Library Open House revealed exciting new updates to better serve the community by Lorraine Glowczak

Children's Librarian Laurel Parker shows off new infant dpace

The Windham Public Library staff and town officials invited the community to a “Grand Reopening” Open House that included a large spread of refreshments on Thursday, April 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to celebrate the recent library renovations. 
 

The event began with a welcome and opening remarks by Library Director, Jen Alvino and Town Manager, Tony Plante to a crowd of approximately 35 to 40 library patrons who were eager to see the new updates.

Alvino expressed her gratitude to both the public for their understanding and patience during the renovation process, as well as to the Town Council and Town Manager for their support. Alvino pointed out that the new library renovations contributes extensively to better serve the community needs now and in the future. 

She also shared her appreciation of the library staff. “The renovation process would not have been as successful without the amazing staff’s excitement and ability to adapt to constant changing circumstances.”

Plante also expressed his admiration of Alvino and the staff’s ability to keep the library operating during the updates and the frequent changes with perpetual moving parts. “It was like playing library Tetris,” he began. “The staff’s excitement and upbeat attitude was nothing short of amazing.”

The many improvements that help better service the community include one larger circulation desk instead of two. The new desk is on the first floor to accommodate all areas of the library and it comes with an additional work room space. 

Jennifer Dupree, Circulation Supervisor is very happy with the new expanded circulation desk. “With the work room, we now have the space to store returns until either a staff member or a volunteer can return them back to the shelves, creating more space and efficiency.”

There is also a new counter area behind the circulation desk which provides the space for processing and delivery. This updated feature now expedites the delivery of books, CDs and other library materials to the patrons more efficiently. 

Children and teens are also benefiting from the renovations. The children’s room now includes and dedicates a space for infants and operates with a new, easy to follow system.

McKenzie Crossman in the new teen study space

“We now have a color coding system,” explained Laurel Parker, Children’s Librarian. “The colors correspond to the age of the reader. This gives the space a much more orderly flow and makes it easier for the young patron to find what they are looking for.”

Parker also pointed out that the beautiful mural of Babb’s Bridge on the east wall is now in full view. Prior to the renovations, the painting was partially hidden due to shelving. “People are seeing the mural for the first time,” Parker said. “It’s been there for a while but no one could see it until now.” 

The second floor got a few of its own facelifts including a Maine Collections Room that comes with a table and four chairs for study, as well as a high back executive chair for reading. Another addition includes two private study rooms that can hold up to 4 or 5 people at one time.

Teenagers enjoy the new computer space to work on homework

The improved second floor also comes with a quiet study corner just for teens as well as a table with four computers. “I come here after school often and wait for my dad to pick me up,” began McKenzie Crossman, who used the corner study space to get some of her assignments done before spring break began. “I really like that we [teenagers] have our own space to study and it makes me look forward to coming here. I also like that we can hang out with friends in this new space.”

The three-hour open house was a success, with a steady stream of library patrons, including many of the Windham delegation, to look at the library’s makeover and the new services it is now able to offer.

Windham Middle School participates in engaging and exciting learning methods by Lorraine Glowczak

The students at Windham Middle School (WMS) will participate in Project Based Learning (PBL) from now until the end of the year. PBL is an energizing, inspiring and student-centered mode of educational discovery that includes subjects in the humanities, math, English language arts, science and data analysis. 
 

“The teachers understand they are required to meet certain standards and criteria,” began Principal of WMS, Drew Patin. “With Project Based Learning, they deliver these educational expectations in an engaging, compelling and exciting way. Often, the students have so much fun, they don’t realize they are learning something important in the process.”

Each grade level and classroom will work on a specific topic. The projects’ learning process will include interviews, field trips, speaking with a panel of experts in their field of study, as well as building and maintaining specific project designs as it relates to their topic. There will be guiding questions, kick-off events and final products for the required learning outcome. Part of that learning outcome will be shared with the community via print media, including The Windham Eagle newspaper.

The various topics of which the students will participate include the following:

·         Students working with veterans to understand the history of wars, the qualities of a hero, and the sacrifices and contributions made by those who served.

·         Students taking an active role of environmental scientist by constructing an argument supported by evidence that explains the negative effects of pollution in water.

·         In the topic “Be the Voice: Giving a Voice to those that are Voiceless in the Face of Adversity,” students will choose an adversity that the Earth faces due to human factors. They will research this topic to explain implications of this problem and make suggestions for change.

·         Students will learn about the opioid epidemic in Maine by researching its impact on the state and devise solutions to improve Maine’s future.

·         For the “Dam It” projects, students will provide an evidence-based position/opinion on the removal or continued use of a dam on the Presumpscot River.

Last year's class helping with the PWD

·         A team of students will facilitate a project in which they will work collaboratively to become informed and opinionated citizens about controversial renewable energy sources.

·         Another project will engage a team of students in a project where they will develop answers to the following question: “What makes a sustainable community?” 

·         A group of music students will discover ways to make music more accessible to all students in the RSU14 district.

Other projects will look at heart disease, vaping, cultural awareness, hydroponics and how to make a change in democracy.

Each teacher determined the subject matter, based upon their students’ interests. “We wanted to choose a topic that was relevant to our area (community) and many of our students live near or frequent Sebago Lake and other local bodies of water,” explained sixth grade teacher, Cory Didonato, whose group project is entitled, “How Dirty is Our Water?”.

Patin stated that in his experience with PBL, the conversations among students changes from ‘What show did you see last night?’ to ‘What subject and expedition will you be participating in?’.

“Project Based Learning gets kids excited about education,” explained Patin. 

Didonato agreed. “Project Based Learning is inquiry-based which makes the learning more relevant for students. It allows them to tackle real world issues which makes for deeper learning and - hopefully - enjoyment. We enjoy it because we get to see students excited and motivated to make a difference in the world around them.”

Not only do the students get excited about the learning process, but PBL is beneficial to the teachers. “I have found that the teachers are recharged with this style of teaching,” Patin said.

It won’t be long when the students and teachers of WMS will share their excitement for learning with the community. Be on the look out in future editions of The Windham Eagle, as the students share their learning outcomes with our readers.

“This is an opportunity to improve the students’ work,” stated Patin. “They are aware that not only will their teachers see their completed assignments, but others will see what they have done, too.”

Raymond grows with the digital age but maintains its small town atmosphere by Lorraine Glowczak

The Town of Raymond has begun providing a variety of options for residents to obtain information about town activities and events through various multimedia choices. To reach as many people as possible, the town has expanded information sharing on such platforms as YouTube, Facebook, an updated website and electronic newsletters as well as new digital, web-based signs.
 

“Our goal is to inform folks regarding the services the town delivers and provide a better understanding of the many opportunities available to them,” stated Town Manager, Don Willard. “More importantly, we want to highlight why our town is a great place to live.”

A quick glance at the updated town website demonstrates at least five reasons why Raymond is a good place to call home. There are five videos (with more on the way) featuring important information that showcases the services and employees of this quaint small-town municipality.

In the inaugural videos you will learn a bit about Willard’s background and his interest in local government or hear Raymond Fire Inspector, Captain David Mains speak about the importance of smoke detectors. You will also hear Sue Look, the Town Clerk, talk about the new digital web-based signs located at the town hall and public safety building.

“It used to be [on the old sign] that I would spell out one letter at a time regarding each committee meeting,” Look explains in the video. “Now, I can put all the information on the new sign from my computer or cell phone.”

The new signs are one of the ways Raymond residents can access information. In the video, Look further explains why this new technology is important. She stated that it came in handy during the wind storm this past October. She could easily go online to put up emergency messages on the digital sign such as where to get potable water, warm water and shelter. With this technology, she didn’t have to travel on roads with downed power lines to post the messages – she was able to post the information from the safety of her own home.

Bill Blood at work

The three to five-minute videos are filmed by the town’s professional videographer, Bill Blood. “The reason why videos work so well as a source of information is that this medium is one of the ways a lot of people like to get their news these days,” Blood stated.

Blood is an experienced videographer who worked for a public access station in Portland for over 16 years. He also does freelance work, including making documentaries that take him to places like Hawaii. “Bill has the experience and professionalism that will contribute to the production of high quality, informative videos,” Willard said.

Blood, who has lived in Raymond for 20 years, admits that because of his interviews with the various Every time I create a new video I learn something new about the town and the state I live in,” explained Blood. “This is one of the reasons that I have worked in this line of business for nonprofits for over 20 years now. Not only am I giving back to my community, but I am continuing to learn more about the community, its government, its culture and its people. This gives me greater satisfaction than any amount of money can buy. ”The videos, digital signs and website not only provide important messages to Raymond residents but for visitors and tourists as well. “We want to share with our out-of-town visitors the many benefits of living in Raymond and the abundant recreational opportunities here,” Willard explained.

officials and staff, he is constantly learning new things about the area. “

The new technologies and updated website have not put a strain on the town’s budget. “We know how to do a lot with a little,” explained Willard. “Raymond spends within our means and always has an eye toward providing a better level of services without increasing taxes.”

Even though new and updated technologies are being used to share information with residents, Raymond is still a personable small town. “All of our staff strive to have a positive dialogue with our citizens as they do business in the town office,” Willard said. “We provide a friendly and approachable atmosphere. We still operate in the small-town way.”

To view the videos, visit the Town of Raymond website at www.raymondmaine.org