Preparations for Windham Summerfest ramping up

By Masha Yurkevich

The beginning of June means that Windham Summerfest is coming up soon, and once again this year it promises to be a daylong event filled with fun activities and getting to know your community better.

Windham Summerfest is welcoming back the popular band 
Motor Booty Affair for a performance at this year's festivities
on Saturday, June 21. COURTESY PHOTO 

The event is being held on Saturday, June 21 at Windham High School. The Summerfest parade line-up starts at 11 a.m. and the parade kicking off at noon. All other activities following the event will start at 1 p.m. at WHS.

The Grand Marshal for the Windham Summerfest Parade will be Charlie Hammond, former Windham Fire Chief. The Modern Woodmen of American Hometown Hero for this year will be the “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” Foundation created by Bill Diamond of Windham.

“The mission statement we use is ‘Bringing Unity to the Community,’” says Deb Matthews, Chair of the Windham Summerfest. “We all feel that sharing this day with our families, neighbors and fellow community members shows us what an amazing town that Windham is. We want everyone to join us for a free fun filled day and make the best of it.”

She suggests visiting and bringing a picnic lunch, some folding chairs and spending the day with the community.

Not only is the Windham Summerfest a fun way to spend the day, but it is also a wonderful way to get some advance Christmas shopping done while supporting your local community vendors.

As participants, many often do not see everything that goes into preparation for the Summerfest and all the challenges that come with it.

“A big challenge and difference that we are faced with is trying to keep it fresh and new,” says Matthews. “We want to engage all ages with the offerings, with the music and the activities. We are always on the lookout for a new way to entertain the community members whether it is a new musician or a different activity. We always welcome new committee members with a different perspective. Each year presents us with new challenges, and we face them head on. I think the biggest challenge this year was the rising cost of so many of our offerings. We have so many generous business sponsors and many had to cut back. We appreciate every single one of our sponsors and their continued support. We also have to thank the Town of Windham and Windham Parks and Recreation; without their financial support and day to day help, we would not be able to do this.”

For Matthews, one of her favorite parts about the Summerfest is the music.

“As always, I am excited about the music. The bands this year truly offer a variety of sounds for many generations. Motor Booty Affair always has us on our feet, dancing the night away and waiting for the fireworks. Them Talking Monkeys start the day at 1 p.m. with a mix of 70s and 80s rock that will have you jumping out of your seat. The Vista Cruisers will make the 3 p.m. start time fun for the ‘oldies’ lovers in the crowd,” says Matthews. “We will have a ‘block’ party before the parade at the corner of Windham Center Road and Route 202 with Tyler Dhone performing from 10:30 a.m. until the parade kicks off at noon. This is our latest change to try to bring people out and enjoy this special day.”

While the event will go on rain or shine, Matthews and everybody involved in the event are hoping for sunny skies.

“We have had many years of Summerfest being cold or rainy, this year we are all praying for sunshine,” says Matthews.

Michael O’Neal with Keeping Kids Safe will also be present at Summerfest. O’Neal is a former part time Deputy Sheriff for Cumberland County for over 17 years and is the founder of Keeping Kids Safe (KKS), a non-profit which started in 2008. Keeping Kids Safe offers personal safety training and teaches the Grip, Dip, and Spin technique that could help save children from predators. He also teaches various other child-friendly programs and educational programs like anti-bullying, internet safety, and date escape.

Apart from selling hamburgers at Summerfest, O’Neal spreads awareness about internet safety and about what Keeping Kids Safe does.

“We teach our kids the Stop, Drop, and Roll method in fire but we never taught our kids what to do if a stranger grabs them,” says O’Neal. “Social media is a great tool, but also a very dangerous one.”

2025 Summerfest promises to be a day full of fun and the community is strongly encouraged to attend the event and enjoy live music, local food, and end the day with fireworks.

“We want the community to know that the event is free to all,” says Matthews. “If you choose to purchase food from the nonprofit food vendors or from one of our many talented crafter/vendors, that would be amazing but not required. We just want everyone to know we do it for the whole community and hope that they have one of the best days.” <

RSU 14 budget passes, Raymond elects municipal candidates

By Ed Pierce

By a margin of just 200 votes, the RSU 14 annual budget was approved by voters in Windham and Raymond during Tuesday’s election.

Raymond voters have elected Susan Accardi, left, to the
RSU 14 Board of Directors, and Christopher Hanson, center,
and Kaela Gonzalez to the Raymond Board of Selectmen.
Accardi, Hanson and Gonzalez will serve three-year terms.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS   

In Windham, voters rejected the proposed $67.8 million budget, with 651 votes in favor and 676 voting no. But 408 voters in Raymond cast ballots approving the budget and 183 voted no. The combined totals resulted in 1,059 votes to approve the budget with 859 opposed.

The budget represents a 12.75 percent increase over last year’s $60,185,403 budget, with a 6.4 percent increase stemming from the construction of the new Windham Raymond Middle School. To offset that, the school district will receive an additional state subsidy to cover almost half of the increase, resulting in an impact to taxpayers of 6.5 percent. Included in the RSU 14 budget are regular operating expense increases and a Pre-K expansion program.

Voters in both towns approved a question asking if the current RSU 14 budget voting should be continued for the next three years. In Windham, 962 votes were cast in favor of this with 347 voting no. In Raymond, 347 voted to continue the budget voting process, with 183 voting no. Combined totals were 1,457 votes for, and 530 votes opposed.

In Raymond, two new members of the town’s Board of Selectmen were elected for three-year terms.

Christopher Hanson received 350 votes, and Kaela Gonzalez tallied 328 votes to earn seats on the Select Board. Hanson is the code enforcement officer for Raymond and graduated from the University of Maine Orono. He also serves as a member of Raymond’s Budget-Finance Committee. Gonzalez is a program coordinator with the city of Portland and has a degree in Health Science. She has served on various town committees including the town’s most recent Comprehensive Plan Committee and she formerly worked for the Town of Raymond.

Also receiving votes for the Raymond Select Board were Frederick Miller (239 votes) and Mark Meister (204 votes). All 30 municipal approval questions asked of Raymond voters were approved, including spending $67,500 for a partnership with the Regional Transportation Program to establish a QuickRide program. Once created, local riders using QuickRide will be able to schedule transportation to pick them up and take them where they want to go within the Raymond community for a nominal fee.

Raymond voters also elected three members to the town’s Budget Finance Committee for three-year terms. Karen Lockwood (443 votes), Shawn McKillop (392 votes) and Deanna Lee (375 votes) were elected to serve on the committee.

Susan Accardi received 366 votes to Diana Froisland’s 272 votes to serve a three-year term on the RSU 14 Board of Directors representing Raymond. Accardi is a retired registered nurse and served as a school nurse with RSU 14. She has been a member of the Raymond Budget-Finance Committee for two terms, been a member of various short-term town committees, has served as a town ballot clerk and sits on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Raymond Village Library.

The Annual Town Meeting for Windham will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14 in the Town Hall Gymnasium on School Road in Windham. During the meeting, voters will be asked to approve the municipal services budget for fiscal year 2025–2026 as approved by the Windham Town Council.

The Windham budget proposal of $50,402,149 is a 6.39 percent increase from last year’s $46,991,715 budget and includes funding for several significant capital improvement projects in the town.

Should the budget pass, Windham will construct a new North Windham Public Safety Building housing firefighters behind Hannaford Supermarket on Route 302, design and construct new playing fields at Gambo Fields, build a new public ice rink and playground in North Windham, and continue funding for the North Windham Moves and sewer projects. <

WHS grad conquers challenges to achieve dream

By Ed Pierce

To all that know her, Afomiya Timerga, certainly lives up to the meaning of her first name. In Ethiopian, Afomiya means “pure joy” and among Windham High School’s Class of 2025, no one personifies the definition of overcoming personal challenges to achieve joy and happiness more than her.

Afomiya Timerga moved to the United States from Ethiopia
as a 5-year-old and became a U.S. citizen in 2015. She is
among the Class of 2025 graduates at Windham High School
and will attend the University of Southern Maine to study
marketing and accounting. She plans to become a real estate
agent and own a business someday. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE  

Afomiya moved to the United States at the age of 5 from her birthplace of Ethiopia, speaking very little English but embracing the endless possibilities of freedom and living in a nation free of war, poverty, disease, and a daily struggle to survive. It wasn’t easy at first to fit in, but she did her best to adapt to her new life with her mother in Portland.

“The hardest part was adjusting to a new country,” Timerga said. “When you’re younger it is easier to pick up on things. I tried to make friends and learn the language.”

Having attended elementary school in Portland, another huge transition took place in Timerga’s life when her mother, Abebanesh Abdela, purchased a home in Windham and her family, including Afomiya, her brother Musea Timo, and her sister Minaida Timon, relocated here when she was halfway through seventh grade.

“It was like I was starting over again,” she said. “At my school in Portland I knew everyone, but here I didn’t know anybody in Windham and felt isolated and alone. But eventually I made friends at Windham Middle School and things gradually improved.”

In 2015, she joined her mother in becoming a U.S. citizen during a ceremony in Portland.

“My biggest role model in life is my mom. She’s shown me what it truly means to work hard, raising three children on her own as a single mother,” Timerga said. “Despite the challenges, she remains strong, determined, and full of faith. She’s helped me stay grounded in my relationship with God, especially in a world full of distractions and temptations. Through her example, I’ve learned the value of a strong work ethic and the importance of never giving up, no matter what life throws at you.”

During her time at Windham High School, she tried to avoid the spotlight to some extent but worked to consistently make a positive impact at the school.

“Whether it was through my involvement in the Black Student Union, where I worked to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, or simply by encouraging others and staying true to who I am, I’ve always aimed to lead by example,” Timerga said. “I believe that small actions, showing up, staying kind, and being dependable, can make a big difference.”

To do that, Timerga said one of her biggest challenges that she had to overcome was learning how to believe in herself.

“Throughout high school, I have felt self-doubt, stress, and the responsibilities that I had to keep up with,” she said. “I also learned how to manage my time and balance everything out. There were many nights where I felt exhausted and was not sure that I could make it, but I did. Something a lot of my classmates may not know about me is that I’m not as quiet as I seem. While I may come off as reserved at first, I’m actually very hard-working, passionate, and determined behind the scenes. Once I’m comfortable, I open up more and people are often surprised by how driven and focused I am on my goals.”

Timerga credits two teachers at WHS in helping her.

“I want to thank my BSU advisor, Tianna Burton, and my tennis coach and French teacher, Kary Dresnok,” she said. “Mrs. Burton has been more than just a teacher, ever since I met her, she has been a guiding light. She pushes me to do better, not just academically, but as a person. When I created the Black Student Union, I created and built a safe space for me to find my voice and connect with others who share a similar experience. My tennis coach also played a huge part in my growth, and reaching graduation because on and off the court, she has taught me to stay disciplined and work hard for what I want. Whenever I was in trouble, I could always count on her for advice.”

Of all the classes she took at Windham High, several are more memorable for Timerga than the rest.

“The two that stand out to me the most were Honors Chemistry and Honors US History,” she said. “Honors Chemistry was the first class that taught me to study independently and how to manage my time. I focused on staying disciplined and pushing through difficult topics, and in that process, I became a better student. The hardest class I took at WHS was Honors Chemistry. It really pushed me to my capacity because the materials required a lot. Looking back, I appreciate that class because it is another testimony that even though it might be hard when you're in it, it all works out in the end because I passed that class and I made it through. I also enjoyed Honors History because the way it was taught made everything come to life. There was never a dull moment in that class where I wasn’t engaged.”

She says that her favorite teacher at Windham High School is Tianna Burton because she has been there for her and has guided her to do better in every situation, making her comfortable and giving her a place of belonging.

As a student, Timerga considers her greatest strength to be the ability to get it done no matter what.

“I don’t easily give up on materials and I seek out help when needed,” she said. “I’m able to stay focused and when it gets hard, I’m not afraid to ask for help. I have learned throughout the years that I can’t do everything on my own. If I need help, then I should speak up for myself and ask for help when needed. One fact that I learned while at WHS is that not everybody is going to agree with you. It’s how you take the disagreement that really matters. I’ve learned that staying respectful, open-minded, and true to yourself is more important than always being right. This lesson has helped me grow – not just as a student, but as a person – and it’s something I’ll carry with me throughout life.”

After graduation, her immediate plan is to go to college. She’s been accepted to attend the University of Southern Maine where she will be majoring in accounting and marketing.

“After completing my education, I hope to enter the business world, possibly starting my own company or working in accounting or marketing,” Timerga said. “I am also interested in real estate. Whatever I choose to do, I know that I will succeed because I have faith and I’m guided and protected always. My number one goal is to be happy.” <

Raymond voters to determine van program’s fate

By Dina Mendros

Raymond voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve funding a transportation system that would provide rides to grocery stores, doctors’ appointments and the like. The ride system would provide transportation for seniors, those without licenses and others who find it difficult to get where they need to go.

Raymond voters will decide on June 10 whether to fund a
mini-van for RTP's QuickRide program which would
schedule and provide transportation for local residents
anywhere within the town. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

At the June 10 election, residents will vote on whether to approve $67,500 in funding – Article 19, Referendum Question Q on the Town Warrant – which would be the town’s share for the QuickRide program. The town would partner with the Regional Transportation Program which would provide the service.

Unlike a typical bus service where people wait at established bus stops to catch a bus that drives a specific route, riders using QuickRide would schedule, either via telephone or online, a micro-van that would pick them up at their home and take them where they want to go within the Raymond community.

Raymond Town Manager Joseph Crocker compared the bus to an Uber service that provides door-to-door service.

“The thought is to get people to be transported to groceries or doctors’ appointments, things like that, in the area,” Crocker said. “Use almost like an Uber that comes to your house but through RTP. They have an app or office to call to schedule (a ride). They’ll pick you up at your location and then drop you off at either appointments or groceries. So it’s kind of like a scheduled transportation service. So, it’s a little more customizable than just a regular bus stop.”

The Quick Ride program is needed in Raymond, Crocker said.

“Public transportation has definitely been on the radar for people,” he said. “Obviously, being a rural area, it’s kind of tough to get to certain areas for like shopping or anything like that. It’s definitely been something that’s been heard in our community.”

Currently, Age Friendly Coordinator Debbie Tarr has been taking seniors to appointments in her own car, Crocker said. If voters do approve funding for the RTP mini-van program it will take the strain off Tarr and offer the ability to accommodate more people.

If approved, the QuickRide program would run Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It would start sometime this summer and continue year-round. Customers would pay about $3 per ride.

RTP Executive Director Don Libby said if Raymond voters approve funding, RTP and the town would run a 12-month QuickRide pilot program and then reevaluate how the program is working.

The program was started in January 2024 in Windham; it also runs in Gorham and Standish.

“The goal,” Libby said, “is to run in every town up and down the 302 corridor to Bridgton.”

The QuickRide program is working well in Windham, said Windham’s Age Friendly Coordinator Erica Bell-Watkins.

One of the reasons that Windham adopted the program was because transportation was identified as one of the top needs in a community survey, she said.

Anyone of any age can take advantage of the program, but it’s especially important for seniors, Bell-Watkins said.

“As people get older and decide not to drive or people sometimes use it because they’re getting their eyes dilated or getting a colonoscopy so it’s not just for people who don’t drive it’s for people who are not driving that day,” she said. “That QuickRide program has been very helpful. “It’s all been successful.”

She said she shared Windham’s experience with a town staffer in Raymond.

“I told her I thought it would be great for Raymond because it has been a great success here,” Bell-Watkins said.

Election Day voting in Raymond will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 10 at Jordan-Small Middle School. <

Burns to lead Windham as Town Manager as Tibbetts retires

By Ed Pierce

When historians look back upon this chapter in Windham government, it will show that the town’s emphasis on succession planning works.

Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts, right, is resigning
effective July 1 and will be succeeded in that role by
Assistant Town Manager Robert Burns. Tibbetts will 
remain with the town through the remainder of the
year overseeing Windham's sewer and wastewater 
projects and the creation of access roads in 
North Windham. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

During Tuesday night’s Windham Town Council meeting, Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts announced he will step down effective June 30 and councilors appointed Assistant Town Manager Robert Burns to succeed Tibbetts as Town Manager.

Tibbetts has served as Windham’s Town Manager since November 2019, first on an interim basis and then was made the permanent town manager in March 2020. He came to Windham with extensive municipal experience and experience in local government, administrative operations, budgeting, regulatory functions, and community relations and had served as the Kennebunk Town Manager through 2017. Upon his retirement with Kennebunk and prior to being hired by Windham, Tibbetts worked with a small energy start-up business and developed a consulting business in energy and governmental services. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Maine, and he also earned an MBA degree during his career in government.

Burns joined Windham as the town’s first Assistant Town Manager in December 2021. He graduated from Yarmouth High School before obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Engineering from the University of Maine at Orono. Following college, Burns worked both in Maryland in Public Works and in Florida as a consulting environmental engineer. After that, he returned to Maine and served as the Public Works Director and Town Engineer in Gorham for 18 years.

As Tibbetts transitions to full-time retirement, he will stay on with the town as Special Projects Manager overseeing several significant projects such as the installation of sewers and the construction of access roads to alleviate traffic congestion in North Windham. But his legacy of accomplishments guiding Windham as Town Manager is lengthy and noteworthy, including being honored with Maine Town, City and County Management Association’s 2022 Leadership Award.

He played a pivotal role developing Windham’s wastewater treatment solution for North Windham, the creation of a connector road system to alleviate traffic congestion in the Route 302 corridor and Windham’s approval of the East Windham Conservation Project in which hundreds of acres were permanently conserved by the town for the enjoyment of future generations of Windham residents. Tibbetts was also instrumental in Windham adopting new land use, floodplain management and shoreland ordinances, and he led the town’s conversion to an automated trash collection system in 2024.

Under his watch, the town council approved a cannabis ordinance in 2020 resulting in cannabis shop licensing fees being used by the town to award scholarships to deserving students. In 2021, Tibbetts helped the town adopt a new open space plan, a comprehensive look at Windham’s open space network of conservation and recreational assets.

Tibbetts says he’s been fortunate to have two great “runs” leading both Kennebunk and Windham as Town Manager.

“Being a member of Maine Town City Management Association (MTCMA) along with the International City Managers Association has been a great experience,” he said. “I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve both organizations. Serving Windham has been an incredibly rewarding chapter in my career. Together with a talented and dedicated staff and in collaboration with the Town Council, we have made meaningful progress in infrastructure, environmental initiatives, community planning, and public service delivery.

“From the North Windham Sewer Project, North Windham Moves, to the East Windham Conservation Project, Fire and Police Station facilities and through numerous ordinances and policy initiatives, I am proud of the impact we’ve made to position Windham for a strong and sustainable future. Windham has been placed in a strong financial position for the future,” Tibbetts said. “With this planned transition, I am pleased to note that Assistant Town Manager Robert Burns will be stepping into the role as part of our ongoing succession plan. Robert has proven himself to be a capable and committed leader, with extensive project and managerial skills and I am confident he will continue to serve Windham with integrity and vision. Knowing I cannot stand still, I will be there to support Bob for a few months to assist in the major municipal infrastructure projects and out of the limelight.”

Windham Town Council members expressed sadness that Tibbetts will be retiring, but praised his leadership, what he has accomplished for Windham, and believe Burns will do an excellent job in succeeding him as Town Manager.

“Working with Barry these last five years has been a great experience as he has dedicated himself to making Windham a better place for all residents,” said Windham Town Council Chair Jarrod Maxfield. “When we hired Barry, Windham was in transition and in need of someone to lead us and he did just that and more and he has given more years to Windham than he originally planned, showing his commitment to us. Without Barry, I know we would not have accomplished half of what has been done in the last few years; he has been instrumental in Windham’s success. And he has worked hand in hand with Bob Burns who has proven himself to be a great leader who will take the hand off and continue the success Windham is and will see. Windham is lucky to have both of them working for our success.”

Town Councilor David Nadeau agrees.

“After a two-year search the town and town council was blessed to find Barry. His work efforts, drive, and creativity cannot be matched,” Nadeau said. On his arrival he was pointed to a shelf which contained studies and projects going back to previous years but never put in play. Barry prioritized them and then proceeded to put them in play. First by using different ways to finance them such as using TIF, grants, impact fees, and layering bonds, which will help Windham in the future. This approach raised Windham’s bond rating to AA. The project consisted of a sewer project, connector roads, 500 plus acres of open space, growth ordinance, and the list goes on. Knowing his time was short, Barry looked at staff and developed a succession plan, one of the holes filled was an assistant town manager, enter Robert Burns. Mr. B is not Barry but under Barry’s tutelage has developed the skill set needed to keep Windham moving forward. I would like to thank them both for their effort.”

Town Council Bill Reiner said having Burns available to step into the Town Manager role is of great benefit to Windham.

“As Barry moves into retirement, Bob will move up internally into the Town Manager Role. Bob has served as Assistant Town Manager since I have been on the council, and I have confidence in his capability moving forward,” Reiner said. “While he was offered several manager positions in several other towns, Bob chose to remain with Windham. He has been involved in all ongoing projects and has excellent knowledge of each and what will be needed to bring them home. While the town is in an excellent position both financially and in regard to ongoing projects, Barry will remain on until early January as a Special Projects Manager. While he will now answer to Bob, Barry will provide additional support while the town looks for a new Assistant Manager to fill the now vacant position.”

Reiner said the council did not look at this change in position lightly, but the contract hammered out involving both Tibbetts and Burns were acceptable by both the town and individuals.

“The town council could have interviewed for the position, but with multiple Town Manager positions unfilled within the state, and the lengthy search for finding Barry several years back, the town would have been remiss in not attempting to keep Bob,” he said. <

Windham student first graduate from Integrated Studies Program at Saint Joseph’s College

By Dina Mendros

When Joanne Haibon graduated from high school, she didn’t consider going to college. The 26-year-old Windham resident has autism. Then her mother, Mary Haibon, learned of a pilot program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine that seemed like it would be a good fit for her daughter.

Windham resident Joanne Haibon was the
first graduate from Saint Joseph's College
of Maine's new Integrated Studies Program.
She graduated from the program  on May 10.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Joanne was the first to apply to, be accepted into, and complete the Integrated Studies Program at the Standish school. The program is designed to provide a college experience for students with intellectual disabilities. It seeks to support every participant at their current academic level. Joanne was the first to graduate from the two-year non-credit certificate program on May 10.

Both Joanne and her mother said the program was “awesome.”

Initially, Joanne said she wasn’t interested in pursuing higher education. She said the last two years of high school “was not a pretty experience.” But after a little nudging from her mom, she applied to Saint Joseph’s.

“I was accepted, and it turned out to be a great experience,” Joanne said.

“The confidence and self-esteem that Joanne was able to build through this program,” Mary said, “all the skills that we’ve worked on for so long she really got to put into practice.”

In the beginning, going to college and attending classes was “overwhelming,” Joanne said. “But once you get past the overwhelming, you see it’s a lot easier.”

Students who enroll in the Integrated Studies Program can register for up to 16 credits per semester. Participants audit classes based on a modified curriculum tailored to their person-centered plans, said Shanna Webster, Associate Dean of Academic Success and Retention at Saint Joseph’s.

Joanne took a variety of courses in subjects like science, philosophy, communications and leadership at Saint Joseph’s. She also participated in internships each semester. A number of accommodations had to be made to help Joanne succeed.

For instance, she attended classes with a peer partner. Peer partners are students studying education and other programs that gave them the skills to help students like Joanne. Her peer partners helped Joanne by taking notes for her and helping her complete her assignments. Other accommodations that are available include having more time to take a test, completing fewer assignments and more.

During the two-year program, Mary said that she saw her daughter’s abilities grow.

“They really built up Joanne’s ability from the first semester, and the first class, to really doing much more the last semester,” Mary said. “By the end of her experience, Joanne was taking more notes, participating more fully in group projects and completing more of her assignments.”

“Everything was geared for her to be successful in the classroom,” Mary said.

Students in the Integrated Studies Program not only take classes but they can also participate in clubs and other college events and activities, like every other Saint Joseph student. Although Joanne was a commuter, those who want to live on campus to get the full college experience can do so.

The icing on the cake was when Joanne graduated.

“The ceremony was amazing,” Mary said. “When Joanne got up to get her certificate, the graduating class and everyone stood up and gave her a standing ovation.”

Although she has graduated, Joanne said that she plans to continue commuting to campus and work in the college mailroom.

Since Joanne, more students have been accepted into the program, and the Integrated Studies Program has been officially institutionalized.

“In the past year, we had three students enrolled in our Integrated Studies Program,” Webster said. “Two of these students were residents on campus, and we are thrilled that both will be returning for a second year. For fall 2025, we have already accepted another student participant and have a final interview scheduled this week for another promising candidate.”

Mary said she’s thrilled the program is continuing and growing. “Obviously we’re so proud of Joanne,” Mary said. “She worked through so much and a lot of anxiety to do this and we just want to see this program grow because it’s a wonderful opportunity for others.”

For those who are unsure if the Integrated Studies Program is for them, Joanne advises them to go for it.

“It will be worth it in the end,” she said. <

MSSPA launches campaign to build new intake barn

By Ed Pierce

The future is now for the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals in Windham and a new $1.5 million fundraising campaign will help the organization build a new intake barn for abused and neglected horses to heal and recover.

The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is
conducting 'A Safe Place to Land' fundraising campaign to
raise $1.5 million to build a new eight-stall intake barn
at their facility on River Road in Windham. The project
includes improved paddocks and better footing for healing
horses. Shown is an artist's depiction of the new barn.
SUBMITTED PHOTO     

Kathy Woodbrey, MSSPA’s Executive Director, said that plans for the “Safe Place to Land” intake barn have been carefully weighed and discussed for the past two years, and the fundraising campaign has already reached more than halfway toward its $1.5 million goal.

“This will such a huge upgrade for us,” Woodbrey said. “Our current facilities, while functional, no longer meet the needs of our mission. This new barn is so much more than a barn, it’s a promise. A promise to every horse that has a safe place to land, to recover and to start life anew. Everything about the new barn has been discussed, from how the stall doors open to how the fencing is to be configured.”

MSSPA Advancement Director Peg Keyser said that in the last five years, the number of horses arriving at MSSPA has surged with many coming from cases of severe neglect, abuse, or with significant medical challenges. As the complexity of these cases grows, so does the urgency for a dedicated space where incoming horses can receive the care they desperately need.

Keyser says that the “Safe Place to Land” Capital Campaign is an opportunity to create that space, an intake and quarantine barn designed to offer every horse a safe and supportive beginning to their journey of healing.

“This vital facility, along with secure paddocks and necessary footing improvements, will provide the foundation for every horse’s recovery,” she said. “By working together, we can ensure that incoming horses are cared for in an environment that protects their health and wellbeing from the moment they arrive.”

For 152 years, the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA) has been a sanctuary for Maine’s most vulnerable horses including those rescued from abuse, neglect, and heartbreaking circumstances. Its mission is to provide refuge, rehabilitation, and placement of seized equines. MSSPA does not charge for its shelter services and seeks no reimbursement from any public source. Horses cared for by the MSSPA come from Maine law enforcement officials and most of them have been abused or neglected.

According to Keyser, the MSSPA’s goal for each horse is rehabilitation and a new home, but if no suitable adoption is found, horses may live out their natural lives at the organization’s farm.

The “Safe Place to Land” campaign has already a matching gift of $500,000 from the McCulloch Family of Southern Maine who will be extended the opportunity to name the new barn. MSSPA also has been fortunate to receive donated thousands of feet of fencing and run-in sheds from the Dyke Horse Farm site in Windham, and RSU 14 now that the school district is building the new Windham Raymond Middle School at the Dyke farm site.

The site for the new intake barn sits on 7 acres of MSSPA’s 124-acre property on River Road in Windham. Plans call for the intake barn to be open-air with eight wooden stalls. The contractor for the intake barn project will be J.M. Brown and sitework will be completed by Shaw Brothers Construction.

Keyser said that the 3,000-square-foot barn will be built on the other side of the MSSPA property from where other horses being cared for are kept. The new barn will feature space for equipment and the project also will include the installation of an electronic security gate at the property.

The new barn will feature dedicated stalls for each equine arrival, reducing potential disease transmission and offering a dry, warm space for horses to heal. Its secure paddock areas and improved footing will allow horses to slowly acclimate to their new surroundings and room for veterinarians to perform health assessments. Because of its location away from the MSSPA herd, the new barn also will have separate grain and medication stations to prevent cross-contamination of food and medicine and streamlines operations for MSSPA staff.

Woodbrey said there is tremendous interest in this project and MSSPA’s engaged donor base consists of horse lovers willing to help.

“We welcome people to make a donation of any size,” she said. “We’re happy to give donors a tour and we really want to make it easy to support this project. The tens of thousands of dollars and donations we’ve received so far represents the best of this community and we could not be more grateful.”

To make a donation online, visit msspa.org/asafeplace or in person at MSSPA, 279 River Road in Windham.

Donations may also be made using the QR code:

 

‘Chalk the Trail’ spurs creativity at Windham event

By Elle Curtis

A day that was predicted to have clouds and gloomy weather turned into a day of sun and the community coming together at the Mountain Division Rail Trail at Gambo Fields in Windham for the “3rd annual Chalk the Trail event, bringing the trail back to life through art.

Friends of the Mountain Division Trail President Doug Smith,
right, and Secretary Andrew Walton get ready to greet 
participants at the 'Chalk the Trail' event at Gambo Fields
in Windham on Sunday, May 18, The creative event is
designed to show community support for the trail 
segments and recreational opportunities in Windham. 
PHOTO BY ELLE CURTIS

“Families, children, and members of the community came together on Sunday, May 18 for “Chalk the Trail,” an event sponsored by the Cumberland County Conservation District, Windham Parks and Recreation, and Friends of The Mountain Division Trail, as a part of bringing awareness to the trail with the goal to see it expand.

“The trail isn’t just for walking. It can be a place to come together and have a different type of event. I feel like it brings life to the trail,” said event organizer and Friends of The Mountain Division Trail secretary Andrew Walton.

Through activities such as face painting accompanied by music and provided chalk, participants were encouraged to use their creativity to beautify the trail by covering the pavement. Around 300 people use the trail on a normal day. This year’s designated “Chalk the Trail” drawing area had to be doubled in length to accommodate the growing number of participants.

“When you’re walking or biking the trail, the personalities are different,” said Friends of The Mountain Division Trail treasurer, Dave McNutt, who hopes Chalk the Trail will create the opportunity for more of the community to experience the trail. “The more people we get out, the more information we spread, and the more knowledge there is.”

Locally the Mountain Division Trail offers a paved rail trail for biking and walking that connects Windham, Gorham, and Standish. Parking is available off Gambo Road on Soccer Drive, as well as near the South Windham Fire Station off Route 202 in South Windham.

Windham Parks and Recreation maintains a section of the Mountain Division Trail as part of the Mountain Division Alliance. Ultimately, the Mountain Division Alliance's vision is to create a 50 mile rail trail connecting the East Coast Greenway Alliance in Portland through nine communities to the New Hampshire border.

The Town of Windham and the City of Westbrook have received grant funding from the Maine Department of Transportation to complete engineering and design work on a proposed 5-mile trail extension of the existing trail from Main Street (Route 202) in Windham to Bridge Street in Westbrook.

With the growth of “Chalk the Trail” from an idea a couple of years ago to the event that it is today, Friends of The Mountain Division Trail continue to advocate for the completion of the rail trail from Fryeburg to Portland. Members talked with participants at the event about the pending expansion of the trail, as well as trail users.

Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Windham Parks and Recreation, and Revision Energy all had booths at the event. Each one focused on the importance of keeping our trails in good condition to ensure an enjoyable trail use experience.

“It’s important, spreading awareness on conservation, landscaping practices, invasive plants, and recreating responsibly,” said Abby Theobald, project administrator of Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, who handed out dog treats and dog owner goodie bags, while talking with trail users and participants about the importance of picking up after their dogs and disposing of the waste properly to keep the trails and surrounding areas clear of litter.

The “Chalk the Trail” event brought in community members and tourists, as well some people attending neighboring soccer games at Gambo Park in Windham. The family themed event provided an opportunity for the community to come together and socialize in a creative way. It not only brings awareness to the Mountain Division Rail Trail, but also for volunteer organizations that perform tasks such as cleaning up after others on the trail for the benefit of the entire community, especially during the busy summer months.

To learn more, or to see the 10 miles of trail already built, visit https://fotmdt.org/ <

Extensive search leads to ‘miracle’ animal rescue in Raymond

By Ed Pierce

Rob Russell and Carmen Brothers aren’t superheroes, but it would be tough to convince Dawn Elwell of Raymond otherwise.

Rob Russell of 2A TAC Air Ops Drone Services, left, and 
K9 Finely and Carmen Brothers of Professional Pet Trackers,
helped to find Pearl, a 2-year-old dog who became lost
in Raymond earlier this month. COURTESY PHOTO

Elwell was desperate to find her lost dog Pearl, who had escaped from a groomer in Raymond and had disappeared on April 30. After four days of searching for Pearl and running out of hope, Elwell hired Russell’s 2A TAC Air Ops Drone Services of Barrington, New Hampshire to see if he could do something to help.

He is a former police officer and U.S. Army infantryman who was wounded in combat in Afghanistan. He now owns a drone equipped with thermal technology that can be used in searches for missing people and pets. Russell holds a FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone License, and he launched his business several years ago with a desire to assist people in searches and inspire them to not give up when all appears hopeless.

“I realized I was on to something nobody else was doing in New England,” he said. “Our fees are based on hours flown and distance driven.”

Russell contacted Brothers of Professional Pet Trackers of Virginia to assist in the search for Pearl, and she brought along her almost 2-year-old black lab named K9 Finley whom Brothers had trained and has been working on cases with her since December.

“While I was aware of Rob and his company 2A TAC Air Ops Drone Services, we did not meet or work together until March 2025 for a Yorkie named Leo that was lost in Greenville, Maine,” Brother said. “Throughout the search for Leo, we found that his drone abilities paired with my tracking dogs provided a larger, more complete picture to lost pet owners. What the drone may be unable to see or pick up, if an animal is under something or has left the area entirely, a tracking dog would be able to pick up on and pinpoint the location an animal may be hiding in. Or at the bare minimum, a tracking dog can give you a direction of travel which will allow a more thorough action plan to be put in place and may even help determine a new area for the drone to cover.”

She has been helping reunite lost pets for roughly 15 years.

“I volunteered for a rescue, City Dogs Rescue in Washington, D.C., and they lost a dog,” Brother said. “I was assisting in search efforts such as flyers, community outreach, and eventually brought in a K9 tracker to assist in locating Maddie. Once Maddie was located, I continued to serve as one of their two lost dog coordinators. In 2015 I began volunteering with a non-profit based in Baltimore, Maryland where I was able to learn more about utilizing K9 tracking dogs to locate lost pets. Roughly one year later I was approached by National Geographic Wild and offered a featured role in their upcoming docuseries, Trackers, however I would have to quit my fulltime job in Human Resources and commit to filming fulltime. I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so accepted their offer, and never went back to Human Resources after that.”

The search for Pearl presented unique challenges to both 2A TAC Air Ops Drone Services and Professional Pet Trackers.

“When Pearl initially went missing there were many people out searching and calling for her which while that is people’s first instinct to do, it actually hinders the search,” Brothers said. “When dogs go missing, they go into what is known as flight mode, meaning that everything and everyone is predatory. Their animal instincts kick in and their goal is food, water, and staying away from perceived threats, which can unfortunately even apply to their owners. While at home they typically come running when called, in flight mode all they hear is a loud noise and that can scare them out of the area even further. The community wanted to help, which is amazing, but we had to redirect their efforts into a productive task, such as hanging flyers rather than driving around and actively searching for Pearl.”

Russell said that initial efforts to find Pearl revealed that she kept coming back to an area in Raymond with foot traffic.

“We needed the dog to settle down and get comfortable, but she kept running into people creating a higher state of anxiety for her,” he said.

“Reuniting Pearl with Dawn was truly a team effort,” Brothers said. “Dawn had done everything we recommended and then some. She had flyers posted in the community, she was working on actively maintaining feeding stations and following up on all sightings. Between her dedication, K9 Finley giving us the area that Pearl was hiding in, Rob giving us the eyes in the sky ensuring that we were not missing anything, and Jess Jackson with Lake Region Animal Control providing boots on the ground trapping support, we knew it was only a matter of time until Pearl was safe at home.”

Russell said during their extensive search they had to figure out where Pearl was bedding down and hiding.

Pearl was ultimately recovered roughly 18 hours after they finished the tracking activities, and the drone was landed.

“While Pearl was not physically recovered while on the actual track, she was recovered directly on K9 Finley’s track,” Brothers said.

Both Brothers and Russell say finding Pearl was a team effort and they thanked Jackson for her help, Maine Lost Dog Recovery and the community for their assistance.

“No one person is the hero here, we were all just cogs in the wheel,” Russell said. “The bottom line for me is if I’m part of the team involved in a rescue, it’s one of the best feelings in the world, and it’s amazing and it’s why we do this.”

Brothers said that every successful reunion with a lost pet is different, but each one brings a deep sense of purpose and gratitude for her.

“Seeing the moment of reunion – when a scared, tired pet is reunited back into the arms of their family – is something that never gets old,” she said. “It is like watching a miracle unfold right in front of you, you can literally feel the heartbreak turn into joy and it is amazing to know you were a part of that story.”

Elwell said she could not be more appreciative for Russell and Brothers and K9 Finley’s work in bringing Pearl back home.

“This was probably one of the most distraught and scared I have been in my whole life,” she said. “I was lucky to have Carmen as well as 2A TAC Air Ops Drone Services recommended to me. Carmen, Finely and Rob never faltered from compassion, reassurance and more so skill and knowledge.”

On Sunday, May 4, she received a phone call informing her that Pearl had been found in a trap using Elwell’s sweatshirt.

“That feeling was something I had dreamt about for the longest five days of my life,” she said. “I do not believe I could have done this without this team of experts.”

To see photos of the search for Pearl, visit 2A TAC Air Ops Drone Services on Facebook. <