New director of Raymond Village Library looking to enrich programming - By Lorraine Glowczak

This past Monday, October 10^th, The Raymond Village Library (RVL) hosted an open house to introduce the public to and welcome their new director, Allison Griffin. Formerly the director of the Bridgton Public Library, Griffin brings to her new post many years of experience that began at an early age.

“I volunteered at the Casco Public Library when I was a teenager and discovered how much I enjoyed the information and technology field,” Griffin explained. Upon learning how much she appreciated the job, combined with the fact that she loved both reading and technology, it became clear to Griffin that work in library science would be her vocation. 

Griffin began her career at the Jordan-Small Middle School as the Library Media Specialist and District Library Director. While working there, she completed her degree. Upon receiving her Masters in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin, Griffin decided to transition into the public library sector. She applied, was offered and accepted the technology resource librarian position and later the director’s position at the Bridgton Public Library, a position she held for the past year before returning to the Raymond community to make RVL her new home.

Griffin has a few plans in mind to add to the already amazing programs and services that are offered at RVL. “I am working on adding additional adult enrichment programs such as resume and career seminars, as well as poetry and writing workshops.” She also plans to add more tech support services and technology classes as well. 

The new director is also working closely with the youth services coordinator, Karen Perry, to increase opportunities to an already remarkable children and teen program. Presently offered are such programs as toddler and preschool story times, Lego Club and Make and Take Craft days. Discussion between Perry and Griffin include adding and providing a Maker Space and incorporating more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) enrichment programs.

“Raymond Village Library offers many adult and youth enrichment series, which we will be more actively promoting within the community,” Griffin stated with reflection on recent conversations she’s had with library patrons she has encountered thus far. “Many people I have met are unaware of all the programs and services that are available on a weekly basis.” These programs include book clubs, author visits and a variety of enrichment workshops.

“We currently provide adult enrichment programming on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m,” Griffin said. 

This past Wednesday, October 12^th, RVL welcomed local specialist Ingrid LeVasseur to speak about thermal imaging (thermography) and its use in breast cancer screening. On Wednesday, October 19^th, RVL will host Maine author Brenda Buchanan. Buchanan is the author of the Joe Gale Mystery Series, set in the greater Portland area. She will discuss her third book in the series, Truth Beat. 

Griffin has enjoyed meeting community members and library patrons alike. “It’s been such a lovely transition,” she stated with pleasure. “The staff and board of trustees have been very welcoming and supportive.”

Feel free to stop by the Raymond Village Library to welcome the new director and share thoughts for the library’s future success. To read more about the various programs offered, the library itself or to sign up for a weekly newsletter, please visit the RVL website at www.raymondvillagelibrary.org/ or call 207-655-4283.

World karate champion looks to repreat in 2017 - By Lorraine Glowczak

For some, it takes years to discover their passion and find a way to make it happen in the world. However, for 10-year-old Jordan Roberts, formerly of Windham, the enthusiasm for martial arts began at the young age of 6. His desire for the art of karate has led him to become a world champion in the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF), an organization founded by Chuck Norris. But Jordan’s personal achievement was not an overnight success. Hard work and much dedication were needed to reach his dream and goals.

His interest in the martial arts was sparked by the Disney show “Kicking It” and other super hero movies that used various forms of karate. “I liked the idea of knowing how to protect myself from harm and I loved the art of karate itself,” Jordan explained. Observing and then mimicking the forms and motions portrayed in the films, Jordan began practicing on his own. It wasn’t long before Jordan was determined to learn more and asked his parents if he could become professionally trained. After a year of making his request, his father who works in advertising shared Jordan’s passion with a client. That client was a karate teacher Cub Lewis. Sensei Cub Lewis (as he is known by his students) is a fourth degree black belt, teaching young and adults alike for over 37 years. Lewis owns and operates Krav Maga Force Maine. Krav Maga Force Maine, previously located in Falmouth, is now established in Brunswick. “Once we met Sensei Cub Lewis, everything just fell into place” Jordan stated as he shared his excitement about this special form of Karate.

“Krav Maga is an Israeli style of self-defense and is of the most efficient forms of martial arts,” said Jordan’s father, Bill Roberts. Jordan began training with Lewis at the age of seven. Within two years, Jordan became a red belt and traveled to Las Vegas in July 2015 to compete in the World Championship, where he received first place. He returned again this past July where, this time, he fought against black belts. Despite obtaining an eye injury during the first competition that caused some temporary vision impairment, he continued to participate and received fourth place. Jordan’s goal is to return to Las Vegas for a third year in July 2017 to compete at the black belt level with the hope of obtaining the world championship title once again.

“There are three points to the competition,” Jordan began as he described the three areas. The competitions include forms, weaponry (Jordan fights with the bo staff) and hand to hand combat. In addition to the competition portion of the championship, training is provided with advanced and diverse individuals, including the children of Chuck Norris. This experience allows Jordan the opportunity for self-improvement as he progresses toward more advanced degrees.

Getting to Las Vegas and being part of the competition and training requires funds that are difficult to obtain. The first year, Jordan discovered that their year-long savings for the 2015 event was not quite enough for the unexpected costs that they endured such as extra hotel costs and purchasing the correct karate suite (known as a Gi.) As a result, Jordan and his father set out to raise funds for his 2016 competition this past July. Through door to door efforts, partial funding from his Sensei (teacher), a gofundme website, and year-long personal savings – both Jordan and his father were able to return to Las Vegas despite any unexpected costs.

“We’ve already begun saving for the 2017 competition,” Jordan said. He hopes that enough funds will be raised this year so his mother, Rhonda and sister, Aaliyah can go too. “It is really important to me that people who support me all year long can be present and watch me at the 2017 UFAF competitions.” Jordan also hopes that his close friends, Kate Barter, Torin Svedlow, and Aiden Hanson who are always there to support and encourage him can go as well.

For those who made a donation toward the expenses of the July’s competition, Jordan took the time to email each individual with a thank you note along with a picture of himself with both Chuck Norris and Norris’ brother Aaron. Jordan’s note shared his gratitude, “Thank you for your donation to help me get to Las Vegas to compete in the World Championship Karate Competition. This year, for the first time, I went up against black belts (I am a red belt) and one of the black belts took first place. I also battled with an injured eye. I plan on achieving my black belt this year and go back to regain my title. As promised, here is the picture of me with Chuck Norris and Aaron Norris.” Jordan also expressed that the trip was made possible due to the donations and the caring efforts of those who donated.

If one is lucky enough to meet Jordan in person, he/she would be very impressed with his gentle, mature, and caring nature that, no doubt, is a result of the discipline and respect required of those who participate in the martial arts. To continue the opportunity for competition and training at the UFAF in 2017, donations would help tremendously and would be greatly appreciated. Many who know Jordan and have donated in the past will surely be contributing once again to this thoughtful and contributing member of society. Jordan’s father said, “I see Jordan excelling in a program designed to maximize his character and he is bringing it to an amazing level. This development is only going to help make him stronger in the community and an inspiration for those around him.”

To inquire about making a donation to the Jordan Roberts 2017 UFAF competition fund and help to bring a World Karate Champion back to Maine, send an email to silvercircle85@yahoo.com.

Maine Lab Rescue of Windham's mission is finding forever homes - By Lorraine Glowczak

It’s 10:30 Friday night and a dedicated lover of animals is working diligently to prepare for successful dog and cat adoptions the next morning at the Tractor Supply Co. store, 469 Roosevelt Trail in Windham the following day. The devoted individual is Erlene LeBorgne, founder and owner of Maine Lab Rescue in Windham.

As part of their monthly visit to the Tractor Supply Co. store as well as Saturday visits to other businesses in the greater Windham area; Maine Lab Rescue volunteers and foster families donate three hours of their Saturday afternoons to help find homes for dogs and cats who are rescued and transported here from Georgia. This Saturday’s event was a true success with a total of 15 out of the 24 animals that were brought in were adopted in the three-hour timeframe. (14 dogs and 1 cat.)

Like a piece of a massive puzzle, true adoption victory occurs in multiple and meandering ways. 

Saturday’s event at the Tractor Supply Co. store was no different.

First, there is the adoption success story of Prissy, an 8-month old female pup, thought to be a retriever mix. Prissy hadn’t arrived at the store yet and her future adoptees, Kathy and David Garrold were anxiously waiting to “meet and greet” the golden four-legged sweetheart. As they waited, they shared their story, “this whole process has been a dream come true. We found Miss Prissy on Maine Lab Rescue’s Facebook page Tuesday this past week. We both fell in love with her picture and information. She was exactly what we were looking for.” 

After filling out the adoption application and Garrolds’ references were checked and passed with flying colors, the Garrolds were accepted for adoption and made the two-hour trip from Monroe to  meet Prissy. 

“It was love at first sight,” Kathy Garrold stated, regarding the moment she saw Prissy walking in with her foster family, Angela Littlefield and her daughter, Neve.

After meeting Prissy and learning about her easy personality traits and simple needs from Littlefield, the Garrold’s signed the necessary papers and left with Prissy by their side.

Success and smiles continued on Saturday when foster parents, Michelle Diment and her daughter Samantha got to meet Zarah, a puppy they fostered a month ago, who now has a permanent and loving home in Windham. When asked if she had advice for future animal adopters, Michelle stated, “It’s important to educate and remind people that a puppy is a real commitment. People have a hard time believing or forget that those cute little 20-week old puppy faces will chew up your favorite shoes, go to the bathroom on the floor, or jump on the nice furniture.” However, Diment continued to say that with gentle commitment and training, the puppies grow out of this phase and become the dog people expect. 

“The same goes for some older dogs. Although they have passed the puppy stages, commitment and patience is still required to teach them manners,” she added. Diment explained that they may have just come off the streets or they have spent a majority of their life in kennels. But with persistence, they too can become an easy loving family companion.

The real success on Saturday, however, was the organization itself. LeBorgne explained that Maine Lab Rescue (MLR) is a result of a kitten she adopted from Georgia nearly 5 years ago. “I became aware of the challenges faced in the South and wanted to become part of the solution.” As a result, LeBorgne established MLR in 2012, which is headquartered here in Windham. Macon, Georgia serves as the center of operations in the south.

When asked why there is a pet overpopulation in southern states, LeBorgne explained that there are both cultural and financial reasons. “There is often a different perspective regarding spaying and neutering in the southern areas that we assume and take for granted in New England.” Financial barriers also play a large role. LeBorgne went on to say that there are many committed rescue volunteers in George that MLR works with on a daily basis. 

“They are just as caring, passionate, and determined to find a good home for the dogs that come into their care as we are.” Without them, she said, her job would be very difficult. In fact, Georgia foster parents are available around the clock to give a dog/cat a temporary home until they are transported to Maine on a weekly basis.

The adoption process includes an application with references followed by a public meet and greet. Adoption fees for cats are $185.00 and $425.00 for dogs. The adoption fees pay for medical care, spay/neuter, transportation, as well as the day to day expenses associated with operation of the rescue. LeBorgne stated, “We are very grateful that most veterinarians will provide services at a discounted rate.” However, the costs remain substantial. 

LeBorgne added that there is a constant need for foster parents. For those who are interested, please email foster@mainelabrescue.com. To see the latest adoptable pets, check on the Maine Lab Rescue Facebook page, the website at www.mainelabrescue.com or to view a full photo album, visit www.mlradoptables.com. 

As for Prissy and her new parents, Kathy Garrold wrote, “I cannot say enough good about Maine Lab Rescue and the whole process. We feel very lucky to be a part of their family now and to have Miss Prissy in our lives.”

Maine Lab Rescue will have another adoption event at the Blue Seal Feeds, 43 Main St, Windham, this Saturday, September 24th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Windham resident joins Red Cross in massive Louisiana flood relief efforts - By Elizabeth Richards

It’s difficult to drop everything and help when natural disaster strikes, but that is exactly what Windham resident Ruth Lathrop did in late August, when she deployed as a volunteer with the American Red Cross to help flood victims in Louisiana.

“They called me on a Thursday at 4:30 in the afternoon and asked if I could go to Louisiana at 10:30 the next morning,” Lathrop said. She agreed without hesitation. “I didn’t even think about it.” Lathrop had volunteered with the Red Cross locally during the ice storm in 1998, and after some time off had been helping locally again over the past year. The trip to Louisiana was her first deployment. 

Though Lathrop is retired, she has a part time job cleaning at Birchwood Day School a couple of hours per night during the week. When she told them she had to leave for two weeks, they offered their full support. “They were great about it. They all pitched in down there and covered for me while I was gone,” she said.

Lathrop is from South Carolina, and has experienced severe flooding herself. “I had water in my house. I had a boat in my front yard,” she said. Witnessing many natural disasters played a role in her motivation to become a Disaster Red Cross Response volunteer. 

The trip to Louisiana took three days, and when they arrived Lathrop stayed in a shelter with approximately 200 other volunteers. They left the shelter early in the morning to pick up food and water, which they then delivered to heavily affected neighborhoods. Her team went to the same neighborhood daily, so they really got to know the people there, Lathrop said. 

When she first arrived, they were serving hot meals to 400 people at both lunch and dinnertime. By the time she left last week, Lathrop said, the need had decreased somewhat, and they were serving about 400 meals at lunch and dinner combined. 

Lathrop returned with many stories to tell about the destruction she witnessed, and the spirit of the people she had gone to help. “It was just an unbelievable experience to see firsthand everything people owned out on the sidewalk and their houses gutted down to the studs,” she said. “It was so sad to see the baby cribs and the stuffed animals and those kinds of things laying beside the road.” 

People affected by the flooding were living in shelters, with other family members, and some were even staying right at their damaged homes. One woman had three dogs, and couldn’t find anywhere to go with them. Refusing to leave the dogs, she pitched a tent in her yard.

Lathrop was touched by how grateful the people were for the assistance they received. “They would see us, and they would be crying,” she said. “It was the most heart wrenching thing.” 

Even when there wasn’t much to give, people were grateful for any help they received. The first day, Lathrop said, they had run out of hot meals and were preparing to leave. She saw a woman, and had to tell her there was no food left. “She looked up at me and a tear ran down the corner of her eye and she said ‘but I’m hungry.’ It just broke my heart,” Lathrop said. The driver told Lathrop to give the woman whatever she could find, which turned out to be some cookies and crackers and some bottled water. She assured the woman they would be back the next day at noon. 

What struck her most is the appreciation she received for even those meager offerings. “That’s what I found with all the people down there. They were so appreciative and thankful. Anything you could do for them was greatly appreciated,” she said. 

Hearing the stories and seeing the destruction up close was overwhelming, Lathrop said. “There is no way you can comprehend when you see it on TV from when you see it in person. You cannot believe the difference,” she said. 

Meeting the people impacted by the flooding was the most amazing part of the journey for Lathrop. “They were all strong people,” she said. The overall attitude was gratitude to be alive and strength as they talked of rebuilding. 

After two weeks, Lathrop was ready to come home and rest. Working in excruciating heat was exhausting, she said, and took a toll on her. But even though she needed to take a break, Lathrop said she told the Red Cross that after a week of rest, she would return if necessary.

According to a press release, several volunteers from Maine have been a part of the flood relief efforts. For information on how you can help, visit www.maineredcross.org.

Popsicles with the Principal - By Lorraine Glowczak

The 9^th Annual Popsicles with the Principal, occurring last Thursday at the Windham Primary School was an enormous success with 300 to 400 students and families picking out their favorite flavored popsicles and reconnecting after the long summer months.

Dr. Karl Rhodes, principal for Windham Primary, initiated this event when he was the new incoming principal nine years ago as a way to meet and form relationships with families. Rhodes stated, “It was so well received that I have enjoyed doing it every year.”  Rhodes also stated that he is often asked if he will continue this event. He said that what was initially a one-time occurrence has become an anticipated yearly occasion to welcome back familiar faces as well as the new and a way to “have a fun school community event to kick off the school year that all families can participate in. Also, it is a chance for families to reconnect and possibly make new relationships.”

Kindergarten teachers Laura Record and Jennifer Key joined Principal Rhodes passing out the popsicles while reuniting with last year’s students and welcoming the new ones. One such student was Mason who will be in the second grade this year and is transferring from Raymond Elementary School. His sister Emily will be in kindergarten. Mason, Emily, and their parents not only got to meet Record, Key and Rhodes but enjoyed the opportunity to have many of their questions answered. Mason, his sister and parents are excited to begin their new adventure at Windham Primary School.

Returning students were also enthusiastic to be a part of this yearly experience – reuniting with their friends for the first time since June. After ordering their blue and green popsicles, Alivia, Ann and Molly happily discussed their summer time activities. They chatted about the various happenings such as swimming in the lake, shopping for school, and visits to Funtown/Splashtown in Saco. They all had an eventful summer and are looking forward to the beginning of the 2016-17 school year.

 

As the school year begins, Principal Rhodes said that he and his staff are committed to the success for all students. “We strive to provide an education that is authentic and personally relevant to each individual learner.” Rhodes stated. This is a commitment that is important to Rhodes as he himself needed a modified educational plan. “I needed a very personalized and individual plan and the support of a few, deeply caring educators to graduate high school. It drives my beliefs about how we need to educate our learners at Windham Primary,” he said. Rhodes also stated that his passion is to better the situation and the lives of anyone in which he interacts. As a result, being a principal puts him in the perfect position to help improve the lives of the young people he gets to work with every day.

As for the teachers and staff of Windham Primary, Rhodes stated he is “blessed to work in a setting where there are extremely dedicated people.” He continued, “Even though our school was under construction, office, custodial and teaching staff members where here throughout the summer except for a few days when it was unsafe to enter. They all work hard to get school ready for students.”

Rhodes also speaks praises of the parents within the community and their dedication and involvement with their children’s education. What he especially enjoys is the increased participation of the students themselves in their own educational pursuits. Rhodes mentioned, “In the last few years I have witnessed students expressing a stronger voice in what they like about our school and what they wish our school had. For example, one student had an idea for an afterschool writing club and now, there is a such club. All because of one student’s idea.”

Imaginative and supportive learning at Windham Primary School began for the 2016-17 school year when the fall classes commenced on August 30^th for first through third grades and September 1^st for kindergarteners. 

As for the 10^th Annual Popsicles with the Principal event, it appears as of today everyone is already looking forward to next August. Based upon this year’s most popular popsicle flavor, next year’s occasion will most likely include blue, blue, and more blue to keep up with demand.

Pleasant River Bridge undergoes load test - By Stephen Signor

It was just a few days ago drivers in Windham were being encouraged to avoid the bridge over the Pleasant River on Windham Center Road for the purpose of load testing the span. As Scott, a second year research engineer with the University of Maine explained, “This is part of ongoing research being conducted as a result of a multi-year contract with the University of Maine system and the MDOT for the purpose of establishing a bridge’s efficiency.”

The University’s participation stems from its Advanced Structures and Composites Center which provides research, education and economic development encompassing material sciences, manufacturing and engineering of composites and structures. And while a successful test is the obvious goal, the results at this point in the test are not conclusive. “Further analysis of the data takes about a year”, Scott said.

To accomplish this load test, “a full day is needed to carefully and precisely set up sensors that will be located in key point locations underneath the bridge”, said Josh Simpson, E.I.T., a 3-year assistant engineer and bridge inspector for MDOT. What happens next is that on the following day “two fully loaded dump trucks, containing a standard load of sand and gravel and provided by the MDOT, are then parked on predetermined marked locations. These two trucks will then move just inches back and forth in the proximity of where sensors are located the bridge, their wheels stopping periodically on the markers. As a static load this will provide valuable information on structural integrity,” explained Simpson. 

Using a laptop this information is uploaded for immediate review. “If the numbers are within a
certain range, then four trucks will be used to complete the test. If the numbers should not fall within the required results this sends up a red flag,” Simpson continued. He also brought home the point that, “Codes are established initially as conservative for safety reasons. Tests like this one then gives the department a real number to justify the conservative numbers.”

In the planning of the load test motorist considerations were also taken into account. Something as simple as a spray paint was used. Scott indicated, “Using spray paint, marks are made on the road service to indicate the placement of the dump trucks wheels. Since there are several marks for accurate test results doing it this way is time saving as opposed to using a tape measure for each individual mark before moving on to the next spot. 

According to the Maine Department of Transportation website this bridge was built in 1950. The bridge was last inspected in December of 2012, at which time it received a Federal Sufficiency Rating of 66.7 out of a possible 100. Those results were posted in a report dated 07/17/2013.

In the coming months similar tests will be performed statewide to insure that Maine’s infrastructure is maintained to provide safe and worry free traveling.

Fresh, local food high priority for RSU14 school nutrition program - By Elizabeth Richards

The school year hasn’t yet begun, but RSU14 Chef and School Nutrition & Wellness Coordinator Samantha Cowens-Gasbarro, along with other members of the school nutrition team, are already hard at work preparing for a year of healthy lunches. 

As the district moves towards using local products, and cooking from scratch as much as possible, the work behind the scenes increases. On a recent summer morning, Gasbarro-Cowens was busy roasting, pureeing and freezing 500 pounds of tomatoes from Hancock Family Farm, an organic produce farm in Casco.

Cowens-Gasbarro said they are trying to bring more local produce into the schools. Not only does this mean better flavor and higher nutrition, but forming relationships with local farmers can also help the bottom line.

The produce available from local distributors is higher quality as well – in the 500 pounds of tomatoes received from Hancock Family Farms, only around eight of those tomatoes were unusable said Cowens-Gasbarro.

“Eating local and in season is so important because when you freeze these vegetables at the peak of their ripeness all the nutrients are there,” she said. “Often in the winter it’s better to eat a frozen vegetable than to eat one that came from Guatemala.” 

It’s not just the tomatoes that are sourced locally. The district is committed to getting a lot of their food from local sources, including meat from Maine Family Farms and Maine-ly Chicken. They have also purchased produce from Chipman Farms as well as Hancock Family Farm.

The school gardens are also being used to supplement meals. At Jordan-Small Middle School, for instance, everything was planted late in the season so they could use the produce during the upcoming school year. Cowens-Gasbarro has already processed kale from its gardens, and will use the garden to bridge the gap with the students. “If they feel it, touch it, taste it and cook with it, they are way more likely to eat it on the flip side,” she said.

Cowens-Gasbarro exposes kids to new foods through cooking club and taste testing, and can teach them the value of local ingredients when she visits their classrooms. A great way to illustrate the difference between local and food from far away is apples, Cowens-Gasbarro said. Children have gone to an orchard and picked an apple fresh from the tree. “They all know how great that tastes, and they all know how unsatisfactory an apple in June tastes – They get that,” she said.

Another major consideration in preparing healthier meals is paying attention to sodium. Canned foods – especially tomatoes, chicken broth, and beans, add high amounts of sodium to the meal. “If at the same cost we could get canned tomatoes we can buy these local, fresh delicious tomatoes and freeze them ourselves – economically it works out and makes sense for us,” said Cowens-Gasbarro. 

“This year I’m on a mission to make life a little easier for everyone in the district. When they go to season food or a recipe doesn’t taste as great, salt is a little frowned upon but it’s only because of the processed foods.” Taking out the “sodium heavy hitters,” she said, allows for the use of the right kind of salt to get the desired flavor. 

In addition to the tomatoes, Cowens-Gasbarro will be making and freezing chicken broth from scratch, shredding and freezing the chicken meat. Dried beans will be cooked and frozen to reduce the use of canned beans throughout the year.

 “What we’re trying to do is just give the kids better nutritional value in their food, make our bottom line better, lower the sodium . Our mission here is real whole foods, and that’s a transition for everyone,” said Cowens-Gasbarro. 

Education for both children and families is essential, Cowens-Gasbarro said. “If we’re going to make a dent in the food culture of our country and really change the way our children eat and what they prioritize buying as they grow up, school lunch is the place to do it,” she added. 

There are many false impressions as well, perpetuated by videos on social media that suggest that other countries are doing school lunch better. This simply isn’t true, she said. “Just like here in North America, some schools are hitting home runs and some schools are struggling to figure out how to do that. Instead of bashing those schools, ask how you can help.”

In RSU14, it’s all about finding ways to continue improving the quality of food.  Recently, a homemade herb roasted potato recipe won a contest, bringing in $2,000 which will be used to help buy equipment for the kitchens to further that goal.