Maine Correctional Center building options explored - By Michelle Libby

Building a new prison facility in Windham is a baby step closer to becoming a reality as a feasibility study was conducted and options were discussed on Thursday, February 20, when administration from the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) and local elected officials gathered across from the Maine Correctional Center in Windham. The discussion centered around the possible plan to build a new prison on land owned by MDOC surrounding the existing facility.

Also in attendance were corrections officers and neighbors from High Street which would be impacted by some of the tentative locations for the new building. 

The way the land looks now.

“The plans are that Maine Department of Corrections will build a new prison using existing revenue and have money left over. They are here to prove to us it’s a good idea,” said Senator Gary Plummer, who is also a member of the criminal justice and public safety committee. 

SMRT Architecture Engineering Planning Interiors Energy with Pulitzer/Bogard & Associates, LLC, worked together to prepare an independent feasibility study. The four conclusions reached by the study were that: 1. There is a positive economic benefit to the State of Maine and the project is self-funded. 2. This project will enable MDOC to do “more with less.” 3. The alternative to this plan of action will be more costly. 4. This project positively realigns the system capacity. 

Option 1

Although this will affect Windham directly, MDOC is working to reduce costs across all of its facilities. It would close the Downeast Correctional Center, no longer rent the building housing the Southern Maine Women’s Re-entry Clinic and downsize Charleston Correctional Facility. 

Doing these changes avoids capital improvements that will have to be done in the new few years. According to Arthur Thompson from SMRT there will be a positive cost saving to the State of Maine of approximately $8.5 million per year. After 17 years the project would be completely paid off, he said. 

Option 2

Maine has the ninth highest per diem cost for prisons in the country. This project would lower that by 14.3 percent. There would also be increased safety for the public, staff and inmates and the reentry system using existing facilities would be enhanced, Thompson said. 

There would not be a large increase in the number of beds at the facility, but the types of beds would be different. There would be an increase from zero to 85 beds for assisted living inmates who are elderly.

“We can’t continue to put our fingers in the dyke for these facilities,” Thompson said. 

Option 3

When asked what would be the worst thing that could happen with this project, the public was told that doing nothing was the biggest issue. The State of Maine can’t really afford to keep the status quo.

It was also estimated that $118 million would be added to the local income. 

The three sites proposed include one being in front of the existing buildings, facing River Road, one on the opposite side of Mallison Falls Road near River Road and the final and least expensive option would close off High Street and have the prison straddle the road. 

“We need to maintain a facility while we build a facility,” said Thompson. Who said that they couldn’t build on the existing site for that reason. The plans shown were not site plans, but rough layouts to see if the proposed building size would fit on the land parcels. 

The second option would have the advantages of higher elevation and better soils. However, there was not as much buffering for existing residences. The third option has the highest position which helps with gravity sewer that is moved to the far side of the Presumpscot River. It would also make High Street a dead end. 

Representative Jane Pringle asked where the $8.5 million in savings would come from and she was told from increased staff efficiency. Although there will be 13 additional positions in the Windham facility. There will be less staff in the MDOC as a whole. The jobs would change to meet the needs of the new inmates including mental illness. The correctional center will house a whole range of custody levels all in medium security beds, said MDOC commissioner Joe Ponte.

“Many (inmates) come to us in crisis and need to be stabilized,” Thompson said. 

“This is a feasibility plan at this point,” said Ponte.

“There are still people who think this is a reformatory. We’ve grown up and people don’t know it,” said Frank Dube. The inmates housed at the correctional center range from sex offenders to murderers. 

The timeline for the project is approximately three years to completion after it goes through the legislature and the bidding process, said Ponte. 

Ponte called the plan a more efficient system. He also said that other new prison facilities have only had a positive impact on neighboring real estate. “It provides people with a sense of security,” he said.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” said Dube. 

“This is not a done deal. It will require a great deal of work with the Town of Windham. It’s still a big if,” said Plummer. “The community is a real priority. We will not do anything that will have a negative impact.” 

“It’s not as safe as it used to be (for corrections officers),” said Sergeant Gary Beaulieu. “We need to not deplete (the staff). We really want to see security and staffing. We’re in a 24-hour a day, seven days week business.” 

To read more about the project, visit www.maine.gov/corrections click on special projects tab.

WHS girls' basketball team runner-up in Western Maine Class A play - By Jim Beers - Photos by Stephanie Coffin

The Windham Eagles girls’ basketball team came up just short in their magical run in the 2014 playoffs, losing to top-ranked Catherine McAuley 50-28 in the western Maine final game at the Cumberland County Civic Center Saturday night. The valiant effort by the girls earned them some big respect among the Class A schools. 

Starting out ice cold from the field, the Eagles found themselves down 8-2 at the end of the first quarter. Catherine McAuley's swift rotating defense forced Windham into some bad passes and enabled the Lions to get out and fast break. Windham's Sadie Nelson picked up two fouls in the first period, sending her to the bench early. 

Heading into the second quarter, McAuley looked to go inside to Victoria Lux and Olivia Smith early and often. Lux missed a lot of her attempts, though she still had five of Catherine McAuley's nine early points.

For Windham, shots continued to go up, but were not finding the net, as evident by the 5-24 first half shooting. After Ayla Tartre made a free throw to put the Lions up 10-2, Windham's Katie Herzig breaks the drought and nails a jumper from the left side. The Eagles were getting a taste of their own medicine as McAuley limited Windham to one shot on the offensive end. Combine that with some costly turnovers, and Windham had dug a dangerous hole. The Eagles needed a spark offensively and Luisa Sbardella checked in to provide one. Hitting her first three shots, two of which were three pointers, Sbardella ignited the crowd and her teammates and got the Eagles to within six, 19-13 going into halftime. 

As the third quarter began, both teams still couldn't establish any rhythm offensively. Both squads looked to set the tone for the second half, and play was picking up in intensity. McAuley's Alexandra Clement scored 11 points on her own, helping the Lions to a 15-2 run to lead 34-15 at the end of the third quarter. Windham went completely cold in the quarter with their only bucket coming from Nelson at the 4:30 mark. 

Continuing to rack up the offensive rebounds, Catherine McAuley made it 38-15 on buckets by Lux and Clement to start the fourth. The Lions were quick to switch defensive assignments and made it difficult for Windham to get open on offensive. Grabbing a rare offensive rebound, the Eagle's Nelson scores and gets fouled. She converts the free throw to complete the 3-point play, down 38-18 with 6:28 to go. 

After another bucket by Nelson, this time off a length of the court pass by Sam Frost, play was abruptly halted due to an injury. 

Windham's Sbardella got picked above the key by McAuley's Smith, and fell to the floor in a heap. It was a clean, legal pick by Smith. Sbardella was down on the floor for nearly 30 minutes. Looking alert and talking, she was carried out on a stretcher amid great concern by her teammates and the capacity crowd. Still 5:34 to play in the game, both teams had to snap back into action. 

Scoring seven points in the final quarter, Catherine McAuley's Lux proved to be too much for the Eagles down the stretch. Windham still couldn't break through and find the openings it needed to make a run. The Lady Eagles finished their impressive season at 14-8, and as Western Maine Class A runner-ups. Sbardella led Windham with eight points, while Nelson added seven. 

McAuley was led by Clement, who finished with 23 points. Lux chipped in with 14 as the Lions improve to 20-1, and advance to the Class A State Championship game.

Photos by Stephanie Coffin. 

Derby's largest fish ever takes the prize - By Elizabeth Richards

It was a record-breaking weekend at the Sebago Lakes Rotary Club’s 14^th Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby. Steve Lothrop of Lewiston pulled in the largest fish ever caught in the history of the derby. His lake trout measured 39 3/8 inches and weighed in at 22.42 pounds.

The enormous trout claimed the first prize in the togue category, which landed Lothrop a 2013 Polaris Sportsman ATV. Second prize, a $500 gift card to Kittery Trading Post, went to Joe Murphy Sr. for his 4.76 pound togue. In third, with a 4.48 pound catch, was Kenneth Corbin, who took home a $200 gift card to Kittery Trading Post.

 

Gifts cards to Kittery Trading Post were also awarded for the big three fish in the pickerel and perch categories, in the amounts of $500, $200 and $100.

Benjamin Carlin took first with a 3.48 pound pickerel. Samantha Labreck came in second with a 2.75 pound catch, and Colin Hudson came in a very close third place with a 2.72 pound fish.

In the perch category, first prize winner was Rob Martin, weighing in at 1.66 pounds. Second place, with a 1.48 pound fish, went to Gunner Harriman. Chris Harriman took third in the perch category with a 1.4 pound catch. 

There were no pike weighed in at the derby, and therefore no prizes awarded in that category.

A wide range of additional prizes was awarded, both for fish pool entries, as well as for the 30 days of derby early registration. The big fish pool winner, taking home a 2013 Polaris Sportsman ATV, was Rob Ritter. He won after catching a 0.18 pound perch. The awards ceremony was held at the Windham Veteran’s Center on Sunday evening.

    Toby Pennels, event organizer, said it was a good Derby year for the Sebago Lake Rotary Club.  While final numbers are not yet available, there were close to 1,400 entries in this year's event.  Pennels expressed many thanks to all participants, and the dozens of sponsors who made the derby possible.  Having a record derby fish was just the icing on the cake, said Pennels.

The weekend was packed with fun, from helicopter rides to a Polar Dip, and snowmobile speed trials Sunday morning. One highlight of the weekend, said Dyer, was a very special moment for one couple. Jon Brideau got down on one knee on the ice and proposed to Jessica Aponte. She said yes.

Local volunteers facilitate Look Good Feel Better program - By Elizabeth Richards

The third Monday of every month offers female cancer patients in the Sebago Lakes region an opportunity to come together for a free one-time beauty consultation through the Look Good Feel Better Program. 
 

The program, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, The Personal Care Products Council, and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association, is intended to help address the appearance related side effects associated with cancer treatments said Elisa Madore, specialist. Mission Delivery, for the New England Division of the American Cancer Society. The sessions are led by a licensed cosmetologist or aesthetician.

The sessions in Windham are led by local volunteers Debra McLaine and Christine Reardon. The group sessions provide practical tips and techniques on skin care, cosmetic application, and how to use wigs, scarves or other accessories. 

McLaine started volunteering with the program several years ago. Cancer runs in her family, she said, and she has lost grandparents and her father to the disease. Her mother has also battled breast cancer. After watching her family members battle the disease, McLaine decided she wanted to get involved. “I really felt like I wanted to do something more,” she said.  “Being a licensed cosmetologist and aesthetician has enabled me to be a part of this program that I am very passionate about.”

McLaine was first involved with Look Good Feel Better in Portland, but it occurred to her that it was a really long drive for people who lived in the Sebago Lakes region where she lives. She asked about providing a session in Windham, and was told that if she could find a space to do it in, she was welcome to do so. The North Windham Union Church offered space, and the program took off.

In Portland, the classes were a lot larger than the turnout has been in Windham, said McLaine. Often, she said, they end up with only one or two participants, and sometimes they can go months without having anyone at all. While a small group is nice, said McLaine, allowing for personal attention, both she and Reardon said they would like to see more people participate.

Reardon said she had heard of the program through clients and her work, and decided to get involved about four years ago. “It’s an inspiring program,” she said. “You get to be with the women at their lowest point, and help them feel better about themselves.”  Participants are very appreciative, she said, and she feels the program really makes a difference in their lives.

McLaine agreed. “Women do really love to feel great,” she said. The loss of brows and lashes, in addition to the hair on the head, can be devastating, she said. The techniques and tips they provide can help these women feel their best. “We try to give them options,” said McLaine, from skin care and makeup application, to wig setting or the creative use of scarves or headwraps. 

“It is so wonderful when I see people leave feeling so good. I think that it actually makes me feel better than the women who come, sometimes. It feels really good,” McLaine said.

Sessions are offered on the third Monday of every month, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the North Windham Union Church at 723 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. Along with tips and practical information during the session, participants receive a complimentary cosmetic kit. Pre-registration for a session is required. To register for a Look Good Feel Better session in Windham, please contact Dan Del Rossi at the American Cancer Society by calling at 207-373-3737.

Students from Taiwan visit Windham Christian Academy - By Elizabeth Richards

The Bennett family has once again opened up their home to visitors from Nini Bennett’s native Taiwan for an extended stay. On January 22^nd, four students from the Bennett’s school in Taiwan arrived for a three week visit. This time, the focus is on education.
 

The Bennett’s company, Up in Maine, LLC, has a mission “To raise an awareness of Maine and what it has to offer in terms of unique experiences, way of life and educational opportunities.” Last summer, a large group of students and their parents visited to experience Maine in the summer and participate in a variety of camp programs. This time around, the students are here alone, and the goal for the visit is different. “This goal is to get them into the classroom,” said Nathaniel Bennett. 

The Bennetts also have two students who are staying with them for a year long experience, one attending Chevrus High School and the other attending Windham Christian Academy. The group of students visiting for three weeks, who are ages 10-14, are also attending Windham Christian Academy.

Nini said that one goal is to allow the students to compare the educational system in America to that which they experience in Taiwan. There, for instance, students attend school until 4:30 p.m, and were amazed to find that students here get out for the day at 2:30 p.m. Also, in their Taiwanese school, they have three or four quizzes or tests per day, which is far more often than students experience here. 

Often, when they get out of school at 4:30 p.m, the students in Taiwan have another school to attend. They also have approximately two hours of homework per night, and competition among students is fierce.

Here, the students feel that the kids care about each other. They are surprised by how welcoming and kind the American students are to them. In Taiwan, the focus is on studying, and the next test, so there isn’t time for as much social interaction. 

 Another difference is that the teachers will listen, and enjoy who they are as individuals, said Nini. This tends to build confidence in the students after they visit, she said. 

“The teachers pay attention to the different learning styles here. The tradition in Taiwan is to teach it one way,” said Nathaniel. He added that the students also get to speak out more in classes here. “In Taiwan, it’s very difficult to develop because they have no idea. They’re taught to listen. They don’t ask a lot of questions. Usually when you see Asian kids come here they are quiet. Their mind is active, they just don’t know how to express it,” he said.

Nathaniel said the visit has been amazing. “The students in the class just accepted them right in,” he said. A group of girls at WCA took one of the very quiet visiting girls under their wings. “She’s doing great. I’ve never seen her smile so much, I’ve never seen her so happy in the classroom,” he said. “The values they teach here promote that, and the teachers promote that, and they are small classes so they can do that,” said Nathaniel. 

Nini said that miscommunications can happen when people don’t understand the background and the culture of another place. When American kids hear the stories, hear the differences in language patterns and culture, they can better understand the Taiwanese children. As a way to give back to the school, Nini is teaching Chinese in the classroom at WCA. The Taiwanese help out, and the WCA students are attentive and interested, taking notes and talking about bringing the information home to their parents. 

Because it’s the Chinese New Year, the students are on break from their school in Taiwan, which allowed them the opportunity to travel to Maine. In addition to the educational component of the exchange, the Bennetts are exposing the students to a variety of activities they have never tried before, such as sledding, snow tubing and skiing. The Facebook page for Up in Maine, LLC chronicles the visit with photographs of students trying new things.

The Bennetts hope that having kids from another culture visit is also a positive experience for the Windham community. “We want to raise awareness for Maine, and Windham. We want to bring people here and show them what’s good about Maine,” said Nathaniel. 

This summer, the Bennetts will continue their mission by hosting even more families and children in the community. Nathaniel said they hope that the people will welcome them into the community to help make their experience a positive one.