Raymond Village Library offers third Biennial Garden Tour in late June by Elizabeth Richards

On Saturday, June 24, eight private gardens in Raymond will be open to visitors on a self-guided tour as part of the Raymond Garden Tour, a fundraiser held every other year for the Raymond Village Library. Garden designers will be on hand to talk with gardening enthusiasts about their creative process in cultivating the inviting spaces. The drive between farms showcases the rural countryside and scenic waterfronts of Raymond. 
 

Elissa Gifford, who helps organize the tour and will open her own garden to the public this year, said that different gardens are featured on each tour to allow guests to experience a new array each time. 

Though gardeners generally agree that no garden is ever finished, Gifford said, participating in the tour provides a goal with a deadline by which to complete and implement their gardening ideas. “My garden has evolved to the point where we can confidently invite visitors believing they will enjoy the experience. Yes, there are unfinished areas, weeds here and there, and things needing pruning or deadheading but that’s the everyday reality of an ornamental garden,” Gifford said.

Mulberry Farms, a certified organic vegetable garden owned by Frank and Deb Pecararo, will also be featured on the tour. The Pecararos purchased the property in 2014 and have been renovating ever since, including rebuilding the farmhouse and putting landscaping in place.   

In 2015, said Deb, the farm operation began on a cash only basis with a couple of tables under a canopy and limited hours during fair weather. They began with some perennial produce: strawberries; blueberries; raspberries; fruit trees; and asparagus, as well as some annual crops. 

Since then, they have built a permanent farm stand, and the perennial and annual plantings have expanded each year.

View of Mulberry Farms

History is important at Mulberry Farms. The house has been rebuilt to look like the original house from the 1700s. A stone wall built from the granite that was the foundation of the old house is incorporated into the landscaping, and plant varieties that have been used around farm houses for generations were chosen. “We are participating [in the garden tour] in part to honor the history of the property, previously a dairy farm, and the Edwards family who owned it since the early 1900s.

Carleton, Dorothy and Berenice were all very active in the community,” said Deb. “Additionally, we want to let folks know that Raymond has a MOFGA Certified Organic farm and educate them about how we grow in the hoop houses as well as the fields,” she added.

Gifford said the eight gardens on this year’s tour are an eclectic mix of ornamental and working vegetable and fruit gardens, with locations ranging from waterside to inland steep slopes to the Raymond Community Garden, another program of the Raymond Village Library. “We are excited to offer such variety, and feel certain there is something for everyone on this Tour,” she said.

The Raymond Garden Tour is an important fund raiser for the Raymond Village Library, Gifford said.

“Sponsors, library trustees and staff, and community volunteers team up to organize and run this event, all proceeds from which directly benefit the library and its programs,” she said. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the tour. Tickets can be purchased at the Raymond Village Library, or online at www.raymondvillagelibrary.org. Raffle tickets for an original painting by local artist Donna Kantor, which is on display at the library, will be on sale as well. The rain date for the garden tour is Sunday, June 25.

The tour begins at the library at 9 a.m. Visitors can tour at their own pace, using a brochure and map available at the library. The tour is designed to take a full day. Participants are encouraged to visit several gardens in the morning, break for lunch at one of the surrounding businesses also featured on the map, and continue their tour in the afternoon, finishing by 3 p.m. 

But the fun doesn’t end at the last garden. After the tour, the Historic Hawthorne House will hold their annual Strawberry Festival, featuring homemade shortcake and fresh strawberries. This event, which begins at 3:30 p.m., features a talk by Jeanne Christie, Executive Director of the Association of State Wet Land Managers. Christie will speak on “Gardening for Bumble Bees and Other Native Pollinators.” 

This topic complements the goals of the garden tour. “Each of Raymond’s tours is created around the belief that exposure to a variety of gardens and gardening techniques fosters an interest in sustainability. Living as we do in Raymond, near and on bodies of water, reminds us of the responsibility we have to make the best gardening choices possible to keep the water clean and keep pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, alive,” said Gifford.

Admission to the Strawberry Festival is $10 for adults, $5 for children 8 and under. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are appreciated. Reservations can be made by at: jmanoush@twc.com.

The Raymond Garden Tour will be preceded by a gardening talk at the library. Authors and horticulturists Reeser Manley and Marjorie Peronto will talk about their book, “The Life in Your Garden: Gardening for Biodiversity”, on Wednesday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit: www.raymondvillagelibrary.org.

League of Women Voters of Maine assisted new citizens to register to vote at the Windham Veterans Center by Peg Balano

The League of Women Voters of Maine (LWVME) has been honored over the last four years, to attend Naturalization Ceremonies throughout the state, handing out information to our newest citizens about voting in Maine. We are also there to register them to vote if they have time after the ceremony. Each ceremony is different. Some are held in judicial courtrooms, some in elementary schools. The ceremony on Friday, May 26 at the Windham Veterans Center was special in its location and recognition of military personnel. 

On this day, there were 28 new American citizens, and we were able to register half of them to vote. One of the most poignant parts of the ceremony for me is when each candidate is asked to stand when their country of origin is called. They then all remain standing with right hand raised, and repeat in unison, their pledge to become American Citizens. I am always amazed by the number of countries represented at each event, and the range of experiences and cultures the new citizens bring to our communities. On this day, our new citizens were from 22 different countries: Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ghana, Guatemala, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Malta, Pakistan, People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Somalia, Sudan, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

In the words of Tiffany Greco, one of our league volunteers that day, “Volunteering with the League of Women Voters affords me the invaluable opportunity to attend Naturalization Ceremonies and register new citizens to vote. Today's quaint ceremony at the Windham Veteran's Center was full of all the best stuff of this country. The community welcomed 28 new citizens from 22 countries. It was beautiful and incredibly moving. The room could barely contain all of the joy, love, and pride. A family member of a new citizen offered cupcakes to us all. It was a good morning of people being kind and welcoming to all.”  

To learn more about the League of Women Voters of Maine, visit: www.lwvme.org.  The bottom of that page also provides links to read about our work and volunteer opportunities.  We are also found at: www.facebook.com/LWVME/.

Windham High School physics teacher Wayne Rathbun inducted into University of Maine Francis Crowe Society by Elizabeth Richards

Rathbun on the right accepting his award

Wayne Rathbun, who teaches physics at Windham High School (WHS), was recently recognized for the impact he has made on students, inspiring them to pursue studies in engineering. On Tuesday, May 23, University of Maine College of Engineering Dean, Dana Humphrey was at Windham High School to induct Rathbun into the University’s Francis Crowe Society.

According to the University of Maine College of Engineering website, one purpose of the Francis Crowe Society is to recognize individuals who have made considerable engineering contributions and honored the profession. The society’s namesake, Francis Crowe, was the chief engineer of the Hoover Dam. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1905 with a degree in civil engineering. 

According to a university press release, selection for this recognition is made through a survey of first-year engineering students. Students are asked to name one person who has impacted their schooling and their decision to study engineering in a significant way. The two most often mentioned names are selected for induction into the society.

Rathbun has been teaching for 19 years, and teaching physics at WHS for the past nine years.  Rathbun earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Gordon College and a Masters in Arts and Teaching degree from the University of New Hampshire. At WHS, Rathbun has taught astronomy and all levels of physics.   

      

WHS principal Christopher Howell said he is not surprised that Rathbun was recognized. “Mr. Rathbun is a talented teacher who knows how to take the theoretical and make it practical for students.  His classes provide multiple opportunities for students to interact with materials in a way that is relevant to them,” Howell said. 

The curriculum Rathbun has developed, allows students to fully explore the important concepts of physics in a deep and meaningful way, according to Howell. “His classes are filled with multiple real world examples of practical applications of how concepts are applied. The ability to apply physics to real world examples is also reinforced through Wayne’s personal experiences of applying ‘Yankee ingenuity’ to solve problems.”

Howell said that through Rathbun’s classes, students are exposed to many different vocational opportunities that fall under the engineering umbrella. “Through the high level of interest that he generates, I am not surprised that students want to pursue a major in this area,” Howell said.  “We are fortunate to have him as a teacher at Windham High School.”

Rathbun said he is honored to receive the award, and is thrilled that it was based on input from former students.  “I have been fortunate to work with such high-quality students and to have the support of the RSU 14 School District, administrators and other science faculty,” he said.

Becoming United States citizens - with help from the American Legion Auxiliary by Michelle Libby

“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic;”

Twenty-eight people gave the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America on Friday morning at the Windham Veterans Center. The ceremony hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 148 (ALA) was the second the unit had planned. 

“It’s an awesome, life changing event for these people and I’m happy to witness it,” said ALA member Pat Learned. 

From over 20 countries like Cambodia, Canada, Columbia, Ghana, Guatemala, Italy, Russia, Malta and the People’s Republic of China, the new citizens personally demonstrated, under oath, their desires to become citizens. 

“It’s about time. I’ve been here for 20 plus years,” said Sarom Grover, 37, originally from Cambodia and a Windham resident. “I always put it off. My priorities were going to school and starting a family.” Now she sees the differences in the country since the 1980s and she wants to be more involved in the changes. “I feel so loved. I seriously didn’t picture this being so big and important to others as it is to me,” she said. 

The children in attendance and the families of the honored were able to see how the military and citizenship are intertwined. “Our purpose is to promote patriotism and Americanism,” said ALA president Pam Whynot. “Freedom is not free. The military works hard for our citizens, for all of us.”

The master of ceremony was Kim Colson-Hoffman, Immigration Services Officer. She welcomed everyone and introduced the third grade chorus from Windham Primary School who sang the National Anthem and other patriotic selections. Being Memorial Day weekend, the event was even more poignant for the attendees. 

“Bringing in the local people from the area make this more special. The keynote speaker is a Windham resident and the Legion Auxiliary brings pride to the community,” said Immigration Services Officer Kurt Pelletier, who lives in Raymond. “With it being Memorial Day weekend, what could be more American than that?”

Nkrumah Kingsley is an Army National Guard member from Westbrook who became a citizen on Friday. “I look at America setting other countries free. I want to be part of the US citizens helping people in bondage, sacrificing my life for people,” he said. 

Twenty year Army veteran Sgt. First Class Keri Karsten gave welcoming remarks. “I learned and loved to selflessly serve,” she told the audience. She described traveling to other countries and learning about the customs, languages and food, and how that changed her. 

For Windham resident Cindy O’Brien, it was time to become a citizen. “My alien card was getting tattered and I started getting detained. I decided to take the plunge,” she said. O’Brien moved from Canada to the United States when she was 4 years old.  

At this ceremony, four of the new citizens were from Windham: Grover, O’Brien, Michael Popov and Viktor Yurkevich. Two of the new citizens had military ties: Kingsley the National Guard member, and Selina Ripley, who is the spouse of a retired Air Force member. 

Maine Senator Bill Diamond was the keynote speaker. He has a long history of service to the community and state, Pelletier said. 

“It is very, very special. In all of Windham, we are very proud to have your ceremony here,” Diamond said. “You can tell a lot about a country by the numbers of people who want to get in.” He spoke about his son-in-law, who will become an American citizen in June. “That makes my family even more connected to you. We were here on day number one of your citizenship.”

Luis Juarez said that becoming a citizen means “everything” to him. “It changed my life being here. I grow my kids here, safe. There are lots of opportunities here. Everything is changing. I’ve got to do it right now,” he said. Juarez and his 16-year-old son and 21-year-old daughter are from Portland. His daughter just graduated from Smith College with plans to become a doctor. 

Grade schooler Alexander Momot from Windham read an essay he wrote. “Veterans are true heroes and will always be in my heart. Their patriotism shows us that this country is worth fighting for,” he read.

At the end of the ceremony, the new citizens were given the opportunity to register to vote by the League of Women Voters. 

“There’s so much here. It’s so rich,” said Representative Mark Bryant. “It’s a civic blessing all by itself. It takes a village and we have a good village.”  

“These guys have worked so hard to be citizens. We are so blessed to be natural born citizens,” said ALA member Nancylou Stiles.

Second Annual Color Fun Run - a success in multiple ways by Lorraine Glowczak

It was a morning full of vibrant activity as eighty-five student and adult participants ran at the second annual, one mile, Color Fun Run on Saturday, May 20 at the Manchester School in Windham.

The Color Fun Run was initiated and inspired by Standards Based Teacher, Jess Carle and School Counsel, Jess Weatherbee to raise money for their students to go on school field trips that support project based learning. They believed this fun run would be a great option to raise those funds and to keep the children active. It was such a success last year they decided to do it again, with the hope that it continues to be an annual event.

This year, however, there was an additional fundraising effort, as fourth-grade teachers Adam Beal and Leah Fischer and their students, joined forces with Carle and Weatherbee to help raise funds for fourth grade student, Nolan Cyr and his family.

Cyr was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on April 11. His classmates and teacher, Ms. Fischer wanted to be of help in some way and thought it would be a great idea to participate in this year’s Color Fun Run to help Cyr and his family with medical expenses.

A couple of fundraising efforts have been set up to help Cyr and his family, of which the students wanted to contribute. One fundraising effort is through a website set up by Cyr’s aunt, Jessica Messina, and can be accessed at: www.youcaring.com/nolancyr-800022. A Facebook page has also been set up to list the various events and fundraisers planned at: www.facebook.com/fightlikeacyr/

Due to Cyr’s level of strength and determination to fight this cancer, the theme behind these fundraising efforts is: Fight Like a Cyr. “Nolan always says that, ‘cancer picked the wrong kid to mess with’ and I think he really got that part right,” stated Fischer.

And thus, the fourth-grade Color Run Team was the Fight Like a Cyr Team. It is important to Cyr’s classmates that he knows they care about him. “I want to make Nolan happy,” stated fourth grade student Carly Mazerolle. “I also want to let him know that we are here for him.”

“Since his diagnosis, he has been receiving support from the staff at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital,” stated Fischer. “He has been a huge trooper throughout the whole ordeal and we admire him for his strength and courage.”

Not only is Cyr built of strength and courage, but it also seems he is wise and thoughtful beyond his

years. “Nolan has decided to donate the funds he will receive from the Color Run today to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital,” stated Cyr’s mother, Angela.

Because of Saturday’s Color Run and the funds raised for Cyr, he will be donating $1,500 to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.

“Overall, I am speechless with the amount of togetherness that this community has shown,” Fischer said. “From the fundraisers, to the students coming up with ideas on how to help, to the cards and presents that go home to Nolan - it all just takes my breath away. These students have shown what it takes to push through a hard time and Nolan has been the role model for that.”

Once again, it seems the second annual Color Fun Run was a complete success, not only in raising funds but also in the number of individuals who came together to make this run happen. “We are so grateful to have many community sponsors which we will personally thank,” Weatherbee said. “A huge thank you goes out to the Manchester staff and parents who not only came out to support the event and cheer everyone on, but volunteered to help! The event ran very smoothly and we could not have done it without everyone coming together and helping.”

There is no stopping a small community in coming together to meet the needs of its members. The students now will get to experience hands-on learning and discovery through enlightening field trips; and the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital gained extra funds to help other children in need.

The Windham and Raymond communities are there for each other and for one individual, in particular. “We are all here for Nolan and his family and, clearly, Windham is too. Fischer said

Celebrate summer the old fashion way at Windham Summerfest by Lorraine Glowczak

Mark your calendars and celebrate summer and community the old fashion way at the annual Windham Summerfest that will occur on Saturday, June 24 and will begin with a parade at 10 a.m. There will be entertainment, live music, vendors and activities for all members of the family to explore and enjoy. 
 

For many longtime residents, the Windham Summerfest brings back memories of their childhood and the summer celebrations of times past. “I remember Windham Old Home Days as a child,” stated Deb Matthews, Chair of the Summerfest Booth Committee. “I remember the family planning a day of fun filled events and seeing our neighbors. I want Summerfest to give the residents of Windham that same feeling. [It is] a safe, fun-filled day to enjoy family, friends and our community.”

Kelly Mank, Summerfest Organizer intends to bring back that old time feel of community. “The purpose of Summerfest is to bring the community together in a fun family like style,” Mank said. “It is an all ages event that is put on by the community for the community. One of the major goals is to offer non-profits the ability to raise money through selling food/crafts during the event.”

There will be a number of booths and vendors to enjoy and many craft stands to discover and shop. There will, of course, be plenty of food booths to fill every palette preference. Family fun games will also be included and will be comprised of activities such as sack races, egg toss, etc.

New to this year’s Summerfest is a Meet Our Community Leaders table so one can meet and have an opportunity to speak with those who serve the community in multiple ways.

Putting such a successful and annual community endeavor together does not come without a lot of hard work, effort and volunteers who give their time. There is always a need for help. “It’s never too late to offer help,” stated Robin Mullins, Summerfest Fundraising Chair. “There are always things to be done, even if it means preparing for next year. We are always looking for people to help us find new and fun ways to raise funds for this worthwhile community event.”

Funding this event takes effort as well. “The event costs over $30,000 each year and financial assistance from local families and businesses is crucial,” Mullins said. “People should be on the lookout for Summerfest jars in local businesses and other Summerfest fundraising events, and help in any way they can.

Despite the fact that it takes funding and determination to create a successful community gathering, the Windham Summerfest is a perfect way to spend the day with your family and members of your community by enjoying the entertainment, eating a variety of foods, purchasing from local vendors and ending it with an evening of firework excitement.

Matthews stated that her favorite part about Summerfest is observing everyone and realizing how much fun they are having. “I so enjoy watching the faces of the kids playing and then watch the faces of their parents and grandparents as they look on.” Mathews stated.

Much like an old fashion and family friendly community festival, the Windham Summerfest will

create memories of summer fun in future generations.

Mullins will always remember a few things about her experiences with Summerfest. “It’s the same for me every year - that moment when the fireworks go off,” Mullins said. “It’s at that moment Kelly [Mank] and I hug. We look around the field filled with people with eyes to the sky, and we say, ‘We did this!  We brought all of these people together to enjoy just one day of fun, entertainment and community.’  It’s really a great feeling and makes all of the hard work and stress so worth it!”

So, indeed, mark your calendars for Saturday June 24 to create memories of your own at this year’s Windham Summerfest. Bring a friend or two.

For an updated list of activities, check out the Windham Summerfest facebook page  or the website at www.windhamsummerfest.com for more information.

*The parade route will begin at Route 202 from the rotary and will travel to Windham High School with most gathering at the Windham Center & Route 202 intersection. <

Sebago Lake Automotive chosen by ACDelco to provide free vehicle repairs to those in need by Lorraine Glowczak

L-R: Pastor Colegrove, the Rands, Dupree and Woodbrey

They say it takes a village to raise a child. However, that often-quoted statement can also be used as part of a community effort in lending a helping hand to those who could use a little assistance. On Thursday, May 4, Debora and Nathan Rand of Raymond as well as Janie Brown of Gorham, were chosen to be the recipients of ACDelco’s National Day of Service by getting their vehicles repaired free of charge at Sebago Lake Automotive on 302 in North Windham.
 

This is the second annual National Day of Service as ACDelco, an automotive company that is owned by General Motors, works with repair shops across the nation, to provide a collective $200,000 net worth of free vehicle repairs. This year, Sebago Lake Automotive was the chosen shop to provide service in Maine.

Sebago Lake Automotive had the difficult choice of choosing one non-profit organization in the area, to work in conjunction with and to identify a local family and/or individual who could benefit greatly from this service. They chose to work with the Windham Hill United Church of Christ (WHUCC) who recognized the Rands and Brown as needing the service. In doing so, they were provided a total of $4,000 in free automotive repair service.

“A member of our church community approached me and informed me about the ACDelco National Day of Service,” stated Sally Colegrove, pastor of WHUCC. “I thought about it for a long time and decided that Debora and Nathan Rand and Janie Brown, members of the church, would be a great choice. These three individuals are retired and living on a limited income. That, in and of itself, is deserving of this free service. But I chose them because they give of themselves to the community in unlimited ways. I thought it would be wise if the community could reciprocate, so I approached Sebago Lake Automotive with my suggestion.” 

The Rands, who own a 2003 Ford Focus, are very involved in a multiple of community volunteer efforts that includes Food and Fellowship, a weekly service from various organizations that provides free meals to the community every Monday at WHUCC. They are also a part of the Missions Board at WHUCC and participate in the community garden and plant sale efforts that raise funds and environmental awareness with the Raymond Village Library. 

The Rands’ Ford Focus had a leaking air conditioner, needed a timing belt and hood release mechanism replaced. They also received a free State of Maine inspection. “The total cost for the Rand’s would have cost them $2,000,” said Mitch Woodbrey, co-owner and service manager at Sebago Lake Automotive.

Brown, of Gorham, owns a 2004 Toyota Scion. She is the coordinator of the Food and Fellowship. As a coordinator, she works tirelessly with a multitude of other organizations and churches in the area that contributes to the success of this program, making sure that at least one weekly free and healthy meal is provided to those who need some extra help. Brown, along with the Rands, also works on The H.O.M.E. Craft Show and Sale. It is a project that is a part of the Missions Board and is an event held on Saturday, June 3. The event is open to the public to support crafters in one of the poorest areas of Maine, Hancock County.   

Brown’s concern for others and making sure that they can survive to the best of their ability, leaves little time for her own personal concerns. But she does have a bit of a challenge living on a fixed income. “I always have on my mind what needs to be paid next.” Brown said. “It’s nice to have this one thing off my mind,” she continued, referring to the needed repairs of her 13-year-old vehicle.

As General Motors and ACDelco state, everyone should have access to reliable and safe transportation. The out-of-pocket repairs can add up to over $600, and nearly a third of American drivers cannot add that amount to their monthly budget. 

There is another saying that states, “Do good and good will come to you.” It seems this is the case for the Rands and Brown. A thank you goes out to ACDelco, General Motors and Sebago Lake Automotive, for recognizing three individuals who do good in the world - by returning the good to them.

PowerServe beautifies the community and comes together in the name of doing good by Lorraine Glowczak

Genevieve Delano center with friends Allie Kirby and Ben Breton

The committee of and volunteers for PowerServe successfully provided a morning of community service for families and organizations within the greater Windham/Raymond Communities on Saturday May 13. This is the second service event hosted by PowerServe, with the first occurring last spring.

Genevieve Delano, director of PowerServe and a junior at Windham High School, said that the event was initially planned as a one-time event as a way to honor a classmate, Shane Donnelly, who had passed away. It was also created to help those who knew and loved Donnelly. “My mom and I started this event last year in an effort to create a positive energy around the situation by celebrating his life instead of his death,” Delano explained. “He would have loved this. 

Although PowerServe initially was intended to be a one-time event, Delano stated that there were many requests to have it happen again this year. 

“One hundred percent of the people we got survey results from, wanted to do it again,” she stated in
the March 17, 2017 publication of The Windham Eagle’s ‘PowerServe will provide communities services once again’ by Elizabeth Richards.

And so, PowerServe heeded the call and met the requests that came from the community. Last year, most of the projects took place at the Windham High School campus working on landscape and minor maintenance and painting needs. However, it was their hope to reach further out into the community this year. 

Through outreach, they met their goal and expanded their services. Along with the Windham High School, the following individuals and organizations were the recipients of PowerServe:

Windham Library, Windham Historical Society, the Karsten family, the Dickinson family, the Boucher family, Village Green, Windham Police Station, the Gregoire family, the Levigne family, Manchester School, Black Brook Preserve and local cemeteries.

Linda and John Gregoire were very pleased with the assistance they received on Saturday from the volunteers of PowerServe. John Gregoire was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) almost 10 years ago, making any physical work impossible.

 “They trimmed back a couple of years’ overgrowth in the back yard and disposed of the brush they cut back” Linda Walker said. “It is work I don't have the equipment or time to do and it was appreciated very much. They cut down some small trees with the chain saw, which is something I can't do, I don't own a chainsaw, and even if I did I wouldn't dare use it.” Linda Gregoire joked.

There is hope that this may become a yearly occurrence. “We would love to continue putting on this wonderful event annually,” Delano said. “However, I am leaving for college after next year so I do not know what will happen after that. I would love to leave this in the hands of someone I trust, but that has not yet been put together.”

Members of the Windham Historical Society would like to see the return of PowerServe. 

Approximately 10 volunteers were available to paint, rake the grounds and transfer artifacts as well as weed and plant in the gardens. "All were serious, purposeful, hard-working and fun to be around.” member of the historical society, Walter Lunt said. “They were truly an inspiration.” 

PowerServe, and its initial intention is, in fact, an inspiration in and of itself. “This event is indicative of how great this community is,” Shane’s brother, Bobby Donnelly said. “We want the community to know how much they are appreciated.”

“It [PowerServe] came out of a great love and compassion for our son, Shane,” stated Kim Donnelly, Shane’s mother. “It has turned into this amazing event, helping so many in our surrounding communities, providing fellowship and a way for people from all ages and walks of life to come together to do good.”

It seems PowerServe does more than provide the much needed repair and maintenance where it is required, but it also repairs grieving hearts by spreading joy and light into the world.

Lunt stated it best. “If these young people are any indication of our future, I'd say we're in good hands."