Community comes together to support families navigating difficult circumstances during the holidays and beyond

 By Lorraine Glowczak 

It Takes A Village 207 Christmas Program was founded by Journey
(the Grinch) and her daughter Becky Jackson. From left, Jeremy
Jackson, Becky Jackson, Gracie Jackson, and Journey. Together this
family team spends countless hours organizing the Christmas Program
which helps area kids ages 0-17 for the holidays. SUBMITTED PHOTO

As the holiday season approaches, the Windham and Raymond communities once again prove that generosity and compassion are at the heart of small-town life. From gift drives for children to care packages for older adults, local volunteers and organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that no family or individual goes without the warmth and joy of the upcoming season.

Christmas Angels

One of the most heartfelt examples of this spirit is the Christmas Angels program, which began at Windham Middle School (WMS) just five years ago with a few families helping four local households, seven children in total. What started as a small effort at the school because of a phone call asking if there was help for families in need, has grown into a town-wide movement that last year supported 32 families and 37 children.

“It began with just a few families asking if the schools could help,” said organizer Debbie Hall, who coordinates the program through WMS. “Now we have over 100 ‘angels’, people and neighborhoods all across town, who have stepped up to make sure local kids experience a joyful Christmas.”

The Christmas Angels initiative works closely with the Windham Primary, Manchester, and the Windham High Schools to identify families who could use a little extra support. Each participating child provides a wish list of needs and wants, such as clothing, toys, and personal items. Volunteers then coordinate donations so that each student receives at least two or three gifts, along with a new blanket for every child, a small but meaningful gesture that has become a tradition.

“This community amazes me every year,” Hall said. “It has truly warmed my heart how many people want to help.”

The group’s work doesn’t stop when the holidays end. Christmas Angels operates year-round, stepping in when families lose belongings to fires or other emergencies. “We’ve helped families throughout the year, not just at Christmas,” Hall added. “That’s what makes this community so special, the willingness to show up when it matters most.”

Anyone interested in becoming an “angel” can contact Hall at dhall@rsu14.org to be included in this year’s gift drive. Donations are accepted through December 12, with drop-offs coordinated at each of the participating schools as follows:

Windham Primary School: Diana Jordan, djordan@rsu14.org

Manchester School: Jessica Weatherbee, jweatherbee@rsu14.org

Windham High School: Doug Daigle, ddaigle@rsu14.org

Raymond Elementary (RES) and Jordan Small Middle Schools (JSMS) are also helping their students and community too by working together with the Raymond Parks and Recreation. “Sponsors are helping provide Thanksgiving bags for RES and JSMS families,” RES Principal Beth Peavey said. “Yet there are families in our Raymond community who may not attend our schools, and we’re joining the Gather and Give community food drive to support them this Thanksgiving.” 

Students will also be decorating boxes for the Thanksgiving box distribution to help make the deliveries extra special.

If you’d like to donate, please reach out to Peavey (bpeavey@rsu14.org) or JSMS Principal, Michelle Brann (mbrann@rsu14.org). RES will have a drop-off box in our lobby. Donations are due by November 18th.

Supporting Seniors Through Holiday Wish Bags

While children eagerly await Christmas morning, Windham hasn’t forgotten about its older residents. In partnership with the Windham Food Pantry, community members Mel Oldakowski and Deb McPhail organize an annual Senior Holiday Wish Bag drive.

“I have volunteered at the food pantry for years. A few years ago I started Christmas bags for the seniors. It’s so sad to see so many of them in need. It broke my heart, thus senior bags began,” said McPhail. “Various companies will donate the bags with their logo on it, and we also get monetary donations from companies and individuals. With the money we shop for the 10 most requested items. A survey goes out a couple weeks before to see their needs. They are so grateful.”

Last year, volunteers prepared and distributed bags for 67 seniors. This year, that number has grown significantly, with 91 seniors already signed up to receive a bit of holiday cheer.

“When seniors apply for the bags through the food pantry, they fill out a short wish list,” Oldakowski explained. “We then collect donations from businesses and community members and purchase whatever is left with donated funds.”

The most requested items are simple but deeply appreciated, such as warm hats, gloves, mittens, socks, dish soap, tissues, toilet paper, blankets, and even decks of playing cards. Gift cards are also welcome, providing flexibility for seniors to purchase groceries or other essentials.

Donations will be accepted anytime at Fielding's Oil located at  639 Roosevelt Trail in Windham through December 1, and volunteers will gather at Pat’s Pizza in Windham, which donates space each year, to fill the bags before handing them out at the food pantry on December 17.

To arrange for pick-ups or monetary donations please contact Mel at 207-205-0121.

It Takes a Village 207 Christmas Program

Another organization is making an impact and that is It Takes A Village 207 with their Christmas Program. Based in nearby Limington, they serve families across York and Cumberland Counties, including Windham.

Founded in 2020 by Becky Jackson and her mother Journey. This family-led effort began during the pandemic when Journey saw neighbors struggling to put food on the table. What started small by just them in their home has grown into a well-known regional program that connects donors with local children and families through a sponsorship model.

Individuals, families, and businesses can 'adopt' a child or household and purchase items directly from personalized wish lists. “We make tags for each child that list their specific needs and wants,” Becky Jackson shared. “People can pick a tag from a local business, buy the gift, and drop it off unwrapped.”

They also accept donations of new, unwrapped toys that are not specific to a child. Every little bit helps to give area children and teens an unforgettable Christmas morning. Drop-off trees and boxes are already up at Cormier’s Dog House, Fire & Ice Maine, Hailey’s Kitchen, Paul’s Boutique of Maine, Better Fit Fitness Center, The Kitchen in Limington, and The Windham Eagle office. Donations are accepted until December 13, with all gifts distributed locally.

“It’s amazing to see how our community pulls together,” Jackson said. “Even a small gift can mean the world to a child who might not have much to look forward to this time of year.”

For those wishing to participate or host a donation tree, the easiest way to connect is through the group’s Facebook page, It Takes a Village 207. The organization is still in need of sponsorships. The need this year is greater than ever and they are hoping to not have to turn anyone away. They post wish lists on their Facebook page to help navigate the most requested items and to help buy for specific kids. It doesn’t matter if people prefer to sponsor a child directly, grab a tag off a giving tree, or simply shop for various items to donate to the boxes around town, it all adds up into giving children a magical Christmas.

Windham’s compassion doesn’t fade once the decorations come down. Throughout the year, area churches offer free community meals every Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m.., welcoming anyone in need of a hot meal and friendly conversation. For more information, contact one of the following churches: St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, Windham Hill United Church of Christ, and Faith Lutheran Church - all of Windham.

In a world that often feels fast-paced and divided, community spirit stands as a reminder of what truly matters. Whether it’s a middle schooler picking out a gift for another child, a volunteer wrapping a blanket for a senior, or a business hanging donation tags on a tree, each act of generosity reflects the same shared belief: that no one should feel forgotten during the holidays.

As one volunteer put it best, “The success stories are what keep us going, especially from those who have received from our efforts and have given back to the community when life brought a brighter future for them. Every time we hear from a family or see the joy in a child’s eyes, we’re reminded that kindness still shines bright in our communities.” <

Outpouring of community support at annual Veterans Day celebration

 By Matt Pascarella

Jerry Black, right, cuts the cake with Post 10643 Commander
Jeffrey Cook at the Veterans Day observance which was held at
the Windham Veterans Center on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Out of the 200
attendees at the event, Black was the oldest veteran in attendance
at age 97. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

 The Windham Veterans Center was practically standing room only as at least 200 people from the community were in attendance to support and pay their respects to those who served or are serving their country at the 2025 Veterans Day observance hosted by VFW Post 10643 on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

 This event brought community members of all ages. The Windham Chamber Singers were there to continue their tradition of uniting the crowd in song and Boy Scouts of America Troop 805 were present to help out during this occasion that celebrated the men and women who fought for the freedom of the people of the United States of America.

 VFW Post 10643 new Commander Jeffrey Cook was the master of ceremonies; former Post 10643 Commander Willie Goodman will be Cook’s Senior Vice Commander. Goodman was presented with a certificate and a gift. The keynote speaker was Honor Flight Maine representative Elizabeth Cormier. The essay winners for the Patriot’s Pen for grades 6 to 8 and Voice of Democracy for grades 9 to 12 were also announced.

 “Being the new commander means a lot to me,” said Cook. “Mostly because what it means to the other veterans and the older veterans, having a younger guy come in ... being here to support them. I do a lot of things during the week and the month that they can’t get out and do, and that’s the most important. This is my first Veterans Day event and I didn’t expect it to be this big. I didn’t expect it to be this well attended by the community and other veterans; it really shows what we have in the community.”

 Windham senior and member of the Chamber Singers Rowan Cummings said the tradition and legacy of the group is to put the community first. Singing at the event every year is wholeheartedly an experience that means a lot to them. For her to see the community and veterans come together through their music is really touching.

 This was the final year that Dr. Richard Nickerson will be with Windham Chamber Singers, he will retire in June 2026.

 “There’s no performance that we feel more honored to be a part of,” said Dr. Nickerson. “And in my final time here, I want to thank you for allowing us not just to preform, but to be present in this ceremony. It means a great deal to us to be here.”

 Keynote speaker Cormier said all veterans should apply to take their Honor Flight trip. No matter how big or little their service, all veterans are worthy of it. For Cormier, each trip reminds us gratitude should never have an expiration date. It’s a journey that truly touches hearts. VFW Post 10643 later presented Cormier with a donation of $1,000 to Honor Flight Maine.

 The theme for both essays this year was ‘how are you showing patriotism and support of your country?’ The Patriot’s Pen winner was Windham Christian Academy eighth grader Elsa Pearson; second place was Annaelle Kawaya. The Voices of Democracy winner was Windham sophomore Shea Carey.

 Pearson spoke of the importance of volunteering and how when she was in fifth and sixth grade, she volunteered at the local food pantry setting up Thanksgiving baskets. She said helping our community is one step closer to making our country better. She and her class have also traveled across southern Maine to perform juggling acts for nursing homes and spread the gospel, while visiting with the residents of these homes.

Carey’s essay was about the many ways to display patriotism. Whether that be standing to attention during the pledge of allegiance or standing up for those who can’t stand for themselves. Carey said each action she makes is done with intention, passion and regard for others. Her version of patriotism involves the simplest acts of kindness and integrity. She values being a kind person and hopes those who heard her essay take those words and strive to make a difference where they can.

 “My whole family, father, grandfather, great-grandfather were all veterans, and I totally support what they do,” said Windham resident Tom Tyler. “I think the turnout here is absolutely awesome for the patriotism of this country.”

 97-year-old Jerry Black was the oldest veteran at the observance. Black served in the Navy during the Korean War.

 “It means more to me (to see everyone here) because my cousin, a military man is not with me,” said Black. “Whenever I can come to something I try to represent him as well as myself. Just to be here and be active with all these people and the young people; I want to be here. The town has been good to me, and I hope I can be good to them sometime.”

 Black described his cousin like a brother; they grew up together and he is proud to represent him at these events. At 97, Black said he’d like to make it to 100 but takes it day-by-day. He feels good, he still drives, he walks and emphasized it’s important to keep moving. He enjoys coming to the Windham Veterans Center to just have a cup of coffee with the guys.

 “Probably someone here either is a veteran, knows a veteran or has a veteran in their family. Today we honor every veteran,” said Cook. “Let us also remember the families and the loved ones of those who still carry the burden of the true cost of freedom.”

Don Rogers Scholarship Dinner nearing in Windham

By Ed Pierce

Those who knew Don Rogers of Windham admired him greatly and although he’s no longer with us, his spirit of kindness and willingness to help others lives on in a special program that awards college scholarships to deserving students in the Lakes Region every spring.

The late World War II veteran Don Rogers was a member of
American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 for 62 years and
served as Post Commander on four separate occasions. A
college scholarship dinner in his honor will be held at the
Windham Veterans Center on Saturday, July 22.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Sponsored by Windham’s American Legion Field-Allen Post 148, this year’s Don Rogers Scholarship Dinner will be held on Saturday, July 22 with all proceeds from the meal to be used to help area students pursue their dreams of higher education. The popular dinner has become a favorite mid-summer tradition for many families in Windham, and organizers are hoping to raise at least $1,000 through this fundraiser for the scholarships.

Donald Farris Rogers was 94 when he passed away in May 2020. He was born Sept. 21, 1925, and lived most of his life in Windham Center, except for the winters that he and his wife, Norma, spent in St. Cloud, Florida and during his military service. He was a graduate of Windham High School in the Class of 1944.

Rogers served in the Army Air Corps and trained to be a fighter pilot before World War II ended in August 1945. He returned to Windham and worked for his father, M. L. Rogers, as a construction equipment operator in town. In 1954, he married Norma Kimball, and they raised two sons, Donald Scott Rogers, and Dale K. Rogers, in Windham.

He loved sports and athletics, and played baseball, basketball, track, swimming, and horseshoes. Through the years, Rogers formed a local basketball team and supplied the uniforms for the players. He also coached Little League baseball.

“Don believed in our youth. As the Post Commander, he presented students each year with the Legion School Leadership Award,” said David Tanguay, American Legion Post 148 adjutant. “I was a recipient in 1965 and continue to cherish that award. The scholarship is now coupled with the Legion award from this fundraiser and dinner, and I think he would be humbled by the honor that it is named after him.”

Tanguay said that Rogers was fun to be around. “He always had such a great smile,” Tanguay said. “Don could light up a room with his stories and one-liners. Don was a prankster and loved a good laugh. I have seen photos of him in costume on 4-foot stilts at the old Hawkes Grocery, now Corsetti’s, regaling a crowd.”

Being active in the community was something Rogers was known for. He belonged to the Presumpscot Lodge #70 of Masons - Scottish Rite, the WHS Alumni Association and the Windham Historical Society. Rogers joined American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 in 1947 and served as Post Commander on four different occasions.

“His father Maurice was one of the original Post 148 founders in 1938, and his brother, Wayne, was also a member,” Tanguay said. “Just doing the math, many, many veterans came to know the Rogers family and Don.”

He delighted in spending time with his family and neighbors and just about everyone that he met became a good friend.

“Commander Don Rogers was a well-loved member of the Windham Community, the Grand Marshal at the annual Memorial Day parade for many years, and a fixture later in life at the local variety, Corsetti’s, stopping for coffee and sharing his experiences to all who would spend some time with him.”

One Windham resident who came to know Rogers is Dana Reed, the chaplain of American Legion Post 148 and former pastor of the North Windham Union Church from 2000 to 2013.

“I grew up like a lot of folks in Windham and knew him as a veteran and a great person,” Reed said. “I'll be supremely surprised if his scholarship doesn't top much, much higher. I can't think of many, if not asked directly, who wouldn't put a $100 down for this man.”

In 2019, Post 148 members chose to honor Rogers by renaming their annual student scholarship program for him, something that made Rogers very proud, Tanguay said. This spring’s Don Rogers scholarship recipients were Al Potter and Delana Perkins, both 2023 graduates of Windham High School. Potter will attend Princeton University to study astrophysical science and Perkins will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology to study civil engineering.

The annual Don Rogers Scholarship Dinner starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 22 at the Windham Veterans Center, 35 Veterans Memorial Drive, North Windham. The meal is an old-fashioned bean supper, and the cost is $10 per person with children under 12 admitted free. Additional donations for the scholarships will be welcomed. There will also be a 50/50 raffle at the event with proceeds to go to the scholarships.

For those who wish to donate but will not be able to attend the dinner, contributions can be sent to the Don Rogers Scholarship at: Post 148-Scholarship, PO Box 1776, Windham, Maine 04062. <

Gofundme benefits beloved Manchester School teacher, husband

Beloved Manchester School fourth-grade
teacher Carol Priebe will accompany her
husband, Paul Priebe, as he receives a lung
transplant at the Cleveland Clinic in 
Cleveland, Ohio. Friends and supporters
of the couple raised more than $5,000
for their expenses through a gofundme
effort. SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Daniel Gray

Have you ever had a teacher that made a huge positive impact on you or a loved one? Teachers are an important role in a child's developmental stages in life, not only for the fact that they teach our kids the knowledge they need, but because they can teach beyond that.

 

Teachers can help develop good moral stand points as well and lessons that stick with us for our entire lives. We need teachers and, sometimes, they need us as well.

Carol Priebe has taught fourth grade at Manchester School in Windham since 2001, and is one of many amazing teachers in the RSU 14 District. She treats her students as if they were her own children and puts her best effort forward when it comes to lessons.

Despite this, Carol has been facing some family medical issues since late 2018. Her husband of eight years, Paul Priebe, has been diagnosed with not one, but three different lung diseases, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, and Raynaud’s disease, a rare trio to be happening all at once.

Carol talks further about the rarity of the diseases as well as what she and her husband went through briefly.

"The doctors said there are only 22 people on Earth that have these same onset diseases at the exact same time,” Priebe said. “You'll treat one symptom for one disease, then the next will pop up from another. In October of 2018, it was almost as if his body said, 'I'm done'."

The last couple of years have not been treating them well either. Carol still teaches in person and online all through 2020 and so far through 2021 but was so nervous during a viral pandemic affecting the lungs. The two have gotten the wonderful news that Paul will be receiving a lung transplant later this month but that would require them going all the way to The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio for it.

"The parents and the students have been so considerate during these times and completely understand what we've been going through. They have been wonderful during this process of frequent phone calls and some days when I suddenly have to drop a hat to go to a doctor’s appointment for Paul."

One parent in particular said that she was especially understanding of their situation.

When Melissa Carver-Emmons received an email that Carol Priebe would be leaving for her husband's lung transplant, she was full of emotions and couldn't stop thinking of all the troubles they had been through.

"It's obvious that she loves her husband, job, and students and I just felt drawn to help in some small way." Emmons explained, "I put myself in her shoes and knew I would do the same without hesitation but couldn't imagine the emotion around- not only his upcoming high-risk transplant, leaving all the things that you love and that are familiar for the upcoming unknown."

What better way to help than through monetary support? Emmons got to work, setting up a donation pool with a small goal of $5,000. The money would go toward Carol and Paul for anything they needed, whether it be gas, treatments, or just a comfort meal. Anything they could need during this new journey of theirs. She shared the gofundme online and within three days, it had reached its goal.

The donations had eventually brought their way around and, soon enough, the Priebes were notified of what was going on. Carol Priebe said she was utterly surprised upon hearing about the donations.

"A close friend of mine called me to tell me about all these donations. I was so shocked that I just started crying,” she said. “It was so incredible, and I couldn't thank everyone enough for helping me and Paul."

One of 80 donators, Stephanie Lombard, notes just how much Carol means to her family and the community, but along with how important it is to stick with family in the tougher times.

"Right away, you could tell how dedicated she is to her students. She always took the time to teach her students in a way that made learning fun and enjoyable. When I heard the news about her husband, I knew right away I needed to help in any way I could. She is truly a loss to the school department and her students while she takes some much needed time away to be with her husband."

On the behalf of Carol and Paul Priebe, they said they would like to take a moment to just appreciate and send their love out to the people who sent them kind wishes, donated to the gofundme, or even had them in their thoughts. <

Windham Chamber Singers to present ‘An American Family Holiday’ concert online

By Elizabeth Richards

The Windham Chamber Singers holiday show, “An American Family Holiday,” is a much-anticipated community event. This year, the show will go on, virtually.

Dr. Rick Nickerson, Director of Choral Music at Windham High School said that his subject matter presents unique challenges this school year.

“Every teacher had to adapt the way we teach. In music, we were the only ones who had to adjust what we teach, which has been an enormous challenge,” he said.

Because of the pandemic, the popular Windham
Chamber Singers holiday show 'An American 
Family Holiday' will be presented virtually this
year and available on You Tube.
FILE PHOTO

The Chamber Singers have been especially challenging, Nickerson said, since it is an afterschool activity rather than a class. In classes, he said, students can do projects around theory, history, and techniques. They can also use a program called SmartMusic, which allows students to sing along with computerized singers and record their work.

Nickerson said that the Chamber Singers, however, are all about singing together, which is prohibited inside the school. Current guidelines allow for singing outdoors only, masked, spaced 14 feet apart. This year the Chamber Singers, who have traditionally met on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m., have had virtual rehearsals and a couple of rehearsals on the baseball field where they can space out appropriately. The program is important to keep going, not only because of what it provides students musically, but also what it provides them socially, Nickerson said.

The baseball field rehearsal was far from ideal, Nickerson said. Even the wind made it difficult for students to hear each other. But the students were excited to be together and wanted to continue rehearsing that way. For some students who were selected for the group after video auditions in the spring, these rehearsals were the first time they’d been with the whole group in person.

Nickerson acknowledged that the ability to meet outside will change as the weather turns colder. Already, the rehearsals are much shorter than usual so students can be home before it gets too cold. They’re taking things one step at a time, Nickerson said.

“I told them the other night if we keep meeting these challenges head on, eventually when this is over we’re going to be a stronger group, and we’ll realize just how much of everyday life we’ve taken for granted,” he said.

Currently, the group is focused on creating a virtual version of their annual An American Family Holiday concert. For this year only, the concert is being renamed A Maine Family Holiday, and will have a Maine theme, in celebration of the state’s bicentennial.

The 90-minute concert will premiere on the Windham Chamber Singers You Tube channel at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. The program will include virtual choirs and much more.

“Now that we’re moving exclusively to video, while it limits what we can do musically, it also opens up some other possibilities,” Nickerson said.

His original brainstorm for the An American Family Holiday concert was to model it after old-time variety shows. A virtual show lends itself well to that format. Guest stars can participate much more easily since no travel is involved, Nickerson said.

Nickerson said they aren’t releasing names of guest performers, since they want the premiere to be full of surprises. “Some of the exciting things that are going to happen the students don’t even know about,” he said.

With a virtual concert, many elements must be ready earlier than for a live concert, since the editing process takes time.

“With a traditional concert we were working towards a specific date. With this, because it’s a video project of this magnitude, we’re going to have lots of different dates we’re working towards,” Nickerson said.

They’ll take it one song at a time, and the editing process will begin in just a couple of weeks, he said.

This concert is typically the Chamber Singers biggest fundraiser. Donation pages will be available for those who wish to contribute to the group towards future needs.

“I don’t know what the spring is going to hold, but eventually down the road we will be back to normal, whatever that normal is,” Nickerson said. “For me, normal just means we can have all the choirs in the choir room singing.”

While this format is certainly not his preference, Nickerson said, “We’re trying to make the best out of a terrible situation.”

 He knows how important the concert is to the community, he added, and has already received phone calls asking if they were going to do something. Nickerson said he’s very excited about what they are putting together.

“It’s going to be great. It’s not only going to celebrate our town, we’re looking forward to celebrating this great state of Maine,” he said.<