new categories for voting are always welcomed.

“We do our best to stay as current as possible by adding new businesses to categories and deleting those businesses that are closed,” Carter said. “We welcome feedback to help improve ballot choices for the future. Voters always have the option to write-in a business that is not already listed if that’s what they want to do.”

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

A complete list of 2026 Eagle Choice Award winners is available in The Windham Eagle newspaper’s print edition this week. To suggest a new category for next year, send an email to [email protected]. <

In the public eye: Windham Library’s fast pace keeps circulation supervisor busy

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

By Ed Pierce

Mention the word librarian and it conjures up images of a person sitting at a desk reading books all day, but Shannon Weber knows that working in a library can be an active job.

Shannon Weber is the Circulation Supervisor
for the Windham Public Library and oversees
checking out and checking in items for
library patrons. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Weber is the Circulation Supervisor at Windham Public Library and oversees the library’s circulation desk where items are checked in and out for patrons. She also processes incoming and outgoing interlibrary loan (ILL) items and answers questions about library services. If that wasn’t enough, Weber also handles library billing services for lost/damaged items and answers any questions that the public has about their library accounts.

“The best thing about my job is getting to help people every day,” Weber said. “I think the most challenging aspect of my job is that my workflow is always changing. As a supervisor I need to be able to help answer questions and solve any issues that arise, while also doing my normal daily tasks. It’s not uncommon for me to start typing an email, stop to check out items for a patron, go back to the email, stop to answer the phone, go back to the email, and stop and figure out why an ILL item is not scanning in correctly. Sometimes this kind of multitasking can lead to moments where it is difficult to refocus or remember where I left off.”

She’s been working at Windham Public Library for the past 2 ½ years and loves working in circulation, where Weber is constantly interacting with patrons, pulling requested items from library shelves, covering new books, and checking in items from the library’s book drop.

Originally from Morristown, New Jersey, Weber moved to Maine a year before starting high school. After high school she attended the University of Maine at Farmington to study teaching and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with a concentration in language arts.

“A few years later I took graduate courses online and earned a Master of Information degree from Rutgers,” she said. “My first library job was at the South Berwick Public Library. I worked there for a few hours a week while pursuing my graduate degree. After graduating, I took on a full-time position at the Seabrook Public Library in New Hampshire as an Adult Services/ILL Librarian.”

While as an administrative assistant at a university, Weber says she really missed working in a library.

“When I saw the listing for the Circulation Supervisor position in Windham, I knew I had to apply,” she said. “This position was exactly the kind of library job I was hoping to return to.”

It’s hard for her to pinpoint her most memorable moment working for Windham Public Library so far.

“Though not one specific moment, there have been several times when I’ve had new patrons sign up for library cards, only to be stunned by the services they have access to,” Weber said. “It’s not uncommon for patrons to tell me they are so glad they signed up or to wonder aloud why they didn’t sign up sooner. New patrons expect to have access to books and movies but don’t necessarily expect that they can borrow a keyboard or ice cream maker or get discounted tickets to go to the children’s museum or the Portland Museum of Art. I love to see how excited new patrons get when they realize how many things they can do with their library card.”

Weber’s family understands her passion for her work.

“My family knows I love being a librarian and are very supportive,” she said. “They’ve given me books to donate to the library, bubble envelopes for packing ILLs and paper towel rolls for crafts. I’m grateful that they understand how passionate I am about the profession and I think that’s what they like most about my job, and that it brings me so much joy.”

Since coming to work at the Windham Public Library, Weber says that she’s come to appreciate the library’s commitment to outreach and community involvement.

“I’ve been able to attend a farmer’s market, Windham Summerfest and a Windham Primary School literacy event,” she said. “It’s been great to connect with other community organizations and promote library services. I’m looking forward to being a part of more of these events in the future.” <

New trails diversify outdoor recreational network in Windham

By Ed Pierce

Hikers using the East Windham Conservation Area and Lowell Preserve in Windham should be on the outlook for three new trails this summer.

A map shows the East Windham Conservation
Area and Lowell Preserve in Windham. The
properties are co-managed by the Town of
Windham and Presumpscot Regional Land
Trust and are adding three new trails to the 
sites there this summer. COURTESY PHOTO

In the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust’s Summer 2026 newsletter, Linda Brooks, Windham Parks and Recreation director, said the new trails are part of a collaborative effort with the land trust to ensure both sites provide a great place for the community to recreate year-round and for wildlife to thrive in perpetuity.

Brooks said that Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and the Town of Windham have jointly managed Lowell Preserve since 2012 and East Windham Conservation Area since it opened in 2023.

“You will notice some changes the next time you’re out and about at EWCA/Lowell as we continue expanding access and diversifying use of our trail network as three new trails are coming online this year,” Brooks said.

According to Brooks, “Odyssey” is a two-way multi-use technical trail in Lowell Preserve that also has a handful of optional one-way mountain bike features built in. This new trail was opened to the public in May.

Another new trail in Lowell Preserve called ““Stove Up” and “Hung Down” is a one-way mountain bike-only loop with a designated uphill climb and a fast and feature-filled downhill. That trail opened for public use in June.

“The creation of Odyssey, Stove Up, and Hung Down would not have been possible without the financial and volunteer support of members from the Greater Portland chapter of the New England Mountain Biking Association,” Brooks said. “Lowell is a great spot for us to work together with GPNEMBA to expand mountain bike-only and mixed-use technical trails, especially in this part of the preserve. The land has dramatic topography and was already disturbed from a history of logging, and it provides easy access to and from the trailhead.”

The Universal Access Trail, a fully compliant mile of compacted stone dust trail at the East Windham Conservation Area should be completed later this year, Brooks said.

Once it is finished and opened to the public, the new trail will stretch from the parking area at the East Windham Conservation Area to the overlook of the White Mountains.

“The potential to develop a world-class trail system in Greater Portland has inspired GPNEMBA members to raise over $150,000 and contribute hundreds of hours of volunteer time toward the success of this project,” Brooks said. “Alongside building these new trails, we’ve closed some of the shorter cut-through trails in Lowell Preserve. Many of these trails already existed when we took ownership of the property in 2000.”

The Town of Windham and the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust have been working to assess how community members use the space, as well as how it can create longer and wider undisturbed sections for wildlife.

“Continuing in that assessment, we have just had the first meeting of the East Windham Steering Committee, which the Windham Town Council established in January,” Brooks said. “PRLT's Executive Director Will Sedlack and I are providing staff support to the 11-member committee, which is composed of representatives from town committees, recreational groups, nearby residential associations and the general public.”

She says that the East Windham Steering Committee has been tasked with two major goals including seeking public input and recommending a new name that unifies the shared character and use of the two sites and to develop a Request for Proposal and choose a firm to assist in the establishment of a Master Plan to guide the town and the land trust in the development and management of this property for the years to come.

“The committee will assist the chosen firm in the development of the Master Plan and ultimately present it to the Windham Town Council for adoption,” Brooks said. 

Land at the East Windham Conservation Area site is 99 percent forested and includes 661 acres with 1,545 feet of undeveloped water frontage on Little Duck Pond, some 38 acres of wetlands and numerous headwater streams. Through its conservation the area will directly help protect the water quality for Little Duck Pond, Highland Lake, Forest Lake, and the Pleasant River.

Prior to its opening in December 2023, about 10 miles of new multi-use trails were built at the site by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and the land also includes a 150-acre Deer Wintering Area, a traditional site for hunting by permission, and the 580-foot Atherton Hill, the tallest spot in Windham.

The East Windham Conservation Area directly abuts more than 1,000 acres of other conserved land in Windham and Falmouth, including Lowell Preserve, North Falmouth Community Forest, and Blackstrap Hill Preserve, providing 20 miles of interconnected trails and five trailheads for public access. It is part of the largest wildlife habitat and trail access corridor in the Greater Portland area, providing 2,000 acres of conserved land and a 30-mile trail network connecting Lowell Preserve, North Falmouth Community Forest, and Blackstrap Hill Preserve.

Funding to create the East Windham Conservation Area was about $3.7 million and included a $1 million grant from the Land for Maine’s Future initiative. In 2021, voters from Windham approved a $1.8 million conservation bond using open space impact fees and another $400,000 raised privately from public donations. A Land and Water Conservation Fund federal grant for $500,000 was obtained to pay for the infrastructure improvements at the site. 

Windham’s Open Space Plan identifies developing and maintaining open space partnerships and relationships as key mechanisms to grow conservation efforts in the town. When the Windham Town Council formally adopted the Open Space Plan, Windham reached out to the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust in 2021 to be an open space partner by holding a conservation easement and sharing responsibility for the trail management on the adjacent 308-acre Lowell Preserve.

The new Universal Access Trail at the East Windham Conservation Area will be able to be navigated by those with limited mobility and will lead to the scenic overlook and pond views. Another phase of the project there is planned for future years and will include an observation tower.

For future updates about the work of the East Windham Steering Committee, visit windhammaine.us/880/East-Windham-Steering-Committee. <

Consumer Credit Protection Bureau cautions Mainers about new financial product

AUGUSTA – The Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection (BCCP) cautions consumers to be wary of a relatively new type of financial product called a "Shared Appreciation Mortgage" (SAM), also referred to as a Home Equity Investment (HEI).

These products are often marketed as a way for homeowners to access cash without taking on additional monthly payments. Although these agreements may appear flexible, they are complex agreements that can lead to significant or unexpected costs.

A consumer who contracts for a SAM or HEI receives an upfront payment amount in exchange for a share of their home's future value, which is repaid later as a lump sum and can become very expensive if the home value increases. The payment typically becomes due when the home is sold, the homeowner dies, or the contract ends, which may be as little as 10 years.

Fortunately, consumers in Maine are protected by emergency legislation signed by Gov, Janet Mills on April 13, 2026, which defines a SAM or HEI loan as a mortgage loan rather than an investment contract. This law ensures that Maine consumers receive the range of consumer protections against foreclosure that apply to all mortgages and mandates that the sellers of these products to be licensed by BCCP. In addition, the law includes a three-day right to cancel the contract and a limit on loan costs.

Linda Conti, Superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, warns that as some Mainers continue to face financial headwinds, the temptation or need to tap into home equity may grow.

She said any Mainer who is considering tapping into their homes equity should compare these equity transactions to traditional alternatives such as home equity loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), or state and local assistance programs. Mainers interested in a SAM or HEI loan should consider consulting a trusted financial professional and ensure that product is offered by a lender licensed by BCCP.

Consumers can verify whether a lender is licensed on BCCPs website, through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System Consumer Access portal.

Should consumers have further questions about SAM, HEI, HELOC, or Reverse Mortgages, they may contact BCCP at 1-800-332-8529 or 207-624-8527.

Information about the new law is available on the Maine Legislature's Website.

BCCP is an agency within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. BCCP oversees many aspects of the consumer finance industry, including non-bank mortgage lenders, debt collectors, loan brokers, retail creditors, money transmitters, consumer reporting agencies, student loan servicers, and non-bank ATMs. More information about BCCP is available on BCCP's Website. <

Windham author looking to publish her first book

By Ed Pierce

A love for writing has led Mikha Brown of Windham to complete her first book and it will soon be available to the public.

Mikha Brown of Windham has written a book
about her life called 'Looking Through My 
Eyes' and is hoping to have it published soon. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Brown, a cashier, service desk, bagger, and self-checkout employee at North Windham Hannaford, is a 2012 Windham High School graduate and has lived in town her entire life.

Her book “Looking Through My Eyes” is all about her life.

“I started this book about six or seven years ago,” Brown said. “I knew I wanted to write my story, but I knew I had to get information from my family and friends and get their interviews and points of view on me.”

She grew up with what she says is a learning difference.

“I don’t like saying disability because it to me is an offensive word and everyone is special and different in their own way, and not many people knew my story and so I decided to share it,” Brown said.

Of all the challenges she experienced in writing her book, the most difficult to overcome was highly personal.

“I would say digging deep into my thoughts and remembering the details that I can recall was tough,” Brown said. “It has been hard to overcome some obstacles but as I continued to write, I knew that this story was going to be an eye-opener for others. My goal is to make sure that everyone feels special and unique in their own way and that their voices can be heard and not be quiet. What I mean is some people don’t like explaining their stories.”

Writing has been an activity that Brown has always enjoyed.

“I have always loved writing, during my freshman year of high school my English teacher Mr. Lawson, who unfortunately passed away in 2016, and my sophomore and senior year of high school English teacher Mr. Regan, helped me learn how to become a creative writer,” she said.

Her grandmother Tutu, which is Hawaiian for grandmother, also inspired Brown to write.

“I lost her in 2019,” she said. “She taught me how to write poems and from learning how to write them, it made me more creative, and I thought about writing a book.”

The result was “Looking Through My Eyes” which Brown is thinking of self-publishing.

“I didn’t use a basic outline. I just was using Microsoft Word, and I just was writing and a lot of the stuff from my past and present was coming to me, and I just wanted to write,” she said. “I like to write whenever something comes to my head, or from the heart, and it will just like speak to me like as if I am in a dream and that I am ready to share it.”

Having a supportive family and great friends has been helpful to Brown too.

“My family and friends have supported me in everything I do; whether I am a writer or a cashier, they are proud of me no matter what,” she said. “They always told me to reach for the stars and the sky, and I just do that. I didn’t use an agent. I had my uncle Benny be my proofreader and he helped fix it up.”

When “Looking Through My Eyes” is eventually published, Brown already has plans for how to use the proceeds from the book.

“When I go to sell my book, my goal is to donate to breast cancer and leukemia research because I’ve lost a lot of people to breast cancer and to leukemia,” she said. “I also would like to donate to the Boston’s Children’s Hospital who helped shaped me into the young lady I am today.” <

St. Ann’s Essentials Pantry provides necessary items for those in need

By Ed Pierce

Since 2015, the Essentials Pantry at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Windham has been a beacon of Christian hospitality and service to the community by providing personal and household items that EBT cards and local food pantries do not offer.

The Essentials Pantry at St. Ann's Episcopal Church in
Windham is a collaborative effort between St. Ann's and 
Faith Lutheran Church and the Windham Ecumenical
Churches. Open monthly, it serves those in need in Windham,
Raymond, Standish and Casco areas with cleaning products and
personal hygiene items, toilet paper, shampoo and toothpaste.
FILE PHOTO   

The Essential’s Pantry is a collaborative effort between St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and Faith Lutheran Church in Windham and the Windham Area Ecumenical Churches. It serves all those in need in the Windham, Raymond, Standish and Casco areas. It has cleaning products and personal hygiene products, such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, dish detergent, as well as toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, female sanitary supplies and hand soap bars.

The idea behind the Essentials Pantry originated when a community member unexpectedly dropped off rolls of paper towels into the collections basket at a St. Ann’s church service after having read an article in The Windham Eagle about items that the Windham Food Pantry didn’t provide. After that, an initiative was launched through a grant from the church diocese for $3,000, which was used to create the Essentials Pantry.

Since its inception, the Essentials Pantry remains a place for people in need to obtain many household items and products that they can’t obtain elsewhere, and it remains free to use for anyone who is able to meet the location requirement.

Community members are encouraged to assist the Essentials Pantry program through donations of personal hygiene and cleaning products such as liquid laundry detergents and deodorants.

Donations come from parishioners, through public donations, cash donations, and through church budgets, which assist the Essentials Pantry in purchasing items and products to be given away to participants.

In previous years, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and other area churches have taken up collections for the Essentials Pantry and have donated items and cash to the program. Some joint services between local churches at Thanksgiving and on other occasions have donated monetary collections to the Essentials Pantry. One local ecumenical service raised $350 in cash, which was enough for three months of products for the pantry.

Area Girl Scout troops have made bars of soap for the pantry, and a group of local dentists have donated toothbrushes and toothpaste, but stocking the Essentials Pantry is an ongoing effort and organizers say that donations are always welcome.

The Essentials Pantry is open to the public monthly. It also has a limited supply of non-perishable food items available, such canned foods and cereals.

Participants should bring their own shopping bags and entry to the Essentials Pantry is made through the lower-level door at the church. Proof of residency is required such as a CMP bill, with the address for anyone living in the Windham, Raymond, Standish or Casco area.

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and Faith Lutheran Church officially became “partners in faith” in July 2023 with the governing bodies of both churches unanimously voting to collaborate as a ‘family in spirit’ while also keeping separate physical locations. St. Ann’s also partners with Windham Hill United Church of Christ, 140 Windham Center Road in Windham to provide a free community meal that rotates locations between the two churches from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays.

The next time that the Essentials Pantry will be open will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 at St. Ann's Episcopal Church, 40 Windham Center Road in Windham.

Items for donation to the Essentials Pantry can be dropped off at the church or by calling 207-892-8447. Those interested in donating are asked to make sure there is a current expiration date on products being donated. <