Late Windham resident's legacy lives on through Tia’s Prom Project

By Dina Mendros

Tatiana “Tia” Morrell of Windham is remembered by her friends and family as “uplifting,” “generous” and “a bright light” in the lives of others. Tia was taken too young. She died in a moped accident in 2024, and she was only 28 years old.

The late Tatiana 'Tia" Morrell of
Windham attended proms when
she was a student at Windham
High School and now her friends
and family are remembering her
by providing free prom dresses
to Cumberland County stduents
through an initiative called
'Tia's Prom Project.'
COURTESY PHOTO   
 

Those who loved her don’t want Tia to be forgotten and have decided to memorialize her through the creation of an initiative called Tia’s Prom Project. Starting this year, the project will provide dresses to high school and middle school students in Cumberland County for prom, homecoming, or any other formal or semi-formal school events at no cost to the student.

Friends and family say that they wanted to find a way to remember Tia in a meaningful and lasting way because of the type of person she was.

“She was a very big person with a very big personality,” Samantha Erickson said. “She was the type of person when she came into the room you knew she was there, and you would feel that she would radiate energy. Even when she left the room that energy just stuck with you and you just took it wherever you went for the remainder of the day.”

Others agree and are happy to help with the project.

“She was just such a bright light in all of our lives,” Devon Jones said. “She would always make sure that everyone felt included and felt like they belonged. She would make sure people felt like they had a purpose and like they mattered.”

Tia was “high spirited and very giving,” her mother, Shelly Worthing, said. “She was always a light in the room as a child and always happy with a smile on her face.”

The inspiration for remembering Tia through Tia’s Prom Project stems from an event that took place when she was just in eighth grade. A new girl started school in Windham and Tia, her mother said, wanted to help the girl by buying her a dress to attend a semi-formal dance cruise that eighth grade students were attending at the end of the school year.

According to Worthing, the girl had a rough childhood and would not likely be able to attend the event if Tia hadn’t helped out. Worthing said that her daughter was independent and determined and once she decided she wanted to help the student there was no stopping her.

Tia enlisted the assistance of her mother and together they bought a dress and on the day of the dance cruise, Worthing helped the new student with her hair and makeup.

“I remember (the student) having the night of her life at that dance,” Erickson said. After that, people started talking to the girl and being nice to her. “They saw her as a person finally. It was just a huge turning point.”

Worthing said that led to this new effort.

“Samantha (Erickson) was the one that remembered that story and that’s what kind of started our project,” Worthing said.

Worthing and Tia’s friends have big plans for Tia’s Prom Project. The initial plan was to have dresses donated and available for Cumberland County school proms in 2026. However, people have already started requesting dresses for homecoming dances which take place this month and in October.

While the dresses are limited, they are available for those who are interested. By next year’s prom season, organizers say they are hoping to have several hundred dresses available for students to choose from. Eventually, Worthing said, they hope to work with property owners who have vacancies where they can house the dresses and students can peruse them and try them on.

Erickson said she hopes that girls will take pictures of themselves in the dresses and/or write a note about their experience wearing the dress on their special night which can be shared with other girls who wear it at a later event. In addition to taking donated dresses, they want to be able to provide accessories, so they are accepting donations of shoes, jewelry, makeup and other items.

“The idea really only came to life in May,” Erickson said. “Even in the first year we just plan to get bigger and bigger with this. So yeah, you know, we’ve only just begun.”

To find out more about Tia’s Prom Project visit their Facebook page. To request dresses for homecoming, prom or other formal or semi-formal school events, send an email to Tiaspromproject@yahoo.com or call Samantha Erickson at 207-747-7308, Shelley Worthing at 207-232-1967 or Devon Jones at 207-310-8869.

Prom dresses to be donated can be dropped off at 8 Turning Leaf Drive in Windham; 585 Roosevelt Trail in Windham; 781 Edes Falls Road in Harrison; 780 Broadway St. in South Portland, or from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Causeway Commons, 978 Roosevelt Trail in Naples; or call or email to have them picked up. <

Patrick Corey: Trust the people and their elected representatives

By State Rep. Patrick Corey

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with unique challenges, but with that, comes resiliency. We are in a better place today, because we’ve changed our habits, modified our world, and committed to preventing its’ spread. It is now time for state government to take notice.

Thirty-seven Windham residents have tested positive for COVID-19, as of June 2, 2020. Our population is over 18,000. We may never know the outcome of these cases, but given Maine CDC’s numbers detailing probable cases, recoveries, and deaths, thankfully, a large majority of those who contract the illness will survive. That does not negate the loss of those that were taken from us, those who have suffered on a path to recovery, or will have related long-term health effects. It does provide hope for people that have tested positive.

Essential and frontline workers have faced and met many challenges. Healthcare and public safety workers have gone without the personal protective equipment that keeps them safe. Some have had to witness the effects of COVID-19, whether it be in a healthcare setting, or in a home setting. Essential workers, especially those in retail settings, have kept us afloat. Very few of us were prepared to stay at home for months. These workers put themselves at-risk in service to us, under very complicated circumstances.

Because of essential workers, many of us have been waiting this out at home to flatten the curve and not overwhelm the healthcare system, so we can return to some semblance of normal. My household has been fortunate enough to work from home, granted with some new financial constraints and challenges. I am mostly concerned for those who cannot. I have assisted many who are now unemployed, or making far from what they made before. The Maine Department of Labor has been slow to respond exasperating an already horrible situation for the laid off and self-employed. I have been doing my best to assist them in fighting for the benefits they are entitled too.

Businesses, especially small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. Essential businesses that have been able to operate, have had to restrict their activities, adopt new procedures, and purchase new equipment to keep everyone safe. Much of this adaptation has been adopted by businesses in subsequent phases. I have toured businesses that have opened and those that are still closed and can assure you that they are going above-and-beyond what is expected of them. They understand their reputations are at stake.

In Cumberland County, businesses face a lot of uncertainty right now. Last minute changes by the Governor cost many of these businesses thousands of dollars when they bought food in preparation for opening at reduced dine-in capacity. When the plan changed without adequate notice, some closed for good, after spending money they didn’t have, likely after already depleting their cash buffers. There are a number of businesses in our region in the hospitality, outdoor recreation, and personal services industries that have been pushed off until July or August in the restart.

I am upset that our Governor has left the Legislature completely out of policy decisions affecting our region and our constituents. The people of Maine elected both a Legislature and a Governor. The Legislature should have input regarding reopening decisions.

Together, we have learned a lot over the past few months. Skills that will better prepare us to safely walk back out into the world. I am more fastidious about hand washing than I ever was before. I wear a mask when I cannot social distance. I avoid places and situations where I don’t feel safe. We have all learned to adapt and that is one of our biggest lines of defense in preventing future outbreaks and returning to normal.

It is time for Governor Janet Mills to take notice and trust the public and the resiliency we have built together. I have faith that our businesses will put safety first. Please Governor Mills, before it is too late, involve Maine’s elected Legislature in the decision-making process to help prevent further division among Maine citizens.

Call me anytime at 207-749-1336 or by email at patrick.corey@legislature.maine.gov.

Windham to keep taxes flat for the next fiscal year

Windham’s municipal budget for the
 2020-2021 fiscal year will have a
 zero increase as a result of
the pandemic.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

By Lorraine Glowczak

The most recent word in today’s repertoire is ‘flatten’ – as in ‘flatten the curve’ relating to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Town of Windham is using the term as it relates to the town budget.

“The town’s municipal budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year will have a zero increase as a result of the pandemic,” said Barry Tibbetts, Windham Town Manager. “Basically, the town’s fiscal budget will remain flat and the majority of planned building remodels and additions, paving and improvements to dirt roads along with other needed items have been placed on hold. There will be no tax increases from the town’s municipal budget.”

The town has postponed the hiring of additional needed staff as well as building renovations and expansions necessary at the Town Hall. A few much-needed items will be purchased and be obtained, and the public safety building located on Windham Center Road will undergo some expansion, but residents will not see an increase in taxes this year or the future for that project.

“We will be purchasing one pickup and a smaller dump truck, a new ambulance and must make necessary additions/remodeling to the public safety building in order to comply with the safety regulations as a result of COVID-19,” Tibbets said. “When the public safety building was built in 1989, there were only 22 employees. Now, we have more than doubled the number of staff with 48 employees and the officer and emergency medical providers are extremely cramped and unsafe. These modifications to the building with the new addition will be absorbed within the budget by using  a bond. There will not be an increase in the mill rate or the town’s taxes, as a result.”

Residents will still see an  increase in taxes, however, due to standard and projected RSU14 budgetary items and the slight rise of Cumberland County budget in the mil rate. The projected mil rate increase for the RSU budget, should it be approved, will be 47 cents while the County impact will be 4 cents. Another quick way to calculate that for individual impact would be a $51 increase per $100,000 in valuation.

Cumberland County was scheduled to convert from a calendar year to a fiscal year but has decided to hold that change so as not to adversely affect the towns financially. The shift from a calendar year to a fiscal year would equate to about 17 cents on our mil rate. This is a tremendous help for our Town.

As for the RSU14 budget, the increases taxpayers will see are the necessary union negotiation changes per the recently agreed contracts along with continued special education prerequisites.

“The school board is obligated to pay staff the required contractual employee pay increase in addition to adhering to State of Maine special education standards,” Tibbetts said. “The school board must adhere to these predetermined requirements.”

RSU14 School Superintendent Christopher Howell echoed Tibbetts statements.

“As for RSU14, taxpayers will see an increase due to negotiated contracts, special education programming and positions to support increased enrollments at the elementary level,” Howell said. “The board is committing $900,000 from carryover funds to help offset the impact to tax increases. The RSU is legally obligated to meet the special education needs of students.”

For more information regarding the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget, please contact the Town Manager’s office at 207-892-1907.

Be sure to keep informed by watching recorded Town Council meetings at www.windhammaine.us/228/WCCG-TV-7.

The results are in! - By Walter Lunt

THE RESULTS ARE IN!


State Senate District 26

Bill Diamond

Saying he is honored and humbled by the confidence placed in him by voters over opponent Ryan McDonald, Maine Senator Bill Diamond is poised to begin his 21^st year of elective public office. The Eagle spoke with the popular Windham Democrat as he celebrated quietly at his home Tuesday night. Following three terms in the Maine house, several years as secretary of state and seven terms in the senate, the Eagle asked about the likelihood of a run for governor in 2018.

“You know, it all comes down to impact on family. I have eight grandkids and to do that would be a mean a really solid commitment. So right now, I can’t say for sure.” But he did not rule out the possibility.

Diamond said a great many of his constituents “…never got out of the recession and are working multiple jobs.” He promised to work on ways to make the economy stronger.

Diamond serves on the legislature’s transportation and government oversight committees.

Senate District 26 includes the six Cumberland County towns of Windham, Raymond, Casco, Standish, Frye Island and Baldwin.

House District 24

Mark Bryant

Democrat Mark Bryant defeated Republican challenger Benjamin Martin in House District 24 which covers the northern part of Windham. Bryant, who has served five non-consecutive terms in the Maine House, expressed sincere thanks to his constituents Tuesday night and said he looks forward to making a difference in the lives of people in Windham and the State of Maine by working with legislators on both sides of the aisle. He said his constituents have expressed concern over the issue of population growth in Windham, which is taxing resources and impacting land conservation. 

Bryant, who supported a referendum proposal to raise Maine’s minimum wage, said job creation is also at the top of his list this term.

“I’m honored and humbled (by this victory),” said Bryant. “And I want my constituents to know that I don’t take them for granted.”

House District 25

Patrick Corey

First elected in 2014, Patrick Corey has served one term in the Maine House. He ran uncontested in District 25, which covers the southern part of Windham.

Corey said he enjoys working with constituents as bills run their course through the legislature, and strongly urges people to contact him about any issue, any time.

Corey’s work on the legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee included a bill to protect outdoor shooting ranges. He opposed Maine’s ballot initiative to require background checks for privately sold firearms.

He said he hears often from constituents who are concerned about “high taxes, all taxes: Income, sales and property taxes…and the cost of higher education.” Locally, he said people are worried about seemingly uncontrolled growth in Windham and want to preserve the local heritage and rural character. He hears constituents ‘concerns about people working together in Augusta and plans to work in a bipartisan manner to maintain civil discourse.

District 66 which is all of Raymond except southwest corner

Jessica Fay

As small business owner, Fay said she will work for the issues that the voters are passionate about.

“I am honored and excited to be the next representative for Maine House District 66. I had so much support from people with lots of different ideas and that gives me hope for the next two years.”

 

She defeated incumbent Mike McClellan for the seat in the Maine House and plans to work with him to discover some of the things he feels are important to folks in the district, she said. 

“I have had so many important conversations with voters over the last 6 months, and the issues raised are the same ones I talked about during the campaign...good paying jobs, education, rising healthcare costs and property taxes, addiction and access to effective pain management.”  

She thanks her strong supporters. “This campaign was a total team effort. There were lots of people involved and I value the time and energy of each and every one. I am honored to have been elected and I can't wait to get started.”

District 67 (portions of Raymond, Gray, Casco)

Susan M. Wilkinson Austin

Austin defeated challenger Rachel Lyn Rumson for her seat in the state house of representatives. She has served five non-consecutive terms and has been on the business, labor, commerce, research and economic development committee since she first started her political work. It is her hope to continue on that committee. 

“It’s a nice day after,” she said after only having a few hours of sleep. She plans to go back to Augusta with the same can-do attitude. “I’ve always been very collaborative so we can start out on the best foot we can,” she said. “Then we can get good things done for the Maine people.” 

She is waiting to see if she has legislative work to do in Gray with two sections looking to secede from the town. She will also work with Frye Island and its ongoing educational debate with SAD6.

Her goal is to, “Do the very darn best job I can do every day. I’m inclusive, not exclusive.”

Windham Town Council, South District

Donna Chapman

Current chairperson of the Windham Town Council, has served from 2007 to 2010 and then was elected in 2013. Her goal for this term is “to continue the bipartisan working relationships of the council, in order for us to maintain lower taxes and still develop Windham into a Community that respects the opinions of its residents and can work together to make a Windham an even better place to live, work and play.”

She is excited to work with the new council member Jarrod Maxfield. “Jarrod brings a different perspective on how to empower communication to help get information out into the community on agendas and important projects. I am excited to work with Jarrod and his ideas on streetlights and moving forward on some of the 21 Century Downtown Plan.”

The councils’ top priorities moving forward as Chapman sees it are, “We truly need a public works garage, how to keep costs down and yet provide adequate services for the public. To move forward on a sewer that does not cost the taxpayers solely and protects the watersheds in North Windham for future generations.

Windham Town Council, North District

Jarrod Maxfield

Newcomer Jarrod Maxfield ran unopposed for the North District seat on the Windham Town Council, formerly held by Roy Moore who did not seek re-election. It is his first publicly elected position. He owns Necessary Technology in Portland.

Maxfield said the catalyst for his decision to run was when a friend purchased commercial property in Windham.

“It should have been an exciting time for him, but instead he encountered only challenges and obstacles. He wasn’t asking anything from anyone,” Maxfield continued. “Just making an investment in the town. That needs to be encouraged (not discouraged),” he said.

Currently a member of the town’s energy advisory committee, Maxfield supports the 21^st Century Downtown proposal and the town’s new comprehensive plan. Regarding the North Windham shopping district, he said, “we need to do something smart up there: A modern wastewater treatment plan, nicer streets and nicer restaurants. I’d like Windham people to spend money in Windham.”

Windham Town Council, At Large

Bob Muir

Bob Muir was re-elected to his at-large position on the town council. As with all the council candidates, he ran unopposed. Muir has served for four non-consecutive terms on the council. Muir said taxes are a priority,… “especially for the elderly on fixed incomes.” He said it can be “difficult to adjust the town budget to the town’s rising costs.” And he feels he is often the voice of residents who are hesitant to complain or address the town council.

“We’ve got a very good council right now and I’d like to continue our good work for the town.” Muir praised Jarrod Maxfield. “He’s a good addition to the council.

Muir also supports integrating the 21^st Century Downtown proposal into a new comprehensive plan.

“It will improve the looks (of the area), movement of traffic and be pedestrian friendly. Connectivity of neighborhoods in the area could be tricky, he added. “Neighborhoods like to stay self- contained.” But he observed it will be the job of the council to work out these and other problems.

Regional School Unit (RSU)14 Board Director

Eric Colby

Running unopposed, Eric Colby was re-elected to a second term on the RSU14 School Board.

Coming off a “three year learning curve,” Colby said he felt he could contribute more readily to the board during his next term.

Colby, a security sales engineer, said his first years taught him great respect for teachers.

“Anybody who says teachers don’t work hard just don’t know anything about the profession. (Especially considering) everything we throw at them, they are great people and everybody (in RSU14) is doing a great job,” he said.

Regarding the question of capital improvements versus new middle school, Colby said, “Pay me now or pay me later. Considering our growth and the age of our current facilities we’re going to have to accommodate our needs.”

Regional School Unit (RSU)14

Scott McLean

Scott McLean will be the newcomer on the RSU14 School Board. With a 10-year-old in the district, McLean said he hopes to make a positive difference for kids in the district. A production administrator for Lucas Tree, he said he’ll take his new position on the board “day by day.” 

McLean said he is particularly interested in the newly established homework evaluation team. The group will research the efficacy and the amount of homework that should become policy in the district.

Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, District 2

Susan Witonis

Still another uncontested race was for a seat on the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. Susan Witonis will serve a second four year term. She said her focus is on public safety and favors as much practical regionalization as possible, citing the regional dispatch service in Windham and contract deputy services through the sheriff’s office as examples of successful models.

An important part of the job, said Witonis, who represents nine towns including Raymond and Windham, is making sure that rural areas are fairly represented in the funding formula for the county budget.

Work continues, she added, in the search for a sports tenant at the Cross Insurance Center, adding that she is hopeful that could happen within the next year.