Students aspire to be members of talented and community-adored Windham Chamber Singers

By Lorraine Glowczak

Within two hours after tickets officially went on sale this past Monday, Oct. 3, the American Family Holiday Concert sold more than 1,000 tickets. This popular annual holiday tradition, locally referred to as AmFam, is performed every year by the Windham Chamber Singers (WCS) and draws in audiences from all over the state and beyond. This highly motivated group of vocalists will again provide two performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Windham High School (WHS) auditorium. Kim Block will host the event, and special guest performers will include Susie Pepper, Daniel Strange, and Ashley Liberty.

The Windham Chamber Singers will once again perform
their popular American Family Holiday Concert on
Saturday, Dec. 3 and tickets are now on sale for that event.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

The WCS are known for winning the Prize of Vienna at the 25th International Youth and Musical Festival in Austria in 1996, as well as being highlighted on national and public television and having performed at major venues, including Carnegie Hall and the White House. As a result, the singers have not only inspired adults with their musical finesse but have motivated youth to be a member of a group known for more than just their ability to harmonize. Many of the current WCS have long waited for the opportunity to perform, along with famous musicians such as Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul, and Mary) and Dougie MacLean, and to perform once again to sold-out performances of AmFam. A few students share why they dreamed of being a part of such an inspiring group of individuals.

WHS Sophomore Bella Bragdon is a second-year member of the WCS. She had yearned to be a member since she was 7 years old when she was in Windham Primary School (WPS) and was a member of former WPS music teacher Nancy Cash-Cobb’s chorus.

“When the WCS came to sing with us, I knew I wanted to be a part of their group,” she said. “Throughout my childhood, I heard stories about the WCS tour, AmFam, day-to-day rehearsals, and how much fun it is. So, when I signed up to audition in the spring of my eighth-grade year, I wanted to be a part of something normal. The pandemic had taken so much away, and I didn’t want it to take away this too. I was struggling with my mental health and just wanted to have a safe place, free of judgment where I could be myself.”

When Bragdon got the opportunity to audition, she said she was very nervous and didn’t think she would make it. But Bragdon is very happy to have been selected.

Senior Sophie Koutalakis, WCS’ Wardrobe Manager for this season, has been a member of all four high school years. She knew she wanted to try out for the group when she was a student at Windham Middle School (WMS) and saw their performance at a WMS assembly.

“Auditioning had been in the back of my mind at the start of middle school when I was a student there but seeing the Chamber Singers perform ‘Ready for The Storm’ by Dougie MacLean solidified my decision,” Koutalakis said. “I was absolutely blown away, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the group ever since.”

In addition to watching that first performance, there were many other reasons why she longed to be a part of this musical ensemble.

“I am passionate about music, and I knew that being a part of the Windham Chamber Singers would help me work on my music skills while being surrounded by a group of talented, like-minded peers,” she said. “I loved the performance opportunities that come with being a Windham Chamber Singer, and two of my role models were former members. Janelle LoScuito, who I take voice lessons from and is a Chamber Singer alumnus, along with Tony-nominated Robyn Hurder, who I look up to a lot.”
Annaelle Kirezi is a WHS senior, and it is her first year as a WCS member. She was impressed with the WCS skills as performers and knew she wanted the chance to be a part of the energy they exude on the stage.

“The one thing I have discovered is that I am fully myself with this group,” Kirezi said. “I enjoy singing so many good songs with fellow chamber singers, and I especially love when Dr. Nickerson [Director] introduces a piece of music that we all know and like. It’s really fun to see the excitement on

the faces of others, and that makes the experience even more meaningful to me.”

Entering its 35th year, WCS Director Dr. Richard Nickerson, who founded the current group in 1988, shares Kierezi’s excitement.

“It is so inspiring to work with these amazing students and share in their enthusiasm,” he said. “As we get ready for AmFam, we are committed to enjoy the process of preparation as much as the performances. Every layer provides a unique opportunity for learning.”

The WCS will go on their spring tour throughout New England from April 12 to 16, 2023. Not only is it the experience of performance in and travel to other locations that students enjoy, but it is the life-long bonds that are created among its members.

“Being in the Windham Chamber Singers means having a group of people I trust, people who will always encourage one another,” Koutalakis said. “I have so many fun memories from being in this group, but my favorite one so far is when we performed for the Providence Bruins. Not only did I perform in front of a huge crowd, but we got to watch the game afterward, and it was so fun seeing all my friends get so involved with the game. Tour as a whole is such a fun time because we were able to sing in new places as well as solidify our bond.”

Bragdon agreed and said, “I’m thankful every day that I was selected to be among such an amazing group of people. I will be forever grateful.”

For more information or to purchase tickets for the WCS’ American Family Holiday Concert, go to their website at www.windhamchambersingers.com/.

“But hurry, the tickets are running out fast,” Nickerson said. <

Christmas craft fairs making dazzling return to local churches

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, local churches
in Windham and Raymond will be hosting Christmas craft
fairs in November and early December for shoppers
searching for unique and meaningful gifts.
COURTESY PHOTO

By Daniel Gray 

In the last leg of the year, there will always be things to look forward to; Maine winters, sitting by a cozy fire, and craft fair season. Besides the large craft fair held at the high school every year, there are tons of smaller ones scattered around town. Churches are by far the biggest places to find craft fairs.

A few churches that have scheduled holiday craft fairs during November and December are the Windham Friends Meeting Church, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, The First Congregational Church of Gray, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and the North Windham Union Church. Raymond Village Library isn't a church, but they are hosting a craft fair as well.

St. Ann’s Annual Christmas Fair will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 4. Christmas wreaths will be available along with 42 gift baskets. A Christmas tree also will be raffled off. For more information, send an email to st.annschristmasfair21@gmail.com  

The Windham Friends Meeting's craft fair will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Friends Meeting House at 374 Gray Road here in Windham, which is right beside the Windham Raymond School District office.

"We are supported by many people in the community who are not members of Windham Friends but are a great help to us throughout the year," said Julianne Moore, treasurer for the Friends Church for more than 20 years.

Their craft fair will have jewelry, ornaments, stockings, knitted goods, lit Christmas trees, baked goods, and more.

"My favorite thing about the fair is working together with our group and The Windham Historical Society," Moore said. "But my favorite thing about the Christmas season is the music and decorating our meetinghouse. We have some antique paper murals of the Nativity that are quite unique and very delicate, but we still manage to get them up every year."

The First Congregational Church of Gray's annual Holly Fair is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 with face masks required. It's held at the Parish House in Gray, right behind the McDonalds.

Franny Hutchings, a committee member of the church and a churchgoer herself, is very excited for the upcoming Holly Fair.

"With COVID, we were unsure if we would have the Holly Fair this year," Hutchings said. "We're all happy to do it this year and to bring it back. My favorite thing about the Holly Fair is that it puts us in the spirit of Christmas, and we enjoy seeing so many friends coming to shop."

There will be raffle tickets for $50 gift cards when you purchase goods from participating vendors, as well as jewelry, cookies, Rada cutlery, crafts, White Elephant and children activity rooms.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help's Christmas Fair will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, located at the church on Roosevelt Trail in North Windham. There will be a visit from Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a bake sale, knitted items, gift baskets, jewelry, books, and delicious breakfast and lunch served by the Snowflake Café.

At that event, The Knights of Columbus will also have a Yard Sale along with their Annual Christmas Tree sale. The sale for the Christmas trees begins at the church Nov. 27.

The North Windham Union Church will conduct a Christmas craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 hosted at the church located off Roosevelt Trail. There will be 12 tables of hand-made crafts from locals along with baked goods, gently used books, Christmas wreaths, and light lunches to-go. Santa may also make an appearance for the kids, but the church is unsure with his busy schedule.

The church is also holding a silent auction through Nov. 16 with items ranging from gift certificates to toys. Visit their Facebook page to find additional information and to view all the items they have up for auction.

Raymond Village Library's holiday craft fair will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. There will be plenty of items, including knitted and crocheted items, pottery, resin, jewelry, soaps, and gift baskets.

There will also be special items such as photographic works from Jesse MacDonald Photography, honey and herbal products from Bee Blossom Botanicals, alpaca fiber products from Pismire Mountain Fiber Farm, and glass art from Infinitely Fearless Designs.

The Raymond Village Library is happy to support local artists for Raymond residents said Allison Griffin, the director at RVL. She said that she enjoys seeing all the local talent from the community.

"There are so many talented people in the Raymond area, and we are happy to be able to provide a small venue to help promote their work." Griffin said. " While the event raises funds for the library, the primary focus of the fair is to provide a venue where all local crafters and artists are welcome to participate." <

Adopt-A-Family lifts holiday spirits for families in need at Christmas

Volunteers gather prior to the pick-up of gifts for recipient 
families of the 2020 Adopt-A-Family holiday program last
December. Volunteers included Keith Mank, Kaila Mank,
Kelly Mank, Aaron Pieper, Nicole Lewis, Meghan Bisson,
Monica Lewis and Kim MacKaye. This year's Adopt-A-
Family program launches Sunday, Oct. 10. FILE PHOTO  

By Ed Pierce

For the third consecutive year, The Windham Eagle newspaper and the Windham Maine Community Board on Facebook are teaming up to adopt families this holiday season by collecting gifts and bringing smiles on Christmas morning for community members struggling to make ends meet during a difficult time.

The 2021 Adopt-A-Family Program officially launches Sunday, Oct. 10 with applications available for families seeking help this Christmas and those who would like to contribute running through Nov. 12. Adopt-A-Family organizers say they hope to have all families matched by Nov. 14.

“We’re starting a little earlier this year because of shipping times and supply and demand,” said Aaron Pieper of the Windham Maine Community Board. “We’re hoping to do something a little different this year by purchasing wrapping paper for the families so they can wrap their own gifts. Saving some time spent wrapping these gifts means we will be able to help even more families than we have done in the past.”

Pieper said that last Christmas, the Adopt-A-Family Program helped almost 50 local families in need of assistance, and he is expecting to nearly double that figure in 2021.

“We’ve seen significant growth in the few years we’ve done this and each year it seems to double or quadruple,” Pieper said. “This year we hope to brighten the holidays for even more families. There’s certainly more awareness out there about this program in the newspaper, on social media and through word of mouth. We don’t judge anyone. We simply want to be of help to those who need it this year.”

Kelly Mank, publisher of The Windham Eagle, supports the mission of Adopt-A-Family for the community and said she wants to do all she can the make this year’s program a resounding success. 

“Windham and Raymond are positive, kind and caring communities and we are very fortunate to be able to team up with the Windham Maine Community Board on Facebook again this year to match families who wish to help with those families in need this Christmas,” Mank said. “We’re committed to helping in any way we can.”

One of the Adopt-A-Family organizers, Kim MacKaye of Windham, has watched the program grow from 14 families who were assisted during the program’s first year to more than 45 just a year ago.

“The most surprising thing for me is how many people want to help. There is always this nervousness about making sure we can complete every application from submission into their homes for the holiday,” MacKaye said. “And every year we have neighbors and businesses excited to make this happen.”

MacKaye said applicants for help are taken in good faith and the program is open to anyone in Windham and Raymond.

“Everybody has a different level of need, and everyone has a different opinion on what that looks like. Finding the balance in this program has been and will continue to be key,” she said. “The one thing I have heard the most from the community about this program is that many people want to see more collaborations like this. People are excited to find ways to give back in untraditional ways.”

According to Pieper, the outpouring of support from the community is not limited to individuals. He said that many local businesses he’s spoken with remain enthusiastic about doing their part to assist with the community initiative.

“Businesses have been very helpful,” he said. “Thanks to their generosity, we hope to be able to give every single family in need brand new haircuts and toothbrushes from dental practices. Local restaurants have also stepped up and have donated gift cards for meals over the holidays. The businesses I’ve spoken with about the program so far this year have been truly excited to help.”

As in years past, Mank said she has volunteered the newspaper offices at 588 Roosevelt Trail to serve as a collection point for gifts and donations.

“We’re happy to join and be a part of such a significant effort in our community,” Mank said. “We’re hoping everyone who is able to help will do so too.” 

Drop-off and pick-up dates for the program have not been set yet but launching the program early will give families wishing to contribute plenty of time to obtain gifts in time for distribution in December, MacKaye said. 

Electronic forms for those seeking assistance this Christmas and for anyone interested in contributing or volunteering to help with the program will be available this Sunday in an announcement on the Windham Maine Community Board on Facebook.

“We are grateful for the community’s help,” Pieper said. “The need is great, and every little bit helps.”

Gift cards and donations for the program may be dropped off at the offices of The Windham Eagle, 588 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, during regular business hours. If contributing a donation by check, make checks payable to The Windham Eagle with “Adopt-A-Family” on the memo line. <

Windham residents create heartfelt homemade Christmas treasures

By Daniel Gray

Living in Windham means being connected to your neighbors and having a connection that not many towns know. There are so many wonderful, talented community members that work with their hands every day, creating to make our lives easier or brightly colored to drown out the tones of this year. 

Because of the virus, many missed out on the yearly tradition of going to the craft fair at the local high school to marvel at all the glorious creations of our tight-knit community. As a result, we’re shining a small spotlight on some local creators who would be a happy addition for the festive holiday season. 

Nicole Keniston of Windham mixes
paints that will be used for mixed 
media designs she creates by hand
for Christmas gifts. These burnt
wood creations will be painted
and shaped into the state of
Maine. SUBMITTED PHOTO

New Windham resident Nicole Keniston creates mixed-media wood burnings and paintings. Her business name is “Nicole's Burnt Kitchen” due to "not being super accurate in the kitchen" and her wood-burning pieces.

Keniston just recently moved to Windham from South Portland with her husband and three children and is an undergraduate in college studying for a degree in early childhood education. She loves bringing two different mediums together to create different pieces of art, and it shows with her colorful Maine paintings on wood with burning details etched into it.

 

She creates with elements of nature and has nature in mind with what she makes.

 

"I’ve always loved creating art with the different elements of nature. Especially in the classroom, or on a budget, and kids love it,” Keniston said. “My husband and kids came home with a wood-burning kit one afternoon, and we all just got hooked on all the options and possibilities there were." 

 

Keeping in line with crafting, there's Ashley Riley Caswell, who places wonderful designs on glasses.

 

She’s lived in Windham her whole life and only left to attend college in New Hampshire, currently living with her husband and her two young boys. Growing up a crafter with her grandmothers, Caswell said that she learned how to paint and how to sew.

 

She's always enjoyed crafting, and to her, it isn't just “'crafting,” but more artistry.

 

“Crafting, for me, has never been "one thing,” Caswell said. “I tend to mix it up and be more of a ‘maker,’ diving into different creations along the way."

 

Her creative beautiful and oftentimes hilarious painted glass pieces are made using a computer and a machine that creates the custom-made design. A couple designs in her collection of hilarious 21+ 'Quarantine Survival Kits' includes a picture of a hammer stating 'hammered' and a bumble bee that says “buzzed,” perfect for those days to pop open a bottle of wine at home and just unwind.

 

Caswell also has made glasses and tumblers with a stencil of the state of Maine on them, quite simple, but a very nice statement piece to show off Maine pride. She has a Facebook dedicated to her glasses called the Crafty Girls Co-Op.

Nicole Warner is a local candy maker and baker who loves making sweet treats for folks and their families, especially around the holiday season. She creates cakes, cupcakes, cookies, whoopie pies, and
amazing “hot cocoa bombs,” among various other goodies.

When not baking and decorating, Nicole loves to spend time with her husband and two children, Caleb and Eliana. Another Portland native gone Windham, Nicole enjoys the community and connections she has made here, and especially loves sharing her sweets as well.

To Nicole, dessert is everyone's favorite part of any meal and she would be happy to make her treats part of a family's dinner.

 

“I have always been making cakes, cupcakes, and baked goods for family parties, but never really advertised. Decorating is a huge stress reliever for me,” Warner said. “I just started actually selling my creations a couple years ago with a bigger push on social media this past spring. I am genuinely so surprised at how well it has taken off."

 

Warner also has a Facebook page to order goodies called Nicole's Sweet Treats. <

Everlasting Gratitude Wreath Program seeks volunteer wreath makers

American Legion Field-Allen Post 148
and Unit 148 (Auxiliary) will be making
six large wreaths and 15 small wreaths
as part of its Everlasting Gratitude Wreaths
Program and is seeking community volunteers
to help. Wreath making starts at 9 a.m. Saturday,
Nov. 7 at Libby's Warehouse, 7 Architectural
Drive in Windham. SUBMITTED PHOTO

By David Tanguay

Special to The Windham Eagle

The Field-Allen Post ran an article several months ago in The Windham Eagle providing information about the Everlasting Gratitude Wreath Program that has been so popular over the last six years, with more than 950 wreaths placed on veteran’s graves in Windham last year.

Unfortunately, because of continued concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the wreath program was reduced in scope to the placement of several large and smaller wreaths at each Windham cemetery with veterans interred there.

The time has come to make the wreaths. American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 and Unit 148 (Auxiliary) will be making the six large wreaths and 15 small wreaths starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The wreaths will be made at Libby's Warehouse, 7 Architectural Drive in Windham. Volunteers are asked to drive between Rose's and Chutes and go to the last warehouse.

The post is looking for a few community volunteers to help cut the tips, wrap the tips in bundles and attach them to the frames. They will also need volunteers to make some large bows with instruction provided.  

The wreaths will then be divided among the volunteers and post members to be placed at the cemeteries.

At the larger cemeteries, a wooden post has been set in the ground near the cemetery Sign for the wreaths to be attached to. Wreaths at the smaller cemeteries will be hung on the cemetery sign or another appropriate location.   

The Everlasting Gratitude Wreath Program was launched in late 2013 and was the idea of the owners of Studio Flora of North Windham who funded the program for its first few years with some support from the community.

The tradition of remembering veterans is as old as the nation is itself. The name wreath is derived from
a middle English word, wrethe, meaning a twisted band or ring of leaves or flowers in a garland. The popular placement of holly berries on wreaths were done so for their supposed magical powers as they are a shiny berry that keeps its red color and bright green leaves throughout the long winter months.

 

Dried fruit or flowers were originally placed in a wreath to symbolize the promise of spring and can still serve the same purpose today. It’s said that Gen. George Washington of the Continental Army initiated the practice of placing wreaths upon fallen soldiers while encamped at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania during the winter of 1777-1778 as a way to honor their service. The tradition continues to this day right here in Windham. 

 

Please contact Larry De Hof at 207-310-8952 or send him an email at ledmassage@gmail.com) if you want to learn how to make wreaths and help with the project. <

Windham Fire and Rescue's Santa Run helps five families - By Michelle Libby

With trucks covered in Christmas lights, sirens blaring and Santa on board, fire fighters led by Lt. Garvin “Chip” Jones pulled up to five different homes to deliver gifts, food and gift certificates to brighten the holiday for five single parents and their families last Sunday. The five families were chosen by the Windham Food Pantry and the fire department collected around 250 gifts from area businesses to help with the Santa Run. 

The weather cooperated as three trucks, close to 50 people and one Santa delivered presents from one end of Windham to the other.

“It went really well,” said Jones. Each family received a box filled with food, an envelope of gift cards from area businesses to use for themselves or their kids, and gifts already wrapped to go under the tree. 

“The first family was just blown away. They had even made cookies for Santa,” Jones said. Although the parent knew they were getting a visit, they didn’t realize until the trucks arrived how elaborate it would be. “The trucks looked gorgeous. They didn’t think it was going to be this extravagent,” he added. “The kids were in awe of Santa.” 

The second and third families were equally blown away. “They couldn’t believe the amount of stuff coming into their house,” Jones said. 

Getting ready for the Sunday night event took a full month of planning and lots of help from the community.  Saturday night two dozen people wrapped gifts. On Sunday, dozens of people including students who live and work in the fire stations, decorated Haz Mat 2, Engine 5 and the Haz Mat Rehab Bus, which took them many hours. There were around 4,000 lights on Engine 5 and between 5,000 and 6,000 lights on the Haz Mat trucks. 

Gifts were donated by employees at Dominos and waitstaff at Buck’s Naked BBQ. Between 35 and 40 businesses donated as well. Cash donations were turned into gift certificates for local businesses like Renys, Marshalls and restaurants in town. Even Sunday morning, items were trickling in to be delivered that night. 

“It’s a great time,” said Jones, who had been doing something like this since he lived in New Jersey. In Maine he’s been in charge of the Santa Run for six years. “Every year I build on it. We started with two families, then three and four families. This year we did five families,” he said. 

One parent told Jones that she bought her daughter a jacket around Thanksgiving and that was all she was getting for Christmas. He was glad that wasn’t going to happen now. 

“Usually they’re single parents with one or two kids who work one or two jobs and barely are keeping the heat and lights on,” Jones said. “It’s just a big gratification. That’s why I keep on doing it.” 

Jones is thankful for all the support the Santa Run gets from the community, especially the following businesses: Hannaford, Marshalls, Man Cave Hair Lounge, Smitty's Cinema, Reny's, Friendly's, Bucks Naked BBQ, The Nail Spa, Cleaning Genies, Domino's, Applebee's, Pizza Hut, Benny's Barbershop, Windham Jewelers, Auto Zone, Bull Moose, U.S. Cellular, Shaw's, Pet Life, Advanced Auto, DQ, Rustler's Steakhouse, G & K Motors, Hall Implement, Little Caesars, Windham Primary School, Danielle's Sebago Café, Mr. Bagels, McDonald's and Hair Gone Wild. Special thanks to Dena's Lobsterhouse, comedian Crazy Jake and Atienza & Chebuske Dentistry as well as the private donations dropped off by the public, members and families of the Windham Fire/Rescue and Gorham/Windham Professional Fire Fighters Association and Santa Claus.

Windham Police help Santa bring Christmas cheer - By Michelle Libby

Six police cruisers pulled up to the doors at Windham Walmart on Tuesday, drawing concerned looks from shoppers. They gathered out front to form their plan and scattered into the store. This wasn’t a typical operation for the police department, officers took time from their schedules to shop for Windham Social Services. With money raised at various fundraisers, they brought $2,000 to buy toys for over 30 children in Windham. 

From learning toys for toddlers to make up for teens, the officers worked with one another to find the best gifts for the children they were shopping for. In past years, the officers were given a dollar amount and they picked out items for a variety of children. This year, administrative assistant Sue Rogers, gave each officer a sheet of paper with an age and suggestions for gifts that child would love to see under their tree. So as the officers were shopping, they had a specific child in mind. 

“The best reason we do this is that we are giving back to the community. We receive a lot of public support in town and it’s nice to give some of that back,” said officer Jason Burke. 

The fundraising for their programs come from solicitation calls in the beginning of the year and a show they put on. This year on February 25, Windham Police Department will introduce the community to Audio Body, a musical performance duo similar to the Blue Man Group. With the money raised, the officers as a whole are able to donate to local charities, sports teams and sponsor officers or someone with a connection to the department as they participate in walks like the Dempsey Challenge and cancer walks. 

“We donate to different veteran groups, team like little league who went to Nationals and special circumstances like cancer diagnosis or a kid who needs a physical to play sports. It’s all done quietly,” said officer Jim Cook. 

While the officers scoured the toy department for Christmas gems, shoppers stopped them and gave them donations to put toward the purchases. They received $270 in donations while shopping. Another woman gave them $100 in gift cards that were already paid for. 

“The best part is when people come up to give you money,” said officer Gene Gallant. 

“One man who had a long negative history with the police, came up to us and gave us cash one year,” said Cook. 

This was the fourth year the police department has shopped for less fortunate children in Windham. They also added some gifts and toiletries for seniors. 

Good will breeds good will. Dunkin Donuts in Walmart offered to give each officer a free coffee for the good work they were doing. Although few took them up on the offer, it was the thought that counted.

Outdoor photo – (L to R) Justin Hudnor, Seth Fornier, Jason Burke, Eric Quatrano, Sue Rogers, Sherma Moody (Manager of Walmart), Matt Cyr, Jason Andrews, Gene Gallant, Jim Cook and Bill Andrew.

Christmas tree lighting celebration in Raymond - Walter Lunt

Raymond kicked off the 2016 Christmas season Sunday with its 18^th annual tree lighting ceremony at Raymond Public Library. The event was sponsored by the Raymond Lions Club. Spokesman Robert Fey was quick to point out they had a lot of help.

“It’s a small hometown affair, but a very significant one that happens in this community every year.” He said help and participation came from many segments of the community. The tree is donated each year by Bob Paine, who runs a Christmas tree farm on Raymond Hill Road; a volunteer drove a Central Maine Power bucket truck to deliver, install and string lights on the tree; the Raymond Elementary School Chorus under the direction of Patti Gordan performed songs of the season; the Raymond Public Library trustees and staff hosted the event, including the reading of favorite children’s stories prior to the lighting ceremony; and Santa arrived aboard a Raymond fire truck.

“Ho, Ho, Ho! Oh my, we have quite a turnout here tonight, don’t we,” bellowed Santa as the first of many young revelers climbed onto his knee. Ayla Harris, 6, of Naples told the merry, plump man she was hoping for “a stuffed animal unicorn” for Christmas.

The early evening event was topped off with hot chocolate and cookies for all.