Cyclist attempts 625-mile ride for Sebago Lakes Fuller Center for Housing

By Ed Pierce

It’s hard to keep Bill Turner down for very long and despite experiencing pain in his knee, he’s launching a new long-distance cycling adventure to raise money for his favorite charitable organization next week.

Local cyclist Bill Turner will ride in the Full Bike Adventure
'Winter Western' trip covering 625 miles from the California
coast to Tucson, Arizona from March 2 to March 15 while
raising money for the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center
for Housing. COURTESY PHOTO

Turner, one of the founders of the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing, stayed close to home last year after shoulder surgery and only cycled in Maine, but still managed to bring in a sizeable haul of pledges for the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center chapter while only taking shorter rides.

But 2026 is different. Turner’s Fuller Center friend, Ginny Hughes challenged him to ride for two weeks with The Fuller Bike Adventure “Winter Western” trip covering 625 miles from the California coast to Tucson, Arizona from March 2 to March 15.

“The Physical Therapy I have been doing for my right knee has helped however it still talks to me when going down the stairs, so I will be riding my Fugi Mountain bike with a set of road tires.” Turner said. “For this ride 100 percent of the funds I raise will be split equally between the local Silver Valley Fuller Center for Housing chapter in Kellogg, Idaho and the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing in Maine.

He said both chapters focus on serving elderly residents, veterans, and the handicapped, by repairing homes to keep people safe while remaining in their homes. The Fuller Center for Housing raises funds through cyclists who commit to riding long distances and raising funds.

“This year my goal for the ride is $10,350,” Turner said. “As of Feb. 24, we are at $2,725.” Turner and his wife Lily will match $2,500.00 of donations during the month of March, and he says March is a month that he can win bonus dollars for the donations that are made, or the amount of funds that he raises in a given week and donations can be made through Oct. 1, 2026.

Preparing to undertake yet another long cycling adventure is certainly a testament to Turner’s determination.

In 2021, he underwent a prostatectomy, a surgical procedure to remove his prostate gland, and is now living cancer free. A surgery in 2022 replaced his right shoulder and he went through another operation to have his left shoulder replaced in 2024.

As an avid cyclist, Bill Turner rode for many years in the “Trek across Maine” with his children on behalf of the American Lung Association.

“At some point in 2017, I decided to see if I could bike across the country,” Turner said. “I began to look for trips and came across the Fuller Center Bike Adventure, and so I signed up for a trip from San Francisco to Santa Fe to see how my body would react. I am not used to asking people for money, but for such as good cause as the Fuller Center Bike Adventure, it seemed like the right thing to do.”

He chose to ride across the country with the Bike Adventure in 2018 and signed up to ride from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine. Turner managed to ride the entire distance, and he also learned more about the national Fuller Center for Housing, a 501(c3) non-profit organization based out of Americus, Georgia. Its mission is to “promote collaborative and innovative partnerships with individuals and organizations in an unrelenting quest to provide adequate shelter for all people in need worldwide.”

After seeing first-hand the work done to help communities by the Fuller Center for housing, Turner thought that his church, Faith Lutheran Church in Windham, could become involved in a project locally to assist keeping elderly homeowners and veterans in the Lakes Region safely in their homes.

Together with Windham resident Lorraine Glowczak, Turner developed a PowerPoint presentation and met with churches around Windham pitching them about the proposal. Six churches came on board and founded the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing with Faith Lutheran Church, the Unity Church for Spiritual Growth, the North Windham Union Church, Windham Hill United Church of Christ, Raymond Village Church and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine joining to serve the towns of Windham, Raymond and Standish.

At the forefront of fundraising for the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing, Turner trains year-round and has a fat-tire bike with studded tires that he rides throughout the winter months with his pal, Tucker, a black 40-pound rescue dog that the Turners obtained from the Texas shelter.

“Bicycling has been an important part of my life for staying healthy at this point,” he said. “The community has always helped our local riders accomplish their goals and help others throughout our country,” Turner said. “If your life allows, during these crazy times, donations in any amount are always very much appreciated by us and the folks on the receiving end.”

To make a donation to Turner, visit his fundraising page https://2026.fullercenterbikeadventure.org/btair or send a check donation payable to “The Fuller Center for Housing” with Turner’s name in the memo line and mail them to Attn: Bike Adventure, The Fuller Center for Housing, PO Box 523, Americus, GA 31709.

To learn more about the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing, visit https://sebagofullerhousing.org/ <

Poised for permanent role, Raymond’s interim town manager reflects on first months on job

By Dina Mendros

Raymond has weathered a turbulent stretch in town leadership, cycling through four town managers in just two years. Interim Town Manager Glenn Michalowski hopes to bring that instability to an end – and to put down long‑term roots in the community.

On Feb. 3, the Raymond Select Board voted to offer Interim
Town Manager Glenn Michalowski the position permanently,
pending final approval of an employment agreement at an
upcoming meeting, He joined the Town of Raymond in
November on an interim basis after serving as the
Lisbon Town Manager. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

After longtime Town Manager Don Willard retired in January 2024, former Town Clerk Sue Look stepped into the role. She resigned in March 2025 and was succeeded by former Parks and Recreation Director Joseph Crocker. When Crocker announced his resignation in the fall, Michalowski, who had been the other finalist during that hiring process, was appointed interim town manager and began work in November. On Feb. 3, the Select Board voted to offer him the position permanently, pending final approval of an employment agreement at an upcoming meeting.

Originally from New Jersey, Michalowski said he is grateful to be in Raymond, which he called “an incredibly beautiful community … a special place with tremendous natural resources.”

But what has impressed him the most, he said, is the people. “The dedication of the staff, residents, and elected officials stands out. I arrived during a period of transition, following some leadership gaps over the prior 18 months,” Michalowski said. “I found an organization that was fundamentally stable and a community that was welcoming and eager to move forward. That collective commitment has made the work both meaningful and enjoyable.”

Raymond is a shift from the larger communities where he previously worked, most of which operated under a council‑manager form of government. From 2014 to 2018, he led a regional shared‑service paratransit organization serving five towns in Morris County, New Jersey, while earning a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University. He later served as assistant business administrator in Maplewood, New Jersey, a community of about 25,000 residents. After moving to Maine in 2021, he became Lisbon’s first assistant town manager in 2022 and then town manager from October 2022 until November 2025.

“Transitioning to a traditional New England town meeting form has been the biggest change – and a positive one,” he said. “I genuinely enjoy the direct democracy aspect, where citizens serve as the legislative body. It can mean a more deliberate process, but it also creates flexibility and strong community ownership of decisions.”

Maine’s strong home‑rule tradition, he said, offers municipalities meaningful local authority compared to states with more restrictive frameworks.

Since arriving in Raymond, Michalowski’s primary focus has been the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. “Beyond the budget, we are working on standardizing internal procedures, strengthening training and HR functions, finalizing the fire union contract, establishing the Jordan‑Small Middle School Committee and Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee, and supporting department heads and the Select Board in achieving their priorities,” he said. “Equally important has been relationship‑building: meeting with residents, community stakeholders, and regional partners. After budget season, I look forward to expanding community engagement efforts.”

He acknowledges that Raymond faces challenges, though none he considers alarming. Rising external costs, particularly in solid waste and recycling, remain a concern. The town is also completing its revaluation this spring and ensuring that residents understand the process will be important. More broadly, he said, municipalities across Maine and the country are grappling with an aging workforce and fewer people entering public service.

“Retaining and developing the talent we have is a long‑term concern for local government everywhere,” Michalowski said.

Still, he sees significant opportunities ahead. “There are meaningful opportunities to capture additional grant funding and federal resources,” he said. Recent census changes have positioned Raymond to qualify for both urban and rural funding streams, especially for highway and infrastructure projects. “Those urban classifications may also create opportunities related to public transportation funding, which I would like to explore further.”

Despite the town’s recent leadership turnover, Michalowski is optimistic. “Trust is built over time and through consistent action. By supporting staff, maintaining transparency, and focusing on steady progress, we will continue to strengthen confidence with our neighbors.” So far, he said, “the atmosphere has been positive and collaborative. Staff have been engaged, and morale appears strong.”

Michalowski and his wife have family ties to Maine, and they’re eager to settle in with their two dogs, Fern and Pepper. He’s also looking forward to enjoying his favorite pastimes – backcountry skiing, sailing, fly fishing, and exploring Maine’s mountains and waterways.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Raymond,” he said. “My focus is on steady, professional management; supporting the Select Board’s policy direction; and ensuring the town is well positioned for the future.” <

Windham High student wins state oratorical competition to advance to national finals

By Ed Pierce

For Windham High School senior Corey Brackett, competing in the 2026 American Legion Oratory Contest is about more than winning the event. She’s been focused on discovering her voice, strengthening her character, and carrying forward the legacy of American democracy. Whatever she’s done, it’s worked so far and earned Brackett a trip to the National Finals in May and a chance at earning a $25,000 college scholarship.

Windham High School senior Corey Brackett, representing 
Field-Allen Post 148 in Windham, won the American Legion
Department of Maine High School Oratorical Contest on
Feb. 14 at Thomas College in Waterville and was
congratulated by Department of Maine Legion Commander
Leroy McKenzie. With her win, Brackett qualified for the
American Legion National Finals at Hillsdale College in
Michigan on May 15 and a chance to earn a $25,000
college scholarship. SUBMITTED PHOTO    

To reach the National American Legion Oratory Contest Finals at Hillsdale College in Michigan starting May 15, Brackett won the Legion Post 148 contest in Windham and then captured the district title at South Portland American Legion Post 35 in January. She then qualified for the National Finals by winning the American Legion Department of Maine State Oratorical Contest held at Thomas College in Waterville on Feb. 14.

Brackett says she first heard about the oratory contest in Windham from her uncle.

“I was meeting my Uncle Dave at the Windham Veteran Center after one of their meetings so we could drive together to get dinner,” Brackett said. “My uncle had told me to come inside as he had an interesting opportunity for me. I was then introduced to another veteran named David who told me about the oratorical contest. At first, I really struggled with picking what my oratorical should be about. The prompt itself is very broad, so it left much up to interpretation. I wanted to make sure I picked a strong topic that not only highlighted the importance of our constitution but how it applies today.”

The speech she developed centers on the importance of American citizens being aware of their rights so elected officials can pass laws that will protect those rights, and Americans don’t give them up so easily while also touching upon the importance of citizens to use their moral compass since the constitution was founded upon the need of a moral compass.

“It took me about a month to write it all, once I picked my topic,” she said. “I wanted to make sure I had plenty of information past and present to support the arguments I was making. I chose this specific topic because I wanted to pick something that was relevant to today while also highlighting the importance of the past. I wanted it to show how amazing our constitution truly is and how people need to take this, and their own lack of civil engagement and knowledge of their own rights more seriously.”

Having a love of history certainly helped Brackett to develop her speech.

“My favorite class I have taken at Windham High School would have to be AP U.S. history,” she said. “I’ve always loved history, but this class was not only great because it was taught so well by Mr. Poulin and allowed me to have a deeper understanding when it came to the timeline of this country than I’ve ever had before. Though at times the work could be grueling, I truly valued this class more than any other since it felt the most important. It gave me a deep dive into this country’s history, and a better knowledge of not only all the rights and freedoms we have today but the background to why they were put in place as well.”

She believes that there are two reasons why her presentation resonates with contest judges.

“One was the topic I chose. The prompt for this competition is quite broad but having a topic that touches upon the importance of the history of this, and how it applies today is definitely important,” Brackett said. “My other reason for success is I have a background in performing. I do musical theatre and the Windham Chamber Singers, which definitely helped me with my stage presence, and how I spoke. I felt confident when giving my oratorical as I am used to being on stage and having to project my voice and speak in a certain way so people cannot only hear me but hear me well.”

Her family, including her father Steve, her mother Susan, and her older sister, Sydney, are proud of her achievements in the contest. Her mother teaches fourth grade at Raymond Elementary School and will accompany her daughter while she competes in the National Finals in Michigan.

Since 1938, the American Legion Oratorical Competition has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

The American Legion Oratorical Program is a speech contest for students who welcome learning and for the student who looks for an academic challenge and an opportunity to gain scholarship funding. The Legion's High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is a natural fit. Students learn valuable information about our country's constitution in a contest that has been held by The American Legion for more than 88 years.

The competition is a speech contest centered on the U.S. Constitution that provides winners with scholarship opportunities at all levels. Contestants are asked to speak on a topic of their choice related to the U.S. Constitution for eight to 10 minutes followed by a speech of about 3 to 5 minutes on a U. S. Constitution topic selected by the judges.

All high school students in Grades 9 to 12 in public high schools, private schools, parochial schools, military schools and home-schooled are invited to compete in the contest. Students who compete in the National Contest will receive at least a $2,000 scholarship with the final competition winner being awarded a $25,000 scholarship.

Brackett credits her uncle for not only alerting her of the contest opportunity but also supporting her as she prepared her speech.

“He would let me bounce ideas off of him, suggest an event in history for me to look at if he thought it would be helpful, and at one point let me run my speech for three hours straight with him,” she said.

Friends, family, and her teachers also helped Brackett to win the local, district and state contests.

“After practicing my speech in front of my family and the veterans, they helped me realized the importance of pregnant pauses for dramatic effect and that I needed to slow down at times,” she said. “Sometimes once I get to a specific point in my speech, I can get very excited and speed up at times. They helped me realize when I did this so I could correct it before the competition.”

Following graduation in June, Brackett will participate in basic training for the U.S. Air Force National Guard.

“After basic training, I will go to technical school where I will be training and learning to become an Aerospace Medical Technician,” Brackett said. “When technical school is finished, I am going to continue my schooling in Maine to focus on completing my nursing degree as doing it through the military allows me to complete around a year and a half to two years, instead of four. After all my education is finished, I will continue to serve in the Air Force National Guard while being either a Pediatric or an Oncology Nurse.”

When not in school, Brackett said she loves being outside in the summer months and riding a snowmobile in the winter.

“You can always find me paddle-boarding, playing pickleball and just hanging out on the pontoon in the summer,” she said. “I’m also a big people person so I love to spend my time hanging out with family or friends. A lot of my friends would say something that not a lot of my classmates know about me is my love for chess. I don’t think a lot of people know I like to play chess or even know how to play. I started to pick it up last year when a teacher at my school asked me if I wanted to learn. I instantly loved it.”

As for right now though, she’s continuing to get ready for the American Legion Oratory Contest National Finals and is not relenting on preparation for the event.

“I am going to continue practicing my speech throughout the week, and even potentially setting up some mock contests at the Windham Veterans Center to even better prepare for nationals,” she said. <

Anglers celebrate memorable catches during 25th annual Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby

By Ed Pierce

For those devoted to ice fishing, Valentine’s Day Weekend this year was filled with love and joy to participate in their favorite sport once again.

Adam Hamilton won first place in the togue category during
the 25th annual Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby by catching
a 17.45-pound, 38.34-inch togue on Saturday, Feb. 14.
SUBMITTED PHOTO    

More than 700 ice fishing enthusiasts registered to compete in the 25th annual Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby hosted by the Sebago Lake Rotary Club on Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15. Despite some pressure ridges reported on the lake where the ice expands and forces up a softer area, anglers stayed safe and enjoyed making some memorable catches.

According to Cyndy Bell of the Sebago Lake Rotary Club, the popular ice fishing contest once again proved to be more than just an excuse to get outside for time spent fishing. She said that proceeds from the Ice Fishing Derby benefit local charities and nonprofit organizations that the Rotary Club donates to, including “Feed the Need,” which assists with funding for 12 food pantries in the Lakes Region of Maine.

Bell said the event brings together people from all walks of life, helps forge new friendships among those fishing in the contest and produces great stories to share with their friends and families about their experiences out on the frozen lake.

Besides Sebago Lake, contest participants also fished in the 20-plus remaining lakes and ponds within the weighing area and unlike in recent years, they had adequate ice to ensure safety and found an abundance of perch, pickerel, pike, and togue fish ready to be caught.

“As in years past, participating fishermen continued to donate their catches which were delivered to Nova Seafood to be processed and delivered to assist in feeding the homeless and those facing food insecurity,” Bell said.

Tom Noonan, a Sebago Lake Rotary Club member, is credited with coming up with the concept for the original Rotary Ice Fishing Derby in 2001 in cooperation with the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department.

Since then, the event has grown quite a bit to become the Sebago Lake Rotary Club’s largest annual fundraising initiative and through the years has supported hundreds of charities over the past two decades, with more than $1 million donated to local causes since its inception.

“Under the leadership of Sebago Lake Rotarian Toby Pennels, the derby gained additional national notoriety as one of only four fishing derbies in the United States to be featured in a television program filmed for the National Geographic Channel that aired nationally in June 2014,” Bell said.

Here are the 25th annual Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby winners:

· The $5,000 Grand Prize recipient was Chris Hansen.

· Traves Rocket won a half-day guided tour offered by Sebago Sport Fishing.

· Frank Chepke won an Otter Ice Fishing Shelter offered by Sebago Bait.

· The 50/50 raffle winner was John Thomes, who received $1,890.

Adam Hamilton took home the first-place trophy for the Togue category. His togue weighed in at 17.45 pounds and measured 38.34 inches in length.

Second-place in the Ice Fishing derby’s Togue category went to Lance Sistare with a 12.98-pound togue that measured 34 inches in length.

Dave Sheldrick received third place in the derby’s Togue category with a 10.77-pound togue measuring 29.34 inches in length.

In the pickerel category, Brian Rocray won first place was a 3.44 pound, 24 1/8-inch catch.

Ben Carlin was second in the pickerel category with a 3.28 pound, 24-inch catch.

Third place in the pickerel category went to David Dunnells with a 2.95 pound, 23 3/8-inch catch.

Mike Canton took first place in the perch category with a 1.62 pound, 14.7/8-inch catch.

Dan Remmington was second in the perch category with a 1.44 pound, 13.5-inch catch.

Finishing third overall in the perch category with a 1.44 pound, 13.5-inch catch was Jared Terroni.

Among pike catches, Ben Carlin was first with eight, followed in second place by Joe Carlin with six.

Arthur Mullin was third overall in the pike category with five pike caught. <

Windham nurse flies high to provide care for patients

By Erin Rose

The need to serve and help others drives Windham resident Caitlin Sidley in her role as a registered nurse for LifeFlight of Maine, the state’s sole air ambulance service.

Windham resident Caitlyn Sidley is a
registered nurse for LifeFlight of Maine,
the state's sole air ambulance service. Sidley
flies with the LifeFlight crew to deliver 
advanced and specialized care to patients
experiencing severe illness or who have
suffered a significant trauma and helps
care for them while they are airlifted
to the hospital. SUBMITTED PHOTO

“It sounds cheesy, but I just wanted to help people, to be able to make an impact on someone’s life when they’re going through a tough time,” she said.

Flying on an Augusta AW109 helicopter based in Sanford, Sidley delivers advanced and specialized care to patients experiencing severe illness or who have suffered a significant trauma, like those incurred in a serious car accident, while transporting them to the hospital.

“The most rewarding part are the Thank Yous that come in from patients that do well and from patient’s families,” she said. “When they tell you, ‘I know they’re in good hands’ and they trust us with their lives on the worse day of their lives.”

The variety of cases and the ability to devote attention to a single patient were driving forces that inspired Sidley to focus on airborne nursing as opposed to providing care at hospitals.

“In this role, I’m able to concentrate on one patient and give them my all, and then it’s an adventurous job,” she said, adding that in a hospital setting, a nurse is required to divide attention between several patients, in addition to caring for the patients’ families, among other duties. “You don’t know what you’re getting from one call to the next. It can be a baby in one call and in the next, you’re with an adult or landing on a highway helping a trauma or you’re taking a patient from one hospital to another. I like the mix and not knowing what’s coming next.”

While in the air, Sidley can provide advanced care, including running tests, giving medications or blood as needed, and managing ventilators for patients who are intubated to help aid their breathing. The helicopter also contains a “point of care” system that enables the caregivers to run tests while in flight to provide an additional level of care, ensuring patients receive the correct medications or treatments to help improve their condition before arriving at the hospital. Sidley is also paired with a paramedic during the transit and the two work in tandem to provide care.

“I like our cardiac calls. Those are my favorite to do,” Sidley said. “Our bread and butter are STEMIs, but I love a complicated cardiogenic shock call, multiple IV medications, managing these patients and trying to get them better before they get to the hospital or wherever they’re going.”

One common misconception about the air ambulance service is that they are just monitoring the patient while enroute to the hospital. The nurses and paramedics take steps to help stabilize and provide care to help patients arrive at the hospital in better condition.

“People think we are just giving them a ride to the hospital, but we’re actually doing care and trying to make them better from the minute we get to the bedside,” Sidley said.

One of the most challenging aspects of the role is waiting for the next call. Time is spent in various ways, including added training to maintain certifications, meeting with tour groups, and maintaining the base of operations, but staying alert can be hard.

“The waiting can be hard because you can get bored and get complacent. You need to be able to stay focused and stay training,” she said. “There is a ton of extra education and training that go into keeping you on the line and keeping you on flight duty.”

Sidley also noted that patients should not hesitate to engage the air ambulance service based on financial concerns.

“People are often afraid to call because they think that there is going to be a huge bill attached to us. We’re a nonprofit and we’re not going to deny anybody care,” she said. “We get it done and we work with you. Financial factors should never be considered.”

LifeFlight offers a charity program to help patients who are unable to meet the financial obligations once their insurance determines how much they’ll cover. Patients are also only financially responsible for the care they receive, as the LifeFlight Foundation, a separate nonprofit organization, pays for aircraft costs, medical equipment, training and education, and all the associated operating costs.

LifeFlight of Maine was founded in 1998 and has bases in Sanford, Lewiston and Bangor. From July 2024 to June 2025, the service transported 2,876 patients. Of those, 642 calls were for cardiac care, while 929 were for acute medical conditions that are not related to cardiac or stroke and 488 were trauma cases. There were also 223 stroke cases, which require rapid treatment to stop symptoms and prevent long term injury.

Patients range in age from newborns to the most elderly, with the majority of patients aged 51 to 80. <

Longtime Windham High sports announcer to hang up microphone after 40 years on job

By Matt Pascarella

Beloved sports announcer Bob Witham has been part of Windham High School athletics for 40 years. Whether it be the soccer field, basketball court or softball field, Witham’s voice over the sound system meant players and spectators were in for something special. He loves the town, the athletes and did right by them. That love was reciprocated when Witham announced his final basketball game at Windham High on Thursday, Feb. 5.

Windham sports announcer Bob Witham gives a heartfelt 
speech as he expresses his appreciation to the town of
Windham as they congratulate him for his 40 years of
service as the voice of Windham High School athletics.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA    

“I just loved ... announcing,” said Witham. “I loved the crowd involvement, I loved the community, everything worked out so well and people seemed to like what I was doing ... 40 years go by and here we are. I’ll be 78 this month and it’s been a good run and 40 years seemed like a good spot to end it on. I hate to do it, but my wife and I will get to travel a little bit more – it’ll be good.”

Sports have always been a part of Witham’s life. Most of his uncles were athletes and his mother played badminton. Witham graduated from Deering High in 1966 where he was co-captain for the track and football teams. He ran track at the Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield. After that he attended the University of Maine Orono where he majored in economics while also running track. He married his wife Karen during his junior year of college. In his final year of college, he transferred to the University of Southern Maine where he assisted Track Coach John Cassavola.

“It was a dream come true (the first time Bob announced my name),” said Windham senior AJ Moody. “Being on a varsity team my freshman year and him announcing my name was something I wanted to hear. The guy’s got a beautiful voice – I could not ask for a better person to say my name at my games; he’s a great dude. We’ve a closeknit team and he’s definitely a part of it and not just from an announcing standpoint, but what he’s done for this community.”

Tyrie James, a Windham senior, said the team doesn’t think of Witham as an announcer, they think of him as family, the way he treats them. It’s exciting because they know the impact he’s made through his whole career here.

Witham worked for Nappi Distributors as a traveling wine salesman for 38 years. At no point did Witham ever think he would have a 40-year career announcing Windham High sports as well as many other events.

In 1984 he announced a softball game for his oldest daughter, Amy. He continued announcing games all over Windham for his other two daughters Marcy and Laurie.

He began announcing basketball games at Windham in 1986. He also announced soccer games as both Marcy and Laurie are championship winners. Later on, he would announce WHS softball games.

“Mr. Witham ... truly brings a level of professionalism and excitement that makes Windham athletic games second to none,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “He makes our athletes feel important and creates a game atmosphere that sets a high bar for the level of competition about to take place. Beyond the microphone, you can tell how invested he is in our student-athletes and always makes sure that our team knows he is supporting us near or far.”

From that point on, word spread fast about his talent and he announced everything from WHS homecoming games to Windham Summerfest to graduations to games at Saint Joseph’s College back when they had the Chamber of Horrors and 500 people felt like 3,000.

Saint Joseph’s College men’s basketball coach Rick Simonds approached Witham in 1988 about announcing. Witham had gone to a game to watch player Jeff Creech and was not impressed with their announcer. Simonds gave Witham the chance to do better and he then announced for Saint Joseph’s College for 15 years; during this time, he was also announcing for Windham High School.

“I have worked with Bob for 26 wonderful years,” said Windham timekeeper Dennis Dubay. “When I first started, I was very nervous doing a varsity game, but he made me feel right at home never treated like the new guy he made me feel like I belonged there. It’s been a great working with him and ... the town of Windham is one of the luckiest towns in the state to have had the honor of Witham announcing games for 40 years.”

What Witham said he will miss most about announcing is the community, coming to the gym and talking with people at halftime. He said he has a strange voice that people enjoy listening to.

He says he would like to thank the town of Windham for allowing him to live a dream he’s had for all these years. It’s been a thrill and he can’t thank the town enough for allowing him to have the best seat in the house.

“I remember sitting in the stands as a kid listening to him and dreaming of the day, I would hear my name called over the loudspeaker,” said Windham alumni and basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “Years later, that same voice announced me as a varsity player, then again in college at Saint Joseph’s, and eventually as a coach. Very few people get to be part of a community’s story for that long, and Bob did it with pride, professionalism, and consistency. He made every game feel important and every moment feel special, and in doing so helped elevate Windham athletics as a whole. Bob gave Windham athletics his time, his passion, and his pride for decades and that kind of dedication does not happen by accident.”

Witham’s daughter Amy Cunniffe said she believes he has had such an impact on all the kids. His voice makes things bigger; when she goes to an event, it feels like home.

Windham resident Gina Kostopoulos said being a PA announcer isn’t about names and numbers and he didn’t just announce the athletes, he saw them. He made kids feel important, proud, and recognized in ways that will stay with them far longer than any final score.

WHS graduate and Windham resident Lexi Hirning said Bob Witham brought genuine care and enthusiasm to every game, always highlighting not just the score, but the effort and pride of the athletes and teams. As a player, hearing Bob as the announcer made every moment feel special and meaningful, she said.

“I’ve been the luckiest guy in the world,” said Witham. “To do something you absolutely love doing; to get to announce your own children and I got to announce four out of the six grandchildren ... it touches my heart, I love doing it. Meeting all these families, the thousands of kids I must have announced. AJ, wonderful kid, wonderful family, but I got to announce Pat when he was in high school. The legacy goes on and on and on. Meeting his family and all the other families has been a thrill for me.”

Witham will announce his final season of Windham varsity softball this spring before retiring. <

Surrendered herd of donkeys adjusting to new surroundings at MSSPA in Windham

By Ed Pierce

Five donkeys and two miniature horses have a new lease on life after being surrendered to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals in Windham in November.

Surrendered donkeys Kevin and Diane are all ears as they
settle into their new paddock at the Maine State Society for
the Protection of Animals in Windham. The animals were
part of a group of seven equines who arrived for care
and rehabilitation at MSSPA in November.
COURTESY  PHOTO 

Three of the five donkeys went immediately into veterinary care before coming to the MSSPA farm with two of them gelded and one had her hooves worked on while under sedation. All seven of the equines were part of a surrender from a location in Maine and were dubbed by MSSPA staff as “The Thanksgiving Angels.”

Peg Keyser, MSSPA Advancement Director, said that the donkeys and miniature horses had not had veterinary care in a very long time.

“Two donkeys, a mother and son, Olive and Yahtzee, and two miniature horses, Harry and Marv, came directly to the MSSPA and three donkeys, Finn, Kevin and Diane, all traveled directly from the site of the surrender to a nearby vet for immediate care,” Keyser said. “Diane is 15 years old and had terribly overgrown feet. She had not been handled much, and initial foot care needed to be done under sedation at a veterinary hospital. Diane also needed extensive dental care which was also done under sedation.”

Keyser said that Kevin, also 15, needed to be gelded which is something that is more of a major surgery when an equine is older. Finn, only 18 months old, was gelded as well. Both Kevin and Finn had their feet done under sedation as well.

“About five days after the first influx of these angels, Finn, Kevin and Diane also came to the MSSPA from the vet hospital,” she said. “They were officially the first residents of the MSSPA’s new McCulloch Family Barn, A Safe Place to Land, and their arrival marked all seven angels being in residence here at the farm.”

Since their arrival, the little herd is adjusting to life at the MSSPA farm having finished a quarantine period and are being integrated into the MSSPA larger herd. Each equine in the group has their own rehabilitative plan, such as the miniature horses were quite overweight and needed to lose some weight which is not typical of MSSPA’s incoming equines.

“Olive and Yahtzee were weaned, a routine process of separating mother and offspring, and Yahtzee joined Finn together in a paddock,” Keyser said. “They are like two brothers. And they act like two brothers and happily greet visitors at the fence. There is little that is cuter than a ‘baby’ donkey like Yahtzee, and we are pretty sure he knows it.”

She said that Olive is enjoying her new space and is doing well. She now shares a paddock with Kevin and Diane.

“Diane had substantially corrective trimming on her feet, and when she arrived, you could tell it felt different, and good, to be walking normally. However, you can imagine that it will take time for her legs and muscles to adjust which is what is happening,” Keyser said. “Diane, who wanted very little to do with humans when she got here, is slowly warming up to staff and volunteers and quietly shows interest in interacting with humans. Kevin had a more difficult time healing from his gelding surgery as an older equine, and this surgery is harder to heal from. It took him a while, but with patient care, he is now doing beautifully and has fully recovered. Finn and Yahtzee are soaking up whatever sun appears in this cold weather and enjoying each other’s company.”

Keyser said that the donkeys are smart and strong.

“Since this little herd had not been handled much, MSSPA’s staff has worked to halter and lead them which at times has taken two staffers,” she said. “They are all so loveable and staff have wasted no time enjoying their company. They each have lovely personalities. So far, they have settled right into life at the MSSPA. There is a great deal of interest in these donkeys. Their adoption timelines will be different for each one, based on the care and rehabilitation that they will still need.”

According to Keyser, Harry the miniature horse weighed 375 pounds when he arrived, nearly 100 pounds more than he should weigh.

“While most of our arrivals present in various stages of starvation, these two miniature horses needed to lose weight. They both also needed immediate farrier care as their feet had not been attended to in years,” she said. “Both Harry and Marv settled right in, have had their feet done, and are slowly shedding the pounds, although it is hard to tell this with their very thick winter coats currently in place. They have also been moved into the bigger herd and joined matriarchs Cherry and Autumn in their paddock.”

Based in Windham, the mission of the MSSPA 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. The MSSPA’s goal for each horse or equine 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.

Kathy Woodbrey, MSSPA’s Executive Director, said taking in the surrendered donkeys and miniature horses demonstrates the organization’s commitment to preserving equine lives.

“The MSSPA exists to protect equines from abuse and neglect, and this case is a powerful reminder of why that work matters,” Woodbrey said. “Today, these donkeys and miniature horses are safe, receiving the care, training, and patience they need to heal and thrive. Now, that comes with extensive rehabilitative costs – both at the outset and going forward – but because of the generosity of our supporters these equines will have a second chance at futures they deserve. All of us at the MSSPA are deeply grateful to the compassionate community that makes this life-saving work possible.”

She said that if the public wants to help support the rehabilitation of this herd, they can make a donation through the MSSPA website at https://www.msspa.org/give/. <

WHS students explore morality in upcoming play competition

By Dina Mendros

Windham High School’s one-act play entry for this year’s Maine Drama Festival will challenge audiences to reflect on morality, as 25 students bring the classic work “Everyman” to the stage next month.

Windham High School's cast of 'Everyman' gather following
a rehearsal at the school. The late 15th century English
morality play will be directed by CJ Payne and is the
school's one-act play entry for this year's Maine Drama
Festival which will be presented at South Portland High
School on March 6 and March 7.  COURTESY PHOTO    

The cast – supported by student crews handling backstage operations, sound, and lighting – is preparing the late fifteenth‑century English Catholic morality play under the direction of Christopher (C.J.) Payne.

Some 69 schools across Maine will compete at eight regional sites on March 6 and 7. Windham High School will perform at South Portland High School, while WHS itself will host the state festival for advancing teams on March 20 and 21. The New England Drama Festival will follow at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland, Vermont, from April 30 to May 2.

Payne, who became WHS technical director in 2009 and theater director in 2023, cited the long history of the event. 

"The earliest Maine High School One Act Drama Festival dates back to 1931 and was held at Bath High School,” he said. “Windham has a plaque in the trophy case showing our participation going back as far as 1961.”

The author of “Everyman,” written between 1490 and 1510, remains unknown. Payne describes the play as both humorous and dramatic, using symbolic characters, such as Death, Fellowship, and Cousin, to explore deeper questions of human morality.

“The play centers on Everyman confronting death, which rarely arrives welcomed,” he said. “Because it was written in Catholic Europe, it uses symbols audiences then and now can easily recognize to examine what makes someone a good person and what Good Deeds that they’ve done in their lifetime.”

This production marks a shift for WHS theater.

“The time period of the script is a big departure from the shows we’ve done in recent years,” Payne said. “And this will be the largest cast Windham has taken to the festival in the last five years.”

Junior Ashlynn Cuthbert is assisting Payne as student director. She joined theater in eighth grade and says it has become a major source of joy.

“My primary role is to be a second pair of eyes for our director,” she said. “I weigh in on everything from costumes and sets to acting choices and blocking. CJ and I work together to make the show as powerful and seamless as possible. One of my favorite parts is helping other actors develop their characters.”

Cuthbert appreciates the collaborative nature of the production. “Every detail is discussed and sometimes debated until we find the best option,” she said.

Working on a script originally written in Middle English has also taught Cuthbert some valuable lessons.

“I’ve learned how important it is to truly understand and believe what you’re saying,” she said. “Bringing a character’s emotion into yourself is always important, but with this language, it’s even more challenging – and even more essential.”

She said that she hopes the performance sparks reflection.

“I don’t think it’s art’s job to tell an audience what to think or feel,” Cuthbert said. “Good art inspires people to have conversations with themselves about emotions and morals. I want our audience to leave contemplating what it means to be a good person—and, on a lighter note, thinking our show was really cool.”

According to Cuthbert, she plans to pursue law, specializing in prosecution or civil rights.

“It may sound far from theater, but both involve performance,” she said. “You’re standing in front of people, trying to capture their attention and take them on a journey. Both law and theater help people in different ways.”

Payne said he is excited to see what the students bring to the festival this year. “It’s rewarding to get students excited to perform for other schools,” he said. He chose “Everyman” because he wanted something different. “This show really fits the group of actors we have.”

The goal, he added, is always to deliver a production that exceeds expectations. “We hope to bring a professional‑level performance to the festival. Our actors and technicians always bring strong competition to the Class A sites. Hopefully the judges agree.” <