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Friday, June 17, 2016

Roadside archeological dig resumes on River Road - By Walter Lunt


A team of archeologists from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission are back on River Road to continue their investigation at the site of Windham’s old Province Fort near the intersection with Anderson Road. Their work is similar in purpose to their mission last fall when the same team uncovered architectural and cultural evidence at the spot where history tells us that the early inhabitants of New Marblehead (Windham) gathered for protection from the Sebago Natives during the latter years of the French and Indian Wars.
 
Lead archeologist Leith Smith said the initial findings may be significant, and could result in a revision of the historic drawing of the fort. The classic rendering, known to virtually all Windham elementary students and many residents, shows a 50-foot square, 2-story blockhouse, topped with two watchtowers at diagonal corners, surrounded by tall palisade fencing.

Smith, however, said current evidence suggests there may have been double fencing around the fortress – an outer wall that would have been the vertical stockade design shown in the traditional drawing. And an inner fence composed of stacked logs set in a rock or wood sill, built with dovetailed corners, and secured with wooden pins. 

Smith says the approximately 12 foot area between the enclosures may contain evidence of trash mounds and/or privies (outhouses) and would have served as an area for watchmen. He said the double fence design was typical of the time period (1740s) in Massachusetts and the province of Maine.

The current investigation, said Smith, may also unearth the rock foundations of the main blockhouse and other smaller buildings within the fort enclosure. He said the presence of multiple structures was also typical of the period. 

“In particular,” he said, “there is the likelihood of finding iron slag, which would indicate the presence of a smithy,” or blacksmith.

The present dig is being conducted on both sides of heavily traveled River Road, including the grounds of the historic Parson Smith House. Smith said the remains of ancient River Road can be seen on the south (downhill) side of the current roadway and that the fort very likely spanned the current road bed.

“If our work shows that to be true, we’ll return in 2017 when the Maine Department of Transportation begins the process of widening that section of River Road.”

He said the archeological team will scrutinize the contents of the overturned earth as the heavy equipment works to both lower Anderson Hill by four or five feet and widen the road.

An earlier phase of the archeological study, conducted last fall, revealed stone foundations (probably a chimney base), pieces of flint used in early rifles, ceramic bits, stems of clay pipes and a single cuff link, English in origin, dating from the 17th or 18th century.

The current dig will continue for about another month, according to Smith. He said the safety of his crew is a concern and urges motorists to observe the road signs and cones that warn it is a work area. Speed and limited sight distances create a hazard for the half dozen archeologists working the site.

The Eagle will continue to update progress on the archeological investigation that appears to adding to and changing the information about Windham’s early history.


Friday, June 10, 2016


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Barry Jordan takes his love of little league to the top - By Michelle Libby

When Barry Jordan posed for a picture for the 1967 Windham Little League team, he didn’t realize that he was starting something that would keep him involved with baseball long into the future. The first baseman, catcher and pitcher, hasn’t played for 30 plus years, but now he has been elected to serve as the New England Regional Commissioner and a member of the International Board of Directors of Babe Ruth League, Inc. 

Baseball has been part of many boys’ lives over the years. Jordan has an impressive resume when it comes to the league. 

Jordan has umpired four World Series for teams in the Cal Ripkin Babe Ruth league and has been umpire chief for two 13-year-old series, he said. He will be the tournament director for 16-year-old softball World Series at the end of July in Florida. He has also been the press box coordinator for softball tournaments, which includes working with the media, coordinating schedules, stats, trophies and coordinating the choosing of player of the tournament. When the details are for a 15-team tournament, it takes skill to be in charge and Jordan has it. 

http://www.bluesealstores.com/?id=10&changeStore=1#.VwalU0e_a9wIn 1999, Jordan was named the State Commissioner of Maine for the Cal Ripkin Division for 5-to 12-year-olds. In 2005, he added on becoming the State Commissioner for all of softball and in 2010 he pulled a hat trick and became the assistant regional commissioner for Babe Ruth softball for all ages. He did all of these jobs at once. 

He also was a volunteer. He did not get paid for any of the work he did. They did help him cover his expenses when traveling. 

“It’s my fulltime volunteer job,” he said with a chuckle. 

His new position is the New England Regional Commissioner for all of Babe Ruth, boys and girls. He was voted in by the 17 member International Board of Directors, which he is now a part of. He is also on the National Rules Committee, he said. 

The road to the new position has been a big adventure. Getting to know others and networking has helped him grow from umpiring regional and state tournaments to being asked to move up.
“Of all the guys in Maine, he asked me,” he said, describing himself as a big advocate for the kids. “We’ve grown every year since we’ve been doing it.” 

He doesn’t have to do all of the work alone. He has three assistant regional commissioners and 20 state commissioners all across New England. 

“I use the chain of command very appropriately and 90 percent is taken care of before it gets to me. It’s not a job you can do by yourself,” Jordan said. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of an organization. You have to listen to them,” he added. 

Recently Jordan helped to run a coaches clinic at Fenway Park in Boston. “I was standing on the first base dugout addressing the coaches at a clinic,” he said. That was one of the perks of being in his position. 

July will be the busiest month for him with five regional softball, six Cal Ripkin regional and four Babe Ruth regional tournaments. Maine will host the 14-year-old regional softball tournament in Harrison and the boys 14-year-old Babe Ruth New England tournament will be in Skowhegan.
Baseball builds teamwork and an overall positive attitude like all sports do. Players learn respect and knowledge of the game, said Jordan. He added that “coaches have a lot of do with a good experience.”

“You’ve got to love the kid when he’s successful and love the kid when he fails. Batting .400 you’re failing 60 percent of the time,” he said. 
Jordan’s fulltime job is as a mortgage loan officer for a bank. He travels to Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Florida, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, but calls Sebago home. 

Babe Ruth President/CEO Steve Tellefsen said in an interview in February, “Babe Ruth volunteer board members serve countless hours working to make sure our participants are provided with the very best educational, sports experience possible. They develop policies and ensure that all decisions made help our youth develop into successful and productive adults. We are proud to have Barry Jordan join our board. His actions alone have taught many people, young and old the value and importance of hard work, community pride, honor and integrity.”

Local artist and author publishes fiction book - By Michelle Libby


Author Vincent Bruni is an eclectic mix of artist, author and animal lover. The 75-year-old penned his first book while he was losing Panda, his beloved dog. Combining the love of his dog and his love for carousel horses, he wrote a book “that offers hope to every man, woman, and child who share their life with a cherished animal.”


“The TearDrop Garden” is a labor of love for Bruni. “I’m not a writer, I’m a storyteller,” he said.
In January of 1992 he began carving StarDuster out of wood. The project was finished in 1999 at Christmas. The detail in the carousel horse makes one think he has been carving wood his whole life, but this is only his second horse project. The wing on the face of the horse took six months to carve, Bruni said. “[StarDuster] inspired the book. I always liked carousel horses. I wanted to do wall art. The head, neck and shoulders are the best part of the horse,” he said.  

“In The TearDrop Garden, “with the assistance of an old man, a carousel and a little boy and his dog, the angels are finally able to put a plan into motion - a plan by which man and his devoted animal friends will never again be separated, even by death.” The main character is modeled after his grandson and Panda, the dog.

In January of 1997, Bruni began writing the book. He worked Panda into the book to give him solace while Panda was getting close to his time. 

 “I want to awaken the child in every adult,”Bruni said. Although is book is geared toward adults, it would be a good story to share with children as well. “Children believe in fairy tales.” 

Bruni describes the story as fantasy based on reality. “The horse gives it more authenticity,” he said. “It brings solace to people who have lost their animals that they will see them again.” The book is approximately 100 pages with a few pictures that relate to the story. There is a picture of Panda in the first few pages and pictures of the whole body of StarDuster. 

 “It’s not just some book about hiking, it appeals to everyone who has an animal,” he said. “I’m trying to get people to get emotionally involved with it,” he said. 

The foreword of the book was written by Marilyn Goodreau and Meris Bickford from Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals. 

“The TearDrop Garden is an instant classic that generations of parents will share with their children and grandchildren. It will comfort those who have experienced the death of a loved one and intrigue those who do not fully appreciate the strength of the bond between human being and those they love,” they wrote. 

An animal rights activist, Bruni has seen how the movement has changed from the 1950s, when there were not a lot of veterinarians and if animals got sick, they died. Now, “people are more aware of animal rights,” he said. He has clipping of animal stories that go back decades.  

Bruni has always loved carousels. As a boy he used to go to Old Orchard Beach to listen to the carousel music. The structure burned down around 1968. “To me it was devastating,” he said. “As a kid I would sit and watch and listen to the organ music. It just took you somewhere else.” At one time there were 2,500 wooden carousels in the country, not only 100 are left, he said.  

Bruni carved another horse, an armored horse, before he attempted StarDuster. He had replicas made out of resin and he painted them to sell at various art galleries. He hopes to do the same with StarDuster, although for this horse, which takes a week to paint and do the gold and silver leaf, he expects there to be a limited number. He does plan to sell posters of the cover, and replicas of the bust of StarDuster, he said. The book will also be available as a hardcover and paperback book later in the year.  
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“This is a book to read again and again. Kids will love it, too,” he said. 

Bruni has been a musician for 50 years. The High Ryder Golden Oldies Show plays a handful of gigs a year. Bruni started in the band in 1966 and is the drummer and lead vocalist. 

The TearDrop Garden is available from Cobble Hollow Publishing at www.cobblehollowpublishing.com, on Amazon and iBooks.

Friday, June 3, 2016


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Naturalization Ceremony welcomes 22 new citizens - By Michelle Libby

On Friday morning, 22 people from 17 countries recited an oath and became US citizens at the Windham Veterans Center in a ceremony that was described as very personal by attendees. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 148 hosted the event bringing Immigration Services Officer from United States Customs and Immigration Services Kurt Pelletier, Senator Susan Collins and the ceremony to Windham.

“She likes to be an American. It’s a peaceful place. She’s a victim of war and that’s why she fears it,” said Hassan Adan, a friend and community member of new citizen Saadio Alikaf from Somalia. 

Aileen Pelletier, a member of the auxiliary and Kurt’s wife, suggested that the young auxiliary unit host a Naturalization Ceremony. President Pam Whynot worked tirelessly to coordinate with Sen. Collins office and Kurt as well as the other speakers to make the event special for the candidates.
“I always wanted to live here. It was just a matter of time,” said Irina Sullivan from Kazakhstan. The first thing she will do with her citizenship is vote in November, she said. 

Nothing beat listening to the stories of the new citizens, Whynot said. The ceremony began at 10 a.m., but all of the candidates were there by 9:10 a.m. giving plenty of time for socialization and pictures. “To see them come so early because they’re so excited is amazing,” she added. 

Yong Lu from China wants to live here. “My family is here,” he said. He also can’t wait to vote in the next election. 

The day was about connections, which helped to make the event so special. Each candidate brought
Kurt’s son Devin was given an appointment to the Air Force Academy by Sen. Collins, who was speaking and Kurt was flying out the following morning to Devin’s graduation. When he told the story, there were very few dry eyes in the building. 

“If it wasn’t for Senator Collins, my son wouldn’t be where he is today,” Kurt said. 

Colonel Bob Atkins, USMC. Ret. gave the welcoming remarks. The new citizens can now “practice the religion you want, have a free press and write a letter to the editor. You have the right to send a grievance to Senator Collins, right to bear arms and the right to refuse the military from taking up residence in your home. These freedoms are not free,” he said. He read a poem by Kelly Strong titled “Freedom is not Free” written when she was a senior in high school. 
“I thought, how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?

How many Pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, Freedom is not free.”


Poem affected everyone. 

“Pick out something that you can do to make this a better place. Congratulations and welcome home,” he told the group gathered. 

Senator Collins, who received a standing ovation when she entered the veteran’s center, gave a passionate speech about how precious citizenship is. 
“For those who yearn to breathe free, our freedom has been purchased at the greatest possible cost,” she said. She told the audience that they need to know how precious our birthright is. She also encouraged volunteerism and to do “great acts of selflessness.” The gathering was kept spellbound by her words. 

“It is this philosophy of self-governance that has stood the test of time,” Sen. Collins said. “To be an American by birth or by choice, be proud of your heritage and of your future.” 

Anne Libby also read an essay she wrote as a part of the VFW Voice of Democracy contest. She spoke about how one little action can affect someone’s life profoundly and that it is the citizens who will band together to create change and that it’s not country of birth that binds us, but by the country we call home.

The Windham Primary School third grade chorus sang four selections including God Bless the USA.
“This is the best part of my job,” said Kurt. He told the group that “America is your adopted country,” and that each candidate met the requirements to be citizens and was found to have good moral character. 
The new citizens were from all over the world, Egypt, Estonia, Jamaica, Congo, New Zealand, Turkey and many more. 

“They were so excited to be a citizen,” said Whynot.  

The auxiliary unit is looking forward to hosting another Naturalization Ceremony.



















FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze
A young Marine saluted it, and then
He stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought, how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?

How many Pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, Freedom is not free.

I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin
of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
at the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, Freedom isn't free!!
Copyright 1981 by Kelly Strong

Veterans honored at Memorial Day ceremony in Windham despite call for rain - By Michelle Libby



Despite the cancellation of the parade and ceremony at Windham High School, ceremonies, both solemn and uplifting, were put on by members of Windham Veterans Center and special guests, who paid tribute to the men and women of the five military services who have served the country.

In opening remarks on Memorial Day, former state senator Gary Plummer discussed conflicts throughout American’s history, quoting Maine’s Joshua Chamberlain in words spoken 150 years ago, “We have come here, friends, not for things that die, but for things that cannot die.”

The Field-Allen Post 148 recognized Norma Rogers for supporting the veteran center programs, Brenda Pennels, who will be stepping down from her leadership role at the post, Charlie Tufts for his organization for Red Cross blood drives, and John Hill for his dedication and support for Girls and Boys State.  

Jeff Riddle, teacher at Windham High School, was selected as the American Legion Post 148 Educator of the Year and at the ceremony to recognize him, he was told he was also being recognized as the American Legion Department of Maine Educator of the Year for his “unfaltering support of veterans and the Toby Pennels 5K for the second year,” said Post Commander Mel Greenier. He will be honored at the state level on Saturday, June 18th at 10:45 a.m.

“It’s challenging to receive an award that distinguishes me above my colleagues. I’m humbly honored to receive this recognition today,” Riddle said, emotionally. 

The guest speaker was Mark Franklin from Washington, who is part of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. The Windham post was one of 10,000 around the country to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam conflict. During the conflict the United States lost approximately 380 Vietnam veterans a day.

After the indoor ceremony, which included the reading of Windham and post veterans who have passed in the past year, concluded, Rod Voisine lead the crowd outside in the sunshine to dedicate the new 50th anniversary pavers installed at the Vietnam War memorial. Then veteran commemorative pavers were dedicated. 

Representatives from the Southern Maine Detachment of the Marine Corps League did a 21-gun salute and Dean Preston from Troop 805 played taps on the bugle. In all 169 commemorative pavers were placed to honor living, passed and soldiers killed in action. 

Family members took pictures and honored their loved ones service.