Presumpscot River Revival Race returns for second year

By Ed Pierce

A day of friendly paddle competition and a celebration of healthy waters are nearing as Dundee Park in Windham will be the site of the second Presumpscot River Revival Race.

The Second Presumpscot River Revival Race will be held 
Saturday, Oct. 17 at Dundee Park in Windham and features
canoe, kayak and Standup Paddle Board racing during a
day of friendly paddle competition. COURTESY PHOTO

Sponsored by the Friends of Presumpscot River, the family friendly event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, and is intended for all ages.

After an absence of three decades, the canoe races returned in 2025 to promote the river’s resilience, ongoing work for its revival and the communities it continues to sustain. With paddling, food, foliage, and family-friendly fun, the Presumpscot River Revival Race combines a recognition of the past, exemplifies tributes to ongoing water quality and habitat improvements, and is a rallying point for the future of the river and a community celebration with the Presumpscot River at the heart of it all.

The Friends of the Presumpscot River (FOPR) was established in 1992 to advocate for the remediation and protection of the Presumpscot River waters and fisheries. The organization aims to reconnect and protect the river that sustained the region’s First Peoples and gave rise to settler colonies along its winding banks.

In reestablishing the canoe races last year, members of the Friends of the Presumpscot River say that the driving force behind the races and competition is a goal to bring the community together to the river once again, to cheer on competing loved ones, to stoke the flame of excitement for the return of native fisheries, to celebrate the ongoing restoration of the ancient and beloved river and to focus more on community outreach.

FOPR Board Member Stephanie Noyes said last year that some of the proceeds from the races will be used for the organization’s school outreach program, which is designed to get students in Gorham, Westbrook, Windham, Raymond, Portland, and Falmouth out on the water, and introduces children to the river. Students are taught paddling techniques and learn about the Wabanaki and industrial history of the waterway, while also discussing the future of the river.

If you are not an avid paddler and prefer to watch the races, bring your lawn chair, sit on the beach, and join in on the fun.

For those looking to compete, pre-registration on Eventbrite is encouraged. However, you can also register at Dundee Park starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 17.

It costs $25 per boat, and you can choose to canoe, kayak, or compete in stand-up paddleboard. There will be a 2.5-mile Mass Start circuit for paddle craft and multiple divisions with winners in all three categories including canoe (solo and tandem), kayak (under 14 feet and over 14 feet) and Standup Paddle Boards (inflatable, hard board and race board).

Salmon Stew Outdoors, a paddle-powered recreation company, is sponsoring the safety crew and providing the equipment needed to patrol the river. Certified Maine Guides make up the volunteer crew. Other partners for the event include the Town of Windham.

At the event, you can browse the FOPR information table where you can learn more about Dundee Park, the river, and the organization. Merchandise such as t-shirts, dry bags, books, and more will be available for purchase.

Races start at noon with a rain date of Sunday, Oct. 18 if needed. Awards will be presented after 2 p.m.

Canoes will be available to rent in person only on a first-come, first-served basis for $25. Personal Flotation Devices and paddles will be included with this rental. Rentals are only available in person and not reservable online. Equipment is being donated by Maine Path & Paddle Guides and Salmon Stew Outdoors.

All racers are required to wear Personal Flotation Devices with a whistle attached during the races.

River enthusiasts are encouraged to connect with FOPR at this event. You can chat with volunteers at the FOPR table about ways to get involved such as assisting with in water quality monitoring, advocating for dam removal, helping school groups on the river, or joining a committee.

Fish biologists are particularly wanted as well as those with expertise on rivers, ecology, and history. However, “any skills can be put to use,” Noyes said.

The public can stay informed about opportunities to get involved with FOPR, sign up for an email newsletter, and learn more about FOPR by visiting www.presumpscotriver.org. <

Open House event connects public to Raymond Fire & Rescue

By Ed Pierce

It’s not often that members of the public get to see up close how Raymond Fire & Rescue personnel prepare to save lives, protect property and train for emergencies. But that’s exactly what will be happening during the fire department’s Annual Open House this coming week.

The Raymond Fire & Rescue Department's Annual Open
House will be conducted from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday,
Oct. 14 at the Raymond Public Safety Building, 1443
Roosevelt Trail in Raymond and is a free family
friendly event with food and demonstrations.
PHOTO BY JENNY MCCARTHY  

The Raymond Fire & Rescue Annual Open House will be conducted from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the Raymond Public Safety Building, 1443 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond.

According to John Facella, who works in Fire Prevention for Raymond Fire & Rescue, the public is welcome to visit the free, family friendly event, meet Raymond firefighters and emergency medical technicians, check out Raymond Fire & Rescue vehicles and emergency equipment and learn more about safety skills.

“This is a fun and educational experience for the entire family,” Facella said. “Come join us and learn.”

Free food including hot dogs, chips, and sodas will be available, and children will be able to squirt water from a fire hose.

“There will be a Touch a Truck for all of our fire engines, CPR and fire extinguisher demonstrations and a fire truck response demonstration,” Facella said.

Among an array of home safety demonstrations, there will also be a residential home sprinkler demonstration and safety tables with resources and helpful information about lithium-ion battery safety, home escape ladders, and smoke alarms

Facella said that participants can view a Fire Truck Push In, a firehouse tradition, and fire extinguisher demonstrations will offer hands-on experience in using a fire extinguisher.

Raymond firefighters will also showcase a Live Fire Engine Demonstration for the public to watch firefighters drive in, connect to a hydrant, and flow water just like they do during real emergencies.

“This event is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to get to know their fire and rescue teams, see the equipment we use, and pick up critical safety tips,” Facella said. “Fire Prevention is a team effort, and the more our community learns, the safer we all are.”

He said the Open House bridges the gap between residents and local firefighters, explains department operations and humanizes the fire department.

Facella said it’s an opportunity for the department to demonstrate capabilities, showcases specialized Raymond Fire & Rescue apparatus, heavy rescue tools, and provide tactical demonstrations such as vehicle extrications and water and rope rescue techniques.

It also inspires public interest in volunteer, part-time, or career firefighter and emergency medical technician roles.

The Annual Open House is always held in conjunction with the Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 4 to October 10 across the nation. 

Raymond Fire & Rescue Chief Bruce Tupper says the Annual Open House event is about building strong connections for firefighters with the community while sharing valuable safety knowledge.

“It’s a chance for families to see our work up close, learn life-saving skills, and enjoy a fun evening together,” Tupper said. “Join us for an evening of education, demonstrations, and community spirit.”

Tupper leads the department, which includes full-time, part-time, and on-call staff. Fighting fires is only a small part of what the Raymond Fire & Rescue Department does for the town of Raymond every day. They provide education, review plans for subdivisions and commercial buildings, and run programs like risk mitigation and the department also serves as Raymond’s ambulance service.

The Open House is free and open to the public and convenient parking will be available at the Raymond Public Safety Building.

For more details about the Raymond Fire & Rescue Annual Open House, call 207-655-1187. <

Cumberland County candidates rely upon experience

By Ed Pierce

Four Cumberland County candidates will be on the ballot in Windham and Raymond next month but only one is a contested race.

Cumberland County candidates on the ballot in Windham and
Raymond are, from left, incumbent Probate Court Judge Paul
Aranson, incumbent Sheriff Kevin Joyce, incumbent District
Attorney Jackie Sartoris, and District Attorney challenger
Stephanie Anderson.  COURTESY PHOTOS

During the Maine Primary on June 9, incumbent Democrat Jacqueline “Jackie” Sartoris defeated challenger Valerie Adams and advanced to the general election on Nov. 3 seeking re-election as Maine’s 2nd Prosecutorial District Attorney.

Sartoris is a veteran candidate, having served four terms on the Brunswick Town council. She was elected as District Attorney in Cumberland County in 2022.

This year, Sartoris will face a familiar name in the election for District Attorney in Stephanie Anderson, an unenrolled independent candidate from Cape Elizabeth. Anderson previously served as Maine’s 2nd Prosecutorial District Attorney from 1991 to 2018.

While serving as Maine’s 2nd Prosecutorial District Attorney, Anderson created Maine's first Juvenile Unit, focusing on rehabilitation and preventing future offenses. She also founded Maine's first Domestic Violence Unit, providing dedicated resources to protect vulnerable victims, took a strong stance against human trafficking exploitation and established Maine's first Drug Court, prioritizing treatment over incarceration for non-violent offenders.

During her time in office as Maine’s 2nd Prosecutorial District Attorney, Sartoris created a Sex Crimes Prosecution Team to prioritize frequently under-prosecuted cases, take them to trial, and give victims the justice they deserve. She also secured a $2.5 million federal grant to collect, test, and investigate hundreds of stored rape kits, some almost four decades old to investigate and prosecute where possible. Under Sartoris, the Victim & Witness Advocate (VWA) program has been expanded to give victims information and confidence to navigate the judicial process, and she also created the “Lois Galgay Reckitt Room” where victims and witnesses can wait to appear in court without encountering perpetrators at the courthouse.

Two other Cumberland County candidates who appear on the ballot are unopposed and will be re-elected on Nov. 3.

Sheriff Kevin Joyce, a Democrat, does not have a challenger this year. He was first elected as Cumberland County Sheriff in November 2010. He has worked for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office for more than 37 years and was the recipient of the Presidential Valor Award, presented by the Maine Sheriff’s Association in 1995, and has received many commendations and leadership awards during his career.

Paul Aranson of Scarborough is unopposed for the position of Cumberland County Probate Court Judge. Aranson, a Democrat, was first elected as Cumberland County Probate Court Judge in 2018. He previously served two terms as Maine’s 2nd Prosecutorial District Attorney in Cumberland County from 1982 to 1986. In his private law practice, Aranson was a successful attorney and specialized in criminal law, family law, civil litigation and Social Security disability claims.

No other Cumberland County offices representing Windham and Raymond are up for election in November. <

In the public eye: Operations Manager keeps Windham Parks and Rec running smoothly

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

By Ed Pierce

Jason Hanken is a problem solver and a big part of the continued success of the Windham Parks and Recreation Department.

Jason Hanken has served for nearly
two years as the Operations Manager
for Windham's Parks and Recreation
Department. In that role, he is the
department's administrative hub
and a primary point of contact
for Windham Parks and Rec
helping residents navigate 
program registrations among
many other duties.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

As the department’s Operations Manager, Hanken serves as the administrative hub and primary point of contact for Windham Parks and Rec.

“On any given day, I’m working directly with Windham residents to help them navigate program registrations, set up payment plans or scholarships, and answer questions about upcoming community activities,” Hanken said. “Behind the scenes, I provide daily operational support to our director and team. That includes handling requisitions, department billing, and financial recordkeeping, as well as ordering supply inventory and managing our registration database.”

He also coordinates reservations for the Windham Town Hall gym, meeting spaces, and park pavilions, while assisting with Dundee Park operations, department staffing, and community events.

Hanken says the best thing about what he does in his job is helping solve problems for people directly, whether that’s at the front counter or over the phone.

“Residents often reach out when they're confused about a program, need help, or just have a lot of questions,” he said. “Being able to take the time to walk them through the process so they leave or hang up feeling totally confident and satisfied makes the job worthwhile.

The most challenging aspect of his job is wearing multiple hats and balancing two distinct speeds of the work.

“I’m juggling immediate, front-line customer service, answering phones, helping residents at the counter, and resolving day-of program questions, with focused administrative tasks like budgeting, purchasing, and facility scheduling,” Hanken said. “Learning to switch gears instantly so our residents get the attention they deserve without letting the behind-the-scenes operations slip is a continuous challenge, but it's what keeps the job interesting.”

In his second year as Operations Manager, Hanken says the biggest misconception people may have about those who work for Parks and Recreation is that staff members just plan games and hang out at events.

“Behind the scenes, our office operates like a full-scale business,” he said. “The community sees the fun end result but they often don't see the operational planning required to make it happen safely and smoothly: budgeting, purchasing, contracts, facility permits, staff training, and daily customer service. It’s a ton of logistics and coordination designed specifically so residents can show up, participate, and have fun without having to think about how it all came together.”

Hanken grew up in South Hiram and graduated from Sacopee Valley High School. He attended Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire, earning a degree in sport management. He completed his final credits at Saint Joseph’s College while completing an internship in the athletic department.

His career in recreation started under Linda Brooks years ago as a Summer Camp Director in Standish. From there, he spent several years in New Hampshire as the Assistant Recreation Director for Ossipee and then for Barrington, before returning home to Maine to work for the City of Lewiston.

 

“When I came back to Maine, I landed in Windham and got involved locally by volunteering on the town's Recreation Advisory Board,” Hanken said. “That gave me the opportunity to reconnect with Linda and support the department from the community side. In Lewiston, I worked my way through multiple roles, ultimately becoming the Recreation Superintendent, before taking a brief hiatus to manage a health care practice. When I saw the opening to work alongside Linda again, it was an easy decision. I was already very familiar with Windham, had great respect for the department, and knew firsthand how strongly this community supports its parks and recreation programs.”

He says the most important thing he’s learned while working for Windham Parks and Recreation is that relationships and follow-through are everything.

“Beautiful parks and organized leagues are essential, but the real backbone of recreation is the trust you build across the community,” he said. “Whether it's working alongside other town departments, supporting staff and volunteers, or helping a parent over the phone, consistent and transparent communication is what makes a department succeed.”

According to Hanken, his most memorable moment working for the Windham Parks and Recreation was when the department dedicated the basketball courts at Windham Community Park to Pat Moody.

“Seeing him there, surrounded by what felt like the entire town turning out to support him and play basketball on those courts, completely confirmed I had made the right decision to come back to Windham,” he said. “It showed me firsthand the kind of community pride and heart this town has.” <

Maine environment inspires artist’s imagination

By Erin Rose

Inspired by his grandmother’s passion to create, Irish-born artist Christopher O’Connor explores the natural world through his art.

Irish-born artist Christopher O'Connor, a former Windham
resident, captures the beauty of Maine's environment,
including a series highlighting the state's rugged coastline
called 'Coastal Waters' and 'River Reflections' which shows
scenes along rivers and waterways. He displays his
artwork exhibitions at the Portland Art Gallery and the
Artemis Gallery in Northeast Harbor.
SUBMITTED PHOTO    

A former Windham resident, the artist’s work captures the beauty of Maine’s environment, including a series highlighting the state’s rugged coastline called “Coastal Waters” and “River Reflections” which shows scenes along rivers and waterways. The “Artifacts & Curios” series features ordinary objects in colorful scenes.

Some of the pieces in the “Coastal Waters” series are clear enough to be mistaken for photographs, but as a viewer approaches the work, the perspective shifts and more details expose that it’s created by a human hand.

“From a certain distance it does look photographic, but the closer you get, all of the sudden it starts to break down to just paint,” O’Connor explained. “Before you know it, if you’re up next to it, it’s just scribbles. It looks like nonsense.”

“I love that juxtaposition,” he added.

Working on one piece in the continuing series over the summer was a rare chance for the artist to devote time solely to one work until it was complete.

“I had that wonderful experience where I had the time to pour myself into it until it was finished,” he said. “That was lovely but doesn’t happen all the time.”

O’Connor, who has exhibitions at the Portland Art Gallery and the Artemis Gallery in Northeast Harbor, looks for opportunities to display his work in ways that allows for the change in perspective.

“I love if I can have my piece hung in such a way that you can see it from a distance and you have that first experience,” he said. “Then as you progressively get closer, it’s confounding you because it keeps breaking down.”

Another series focuses on magnolia trees and their large while flowers. The composition appears layered and graphic, reaching from the canvas to show the individual blooms. The artist used lower quality brushes to help force himself to slow down to develop the intricate details.

“Because I am very detail oriented and process oriented, I try to find the quickest way to something sometimes,” O’Connor explained. “Ruining your brush to a degree, buying cheaper brushes so you can’t get the detail you want straight away slowed me down.”

“You have to build it up slowly, and I’ve been enjoying that,” he continued. “It pulls you out of yourself.”

The self-taught artist tends to focus on one subject for a period, creating eight to 10 works to add to a series solely relating to that subject.

“Then I get too familiar with it and need to break off and do something else,” he explained.

O’Connor’s love of creating began through experiences with his grandmother, Margaret Moran, in Dingle, County Kerry, who made dolls from her home, later selling those dolls to tourists passing by when the movie industry blossomed in the area.

“My grandma was wonderful, and she was always creative,” he said. “She had a beautiful, old yellow cottage outside of town. Inside, she painted it all different colors.”

“She was jolly and fun to hang out with, and part of my job as a kid was to hang out with her so she didn’t fall,” O’Connor continued. “We would go to the beach a lot and collect shells, and she would make dolls from the shells.” 

In 1970, the area around the Irish town was used to shoot David Lean’s “Ryan’s Daughter,” and tourists began to explore, which gave Moran the opportunity to offer her creations.

“She spun up a little stall to sell her little shell dolls,” O’Connor said. “Every morning she would bring them out, and after a few hours they would all be sold out.”

“She had a joy in making things,” he continued. “Being around that gave me a different perspective on what you could do.”

While O’Connor’s preferred medium is oil, the complicated process related to curing and allowing the piece to fully harden means that acrylics have been his most frequent medium due to their convenience.

“My favorite is oil, but I’ve worked with acrylics for the last 14 years, because they dry fast,” he said. “With oil, each painting is six months before it dries fully so those considerations are challenging sometimes. It gets a skin in 7-10 days but takes six months to fully harden and then you can varnish it.”

“It’s lovely but a pain,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor left Ireland to pursue love across the ocean. He moved to Portland to join his now-wife, Sonia Cook-Broen, an engineer and artist, 14 years ago. After living in Westbrook, the family moved to Windham at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s really beautiful. I love Ireland very much, but the weather can get to you after a bit. The rain and the rain and the rain,” he said. “I was having memories of Ireland over the weekend with the nor’easter. The weather is hard, but the reason I came over 14 years ago was my fiancé.”

The family moved to Portland around Christmas last year, where O’Connor has a studio on the Eastern Promenade.

“I have no commute,” he said. “I can get up in the morning and just start painting if I feel like.”

O’Connor has two stepchildren, Matilda and Makai. Makai picked up art last year and O’Connor is excited to see his growth over time.

“He’s quite phenomenal and he’s working fast.,” he said.

Examples of O’Connor’s work can be seen at the Artemis Gallery or the Portland Art Gallery. More information can be found on his website https://www.christopheroconnorpainting.com/. <

From Caregiver to Author: Sherburne to share her story at Windham Library

By Masha Yurkevich

For more than 20 years, Dale Ruth Sherburne was a wife, mother and caregiver. When her husband, Russ, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, her life gradually became centered around caring for him and supporting their family. Now, Sherburne is sharing that experience with others through her recently published book, “Neither Wife nor Widow,” and through speaking engagements focused on caregiving, loss and finding a new sense of identity.

Maine author Dale Ruth Sherburne will appear
at the Windham Public Library from 6 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 to discuss her recently
published book 'Neither Wife nor Widow' 
about her experiences taking care of her
husband who had been diagnosed with early
onset dementia and how it led her to find a 
new sense of identity. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Sherburne will bring her message to the Windham community during an upcoming appearance and discussion at the Windham Public Library. The event will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. Attendees can participate in person at the library or by ZOOM.

A Maine native, Sherburne has spent much of her career working with children and families. She was a director of child psychology and special education before becoming a full-time caregiver. Sherburne says the experience of caring for a spouse with dementia brought a complicated mixture of emotions.

“There was this jumble of emotions,” she said.

One of the most difficult parts was watching her husband change while still feeling like his wife. The experience left her in a position that did not fit neatly into the traditional definitions of either wife or widow.

“I wanted my husband,” Sherburne said, as she described the emotional conflict she experienced during those years.

That experience became the foundation for “Neither Wife nor Widow,” which was published April 1, 2025, by Maine Authors Publishing. The 329-page paperback explores the caregiving journey and the challenges that Sherburne went through and that can come with losing parts of a relationship while the person you love is still physically present. The book contains 185 stories, each about one page long.

Each story begins with a quote and ends with an honest emotion, ranging from guilt and joy to frustration, anger and fear. The book is available in paperback and Kindle editions through the personal website of Sherburne, Amazon, Maine bookstores, and libraries.

Although the story is deeply personal, Sherburne hopes readers will see themselves in it, particularly people who have experienced the isolation that can accompany caregiving.

“Caregivers are isolated,” she said.

For Sherburne, writing became one way to make sense of her experience and to connect with people who may be going through something similar. She also wants to encourage caregivers to remember that their own lives and identities matter. One message she hopes people take away from her work is to “embrace yourself.”

Sherburne also speaks about the importance of continuing to live while caring for someone else. During her own experience, she received advice that stayed with her: “'You go live your life for you, and you go live your life for your husband.”

The author’s appearance in Windham will give community members an opportunity to hear Sherburne discuss her book, her experiences as a caregiver and the process of moving forward after years of caregiving.

Beyond her book and speaking engagements, Sherburne is also building an online presence. She has Instagram and Facebook pages where she shares her work and connects with readers. She also hopes to open a YouTube channel in the future, expanding the ways she can share her experiences and her message. When she is not writing or speaking, Sherburne enjoys a quieter Maine lifestyle. She lives with her pets and enjoys nature, books, crafts. Those interests provide a contrast to the many years when caregiving occupied so much of her daily life. 

For Sherburne, however, the end of her caregiving role did not mean the end of her story. Instead, it gave her an opportunity to reflect on what she had experienced and use those lessons to help others with her book “Through Neither Wife nor Widow,” her speaking engagements and her growing online presence, Sherburne is continuing a conversation about caregiving that can often be difficult to have.

Her story recognizes the complicated emotions that can come with caring for someone you love while also reminding caregivers that they should not lose sight of themselves. That idea has become an important part of the message she now shares with others.

For those interested in hearing Sherburne speak about her journey firsthand, her Oct. 7 author appearance at the Windham Public Library will offer an opportunity to learn more about her book and the experiences that inspired it. <

Deadline nears to participate in WindowDressers community build

By Ed Pierce

Colder weather is nearing and for many, staying warm in winter is a priority. An economical and helpful way to do that is to participate in the WindowDressers program.

The second WindowDressers Community Build will be held
Dec. 1 to Dec. 6 at the South Windham Fire Station. The
program offers low-cost or free insulated window inserts
placed in windows to keep heat in homes during winter. A
deadline of  Nov. 1 is nearing to measure windows and 
anyone interested in participating should sign up now. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

WindowDressers provide insulated window inserts to help keep heat in for free or at a low cost. It is a grassroots volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that trains, supplies, and supports teams of volunteers hosting community builds with the goal to create insulating window inserts for local residents.

The program brings together community volunteers of all economic and social situations together to improve the warmth and comfort of interior spaces, lower heating costs, and reduce emissions by producing low-cost insulating window inserts that function as custom, interior-mounted storm windows.

Camille Beaulieu, an AmeriCorps volunteer serving with the Town of Windham, is organizing the second Window Dressers Community Build from Dec. 1 to Dec. 6 at the South Windham Fire Station.

Beaulieu said insulated window inserts help prevent heat loss in homes, much of which occurs through windows with about 30 percent of an average home’s heat loss occurring through windows and doors.

“Our custom-built window inserts significantly reduce this heat loss by creating two additional sealed air spaces: one between the insert and window and another between the two plastic layers,” she said. “This effectively doubles window insulation, making homes more energy efficient and comfortable throughout the winter. Our research shows that, in a typical house, and one medium sized insert (30 inches by 52 inches) can save an average of 8.5 gallons of heating oil every year.”

The price of the inserts varies upon the size and complexity of the required insert.

“Inserts are free for those who cannot afford to pay, and low cost for middle- and high-income households,” Beaulieu said. “WindowDressers keeps their insert prices exceptionally low at about 50 to 75 percent cheaper than commercial products through their non-profit model of cooperative insert-building. This means that customers contribute time at our local Community Build.”

Last year was the first year that Age Friendly Windham (AFW) participated in the WindowDressers community build event.

Age Friendly Windham Coordinator Erica Bell-Watkins said the program aligns with the organization’s action plan to help facilitate weatherization programs for the community. It also aligns with the Town of Windham’s energy plan 2023 to educate and assist residents with utilizing energy efficiency programs.

“It was a wonderful community building event that brought people from the region of all ages, backgrounds and life experiences together,” Bell-Watkins said. “Students from Saint Joseph’s College hopped in to help along with volunteers from several organizations and the window receipts. We shared meals and stories."

Residents of the Sebago Lakes Region, which includes Windham, Raymond and Standish, can sign up now for inserts which will be built and distributed in January.

The inserts are built of attractive pine frames and wrapped drum-tight with two layers of durable plastic film. These layers create an insulating air space while letting in all the light and views. Foam weather stripping around the outer edges stops drafts and ensures the insert’s snug fit.

All inserts are built at the community build event, where volunteers and customers come together to assemble them. Each insert is made in a few simple steps with the help of custom jigs, which guide every step of assembly so that anyone, regardless of experience, can easily and consistently build inserts. 

“Customers install the window inserts themselves once they bring them home,” Beaulieu said. “The inserts are lightweight and designed to slide easily into the inside of the window. Each insert has a small pull tab at the bottom for removal at the end of the heating season.”

The WindowDressers program is supported through a diverse range of funding sources, including individual donations and grants from foundations across New England.

According to Beaulieu, WindowDressers is still actively accepting insert requests and actively measuring windows. The measuring deadline is Nov. 1 so all orders must be in and measured before then.

“Anyone who wants to request inserts should do so now, so volunteers have enough time to measure all windows by Nov. 1,” Beaulieu said. “We are also asking folks to volunteer to build window inserts with us Dec. 1 to 6 at this link: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/922215120126/false#/invitation. You can also sign up to provide food, if you're unable or not available for build shifts.” <

Raymond-Casco Historical Society selling honey after successful harvest

By Ed Pierce

It’s been more than a year in the making, but Sue Pride of the Raymond-Casco Historical Society says its “Honey Bee Project” is such a success that it is now able to offer an abundance of honey for sale to the public.

Beekeeper Ingo Hartig of Raymond has
helped establish a 'Honey Bee Project' for
the Raymond-Casco Historical Society and
it yielded more than 90 pounds of honey
this year. Honey is now for sale at the
Raymond-Cascp Historical Museum at
1 Shadow Road in Casco.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

In the early spring of 2025, the society launched the project when beekeeper and member Ingo Hartig established two hives on the Raymond-Casco Historical Museum campus in Casco. Hartig also offered educational talks at the Casco Public Library and the Raymond Village Library about beekeeping.

The museum also hosted a lively Bee Celebration later in 2025, with the Queen Bee in attendance, bringing crafts, games, and all things honey to families and visitors on a weekend event. Since then, school groups and homeschoolers have made the bee talks a popular event, sparking curiosity and countless questions about beekeeping.

Pride said that although the original museum hives were lost this spring because of weather or as the result of other natural causes, strong educational interest inspired the historical society to continue the program with newly purchased bees.

“This year’s improved spring weather helped the new colony thrive,” Pride said.

In May, third graders from Raymond Elementary School visited the museum and engaged enthusiastically with a presentation about bees with Hartig, reaffirming the historical society’s decision to keep the program alive.

According to Pride, this season yielded a major success with a harvest of more than 90 pounds of honey.

“After uncapping the waxed cells, pouring out the golden liquid, and extracting it in a centrifuge, the honey has been bottled under the label “Ingo & Hugo’s Honey” honoring both the beekeeper and his helper,” Pride said.

There is always something of interest happening at the Raymond-Casco Historical Society Museum and with the addition of bee hives to the site, Pride says visitors have more to explore from regular weekend events to new collections, and the museum always tries to offer something to fit everyone’s interests.

She said that the museum campus has expanded significantly over the past several years with the addition of a blacksmith’s shop and an old schoolhouse on the museum grounds. Visitors can now take in exhibits showcasing actual items from the Raymond area, as well as the museum’s popular transportation barn.

“A lot is happening here at Raymond-Casco Historical Society,” she said. “We have new exhibits, a model farm, and new bee hives. The idea is to let people know how important honeybees are. Ingo especially likes working with children.”

For the early settlers of Raymond, honey gathered from bee hives was used instead of sugar, which was a highly taxed item by the British. The production of honey and beeswax became an important source of income for colonists, and used to make products such as candles, lipstick, shoe polish, and mead.

The honey collected from the 2026 harvest is now for sale at the Raymond-Casco Historical Museum, 1 Shadow Lane off Route 302 in Casco. The price is $15 per bottle.

The museum is open from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays this fall.

Honey will also be available from 3 to 6 p.m. at Casco Fest on Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27.

“The honey is selling quickly, and community members are encouraged to visit the museum soon to purchase a bottle and support this educational and environmental initiative,” Pride said.

To learn more about the Raymond-Casco Historical Society or the “Honey Bee Project,” visit www.raymondcascohistoricalsociety.org or follow the historical society on Facebook for updates, events, and historical programing. <

Windham Leaf and Brush Disposal Site preparing for seasonal opening

By Ed Pierce

It seems like summer just started but falling leaves tell a different story for Windham residents as their yards fill up with leaves and piles of unwanted brush that have accumulated on their property since spring. The big question is how to get rid of it.

The Windham Leaf and Brush Disposal Site will be open
from Saturday, Oct. 17 to Sunday, Nov. 8 at the end of
Enterprise Drive off Route 302 behind the self-storage
building in North Windham. COURTESY PHOTO

With that in mind, Windham’s Department of Public Works has announced the dates for dropping off leaves and brush for fall disposal and residential clean-ups in town.

The Windham Leaf and Brush Disposal Site will officially open for the fall season at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 and will wrap up operations for the fall season at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. The Leaf and Brush Disposal Site can be found at the very end of Enterprise Drive off Route 302 behind the self-storage building in North Windham.

According to Windham DPW officials, residents who are dropping off items for disposal at the Leaf and Brush Disposal Site need to separate leaves from brush and place them in the appropriate areas where the marked and the posted signs indicate at the disposal site.

For residents transporting leaves to the Leaf and Brush Disposal 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 there. They also ask that residents not bring any unwanted brush or branches larger than 12 inches in diameter to the site for disposal.

Grass clippings are allowed to be dumped at the Windham Leaf and Brush Disposal Site, but large heavy tree stumps are not permitted for disposal there. And, DPW says that residents are not allowed to dump garbage, metal, trash, rubble, old televisions or appliances at the facility.

For new residents who were wondering, the Town of Windham does not offer a collection for leaves at the curb, and bags of leaves should not be placed in weekly recycling bins for collection.

Each fall about 600 to 700 yards in cubic feet of leaves and unwanted brush are typically collected at the town’s Leaf and Brush Disposal Site.

Windham DPW officials say to use the service, load up your vehicle and take the bags for disposal to the Leaf and Brush Disposal Site which will be open around the clock, 24 hours a day to Windham residents.

While Windham's Public Works department once handled both spring and fall brush disposal services, the town 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."

Grondin said that all materials gathered during the spring and fall brush seasons are given new life through the Grondin and Sons company. Instead of burning the leaves and brush like residents in the past once would, Grondin and Sons find new purposes for the materials.

The leaves are composted, and wood-based materials collected are used to create new heating materials.

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

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

Windham voters to decide outcome of two referendums in November

By Ed Pierce

Several significant issues will be decided by referendum in Windham on Nov. 3 and if passed will have lasting implications for town residents for years to come.

Windham voters will cast ballots on Nov. 3 on two town
referendums. The first changes the way the town budget
is approved and amends the town charter to move from
an Annual Town Meeting to public voting in June on the
budget. The second is to approve or reject issuing 
general obligation bonds of up to $19.5 million to
finance the costs of repurposing Windham Middle School
for use as a community center and moving town offices and
Windham Public Library there. This is an artist's depiction
of the completed project. COURTESY PHOTO 

The first referendum modifies the Windham Town Charter to scrap the annual town meeting on a Saturday in June where the municipal budget is discussed and voted on by residents and instead changes municipal budget approval to a public vote held on Maine Primary Day on the second Tuesday in June. This would coincide with the RSU 14 school budget vote for Windham voters.

Since the town charter was adopted and the town council form of government was put in place in 1975, public participation at the Windham Annual Town meeting has dwindled to around 150 residents out of more than 12,000 registered voters in town over the past two years.

During Windham Town Council meetings for several years, councilors discussed the legal aspects of making a charter change with the town attorney. They learned that to make a change to the charter, an amendment was needed and it is required under Maine law to propose an amendment through a formal process that includes public notice, public hearings, and ultimately a vote by town residents at a regular or special election.

Another alternative for the council would have been to form a charter commission of appointed or elected citizens who would research the existing charter, potentially comparing it to those of other municipalities, and drafting a proposed amendment.

After lengthy discussions, councilors chose to increase public participation voting on the municipal budget through an amendment that moves away from an in-person town meeting to a balloted referendum vote and also raising the threshold requiring voter approval for off‑budget spending from $25,000 to $500,000. Councilors say this would give the council flexibility in presenting either a single up‑or‑down budget vote or departmental line items.

In May, Windham Town Council Vice Chair Bill Reiner said he supports the charter amendment.

“While I love the tradition of the Town Meeting, its method has outlived its usefulness,” Reiner said. “Because of that I fully support the efforts being made by the council to enact the potential for change and the ability to bring this Charter Amendment before the people for their consideration and vote. Lastly, and equally important in my mind, is that this discussion and potential change was initiated by input from the public on how they want the town to operate.”

Reiner said that raising the threshold requiring voter approval for off‑budget spending will allow the council to approve purchases up to a $500,000 limit without going to a town-wide vote for approval.

“This falls in line with surrounding towns,” he said. “The current limit of $25,000 no longer provides for emergency operations or acquisitions in a meaningful way.

Councilors chose to put a ‘Charter Amendment’ method before voters which can be used when a specific existing section of the charter is desired to be changed and the change proposed will not drastically affect the charter in its entirety. 

At this year’s Annual Town meeting in June, Windham Town Council Chair Mark Morrison said that the low participation of voters at the town meeting shows why a charter amendment is needed to change the budget process to a public vote by secret ballot like the annual RSU 14 budget vote every spring to increase participation. 

Those who oppose the charter amendment say that voters are being asked to cast their ballot without full information or fully understanding complex or legal language contained in referendums about what they are voting on.

The other referendum issue that Windham voters will determine in November is whether the town should purchase Windham Middle School for $1 once it is vacant in the fall of 2027 and repurpose the facility into a Community Center and housing town offices and the Windham Public Library there for up to $19.5 million by issuing general obligation bonds for the project.

Repurposing the school for use as a community center, including the costs of design, engineering, professional services, site preparation, construction, renovation, operating costs, and other improvements and furnishings as may be required in connection with the project. The proposal includes appropriating up to $2 million of the town’s fund balance as the Windham Town Council deems reasonable and necessary to reduce the borrowing amount and directly pay for costs of the project.

The existing Windham Middle School building first opened in 1974 and was intended for a capacity of 483 students. That number has grown in the past 52 years to 650 students and some sixth graders being housed for classes at the adjacent Field Allen School, which was built in 1949.

In November 2023, a plurality of voters in the school district, which encompasses Windham and Raymond, approved a referendum to build the new Windham Raymond Middle School with about 77 percent of construction costs paid by the Maine Department of Education’s Major Capital Construction Program. The total project budget to construct the new school is estimated at about $171.5 million, with the state funding $131.7 million of that expense and residents of Windham and Raymond paying the remaining $39.8 million.

As part of the referendum in November 2023 to obtain $131.7 million in state funding for the new middle school, RSU 14 voters agreed that the existing Windham Middle School could not be used as a school again, since the state had already contributed funding for substantial repair costs over decades of the building’s use and the school does not have a fire suppression system.

A 20-member Middle School Repurpose Advisory Committee looked at ways to best use the soon-to-be vacated school building and found that the basic structure of the school was sound and that it offered 80,000 square feet of available space, the committee looked at the existing town buildings with long-term replacement costs and short-term maintenance, parking improvements and repair costs and decided that a number of municipal services could be relocated to the site for a fraction of the cost of renovating or replacing current buildings.

Windham Town Manager Robert Burns says although the benefits of the Windham Middle School Repurposing Project come with a cost, in the long run it will be cost-effective for the town.

He said this proposal would move Town Hall offices there, along with Windham’s Social Services Office, which houses the Windham Food Pantry, the Windham Public Library, Windham’s Medical Loan Closet, and create a Community Center.

“This building represents an opportunity for us to move forward,” Burns said. <

Pat Moody Foundation to hold Second Annual Gala in October

By Matt Pascarella

Last year the Pat Moody Foundation held its first gala to fundraise for youth sports, student athletes and the community. It was such a success that the members of the foundation decided it should be an annual event and the Second annual Pat Moody Foundation Gala will be held in Portland from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Keeley’s Banquet Center.

Members of the Pat Moody Foundation gather during the first
annual gala held at Keeley's Banquet Center in Portland on
Sept. 6, 2025. Shown are Sherma Moody, left, Chad
Pulkkinen, Tyler Graves, George McCrillis, Jedidiah Merrill,
Geoff Grigsby, Tracey Lydon and Todd Hamilton, in the
middle is Jeff Duquette. This October the Pat Moody
Foundation will hold its second annual gala to raise money
to help fund scholarships, youth sports and community
needs. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

“The goal of the gala is to bring awareness to really anyone and everyone that the Foundation exists, what the values of the foundation are, and of course to raise money so it can continue giving back the way it does,” said Volunteer Organizer Ashley Merrill. “The response from everyone afterward was incredible, and that’s when I knew this couldn’t just be a one-time event. Every ticket, sponsorship, auction bid and donation gets us closer – and ultimately allows the foundation to say yes to more people who need it. It’s really just one night that helps make possible the work the foundation and its board are doing throughout the entire year.”

The money raised goes right back into the community. The Pat Moody Foundation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships each year, finds ways to support athletes such as helping with equipment or participation costs. The foundation also steps in when a family is facing a loss or hardship or simply needs someone in their corner.

Something very important to members of the Pat Moody Foundation is that community doesn’t end at Windham’s town lines. They want to be able to reach beyond the immediate community. They want other communities to be involved, both in supporting the foundation, but also to know that the foundation is there to support them.

During last year’s gala, Merrill set a goal of raising $25,000, and that goal was surpassed, as they raised nearly $30,000. They’ve upped the goal and are hoping to raise $35,000 during the Second Pat Moody Foundation Gala.

This year the theme is “After Hours Masquerade – For the Love of the Game.” While there is a lot of meaning behind the night, they also want it to be fun. Dress up. Bring a mask or make one when you get there. Bring your friends. Bid on something you’d absolutely love to have. Laugh. Stay late. Enjoy yourself.

The gala is not just a fundraising opportunity, but a chance to bring people together and to show them what they are actually supporting.

The money raised during last year’s gala was able to help with entry costs into basketball programs, clothing and uniforms for athletes, and the Pat Moody Foundation was able to provide almost $15,000 in scholarships to area seniors who had shown up for their community while excelling in school academics and sports.

“The gala provides an opportunity where the community can gather to have a great evening while supporting the youth and that is something that Pat would have enjoyed,” said Pat Moody Foundation board member Tracey Lydon. “It also gives us all the opportunity to share our individual stories of Pat. We are so excited to see this event coming back for a second year after the support we received last year, and we can’t thank Pat’s friends and the community as a whole enough for all the support.”

Every sponsorship, every auction donation, every ticket sold, every person who bids and even every person who simply shares one of their posts contributes to something much bigger, Lydon said.

“Pat was the type of person who showed up for people,” said Merrill. “This is our opportunity to keep showing up for people in his name. Our sponsors aren’t just putting their logo on a sign. They’re helping fund scholarships, create opportunities and allowing the Foundation to respond when someone needs help. We want our sponsors to feel like partners in what we’re doing, not simply donors.”

If you’d like to support the Foundation, but can’t attend the gala, the Pat Moody Foundation is looking for silent auction and raffle items. Reach out to Merrill or Lydon on the Pat Moody Foundation’s Facebook page.

Tickets are $110 each and can be purchased directly through Merrill or any Pat Moody Foundation board member. They accept cash, check and Venmo. Tickets can be mailed or picked up in person.

Please send Merill an email with any questions about the gala at [email protected] or reach out through the Pat Moody Foundation’s Facebook page. <

In the public eye: RSU 14 Director of Community Connections prepares future community leaders

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

By Ed Pierce

Helping students to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams beyond high school, nobody does it better than Lorraine Glowczak.

Lorraine Glowczak is in her sixth 
year as the Director of Community
Connections for RSU 14. She serves
as the Senior Capstone Project
Coordinator and Extended
Learning Opportunity Coordinator
for Windham High School and is
available for other tasks across the
school district. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Now in her sixth year as the Director of Community Connections for RSU 14, Glowczak leads Windham High School’s Senior Capstone Project Coordinator and is the Extended Learning Opportunity Coordinator at Windham High School and other projects across the district.

“I was told once by a fellow colleague that I am a dream maker. And I would have to say that assisting students through the Extended Learning Opportunities to explore and discover their dream jobs is by far the best thing about my job,” Glowczak said. “That, and I love to connect with people from all walks of life, and it's been fun connecting with new people, businesses, and entrepreneurs in this and other surrounding communities.”

In her position, Glowczak engages community members and local businesses in the schools to support student needs by providing opportunities to be involved with the school district in multiple ways. She collaborates with multiple stakeholder groups in productive ways, including administration, teachers, and PTA/PTOs, and she participates in local community networking organizations and community events.

Glowczak also uses print, social media and other communication tools to engage the community with the school system, develops and maintains ongoing relationships with area businesses and nonprofits willing to host students for volunteering, job shadowing, and internships, meets with students and assists them in the process of completing Capstone Project and ELO requirements. As an ELO coordinator, she’s a point-of-contact for ELO students, teachers, and community mentors, internships, and job placements, including follow-up with supervisors and hour documentation. To go with that, she develops curriculum for students receiving elective credit as approved by ELO Team of certified teachers or principals and finds business partners to act as mentors for students for job shadows, internships, and volunteer opportunities.

“The most challenging thing at this point is trying to balance my work between the high school while also meeting the needs of the whole school district,” she said. “The biggest misconception is that I work only for the high school.”

Glowczak grew up in Nortonville, Kansas with a population of about 700 located in the Northeast Corner between Atchison and Topeka in Kansas. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies and has worked as a substitute teacher, and at several preschools.

“I worked for a STEM Enrichment organization as a workshop, after school program, summer camp, and preschool workshop instructor. I was also an Outreach Coordinator for RSU 14,” she said.

She has a passion for writing and storytelling and that eventually led to her working as the Managing Editor of The Windham Eagle newspaper before she took a position with Be The Influence, a community coalition seeking to eliminate drug misuse in the community.

“My previous job was a work from home job, and I realized that I really enjoyed being with people more,” Glowczak said. “As I was looking for a good fit for me, a friend suggested that I look for jobs as a community connector since she thought I did a good job doing that. So, when this job was announced I applied and was offered the job.”

It turned out to be an excellent fit for her as Glowczak’s congenial disposition and outgoing personality relate well with students and the local businesses she lines up to give students a taste of working in different professions. He businesses are grateful to be able to help and work with her.

“My husband is proud of my position here with the school district and what he loves most about my job is meeting my students at school events,” she said.

According to Glowczak, many people aren’t aware that RSU 14 offers extended Learning Opportunities for students. 

“The public may not know that my position exists and, as a result, they do not know that they can reach out to me for volunteer needs and for job opportunity requests,” she said.

Her most memorable moment of working for RSU 14 so far is difficult for her to pinpoint.

“There are too many moments to share but all those memories pour in each year when the seniors graduate,” Glowczak said. “I've learned so many things but one of the most important things I've learned is that most GEN Z students are more aware, knowledgeable, resilient, and enthusiastic about life than they are given credit for. Each generation offers some important contribution to society, and this generation is no different.” <

Windham Middle School music program brings back mattress fundraiser

By Masha Yurkevich

The music program at the Windham Middle School (WMS) is once again turning an everyday household purchase into an opportunity for students to perform, learn, and compete at an annual music festival. The school band and orchestra program will hold its annual Mattress Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18 in the Windham Middle School gym.

Windham Middle School's band and orchestra program will
hold its annual Mattress Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
on Sunday, Oct. 18 in the school gym to help send WMS
student musicians to attend the Trills and Thrills Music
Festival in New Hampshire next spring.
COURTESY IMAGE   

The one-day fundraiser helps raise money to send WMS musicians to the Trills and Thrills Music Festival in Salem, New Hampshire, on the first Thursday in June at no cost to participating students.

Morgan Riley, band and orchestra teacher at Windham Middle School, started the fundraiser four years ago after the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly affected the music program at the school.

“We were recovering from the pandemic decimating our music program,” Riley said.

Once the program had enough students to attend a music festival again, Riley was approached by Custom Fundraising Solutions Maine about holding a mattress fundraiser. With the trip costing approximately $120 to $140 per student, Riley wanted to find a way to avoid placing another financial burden on families.

“For that reason, I agreed to try the Mattress Fundraiser,” Riley said.

Since then, the fundraiser has become a consistent source of financial support for the music program.

According to Riley, it has earned more than $5,000 for the music trip each year and has helped students attend the Trills and Thrills Music Festival for free in recent years. Riley said the fundraiser works well because it is held in a single day and provides a product that eventually needs to be replaced by nearly every household.

“Everyone sleeps on a mattress, and every year a different set of community members need to replace their mattresses,” Riley said.

The WMS gym will be transformed into a full mattress showroom during the fundraiser. Shoppers will be able to try different makes, models and sizes, including name brands such as Purple, Helix, Therapedic, and Beautyrest. After a purchase is made, the mattress can be delivered directly to the home of the customer. Customers can also request to have their old mattress removed.

At the festival, WMS seventh and eighth grade band and orchestra students perform for judges, who are often college music professors or retired band and orchestra teachers. Students receive specific feedback on their performances and receive a rating of “Good,” “Excellent” or “Superior.” Windham students have earned the highest rating, “Superior,” in two of the past three years.

The festival also gives students the chance to watch other student groups perform before spending the remainder of the day at Canobie Lake Park. Riley said the experience gives students an opportunity to prepare and perform for professionals while receiving feedback they can use to improve their musical skills.

The Trills and Thrills festival also provides a team-building experience for the students, Riley said.

The program is already preparing for its next festival. Students are currently working on musical fundamentals and have begun preparing pieces for their winter program. In January, they will begin working on pieces for the festival and spring concerts.

This year, the Windham High School band and orchestra will also attend the festival for the first time, expanding the experience beyond the middle school program. 

Students and their parents also help promote the fundraiser through word of mouth, texts, emails and social media. Students participate on the day of the sale as well, helping to attract attention to the event from the street. Riley encourages community members to support the fundraiser even if they do not have a child in the music program.

“Supporting the music program takes our full community and we are so thankful,” Riley said.

For Riley, the value of the festival extends beyond the ratings students receive. During the festival last year, both the band and orchestra received 'Excellent' ratings. Although students were disappointed after earning 'Superior' ratings during the previous two years, Riley said the experience provided an opportunity to listen to the judge’s comments, learn from them and use that feedback to improve.

More information about the Mattress Fundraiser is available through the Windham High School/Middle School Music Mattress Sale Fundraiser event on Facebook. <

Candidate list complete for Nov. 3 election in Windham and Raymond

By Ed Pierce

With a little more than seven weeks remaining until Election Day on Nov. 3, the town clerks in Windham and Raymond have finalized the list of candidates who will be appearing on the ballot for municipal, legislative and school board races.

Four candidates are vying for two positions on the RSU 14
Board of Directors in the Nov. 3 General Election. From 
left are Megan Potter, Marge Govoni, Joe Kellner and
Adam Zajac. FILE PHOTOS 

Four candidates are vying for two positions and three-year terms serving on the RSU 14 Board of Directors representing Windham.

According to Windham Town Clerk Anthony Blasi, of the four candidates submitting paperwork to run in the RSU Board of Directors election, incumbents Marge Govoni and Joe Kellner are seeking re-election while candidates Megan Potter and Adam Zajac are seeking seats on the school board.

Govoni has served on the school board off and on since 2008 and is a retired manager from Textron Inc. Kellner is the Chief Executive Officer of LifeFlight of Maine and formerly served as Vice President of Finance for Northern Light Home Care and Hospice. Potter and Zajac also were candidates for school board seats in 2023. Potter is VA Team Lead at Jackson and MacNichol while Zajac is a business owner in Windham.

Barring a massive write-in campaign, two candidates will be elected to serve three-year terms on the Windham Town Council on Nov. 3. Incumbent Mark Morrison, who had been serving as an at-large town councilor, will vacate his at-large position but instead has submitted paperwork to run for the town council position representing Windham’s East district. Brett Jones had been serving as the East district councilor, but Blasi said that he did not file paperwork seeking re-election for another term. Mark Cobb has submitted paperwork to run for a three-year term for an at-large position on the council. Both Morrison and Cobb own businesses in Windham and are unopposed on the ballot in November.

The RSU 14 Board of Directors and Windham Town Council seats are non-partisan positions.

Following the primary elections held on June 9, the Maine Secretary of State has placed the following legislative candidates for positions representing Windham and Raymond on the Nov. 3 General election ballot:

For Maine State Senate District 26 representing Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook, the candidates are incumbent Democrat Tim Nangle of Windham and Republican challenger Kenneth Cianchette of Windham. Nangle, a retired paramedic and former Windham Town Councilor, is seeking a third term as state senator while Cianchette, who owns and operates Erik’s Church country music bar and restaurant in Windham, is making his second run for the position.

For Maine House of Representatives District 86 representing Casco, Frye Island, part of Poland and Raymond, the candidates are incumbent Republican Rolf Olsen of Raymond and Democrat challenger Abigail Geer of Raymond. Olsen is a retired insurance agent and former member of the Raymond Select Board who is seeking a second term in the state legislature. His opponent Geer has worked as a private school administrator and is a previous candidate for the Raymond Select Board.

For Maine House of Representatives District 106 representing part of Windham, the candidates are incumbent Republican Barbara Bagshaw of Windham and Democrat challenger Bradley Youngs of Windham. Bagshaw, a retired art teacher, is seeking a third term in the state legislature. Youngs, a school volunteer, previously ran for a RSU 14 Board of Directors position.

For Maine House of Representatives District 107 representing part of Windham, the candidates are incumbent Republican Mark Cooper of Windham and Democrat challenger Joseph Campbell of Windham. Cooper owns a farm in Windham along with a family construction business called L C Cooper Co Inc. and is seeking a second term in the state legislature. Campbell is a long-term Substitute at Gray/New Gloucester High School and a graduate student at the University of Maine, and he previously was a candidate for the Windham Town Council.

Candidate interviews and their positions on the issues will appear in the Oct. 16 and Oct. 23 editions of The Windham Eagle prior to the election. <      

Annual charity golf tournament to benefit Pat Moody Foundation

By Masha Yurkevich

A local charity golf tournament will return this month with a goal of raising money for the Pat Moody Foundation, an organization created to support local youth sports in honor of a longtime Windham sports supporter and late resident. The fourth annual charity golf tournament, organized by Windham resident and restaurant owner Kenneth Cianchette, will take place Monday, Sept. 21 with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. at Point Sebago in Casco.

The Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament organized by
Kenneth Cianchette, will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21
at Point Sebago in Casco and proceeds benefit The Pat
Moody Foundation. COURTESY PHOTO   

The event is a private tournament that Cianchette organizes each year, with the beneficiary rotating among local organizations. This year, proceeds will support The Pat Moody Foundation. The foundation was established about two years ago following the death of Moody, who Cianchette described as a highly respected, longtime Windham resident and avid supporter of local youth sports, particularly basketball.

The foundation was established in the name of Moody to support local high school and youth athletic programs, with an emphasis on basketball. Cianchette said the work of the Pat Moody organization directly benefits the community.

Moody was involved in Windham youth sports well beyond the basketball court. He spent more than 30 years involved with local community programs, including 15 years as director of the Windham Youth Basketball Association and time as chairman of the Windham Recreation Advisory Board and Windham Community Center Exploratory Committee. He also volunteered with XLP Basketball, a program that helps make AAU basketball more accessible to young athletes.

His commitment to providing local children with places to play was especially visible through his work on basketball facilities in Windham. Moody played a key role in getting the Windham outdoor basketball courts built, which were named the Patrick Moody Basketball Courts in his honor in 2024. He also built a half-court basketball facility on his own property, giving local players a place to practice during the Maine winters.

The foundation created in his memory has continued that work. In 2025, it awarded its first scholarship to a Windham High School student-athlete and has since continued supporting young athletes and youth programs in Windham and surrounding communities.

The golf tournament this year will feature a traditional charity golf format, with teams competing throughout the day and participating in various activities designed to make the event enjoyable while raising money for the foundation.

The tournament still has team spots and hole sponsorships available and tickets can be purchased online through Sept. 14. Direct donations can be made online through Sept. 21. The link to buy tickets or make a donation can be found at: EriksChurch.com or on eventbrite.

One hundred percent of the profits from the tournament will go directly to the foundation.

“We are hoping to raise anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 for The Pat Moody Foundation, and to continue to spread awareness of the foundation, and the good work that it does,” Cianchette said.

The tournament is part of an annual effort by Cianchette to support different local causes. Each year, he selects an organization that he believes could benefit from additional financial support and fundraising assistance. The first tournament benefitted the Windham Veterans Center. The second supported the Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Foundation, while the third raised money for the RSU 14 Backpack Program. 

Cianchette said the goal is to create awareness for local organizations in addition to raising money.

“We do it every fall and try to figure out ways to give a little added revenue to a local organization, just to give them a little boost for their next year,” he said.

The beneficiary this year was a personal choice for Cianchette, who said Moody was a friend.

“Pat Moody was a friend, and his foundation has done amazing work, and it is directly contributing to the community,” he said. “I would say anybody that knew or supported Pat, and supports the foundation named in his honor, should consider playing or sponsoring an event.”

The golf tournament represents four years of an effort to bring the community together while supporting organizations that are serving local residents, and this year, Cianchette says he hopes that support will help continue Pat Moody’s legacy of giving back to the community through youth athletics. <