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."

Landing Real Estate grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony

On Wednesday, May 3 at 4:00 p.m., the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce (SLRCC) conducted a formal ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Landing Real Estate on 79 Tandberg Trail in Windham.

Lisa and Matt DiBiase, agency owners, enjoyed a large group of attendees including several directors from the SLRCC Board, as well as professionals from in and around our region.

The agency also has a location in Portland on Exchange Street.

Bottle Drive on Saturday to raise funds for students to attend OM World Finals competition. By Lorraine Glowczak

Odyssey of the Mind students working at one of many fundraisers

It was a brief 5 weeks ago on Saturday morning April 1 that a team of five students from the Windham Primary School (WPS) placed second in the state competitions of Odyssey of the Mind (OM). As a result, they will have a chance to compete in the 2017 World Finals to be held at Michigan State University, May 24 to 27.

The WPS OM students, the first students from Windham Primary School to compete in the World Finals, are looking forward to traveling to Michigan and competing with approximately 800 other students from around the world. 

There is one hitch however, and it is getting to this competition. It’s the ever present challenge of funding in order for the five bright, young students to travel to Michigan.

But when has a challenge stopped the most brilliant and creative?

This Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the students and their coach, April O’Shea will host a second bottle drive in the parking lot of Time4Printing, 588 Roosevelt Trail in Windham.

Their first bottle drive was last weekend. “Last week's drive focused on the boys walking around a few neighborhoods. We are hoping to get a bigger outcome by having a bottle drive this Saturday in one location,” O’Shea said.

The financial goal to fund travel to the competition in Michigan is $7,000. This covers event registration, lodging and transportation for all five students.

“The boys have been working very hard to reach the trip goal.” O’Shea said. “They are about halfway there right now. They have been out in the community every week fundraising. The support from families, school staff and local businesses has been wonderful. Also, one last fundraiser will be held on Saturday May 20 at the AT&T Wireless store, from noon to 3 p.m. We will be having a bake sale and playing some creativity games.”

“Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a creative, problem-solving competition for students of all ages,” stated Linda Berry, Enrichment/Academic Support Coach for RSU14.

When they arrive in Michigan, the competition will incorporate two areas of challenges the young competitors must solve. The two categories are: 1) Long-Term Problems and 2) Spontaneous Problems. The students have been working together since December to create and practice their long-term problem solution and will present that at the competition. Additionally, they will be given a spontaneous problem to solve. Teams are scored on a combination of the two major components, which also includes a style component. Certain aspects of their long-term project will be judged and scored for their creativity.

 

The students look forward to testing their intellectual and innovative prowess and representing the State of Maine. 

If you are unable to make this Saturday’s bottle drive or will not be able to attend the fundraising event on May 20, a gofundme.com account has been set up to make a financial donation. Visit www.gofundme.com/windham-primarys-odyssey to make a donation in any amount.

Local musicians compete for prizes in the 2017 MAMM Slam this Saturday By Lorraine Glowczak

Local Windham High School students and musicians, David Young, Deven Young and Seth Martin, members of the rock group The Rubber Band will compete in a Battle of the Bands competition, known as the Maine Academy of Modern Music (MAMM) Slam, Saturday, May 13 at Empire located at 575 Congress Street in Portland. The doors will open at 1:30 p.m. and The Rubber Band will perform at 2 p.m.
 

Members of The Rubber Band rock group

 The Rubber Band has performed together for two years and consists of a guitarist (David Young, senior) a drummer (Deven Young, sophomore) and a bass guitarist (Seth Martin, senior.)

The band, whose musical sound is similar to Creedence Clear Water, Neil Young, Cream, Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan competed and won the preliminary rounds in the High School Rock Off portion of MAMM Slam on April 8 at Bayside Bowl in Portland. 

The Rubber Band will compete again on Saturday with five other bands and solo artists to vie for first place and win a host of prizes that will include: $1,000 cash sponsored by the Rusty Rocket Music Fund, college scholarships to the Maine College of Art (MECA) of up to $16,000 per year to each member of the winning band, a tour of Gateway Mastering in Portland, free recording studio time, a scheduled performance to include an appearance on the MAMM Stage at the 2017 Old Port Festival and the All Roads Music Festival in Belfast. The prize also includes radio appearances.

Per MaineToday.com, a leading sponsor of the competition, “The MAMM Slam is a statewide competition designed to provide young, career-minded musicians with an educational platform through which to gain performance and business experience, professional acumen, industry exposure and promotional and career networking opportunities. The competition is open to bands and solo artists.”

The group performed and competed last spring in the 2016 MAMM Slam. “Last year we made it to the final round, but didn't take the grand prize.” David Young said. “I did win a Best Guitarist Award, though.”

The Rubber Band’s talent comes with years of experience that will increase their odds of winning the grand prize. “I've been playing for about 8 years,” David Young said. “Seth plays all sorts of things including guitar, bass and drums and he's been playing for at least as long as I have.  Deven's been on the drums for almost three years now, and he's really coming along quick.”  

The rock group has been working with an agent and partner named Dave Biron, and his company Brownstaff Talent Productions. Biron has arranged performances for the band in the Southern Maine area since the 2016 competition. “He actually contacted us after the MAMM Slam last year and has got us into places such as the Great Falls Balloon Festival in Lewiston,” David Young explained. “And we've gotten recent airplay for some of the songs off our new EP "Thunder" [a 4-song recording] on Maine's Big Z 105.5/92.7, thanks to him.”

As Young stated above, the band has recorded their music and now has the 4-song EP entitled “Thunder.” It consists of three originals and a cover of Bob Dylan’s, “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” The EP will be available to purchase at the MAMM Slam on Saturday.

Admission to Saturday’s performance is $12.If you are unable to attend, an individual can purchase “Thunder” by contacting the band members on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/therubberbandwindham/

Good luck to The Rubber Band as they compete this Saturday, although it’s possible they won’t need it.

Meteorologist Todd Gutner visits Jordan-Small School by Lorraine Glowczak

The sixth-grade students from Lynne Estey’s science class, at Jordon-Small Middle School, had the opportunity to learn the ropes of a meteorologist from the WCSH Channel 6 TV station in Portland. Morning weatherman Todd Gutner spoke to the crowd of 11 and 12-year-olds about the science behind weather on Thursday, April 27 in the school’s library.
 

He began his talk by stating that, as a morning weatherman he must get up by 2:00 a.m. to be on the air by 6:00 a.m. “In the winter,” Gutner began. “I get up at 1:15 a.m. Winter weather is a little more complicated and takes more time to prepare for the morning broadcast.”

Gutner stated that he has a great time being a meteorologist, explaining that often he and the other co-hosts tell jokes and laugh with one another. 

“There are times, however, when things are serious,” Gutner explained. “Weather can be a very serious topic because it can be dangerous and affect daily life.”

As an example, he spoke about the thunderstorms he has covered over the years. Specifically, a thunderstorm that developed into a tornado warning in the Rangeley/Farmington area and most of the Carrabassett Valley a couple of years ago.

It was at this point students got to view a live broadcast of Gutner on air during that tornado warning. By watching the video, they got a better understanding of the science behind summer meteorological conditions such as velocity, high air pressure, low air pressure, the exact definition of a tornado warning and the difference between a cyclone and a funnel cloud.

The students also discovered that tornados are labeled into specific categories. Based upon the Fujita Scale, a scale for rating tornadoes established upon the amount of damage it has caused, tornadoes are given between a F1(least amount of damage) to F5 (the most damage.)

“In Maine, there has never been a tornado greater than an F2,” Gutner said.

Gutner discussed what to do during a tornado warning to keep safe. His suggestions included going to the lowest point in the home, staying away from windows and using pillows and blankets for protection.

6th students prepare to be filmed for TV

Students were given an opportunity for question and answers. Lightening was one major topic of discussion, including the occasional “bolt from the blue” lightning. This occurrence is a lightning bolt that can strike many miles away from the thunderstorm cloud that produces it and can be exceptionally dangerous.

The morning talk ended with the 6^th grade class being filmed by Gutner himself in front of “Stormy”, the Channel 6 weather vehicle, for the Friday morning’s broadcast. If you missed last Friday morning’s weather broadcast, the students got the opportunity to be on air at 6:55 a.m. telling the viewers who they were and what school they were from. Their on-air limelight ended with the morning shout, “Wake Up!”

Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser Fiesta planned to help families impacted by fire by Elizabeth Richards

The community is pulling together to support families affected by the fire on April 19^th at A La Mexicana restaurant in Raymond with a Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser Fiesta.
 

The event is coming together very quickly with an outpouring of support from people throughout the local area, from Bridgton to Portland, said Laurie Mason. Mason and her husband Bob own the

building that A La Mexicana was housed in.

Mason said they plan to rebuild as soon as possible, but working with insurance is a long process. This fundraiser isn’t about the rebuilding the property, though. The money raised will go towards helping the families - owner Jose Chavez and his family, along with staff members and their families. “For us, it’s a building,” Mason said of the impact the fire had. “But for Jose and his family, it’s his life.”

“Jose and his family have been tenants for many years now. They are awesome tenants,” Mason said. “They are hard-working, family oriented, honest and produce a much-loved product for the community. Everybody around here loves them,” she said. An outpouring of well wishes and comments on the restaurant’s Facebook page shows just how popular the restaurant is in the

community.

An announcement for the event on the Maine Mayhem Women’s Football Facebook page read, “We never know how quickly our lives can be impacted by tragedy. It could happen to any of us . . .  in an instant. On Wednesday, April 19th the A La Mexicana Restaurant caught on fire. There were numerous families impacted by this tragic loss. When tragedy hits there is nothing more beautiful than an entire community rallying together to help bring a little peace to all the chaos.”

And rally they have. Adam Herald, pastor of the Refuge Church in Windham, said he knew Chavez’s sister-in-law, Jerica Parker, from building relationships in the community. “When I heard about the fire, I asked what we could do to help,” he said. “Any time there’s an obvious need in the community, I think the church needs to step up and say, ‘what can our role be and how can we get the community working together’?” In this case, in addition to helping get the word out for the event through Herald’s contacts, the Refuge Church secured the hall for a non-profit rate, and will be paying the cost of that rental.

While they were talking, Parker brought up the fact that Cinco de Mayo was a very lucrative day for the restaurant, Herald said. The idea to organize something around that day was born, almost without realizing how quickly it was approaching.

Mason said the fundraiser has certainly been on a fast track to organize. “We’re putting it together in a week. It’s not going to be perfect. But I keep telling everyone when you’re doing something with love, you can’t do it wrong.”

The outreach from the community has been phenomenal, Mason added.  Within hours of the fire, she said, she was receiving phone calls asking what people could do to help. She said that seeing this kind of response makes her feel good about the world again. “There’s a ray of sunshine, and hope, and an outpouring of love,” she said.

Along with Parker, Herald, Chavez and the Masons, some of those heavily involved in the quick organization of the event include Caitlin Faria, Mandy and Marty Greco, Alicia Paige, Anne and Dave Murch, Dave and Kathy Gerrish, Kathy and George Jillson, and Robin Brown. Point Sebago has donated a 5-night vacation as a door prize, and many other local vendors have stepped up to donate raffle and auction items. The Wrong Road band, who will perform at the event, also donated their time.

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Chavez will be providing the food for the event. He said the support they have received means a lot to him. “I never imagined it was going to be like this,” he said. “I want to say thank you so much for caring so much.”

The Fundraiser Fiesta will be held on Friday, May 5 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Windham Veterans Center, 35 Veterans Memorial Road, Windham. The event will include a buffet dinner, live music, raffles, an auction, and more. Tickets will be sold at the door, and are free for children 3 and under, $10 for children 4-12, $15 for adults and $40 for a family of four.  For more information, contact Laurie Mason at llbmason@att.net.

The “Great War Governor” from Windham by Walter Lunt

“Windham Then and Now” - The fourth in a series of historical topics about Windham’s unique history and heritage

As the 200^th anniversary of his birth approaches, the legacy and influence of Windham’s “favorite son,” John Albion Andrew, extends into the 21^st century. Andrew was born and raised in South Windham. He attended Bowdoin College and became the 21^th governor of Massachusetts during the American Civil War, serving from 1861 to 1865.

In 2007, the newly elected 71^st governor of Massachusetts, Duval Patrick – following tradition – selected the portrait of a former chief executive to hang behind his desk in the governor’s office. He chose John Albion Andrew. “At a time of great divide in America, he demonstrated a willingness to change the status quo and encourage others to do the same,” said Patrick, “I am proud to display his portrait . . . and hope that I may govern with the same compassion and foresight that he demonstrated.” Patrick served until 2015.

THEN: Birthplace of Gov. Andrew

Andrew was born in a small single-story, wood frame house in the Little Falls section of Windham in May of 1818. In his lifetime, he would be immersed in some of the most significant issues of the 19^th century: temperance, civil war, emancipation, reconstruction and even divorce laws.

His parents, Jonathan and Nancy (Pierce) Andrew came to Windham from Salem, Massachusetts and purchased the house of Dr. James Paine (an early Windham physician) on Depot Road. Jonathan established a grocery business on the corner of Depot and Main (now River Road), which he later moved to a location near the bridge in South Windham. The two were highly regarded citizens of the community. Nancy had been a teacher (or preceptress) at Bridgton Academy, Jonathan a general trader and Deacon of the Congregational Church (“Windham, Then & Now,” March 24, 2017). 

Their oldest child, John Albion Andrew, would later be remembered by C.O. Stickney, writing in the Boston Sunday Globe around 1898 as, “One of the best and most popular of boys raised in (Windham) bright, likeable and full of fun.” Many remarked on his unusual ability of elocution. 

At age 14 he would deliver an inspiring talk on the evils of drink at a public temperance meeting. It was considered a remarkable performance for a young boy. A story often told by Albion, as he was known by all in Windham and Gorham, probably reveals the origin of his strong feelings on prohibition. It seems that his father sold “ardent spirits” at his store, the sale of which was highly “remunerable.” Through the thin walls of the house on Depot Street, Albion and his siblings would eavesdrop on frequent bedtime conversations between his mother and father. Mother was a fervent supporter of the early temperance movement, and would use this time to urge her husband to end the sale of alcohol in his store. This, according to Albion, went on for months when, finally one night, his father stopped his wife in mid-refrain to announce, “I stopped selling spirits several weeks ago.”

NOW: What Andrew's birthplace looks like today

Albion and his siblings were “home-schooled.” Jonathan built a tiny schoolhouse behind the home where he and Nancy tutored their children. Albion eventually attended Bridgton Academy where his mother had once taught. He entered Bowdoin College, class of 1837, where one of his classmates later observed “(His) college life was the flow of generous impulses and noble purposes, rather than the display of brilliant talents and extraordinary scholarship.” He was also known as a joker, a mimic and a general cut-up. A cousin, Nathan Church, said that the governor “Could not only pray and preach like old Parson Smith of his native town, but could also slay his audiences with impersonations of politicians and other well-known preachers.” Church also said, “He could have had success as a comedian.”

Following college, John Albion Andrew entered the bar in Massachusetts and opened a law practice in Boston. He was noted for his strong defense of poorer clients and for his wit and anecdotes. His firmly held beliefs on the issue of slavery and other reform movements, led him to politics, and by 1858 he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he opposed the Fugitive Slave Law and used his position to defend fugitive slaves and raise money for their legal fees and shelter. He became an early organizer of the new Republican Party and rallied for Abraham Lincoln at the Chicago Presidential Nominating Convention.  Their relationship while he was governor would become thorny due to the President’s handling of various war issues. Andrew, notorious for his lack of patience, criticized Lincoln for holding off delivering an emancipation declaration until late in the war, and for what he perceived as the president’s reluctance to accept blacks in the Union armies. 

As governor, he won high national praise for the early formation of militia regiments, even before the start of the war. As a result, Massachusetts would furnish the first volunteer regiment to reach Washington and the first to fight in the Civil War. 

Andrew traveled the countryside in his recruiting efforts, visiting Windham and other Maine towns in his appeal to organize volunteer regiments. The late Ernie Knight, author of several books and articles on local history, once told a gathering of local history enthusiasts in Windham that Northern townspeople, in general, did not want their husbands and sons to fight their Southern brethren, even though they had always been willing to take up arms when necessary. But because the recruiter was “our native son of renown,” Andrew succeeded in garnering enlistments.

Following Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Andrew succeeded in organizing a regiment of black soldiers – the famed 54^th Massachusetts Regiment which came to be known for its heroism and sacrifice.

In his Valedictorian Address in 1865, Andrew called for reconciliation with the South rather than punishment, “The halls of legislation are the arenas of debate, not of muscular prowess . . . we must secure the constitutional, civic liberties and franchises of all the people.”

Andrew returned to his private law practice after the war, focusing much of his time on reforming the archaic divorce practices of the day.

Former Gov. Patrick was inspired by Andrew

On October 30, 1867, the Great War Governor of Massachusetts died, age 49, following a “fit of apoplexy” (a stroke), after tea, at his home on Charles Street in Boston. He and his wife, Eliza Jane are buried in Hingham where they lived during most of their time in the Bay State. A marble statue of Andrew overlooks the site, as one biographer described it “. . . not tall in stature, but colossal in majesty of power and purpose.”

Interred in Windham’s Brown Cemetery near the corner of Depot Street and River Road are several members of the Andrew family, including the governor’s mother, Nancy, who died in 1832, and his grandfather, John Andrew, who passed away in the 1790’s. Mossy headstones identify their resting places. The burial ground, one of Windham’s oldest, is within sight of the old Andrew home, still standing today at the hilltop on Depot Street. The current owners, Paul and Sandy Penna, say it’s a “quaint old house,” a white wood-frame cottage that still retains much of its 18^th century charm.

According to Sandy, “The house itself is the original structure with many of the original wide pine flooring boards.” Built in 1792 by Windham’s second physician, Dr. James Paine, it was later purchased by Albion’s father, Jonathon Andrew, who greatly improved it. The house may have once faced toward the main (River) road. Early sketches show a classic portico front doorway flanked on either side by two windows with shutters, a center chimney, adjoining carriage shed, all fronted by an early version of a picket fence. Now in its 225^th year, the house is one reminder of Windham’s historic and revered son. Others include Albion Road and the John A. Andrew School, which stood near-by for nearly a century. At Windham High School in the early 1960s, many former students still recall the essay assignment in junior year English: The John A. Andrew essay contest on the topic “What it means to be an honest man.”

Fast forward to the 2000s and the name continues to reverberate as the significant source of guidance and inspiration for Massachusetts’ first African-American governor.