Windham High plans non-traditional events for 2020 graduates

By Elizabeth Richards

High schools across the state are finding creative ways to celebrate graduation and Windham High School is no exception.  This year’s graduation ceremony will be a small personal experience, but students will then have an opportunity to be together in a safe way as they gather at a drive-in theater.

WHS principal Ryan Caron said the school had hoped to have a video celebration now and hold an actual outdoor graduation ceremony in late summer. When state guidelines for August continued to limit gatherings to 50 people, those plans needed to change.   

Individual graduation ceremonies for 2020 graduates at Windham
 High School will be filmed and then shown
 to students and their families at the Saco Drive-In
 in Saco on June 9 with a rain date scheduled for June 10.
 PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

While some schools chose student-centered plans and others were more family focused, Windham developed a two-part plan that allows for both.

“We tried to find the best of both situations, given the limitations.  An opportunity for family to be involved, and also the opportunity for the kids to be together, even if they’re separated by cars,” Caron said.

During the first week in June, students will have an individualized ceremony, by appointment, in the WHS auditorium. A small group of family and friends will be allowed to attend this ceremony. 

Caron said that graduating students will wear caps and gowns and be announced, then walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, awards and scholarships. Photos and video will be taken of these individual ceremonies.

WHS senior Jessica Brooks said she thinks that the school is offering a great option in difficult circumstances. 

Many students were worried that there wouldn’t be any celebration at all, she said.

“Although not being all together for this is disappointing, for a lack of better words, I’m just glad we get the experience to walk across the stage,” Brooks said. “I’m also really glad that family and friends were able to be invited. I relied on my friends and family a lot the last four years, and I was worried they would not be able to be by my side for this accomplishment.”

Following these individual ceremonies, Caron said, a video will be made that includes many elements of a traditional graduation, such as speeches and a class song.  This video will then be shown to students and families at the Saco Drive-In on June 9, with a rain date of June 10. 

Caron said that feedback has been positive, even as people wish they could do something bigger.

“Everybody’s been really understanding,” he said. 

Some families have expressed concern about safety and have told the school they are unlikely to participate. 

Diplomas and gift bags will be mailed to these students, Caron said.

“We’re trying to respect everybody and make it as personalized an experience as we can,” he said.

The attention and concern for everyone is appreciated.

“I think given the circumstances Windham has made the best of a tough situation. It is definitely apparent to me that our teachers and administrators truly care about their students,” said WHS senior Anthony Gugliuzza. “The way in which they have handled these past few months is incredible. It’s a huge testament to who they are as people.”

The drive-in night allows students to be honored in the best way possible, Brooks said, “I’m really happy to be a part of a district that is trying so hard to accommodate everyone as best as possible and make light of a pretty dark situation,” she said. “This graduation is definitely going to be one for the books, and it will be a story and experience we are able to share with younger generations, but I truly hope no one has to face these circumstances again.”

Although the traditional Project Graduation event was canceled, according to Sarah Elliott, chair of the school’s Project Graduation Committee 2020, said they’re planning to do something to bring students back together in late May or early June 2021.

The Project Grad committee also partnered with the school and local business to have lawn signs made up for all seniors. In conjunction with that, they held their last fundraiser, allowing friends, family, teachers, students, and community members to send personal messages to seniors.

These signs and messages were distributed on Friday, May 22 and Tuesday, May 26.

Arrangements can be made for any seniors who were not able to pick these up at those times.

Elliot said it was a touching experience to see the time and thought people put into the messages they sent. 

She said that the event next year is a way to give students an opportunity to be together one last time, when social distancing is more relaxed.  While it is uncertain what the event will be, Elliot said that they want to keep it similar in spirit to what they would have done originally while keeping it more local.

“We want to include as many graduates as possible,” Elliott said.

An Instagram page has been set up to continue communication throughout the year and as the event draws closer, she said.

To arrange sign pick-up and for more information, contact Elliott at plummersplace76@gmail.com. <

A salute to local veterans on Memorial Day

By Dave Tanguay

Field-Allen Post Adjutant

Special to The Windham Eagle 

No, I’m not morbid or morose. I do read the local newspaper obits online each day for a good reason.  The Field-Allen Post makes a point of recognizing each veteran from the Town of Windham during their Memorial Day Celebration with the tolling of a ceremonial bell after reading of their names to the assembled community.

This recognition has been going on for over 20 years. Any veteran who has had any connection to Windham by birth, work, schooling, residence or retirement is acknowledged.  It is sometimes a daunting task, particularly when not everyone gets an obituary.

Some obits are short and succinct, Others go on about the many accomplishments of the individual and all the lives they’ve touched.

There is one common theme, obits short or long almost always make a statement about the military status of the individual whether they served a brief time or made a career of the service. There is a deep sense of pride that goes along with that one item in the obit. Those that you leave behind consider your veteran’s status a great accomplishment often listing it in the first paragraph or so.

Two thoughts come to mind. One, If that service was important to the family, then it should be recognized by the veteran’s organizations in the community whether it be by an annual community ceremony or, if the post has an Honor guard, by making themselves available for appropriate honors at the funeral, wake, celebration of life, or internment.

That one, short investment of time on the part of the Honor Guard member pays untold dividends in the community and for many Honor Guard members instill a sense of pride and worth in being able   This is a win-win situation.

to support a fellow veteran and their family.

Second, as a veteran, you have the opportunity now to support other veterans. There may come a point in your life when after years of family and work there is a void or a need to affiliate with something new, a new challenge.  Serving other veterans and the youth of your community is a viable, rewarding option that may be found with your local American Legion Post. 

As noted, for the last 20 years, the American Legion Field-Allen Post in Windham has been honoring the town’s veterans who had passed away the previous year.  If the veteran was born and raised in Windham, schooled in Windham, worked in Windham or lived here later in life, the post recognized them on Memorial Day.   That is why the obits are scrutinized daily. Unfortunately, the list may not be complete.

This year, unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 situation the Memorial Bay bell tolling ceremony that honors these veterans will not take place.  I have provided a list of all the veterans that I have been able to find who passed away this year.  It is hoped that a ceremony might take place later in the year. In the interim, the Post will keep these veterans in their collective thoughts and prayers.

If a Veteran has been omitted, please give me a call at 892-1306

The Field-Allen Post has an Honor Guard that can be scheduled for military honors on a case basis

when the Corvid-19 situation allows.

Roll Call of Obituaries for Windham veterans

May 2019 to May 2020

Roger Beaudoin

James Cairns

Clayton Crummett

Wesley Estes

James Gaudet

Wilbur Harris

John Herald Sr

George Honnewell

Gerry Jacobs

Galen Jordon

Dan Keef

Joshua Kuuseal

Sidney Leighton

Norman Raymond Lock

Glenn Libby

David Mac Vane

Brian McAvoy

Robert Newberry

Dennis Potter

Alan Saunders

Weston Shaw

Richard Small

David Smith

Richard Southard

John Swanson

James Taylor

Ronald Tilton

George Webber

Lakes Region Explorer to resume regular bus service soon

Lakes Region Explorer bus service is
 expected to resume within 10 days,
but with a scaled-back ridership because
of social distancing restrictions.
(Submitted photo)

By Ed Pierce

A decision to resume regular service for the Lakes Region Explorer bus is forthcoming as the state slowly lifts coronavirus travel restrictions between local communities.

The Lakes Region Explorer offers service along Route 302 from Bridgton to Portland, with stops along the way in Naples, Casco, Raymond, Windham, and Westbrook. Operated by the Regional Transportation Program, bus service in the area has been mostly shut down since March because of travel restrictions imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“Safety first will guide our decision to restart the Lakes Region Explorer and our paratransit services,” said Jack De Beradinis, the executive director of the Regional Transportation Program. “We will notify the public shortly, probably within 10 days of so, regarding the startup of the Lakes Region Explorer.”

De Beradinis said RTP will probably reduce its daily weekday service to three round trips for the Lakes Region Explorer.

“Specific information regarding the Explorer service will follow shortly.”

According to De Beradinis, prior to the pandemic, the Lakes Region Explorer was providing about 10,500 trips annually.

“The first run leaving Bridgton at 6 a.m. and the return trip leaving Portland at 5:30 p.m. have been the runs most used,” he said. “I anticipate that our service will be restored gradually over the next few months and the agency will prevail through the challenging times.”

The bus capacity for the Lakes Region Explorer is 24 ambulatory seats and placements for two wheelchairs, but because of preventative social distancing as a result of the pandemic, the number of passengers may be limited once service resumes.

“We will need to restrict ridership between six to 10 riders at one time in order to maintain the minimum six-foot distance,” De Beradinis said. “In the summer we usually transport more than 15 riders at one time on these two runs.”

ADA transportation for those with disabilities offered by RTP in the Lakes Region has continued since travel restrictions were imposed by the state in March.

“The demand has been very limited, and we use taxis to transport these riders unless an RTP van is required,” De Beradinis said.

RTP has also pledged to riders and local communities to provide seasonal Saturday service between Memorial Day and Labor Day, although it will be limited along with other services because of coronavirus health concerns.

The fare for the Lakes Region Explorer for a one-way trip is $3 with discounts for monthly passes, seniors and students. Those who cannot afford the fare can ride free of charge.

Currently RTP has suspended all rider fares through June 30 and will not bill the towns it serves with the Lakes Region Explorer for the period of April1 to June 30, De Beradinis said.

Established in 1976, RTP was formed by combining the transportation services provided by the Portland Chapter of the American Red Cross, York-Cumberland Senior Services and the Social Services of the Greater Portland Transit District. It is a United Way agency providing low-cost transportation to the elderly, social service agency clients, the economically disadvantaged and persons with disabilities throughout Cumberland County and serves a total of 27 communities. <

Windham begins ‘soft opening’ with focus on safety, service to residents

By Lorraine Glowczak

As the COVID-19 state restrictions slowly lift, Windham’s Town Hall has officially taken steps to open its doors to the public as of Monday, May 18 and will continue to do so until further notice.

The hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and will include a maximum capacity of 15 customers at one time in the building. Other measures are in place to protect all involved with this ‘soft opening’ to avoid exposure.

“Our main goal is to keep both town employees and the residents as safe as possible,” Windham Town Manager, Barry Tibbetts said. “To do so, there are many procedures we have put in place to guard against the spread of the virus.”

The preventative actions include staff not only wearing masks and gloves as well as providing a greeter at the door to maintain the required social distancing measures, but wet mats with a chorine solution also will be placed at the door’s entrance and employees will have their temperatures taken upon arrival to work. (Police/EMS/Fire employees’ temperatures will be taken twice a day because of their extent of public exposure).

Private offices will be closed to the public and all important and necessary meetings that must take place in person will be held in conference rooms where proper social distancing can be adhered to. Additionally, all paperwork will be processed with ultraviolet (UV) wands and set aside for three days.

“We will process all registrations, paperwork and incoming mail with UV wands which can kill most of the virus instantaneously,” said Tibbetts. “Once it goes through that process, everything will be set aside for three days to eliminate any possibility of spreading COVID-19 onto the employees.”

In addition to these safety precautions, Tibbetts said that Ion Air Purifiers have been installed at Town Hall. Windows will be open and fans have been placed around the hallway areas to create a fresh airflow to prevent any lingering droplets of coronavirus.

Protective shields have been installed for both the staff and residents. Tibbetts said that 6-foot spacing is being used between all visitors.

Should anyone who experiences any symptoms after visiting the Windham Town Hall, please notify town management so it can alert town staff. If you forget your mask, they will have some available for visitors.   

“For those who do not want to wear a mask, we will offer special in person appointments from 8 to 9 a.m.,” Tibbetts said. “I am certain no one wants to get sick. We are only as safe as we collectively want to be.”

For further questions or information, contact the Town Manager’s office at (207) 892-1907 or batibbetts@windhammaine.us.

Windham Community Garden prepares for growing season

By Elizabeth Richards

With the weather finally turning warm, the Windham Community Garden is open to gardeners, as long as they follow some specific protocols.

Priscilla Payne, Secretary of the Windham Community Garden committee, said there are 80 beds available, and they are going quickly, with just a few left to be rented.

“We are getting off to a slow start due to the colder weather but there are green things beginning to show up,” she said. “We have a solid group of returning gardeners and some new gardeners. It seems like many more folks are looking to provide their own food during these times of Covid-19.”

Because of COVID-19, the committee has developed protocols designed to protect the safety and health of both the garden community and the community in general. These protocols were sent in a document to all gardeners and include some standard guidelines as well as some specific instructions around tool cleaning and usage.

The general protocols include not coming to the garden while sick or if you think you may have been exposed to the virus; wearing a mask and maintaining a social distance of at least 6 feet if other gardeners are present; bringing personal gardening tools if possible; and carrying disposable items in and out, leaving nothing behind in the garden.

While at the garden, people are expected to have the following supplies on hand: face mask, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, gloves, a trash bag, and a spray bottle containing a bleach and water mixture.

Payne said that the committee will depend on the honor system for enforcement of protocols at times.

“Committee members cannot be at the garden all the time and so we are depending on the gardeners to police themselves,” she said. “The committee members will model the correct behavior.  For example, yesterday I went to the garden and there was another gardener there, so I wore my mask and we stayed more than 6 feet away.”

Gardeners using tools that belong to the Community Garden must wash and sanitize these tools both before and after use.  They are also asked to use disinfectant wipes or a bleach solution on the combination locks before and after use, on hose sprayers and faucet handles before and after use, and on the gate handle before and after entering.

With these protocols in place, the Community Garden is open and ready for gardeners – and with most beds already rented, it’s clear that gardeners are ready too.  “It looks like it’s going to be a busy year,” said Payne.

For more information or to sign up to participate, visit website  http://www.windhamcommunitygarden.org/rent-a-bed.html  <

Legal help for elderly available at no cost

Legal Services for the Elderly is a nonprofit organization that has provided free legal help for Maine residents ages 60 and older since 1974.

Call the Legal Services for the Elderly Helpline at 1-800-750-5353 for assistance.

Services are free and confidential.

To get free help for limited-income Mainers of any age who are having trouble getting or affording their medications through Medicare, call Legal Services for the Elderly’s Medicare Part D Appeals Unit toll-free at 1-877-774-7772. <

Windham launches new way to celebrate SummerFest, but event spirit remains

By Matt Pascarella

The good news: the Summerfest Committee is committed to having fireworks and a celebration at a later date, once it is safe to do so.

The other news: Last month, because of the pandemic, the Summerfest Committee made the decision Summerfest will be a virtual event held on the Summerfest Facebook page.

Previously known as Old Home Days, Summerfest has always been a great way for residents to celebrate Windham. This free, family-friendly event lets everyone gather to kick off the start of summer.

Due to Covid-19, public events of more than 50 people are prohibited into June, July and August under Governor Janet Mills’ timeline to reopen the state.

“We decided to err on the side of caution and try a virtual event,” said committee co-chair Robin Mullins.

The Windham Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is to create a sense of community and unity through people, parks and programs. Like many of us, since the pandemic, the department has had to change the way they do things, but they haven’t stopped doing them. They are a profession dedicated to providing worthwhile activities for people’s leisure – even in these uncertain times.

Some of the event activities include:

• Hometown Hero award (sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America): Download the submission
form at www.windhamsummerfest.com. The deadline for nominations is May 29. Modern Woodmen Hometown Hero will be announced at the June 9 Town Council Meeting.

• Old videos and footage of past Summerfests: You can post to the Summerfest Facebook page or if you are not on Facebook, submit photos to Parks@Recreation@windhammaine.us – please provide your name and they will post your submissions on the Summerfest Facebook page

• Weekly photo contests

Leading up to Summerfest, there will be weekly themed photo competitions on the Summerfest Facebook page or email your submissions to Parks&Recreation@windhammaine.us. Please provide your name and they will post your photo on the Summerfest page.

photo contest Themes:

• May 16 to May 22 – Pets & Livestock

• May 23 to May 29 – Memorial Day – Honoring Our Veterans

• May 30 to June 5 – Windham’s Lawns, Gardens and Great Outdoors

• June 6 to June 12 – Windham Eagle Spirit Week

• June 13 to June 19 – Celebrating Maine’s Bicentennial

• June 18 to June 22 – Summerfest Participants Showcase: Past years organizations, nonprofits,
businesses, community groups, vendors, crafters, parade participants, bands and performers will be invited to share their profiles/websites/information on the Summerfest Facebook page.

• More to come

“The Summerfest committee is dedicated to working together to make this the best virtual event possible. It’s certainly not what we wanted, but it’s the hand we have been dealt,” said Mullins.

As always, the committee plans to give it their all.

“Summerfest’s mission is Bringing Unity to the Community,” said the liaison for vendors and crafts Barb Maurais. “The committee felt that it was important that we continue our Summerfest tradition and celebration even with the social distancing restrictions. Since we wouldn’t be able to gather, the 

Virtual Summerfest will be our way of bringing Windham residents together especially during the celebration of Maine’s Bicentennial.”

The weekly winner will be determined by the most “likes” on her/his photo and will receive a very special prize from Windham Parks & Recreation.

Would you like to get involved – from a safe distance? Please visit windhamsummerfest.com and reach out to any of the committee members or the Parks and Recreation Department for ways to help.

If you have questions please email: info@windhamsummerfest.com

And of course, follow Summerfest on Facebook for updates and ongoing coverage of the exciting  (and different) happenings. <

Introducing new managing editor: Ed Pierce to take the reins next week

Ed Pierce is the new Managing Editor of
The Windham Eagle with the May 22 edition.

By Lorraine Glowczak

It was 45 years ago when Ed Pierce launched his professional career in journalism, beginning with the United Press International wire service as a reporter in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

From there, he has landed in many other professional reporter and editorial positions around the U.S. that include more than 13 publications. His latest position was as Executive Editor of The Journal Tribune in Biddeford. In 2019 he decided to retire. However, Pierce discovered that retirement did not suit his personality.

“There are only so many things you can do on your wife’s ‘to-do’ list,” Pierce said. “I was starting to miss being a part of a community and to report on important stories that matter.”

Reporting on and writing stories have come to Pierce naturally but his initial goal during his early teens was to be a basketball coach at Syracuse University near the town where he grew up. But it was a writing contest he entered in October 1966, sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

“My junior high school English and Social Studies teachers encouraged me to enter the 1,000 word-essay,” Pierce said. “The subject required was citizenship and patriotism.”  

Out of 3,500 essays submitted around the U.S., Pierce won first place. This earned him and his father an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. to present and read his winning essay to his U.S. Senator – who happened to be Bobby Kennedy.

“When I was finished presenting my essay to Bobby Kennedy, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life,” Pierce said. “I told him about my thoughts on becoming a coach. He then said to me, ‘Someone who writes like you should consider a career in journalism. As a politician he could propose and enact all the laws imaginable. But the one thing I can’t do as a politician that a journalist can do is to move people emotionally and make a difference in our society.”

Obviously, Pierce took Senator Kennedy’s advice to heart and has dedicated his life to journalism, gaining accolades and winning many awards along the way. His years of experience has taught him many valuable lessons on success.

“The keys to being successful in journalism are simple. First of all, you have to be accurate for without that as a journalist, your credibility is at stake. Second, you have to be reliable, resourceful and have a strong instinct about what is important in gathering information to tell a story. You must always be on time because the news doesn't wait or happen on your timetable. Most importantly, you have to always be objective. You cannot ever try to impose your own opinions or suppositions about the news. The First Amendment was included in the Bill of Rights for a reason and that is to ensure an independent press and the freedom to communicate freely. Therefore, I see it as an obligation to remain objective at all times as a journalist.”

As most reporters who enter the field of writing, it is the goal to contribute to the lives of others and make a difference in the world in some small way. Pierce shares one story that he considers his most memorable.

“When I was working in New Hampshire, the governor at the time, Maggie Hassan, was invited to speak at the New Hampshire Veterans Homes,” Pierce said. “I was assigned to cover the story. While I was there, I met a veteran, George Nichols, who found out I was a reporter and he asked if I could help him obtain his Purple Heart.”

Nichols was a medic during World War II and was at the Battle of Anzio Beach in Italy. Nichols was charged with carrying wound soldiers from the beach to the medic tent. He did this 18 times before mortar shrapnel impaled his right leg. At one point after he was wounded, his First Sergeant told him that he would be put in for a Purple Heart for being wounded in combat.

“He was discharged without ever obtaining the Purple Heart and it had been his goal to attain the honorary award,” said Pierce. “He had been appealing his local and state legislators but to no avail.”

Nichols was denied the Purple Heart because his military records were damaged in a fire at the repository warehouse located in St. Louis, Missouri in 1973. And therefore, no documentation was available to authenticate his wounds.

“I told him that I wouldn’t be able to help him obtain his Purple Heart, but I would be willing to share his story with other and hope somebody would do the right thing,” Pierce said.

Pierce’s article was picked up by the Associated Press and was read nationwide. The owner of the Boston Globe, who was also the majority owner of the Boston Red Sox, reached out to Pierce explaining that the Red Sox would be celebrating Armed Forces Day and would like to invite Nichols to throw the first pitch.

“Nichols told me that he attended a Red Sox game for the first time in 1929 and it was a dream of his to throw the first pitch,” Pierce said. “I wasn’t able to help him get his PurpleHheart, but I was at least able to help him reach another dream.”

Nichols died one year later.

Feature stories such as these as well as positive and solutions-based new coverage is important to Pierce’s personal mission. His journalistic principles align with the mission of The Windham Eagle newspaper.

“Readers have a right to expect timely articles about all of the accomplishments that students, teachers, staff and school programs have made or will make in the future,” Pierce said. “They also should expect to read about how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent by Windham and Raymond governments and by county and state governments and how programs operated by those governments work. The newspaper should be a go-to informative resource for when and where road and bridge projects will take place; changes in church leadership or worship times; veterans gatherings; interesting feature articles about local residents; scout projects; shining a spotlight on local businesses; and basically anything newsworthy in the community that has an impact upon the day to day lives of people who live here. That is how I will approach this job. I will answer every email and every phone call courteously and promptly and do my best to continue to make this paper worth reading.”   

Chamber and town collaborate with restaurants to provide free food for Windham seniors

By Lorraine Glowczak

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Windham Parks and Recreation Department, Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce have joined forces with local restaurants to offer free meals to-go for senior residents ages 65 and above in the Windham community.

The prepared meals will begin this Friday, May 8 with curb-side pick up from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Windham Town Hall, 8 School Road, and will continue every Friday at the same time until further notice. Individuals who are interested in the free meals are requested to provide an RSVP to the Parks and Recreation Department by calling 892-1905 or email at parks&recreation@windhammaine.us. The RSVP must be submitted by noon on Thursdays.

“The intention of the free senior meal to-go program is to give our seniors citizens in need a healthy food option while at the same time, help Windham restaurants keep working and stay busy,” stated Linda Brooks, Director of the Windham Parks and Recreation Department. She further explained the town has scholarship money set aside for senior programming. Following the lead from the Saco Parks and Recreation Department, who has started a similar free food plan, Brooks thought offering something similar in Windham would be a great option for the community.

“When I approached Tom Bartell, Director of the WEDC and Robin Mullins, Director of the Chamber about this idea, they both thought it was a perfect way to use the scholarships funds to assist both seniors and area businesses,” Brooks said.

The WEDC and Chamber then approached Windham restaurants to see who might be interested in participating.

“When I received a call from Tom about this free meal to go program, I was on board immediately,” stated Nick Kalogerakis, owner of the Elbow Room Bistro. Kalogerakis had already begun a similar free senior meal program on his own at his restaurant when the COVID-19 social distancing measures began.

“I wanted to make sure there were no seniors going hungry, “he stated. “We are an older state and I am concerned about those who do not have siblings or children to look in after them. So, I was very happy that they called me to be a part of this collaboration.”

Frank Merced, owner of Franco’s Bistro, is also participating with the town on this endeavor. “I received a call from Robin Mullins at the Chamber, and I thought it was a fabulous idea,” Merced began. “We are all struggling – including myself – and I want to be a part of the solution in this struggle and help in any way I can.”

Each week, a participating restaurant will be selected to make the meals. The Elbow Room Bistro will be the first to offer toward the food-to-go program and the initial menu item to be offered will be Shephard’s Pie with gravy. Next Friday’s meal, offered by Franco’s Bistro, will include either lasagna or fettuccine with meatballs.

Brooks noted that the free curb-side meal to go for seniors will follow social distancing recommendations. Individuals will be able to easily pick up meal’s curbside in the town’s parking lot.

If you would like to sponsor this program, please notify Mark Morrison, Mark.morrison815@gmail.com. If you would like to be a participating restaurant, please notify Robin Mullins, director@sebagolakeschamber.com.

It has been incredible to witness the community banding together. Thank you for continuing to support Windham Seniors and local restaurants.

Byron’s Bloom Bombs explode with popularity, bringing sunshine to essential workers

Byron Davis with his sister Clara

By Lorraine Glowczak

It all began with a mother’s intent to keep her family active during the stay at home initiative by deep cleaning their house, one room at a time. “I named it the ‘COVID Clean Out,’” stated Stacy Davis. 

On an afternoon about a month ago, while tackling the kitchen, Stacy and her 9-year old son Byron came across papered flower discs made by a former classmate given as a Valentine’s Day gift. “Let’s plant these in our flower garden,” Stacy suggested to Byron. They did, but Byron was inspired to go a step further. “I want to make these discs and give them away to all the essential workers to bring some happiness to them.”

Immediately, they began to search the house to see if they had all the materials needed to make the homemade plantable paper embedded with flower seeds. Stacy and Byron discovered they had enough material to make 50 discs and decided to name their philanthropic efforts, Byron’s Bloom Bombs.

The family, which includes Byron’s 5-year-old sister, Clara and his father, Jeremie, got busy instantly. This also included a surprise from Bryon’s grandmother, June Davis, when she personally delivered several specially designed “Byron’s Bloom Bomb” t-shirts to the Davis home.

A Facebook page was also established to help spread the word and make Byron’s vision a reality. In the first post, dated April 10 at 6:10 p.m., Byron, who is a third-grade student at Windham Primary School shared his thoughts, introducing the idea. “In looking for things to do while stuck at home, my mom and I came upon making papered flower discs. In seeing these, I thought what better way to show those on the COVID front lines that we appreciate them. Flowers always bring brightness to someone, so my hope is that these bloom bombs can do the same.”

Stacy was stunned when she woke up the next morning. “I checked the Facebook page and was shocked to see that we already had 100 likes,” Stacy said. “The news and support that Byron has received has quite literally….’blown up’….excuse the pun.” 

And explode it has! In less than a month, Byron’s Bloom Bombs mission has given away a total 950 paper flower discs to essential workers in and around the greater Windham area. So far, they have delivered to the following locations: Shaws, CVS, Walgreen, Walmart, Maine Medical Center, Spring Harbor Hospital and Maine Urology. The family has also mailed Byron Bloom Bombs to friends and family members who work on the COVID front line in Madison, Fort Kent and Lewiston. 

To ensure they reach as many essential workers in the area as possible, they enlist the help from others through their Facebook page by doing drawings for free homemade bloom bombs, requesting that some of the papered flower discs are given away at a store or medical facility near the winner’s hometown community.

Byron and his family have also highlighted local sport favorites and have shown appreciation to teachers during this COVID-19 time.

When asked what he has learned the most about his charitable adventure, Byron stated, “Front line workers do not always mean they work in a hospital. It includes people who work at grocery stores, gas stations and convenience stores.”

Byron was also quick to mention his gratitude to Ms. Fries, his third-grade teacher. “She has always been his cheerleader – always helpful and always encouraging,” Stacy said.

He and his family also recognize and are grateful for the incredible support and encouragement they have received from the community – that has now expanded from as far north as Presque Isle, to as far south as Connecticut. 

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think this would take off as it has, but we are thrilled. It is because of the front like workers and your encouragement that we will continue this project to show our appreciation,” Stacy wrote on Facebook recently.

To support and encourage Byron’s vision, please be sure to like and share the Byron Bloom Bombs Facebook page.

Windham Middle School student reminds community about the importance of social distancing

Lyssi Faith Yekeh

By Elizabeth Richards

Social distancing can be difficult, especially for young people. One Windham Middle School seventh-grade student understands the importance of the safety measures and wants to share her point of view with the community.

Lyssi Faith Yekeh designed a poster to show kindness as well as to point out that taking these steps now can help everyone have a fun summer. If everyone follows social distancing guidelines, she said, things like summer camps, pools, restaurants and other things people enjoy in their everyday lives can begin to open.  People would also be allowed to visit family members, like those in nursing homes, she added.

Yekeh said the hardest part of social distancing for her is not going to school or seeing family and friends. “I like to have fun with everyone I care about,” she said.

That doesn’t mean she isn’t staying connected, however.  “What's working is that I can do zoom calls with my family, teachers, and my friends so we don't forget each other,” she said.

Yekeh has displayed her poster on Facebook and reached out to the Windham Eagle to help her get her message out to the community. “I would like people to know that we can do this if we all work together.” Staying the recommended 6 feet away will help protect everyone, from babies to grandparents, she said.

“This wasn’t a school project. I thought that I could put my voice out there to help others know we are all in this together,” she said. “I hope people will read my poster and understand the importance of the coronavirus and how social distancing is important to keep us alive or safe.”

Raymond Nurse Anesthetist and Windham RN share experiences on the COVID-19 front line

Melinda Zimmer-Rankin at work in the
ICU at New York Presbyterian Hospital

By Lorraine Glowczak

Although no one gets to escape the challenges we face these days - nurses, doctors, and other health care employees are experiencing a new level of stress, tension and exhaustion as they care for COVID-19 patients.

Raymond Nurse Anesthetist Melinda Zimmer-Rankin is currently working at New York–Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and Windham Registered Nurse Deb Akerley works in the ICU COVID-19 unit at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Both medical professionals took time out of their 12-hour workdays to share their stories because they believe what they have to say will help provide education on the seriousness of the coronavirus that puts our lives and businesses at a stand-still – and permanently ends life for many others.

Akerley has worked as a Registered Nurse for nine years, beginning her career as a Certified Nurses Aid for three years. Both positions, a total of 12 years, were at Maine Med’s Intensive Care Unit. 

Although she states she is good, for the most part, at compartmentalizing the emotional toll that goes with being an ICU Nurse, she admits these last two months have challenged her usual level of energy. “I have realized that by the third 12-hour day, I need a break,” she said.

The good news is the number of COVID-19 patients at Maine Med have remained lower than what the facility and medical staff have prepared for. However, every life is important, and one COVID-19 death is one too many. “By the time people reach the ICU, they are in a very serious condition and must be put on breathing machines,” Akerley explained. “They are usually intubated for two to three weeks and from there, they move onto intermediate care, often requiring various forms of physical, respiratory and occupational therapy – for quite some time.”

Akerley explained that the COVID-19 virus has been a revolving door of learning experiences. “When we discovered that the virus attacked the respiratory system, it wasn’t long until we then discovered it was also compromising other organs and it’s possible that people will eventually develop blood clots due to their lack of mobility from lying in bed so long (despite working with Physical and Occupational Therapists and being turned in bed every two hours)”.

Most of the individuals who are under Akerley’s care have deficient immune systems. Although there are a few young patients who are currently struggling in the ICU, most are over 60 years of age. And, unfortunately, Akeley has witnessed those who have lost their battle against COVID-19.

Deb Akerley at home on one of her days off. She
stated that she feels lucky to have co-workers
who feel like family.

To maintain a sense of calm in such circumstances, Akerley has a support system among her team members. “I am fortunate that my co-workers and I have worked with each other for quite some time and they have become a family to me. We are there for each other – we vent, we cry, we laugh, we eat all the wonderful food donated to the hospital by area restaurants – and we even check in with each other when we aren’t working.”

But perhaps one of the greatest challenges Akerley faces is not while she is working at the hospital. “I haven’t hugged my parents or have had dinner with them, for over two months.” Her father is 84 and her mother is 76.

When asked her perspective of the current COVID-19 situation and prevention, she hopes that people do not stop social distancing. “I hope people do not think that everything is fine. It is far from it and we need to take this virus seriously.”

She does feel fortunate that we live in a state that is not too populated and most likely will not see a peak in aggressive cases if people continue to social distance.

The very populated New York City, on the other hand, has seen more aggressive cases than one could have ever imaged. “Over 12,900 people have died in New York City as of April 28^th and over 160,000 confirmed cases. This does not include those who have not been confirmed due to limited testing. “stated Zimmer-Rankin.

The good news is the numbers and admissions are slowly receding but it’s still overwhelming and there are still very sick people who are trying to survive. “There are still 100s, and 100s and 100s and 100s of people surviving on ventilators in New York,” she said. “It still feels like I am in a war-zone”.

Zimmer-Rankin who works full-time in the operating room at York Hospital in Maine, recently took a leave of absence without pay. Since elective and non-essential surgeries are being temporarily discontinued due fear of COVID-19, and work was not available at the hospital - she felt compelled to continue working. “I could have stayed at home and got paid but I am aware of what the financial backlash for the hospital will be once this is over, so I began looking to see where I could be best utilized in New York City.”

She applied for a nursing position at a traveling nurse organization and was hired immediately, along with 70 other nurses from around the U.S., at Winthrop University Hospital on Long Island, NY. “I would have loved to stay at home but since I already have a studio apartment in New York, I just believed it was something I was called and should do.” Long Island was considered the “hot spot” for COVID-19.

Her beginning experiences on the coronavirus frontline were difficult and taxing, to say the least. The first three days were spent in virtual training. Training, she said, that was inadequate and did not prepare the nurses for beside orientation such as computer access and where needed medical items were stored within the hospital.  

“My assignment was in the COVID positive unit,” Zimmer-Rankin began. “I oversaw 16 patients that were in a conference room converted in an intensive care unit. All patients were intubated and in serious condition. One of my first patients, a man in his early 40s, was the first person I checked in on. I checked all his vitals and they were fine - and he was following commands appropriately. Within an hour, I was doing CPR. He passed away a half hour after that.”

In addition to the stress associated with losing a patient 1 and ½ hours after starting her first shift, other challenges included not being about to sit down during her 12 hour shift, having only a few minutes for lunch and rarely having time for restroom breaks. “What the h… was I thinking,” she wrote on her personal Facebook page three days after her assignment.

Feeling she needed more of a supportive environment, she accepted another job offer from the same organization – this time as a Nurse Practitioner at New York–Presbyterian Hospital. This hospital was closer to her studio apartment, requiring less travel time.

Although still stressful and traumatic for all medical staff, Zimmer-Rankin states that she received more adequate training at the well-known research hospital and now works with the same medical team, often caring for the same patients for three days in a row, all of which makes the job less nerve-wracking. Additionally, the tasks now required of her are much more manageable. “My responsibilities are to assess the patients, look to see if there's been changes within the last 24 hours, manage the vents, the drips, put orders in for everything and make consultations.”

But even in the midst of this harrowing crisis, Zimmer-Rankin has experienced some charming moments within the past six weeks. She recalls the day not long after she began working at New York Presbyterian, she decided to walk home from work. “Rite-Aid had placed flowers outside their doors, and they were free to anyone who needed something to lift them up. I chose the most beautiful orchid because orchid flowers tend to keep their bloom for a long time,” she said. That orchid now sits on her kitchen counter in NYC to remind her that beauty still exists in the world.

Zimmer-Rankin also has her very own, dedicated NYC Uber driver to take her to work in the mornings. “I could easily walk to work, but I like to arrive early – at least by 6 a.m., to study my patients and go over all the charts before my shift begins,” she explained. “My Uber driver speaks little English, but we manage to communicate. He told me that he needs gloves and facemasks to give to his passengers who climb in for a ride and do not wear any protective gear.”

She continued, “He has a young family and wants to keep them safe – while at the same time, making the money they desperately need. We’ve made an arrangement that if he picks me up at the same time every day, I will reach out to my friends who make masks and provide him with those. Only once he was late, and that was because he was wiping down his vehicle from the last drop off. It’s been a perfect passenger/Uber Driver relationship. Last week, I was able to give him six homemade masks. 

So, he only charges me $10 rather than the normal $30 ride that only takes about five minutes.”

And then, of course, there is the food. “There is plenty of food being donated from fabulous restaurants to hospital staff so, needless to say, I'm eating well.”

Although Zimmer-Rankin is still compelled to help others, she admits she is not a savior. “My expectations are that I'm not going to save everyone, but I’m here to provide care in the best compassionate way I am capable. That’s all I can do.”

As for her perception on social distancing measures, she encourages people to self-isolate as much as possible. “Continue to wear a mask and avoid public places where there are large crowds,” she said. “If and when things do open up, continue to use caution and wear a mask – especially for those who have autoimmune disorders, diabetes, asthma, COPD or any other chronic health conditions.  I also encourage people to listen to the advice of Dr. Shah of the Maine CDC.”

Thank you, Melinda Zimmer-Rankin and Deb Akerley, for taking the time to share your experiences, stories and thoughts with our readers.

This article is dedicated to all medical staff and other essential employees, who risk their own lives, to care for the lives of others.