Community programs strive to keep students active and engaged with “Book Bus”

By Elizabeth Richards

Since school closed on March 16, the RSU14 backpack program has been very busy. As the school closure continues, other programs are piggybacking on the distribution times to offer other resources as well.

Director of School Nutrition Jeanne Reilly says the backpack program is distributing food on Tuesdays and Fridays in both Windham and Raymond. The program offers three bags of food: one with fruits and vegetables, another with milk and possibly other dairy items like yogurt and cheese, and a third with shelf stable items such as peanut butter, cereal, soup, tuna and pasta.

“Any family with children is welcome to come. They do not have to be a previous recipient of the backpack program,” Reilly said. “We do ask that it be families with children in the home, since we are operating with funds that were donated for the express purpose of feeding children.  Families do not need to sign up, they can just come to one of our sites during the hours that we are open.”

On Tuesday, March 31^st, a “Book Bus” began distributing grade level books for K-3 students in conjunction with the backpack program.

Julie Young, instructional leader for Windham Primary School, coordinates the book bus. She said 100 bags of books were packed the first week and 80-100 more, which also included some basic school supplies such as paper, pencils, glue sticks and construction paper, had already been packed for the second week.

Families can pick up a new set of books each week, Young said, and books should not be returned. The books being distributed are from a large supply of retired curriculum materials, she said, and include individual paperbacks as well as anthologies.

On the first week of distribution, there were enough bags assembled for every family who asked for one, Young said. Bags were also sent to Raymond Elementary School for distribution. Young said that they have enough materials for every child, though they haven’t been packing that many since they didn’t know how many would come. “We’d love for every child to come and get a bag,” she said, adding that delivery is also possible.

Distributing reading material is important, Young said, because it’s difficult for parents to have leveled materials, especially for younger children who go through their material quickly. Although digital libraries are available, not all children have access to those, she said. “We wanted to make sure that we have some non-digital opportunities for our kids to continue to learn,” she said.

Reilly added that though the official book bus is on Tuesdays, there have also been some boxes of books and other reading materials that families can take available on Fridays.

Windham Parks and Recreation is also offering resources to families during this difficult time. This week, they began to add their weekly edition of “Useful News” to the lunches being sent home, so that families who may not receive it through email have access, said director Linda Brooks. This newsletter offers tips on enjoying the outdoors safely, as well as information on events and available resources.

“We continue to offer programming opportunities to our residents, but in many new ways, since people suddenly have much more leisure time in their lives,” Brooks said. “Parks and Recreation is all about helping people develop healthy leisure lifestyles, and outdoor activities are still being encouraged as an effective manner to manage this crisis. Moving forward, we are working on other activities that we can make available for children to do at home.”

Reilly said they are working to provide recipes, nutrition information, and culinary videos on social media channels and their website. “These will be ideas and tips for families to come together and experience some of the food we are sending home in our bags. We hope families will do some cooking together and some nutrition education, and even incorporate some science and math lessons with the food and recipes,” she said. 

The backpack program is not accepting food donations at this time but welcomes financial support for the project. The bags provide each family with about $20 worth of food, and participation in the program is growing, she said. On Friday, April 3, they served 122 families, which is an estimated 300-400 students served.

Food can be picked up at Windham Middle School on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and at Raymond Elementary School on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:30 to 3 pm. They are delivering to families in quarantine or who do not have transportation, Reilly said. If transportation is an issue, families can reach out to Reilly at jreilly@rsu14.org or district chef, Ryan Roderick at rroderick@rsu14.org.

The wish of a dying veteran is granted through the generosity of a “Brother in Arms”

Joe Bernard just prior to joining the Marines

By Lorraine Glowczak

“Yesterday, I wrote a post seeking a set of Marine dress blues for my dying uncle,” the post began in the Windham Maine Community Board Facebook page. “He loved being a Marine and worked very hard on veterans’ support issues his entire adult life. The outpouring of support from the Windham community brought a tear or two to my eye.”

That was a post written recently by Barry Bernard, a Portland man who also has a camp on Pettengill Pond in Windham and is the treasurer for the Windham Drifters Snowmobile Club. The previous day, he reached out to the Windham community, asking if there was anyone who might know of where the family could find the well-known and honored Marine dress uniform.

“It was my uncle’s desire to be buried in dress blues,” Barry stated. “We searched and couldn’t find his uniform. We wanted to do our best to make sure to locate a uniform for him and hoped we could do that before he passed away.”

In just over an hour after making the original Facebook post, Bernard had those dress blues donated by, none other than, another Marine. Ryan Salamon, who dedicated his life to the United States Marine Corp from 2010 to 2014 and now lives in Manchester, Maine responded to Barry’s request.

“My wife, Rachel, follows the Windham Community Board and saw Barry’s post,” Salamon said. 

“She thought it would be a good idea to offer my dress blues to Barry’s uncle – and I agreed so we immediately reached out to Barry.”

Marine dress blues as described by Medals of America consists “of a long-sleeved navy jacket with standing collar over a plain white shirt and white, webbed belt on top. Enlisted soldiers will have red trim on the coat and a gold waist plate corresponding to rank. Officers will have a gold M-buckle on their jacket belt. Pants are sky blue in color for enlisted Marines and midnight blue for officers. The red stripe down the trousers, also known as a “blood stripe,” varies in width depending on rank”

Barry stated that Salamon was not the only one who responded to his request. “My neighbor at Pettengill Pond who lives in the Boston area stated that he would help me in my research to find dress blues. But because the need was immediate, we elected to use Ryan’s uniform.”

The Marine dress blue owned by Ryan Salamon
and donated to Joe Bernard

Barry’s uncle, Harry Joseph (Joe) Bernard, Jr. joined the Marine Corp Reserves from 1964 to 1970. Joe was a combat engineer with the 10^th Engineering Company where he honed his skills on covert missions building airstrips and base camps during the Vietnam War era throughout the Philippines and Puerto Rico. During his deployment, Joe handled and worked with the chemical, Agent Orange, in his role as a combat engineer, and thus had possible exposure to it. “This was of great concern to him and he talked about it often,” Barry said.

When he returned home to civil life, Joe began his 30-year career as a Crane Operator, working for Cianbro Construction. “He laid the steel for the Casco Bay Bridge and worked on the decommissioning of Maine Yankee [Maine’s only nuclear power plant],” Barry stated proudly of his uncle.

Known as a practical joker and the life of the party, Joe continued his Marine-like devotion to the Country. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America as a troop leader. As the Commander of his local American Legion, he sponsored many scouting activities and projects for America’s young men. 

“He also was highly involved in the Honor Guards at funerals for veterans and was very engaged in the development of the Veterans Home in South Paris,” Barry stated. “He was committed to Maine’s veterans, helping out in any way he could.”

It was in that same vein of helping a Maine veteran that Salamon donated his dress blues. “I feel honored and am very happy to give my dress blues to a fellow Brother in Arms,” Salamon said. “To be honest, the uniform was just collecting dust and now it is serving a better purpose. If I am lucky enough to live into my 70s, perhaps one day another Marine will donate his dress blues to me.”

Upon completion of the service in the Marines, both Salamon and Barry’s Uncle Joe ended their military career as Sergeants. As a result, Barry pointed out that the stripes on the uniform are correct. Salamon did remove his medals and ribbons but his dress blues are in concert with Joe’s rank.

Joe passed away on Thursday, April 2^nd but he did so peacefully - knowing that he was going to be buried in Marine dress blues. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, funeral services will be placed on hold until this summer. However, family members will be allowed to view Joe’s body in his dress blues, five at a time, in keeping with social distancing guidance. There will likely be a burial service later this spring, but the funeral home has worked closely with Joe’s son, Bob, so that the family can properly grieve.

Before his uncle died, Barry got the opportunity to FaceTime him. Barry shared his experience with those who had been following the story on the Windham Community Facebook page. “I was so pleased to let him know that his wish will be granted [before he passed away]. Uncle Joe smiled and said, ‘thank you’.”

“And, I thank you, Ryan Salamon and all the Windham community that was willing and ready to assist our family in meeting our uncle’s dying wish!”

Source: https://www.medalsofamerica.com/blog/marine-corps-uniforms-101/

Sanitizing and purifying your home and office: Local business offers free service

Chris Wallace with his air purifier

By Lorraine Glowczak

It is without a doubt that hand hygiene and overall cleanliness is consuming our thoughts these days. Whether we are spending long hours at home or are required to go to the office, making sure our hands are frequently washed, surfaces are sanitized and the air we breathe is clear of contaminates is a full-time effort.

There are many ways in which we can make sure these efforts are effective. Of course, there is the
ever-important handwashing option. It is at the top of the list of sanitizing methods because it is so effective at washing away viruses and bacteria. Friction from scrubbing with soap and water can help break the protective envelope, states the EPA. Soap and water can clean all surfaces in a home, especially when applying a little extra elbow grease.

Additionally, as people clear isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) off the shelves, do not discount the power of hydrogen peroxide. The CDC says household hydrogen peroxide at 3 percent concentration can deactivate rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, within six to eight minutes of contact.

Although not as effective, natural items can be used for general cleaning. Products such as white vinegar, baking soda pastes and citrus oils and juices could fill the void of chemically based cleansers for other home tasks.

But there are other options to consider that are not a part of everyday discussions. Air purification and sanitization systems are another method to help keep our area surfaces as clean as possible. Chris Tarr, who recently became the owner of the Aerus of Portland in July 2019 has decided to offer a free one-time air purification service to area residents.

“I would like to provide a decontamination service free of charge to any individual in the greater
Lakes Region area and beyond, whether it’s in the home or office,” Tarr explained. “In times like these, people should feel safe in the comfort of their homes and offices and the reality is, they are not. There are things we cannot see, touch or even smell that are affecting millions around the globe but what most do not know is that ActivePure can help.”

With this service, Tarr said he hopes to restore some peace of mind to the community by knowing that their home/office spaces are clean of many cold and flu viruses. “We will also be able to provide extended home sanitation options for anyone who’s interested in maintaining a safe, healthy living environment.”

Briefly, using light-induced oxidation, the ActivePure purifying units take the circulated air generated
in the space and produce molecules that disseminate into the environment, killing pathogens in the air and on surfaces. This Certified Space Technology, used by NASA, dramatically reduces concentrations of airborne aerosol contaminants and neutralizes up to 90 percent of viruses and bacteria within an hour and wiping out 99.9% of infectious germs and viruses in a matter of hours.
ActivePure is also used by hospitals, schools and sports stadiums to end staph infections and other viruses. The purification system reduces absenteeism and flu-related dismissals at facilities that have installed the technology.

One recent example occurred at a major sports stadium. After four players in the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball organization contracted methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in one year, the team installed ActivePure air purifiers in its stadium’s locker room and gym. A study at the facilities demonstrated that the purifiers virtually eliminated bacteria and fungus throughout the facility and dramatically reduced air particle counts continuously over the course of a year. Over 30 major league baseball stadiums use the systems at the present time.

Chris Wallace of Windham, tax preparer and Regional Vice President of Primerica recently had an ActivePure system installed in his office. “When Chris [Tarr] realized that 20 to 40 people a day were coming to get their taxes done, he insisted I get the machine,” Wallace explained. “I was trying to exchange air by opening the windows. That was not working. We installed the machine last Friday
and within a few hours the air was fresher, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Several clients have asked about the machine and expressed their pleasure with us doing this to keep them safe.”

Local Windham resident, Lorraine Barrett has been using the purification system in her home for over seven years. “I must admit, my husband and I both smoke in the house and the purifier is amazing at keeping our indoor air clean and smelling fresh. When our kids come to visit – they never complain about the smell,” Barrett laughed and then continued. “We also have a home in Florida, and I have an Aerus purifier there too. Although we don’t smoke in that house it does magic on keeping the pollen count down.”

Tarr’s intent is not to sell a product but to provide an option for cleaner surfaces and increase the indoor air quality, maintaining it at a safer level. “I just want to give back to Mainers and try to help restore some peace of mind to the community.”

To learn more about Aerus, view these videos and PBS commercials:
www.vimeo.com/badcolors/download/399919939/90a3fd036e
activepure.com
decontamination line: 207-400-6437

Police and fire departments help three year old have an awesome birthday

Parker Coopenrath getting ready for his birthday parade

By Matt Pascarella

During this weird time, it’s difficult to make fairly regular activities happen. When Caitlin Coppenrath’s son, Parker was about to celebrate his third birthday, a regular party was not going to happen. After some creative planning and help from Windham Police Department, Windham Fire and Rescue, Gorham Patrol and the Cumberland County Sheriff, on Sunday, March 29th on Chute Road in Windham, Parker Coppenrath was thrown an amazing parade he won’t forget for a while.
After plans for a bounce house with friends and family seemed unlikely to happen, Coppenrath and her husband got creative.

“We had seen on the news that many teachers around the state were doing mini parades to wave hello to their students. On social media we saw some drive-by baby showers happening...,” said Coppenrath. Her aunt suggested a parade. Friends and family would drive by and wish Parker a happy birthday (while social distancing) and Coppenrath immediately started planning.

Coppenrath works with Courtney Edwards, the wife of Gorham police officer, Sears Edwards, and had asked her if maybe one police car could be a part of the parade, as Parker lights up whenever he sees police cars, fire trucks or ambulances. Officer Edwards was not working that day, but talked with Sargent Ray Williams, of the Windham Police Department, who planned on showing up and driving by.

“I was so incredibly excited that we would have a police car in the parade! I knew Parker would
be...excited,” Coppenrath stated.

As it turned out, there was more than one police car. There was an incredibly long line of police cruisers, fire trucks, and ambulances from Windham Police Department, Gorham Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriffs, and Windham Fire and Rescue and they used their loud speaker to wish
Parker a happy third birthday.

After the emergency vehicle parade, a long line of friends and family, roughly 20 cars, drove by to wish Parker a great year. There were signs, honking, flashing lights, dogs barking in excitement and even someone in a shark costume. Parker was excited to see everyone.
“Wasn’t it fun when all the police cars and fire trucks and ambulances came?” Parker asked his mom afterwards.

Sargent Ray Williams had the Windham Police Department and Fire and Rescue sign a card for him, and sent along some patches and badges, and a pass to go fishing on Sebago lake this summer.
Coppenrath and her husband were amazed and shocked at the community involvement for their special boy and thought the parade was so incredible, it brought tears to their eyes. It’s hard to describe the energy but it was an extremely powerful moment of kindness and support.

“Our hearts are full. I cannot find the words to thank Officer Edwards and Sargent Ray Williams enough for what they put together for us,” stated Coppenrath. “We will never forget this out-pouring of support and love. The willingness and excitement of all involved to be a part of the parade for our son’s third birthday is just remarkable and makes us extremely proud and honored to be a part of this
community.”

Coppenrath added “These are some very challenging times, and we are going to rise above it by sticking together and lifting each other up as we are able! Being creative with our safe social distancing and finding ways to pay it forward will help us through.”

“Life of a Student Athlete” presentation generates enthusiasm in the community

John Underwood

By Elizabeth Richards

Amid school cancellations, business closures, and messages about the pressing need for people to stay home and stay distant, it may seem strange to read about a large event held at Windham High School. But before the threat of COVID-19 caused such drastic measures, the Be the Influence Coalition brought John Underwood to the school for a presentation called “Life of a Student Athlete,” an event that was very well received in the community.

Underwood is the Director/Founder of Life of an Athlete/Pure Performance-Human Performance
Project.  He is a former running Olympian, a former coach of Navy Seals and Olympic athletes, among others, and a crusader for drug-free sports at all levels.  Underwood is internationally recognized as a human performance expert specializing in recovery, peaking training, and lifestyle impact on mental and physical performance.

BTI Director Laura Morris said that the kick-off of the spring sports season presented a great opportunity to bring a speaker with credibility who would be a draw to coaches, student athletes, families and the general community.

Underwood’s presentation, she said, really exemplifies the impact of any substance – from sugar to
marijuana to alcohol to cocaine – on the brain.  “This is not an opinion piece, this is a science-based, proven, evidence-based theory,” Morris said.  “The underlying factor is that we all need to be far more conscientious about what we put in our body and how it affects us.”

Morris said they had approximately 130-150 people scattered throughout the gym, with a nice mixture of coaches, law enforcement, student athletes, and parents in attendance.

The information presented was quite impactful for many of those in attendance. “The scientific research is very rigorous with a number of universities and medical facilities participating,” said Dave Packhem, parent and prevention specialist. Underwood emphasized many aspects of how powerful the brain is, including the connection between brain and body; the critical importance of sleep; the process of learning; the impact of chemical substances on the brain, body and basic functioning; the cumulative effect of using substances and how the brain learns to become dependent on them; and the brain scans that demonstrate how drugs and alcohol damage the brain.

“Mr. Underwood's presentation was incredible. It really opened my eyes on what it takes to be a great
athlete,” said Windham High School (WHS) senior Anthony J. Gugliuzza III. “Being in shape doesn’t just have to do with your physical capabilities. In order to compete at the highest level, you have to be willing to put in the time. You have to be willing to eat right and get sleep. Mr. Underwood didn’t just preach this, he showed us, providing us with statistics and real-life data.”

The brain scans comparing the brains of substance-free teens with those who have used substances were eye-opening for many. “These images were really cool because they highlighted the importance of staying chemical free, especially at such a critical point in our development,” stated Gugliuzza, who will be attending Endicott College next year to study pre-physical therapy.

The presentation has inspired him to change his personal habits, he added. “What he said, especially in regards to diet, exercise and sleep, stuck with me. I have already started practicing better training habits, and look to continue these in the future, so that I can compete to the best of my abilities.”
Town Councilor Dave Nadeau said the way Underwood tied everything together was outstanding. “His presentation was so complete and thorough. That’s what the key to the whole thing was,”
Nadeau said. When he spoke about the impact of various substances on the brain, “You could see the downhill curve of the loss of what you had trained for,” Nadeau said.

The presentation didn’t just focus on drugs or alcohol, making it even more comprehensive.  Underwood also focused on personal development. “The way he talked to you about the way you can develop and constantly get better, either as a coach or an athlete – he just sewed it all together,” Nadeau said.  “It was impressive.”

 The impact that this presentation can have in the community is huge.  “It’s important to the community to counter the messages about alcohol and cannabis with scientific facts, Packhem said.
“Too many people think these substances are benign. They are not. I hope we see a movement building to educate us to the real dangers for putting chemical substances in our brains.”

WHS assistant principal Phil Rossetti agreed. “It’s so important to have experts in the field in to speak to our community. It helps reaffirm the message and information that we are sharing with our youth. There are so many messages out there that confuse folks and make it seem like a substance is healthy for you, but in reality, it’s harmful.”

“I truly believe Mr. Underwood's presentation will have a lasting impact on the community. The way in which he was able to speak to us and our parents was truly inspiring, especially given all that he has accomplished,” Gugliuzza said.  “There are a lot of kids who aspire to be athletes growing up, and I think this will hit home. I think his message will not only impact the future generation but will resonate with parents throughout the community."

“If it helps one person make a healthier choice/decision then it was worth it. Our hope is that by
continuing to share information with the community we can be the influence,” Rossetti said.
“As a coach and educator, I/we encourage students to make healthy choices and to be prepared.

Preparation for learning is equally as important as preparation for an athletic event. This element often gets overlooked by many. The impact some “little things” like sleep have on us is unbelievable. The true way for us to see this impact is through science. It’s hard to argue the brain activity demonstrated in the brain scans when a substance has been inserted,” he added.

It’s critically important to provide this kind of information to youth, Morris said, especially since everywhere they turn, they are receiving messages that many substances are no big deal.  “It is a big deal, and it will have very negative repercussions for your future. If we can get someone like John Underwood, it really helps that credibility,” Morris said. “Youth are very undereducated, as are adults. We really hoped that parents would get the message too, and that’s why we tried to make it a community event,” she said.

2016 WHS graduate is top student and Valedictorian at UMaine

Sierra Yost

By Lorraine Glowczak

“I did it, Mom! I did it! But please don’t tell anyone.”

That was the humble plea of Sierra Yost, a 2016 Windham High School (WHS) graduate, during a recent phone conversation with her mother, Marla Pettinelli. Sierra had just discovered she was selected as the number one 2020 academic and Valedictorian student graduating at the University of Maine (UMaine) and called her mother to notify her.

The fact that Sierra is on the front page of today’s Windham Eagle newspaper is an indication that her mother, as well as Sierra’s father, Rick Yost, did not heed her pleas about this exciting news. But since the cat is out of the bag, we will share Sierra’s story despite her preferences for keeping this news on the down and low.

In alignment with her well-mannered personality, Sierra has honored her parents’ requests and took the time to speak with The Windham Eagle newspaper. She shared how the selection process for the top student works at UMaine. “There are 10 nominations,” she began. “Two top students are nominated from each college [there are five separate colleges in the UMaine system]. I was selected as one of the top students in the Department of Engineering. A Teachers’ Council of professors then select from the submitted essays of these 10 students. From there, they nominate the number one student and send it to the President for approval. I’m very happy that they selected me and that I was approved by the President.” Sierra’s degree is in Chemical Engineering.

Although both of her parents recognize her exceptional gift in academics, they are perhaps more
pleased with how she conducts herself and chooses to live her life. “Yes, it is true the Sierra is smart,” Rick stated about his daughter. “But there are a lot of smart students in the world. What makes Sierra stand out more is her determination. She works hard at everything she does, and she is where she is today, because she applies herself. She never gives up until she reaches her goals.”

Her determination and love of learning began at a very early age. Rick stated that when Sierra was just learning how to ski at the age of three, she had broken her leg. “This only made her more determined. She wanted to heal as quickly as possible so she could get back on the slopes to do a better job.”

Marla shared that Sierra loved to read and write at a young age, doing so by the age of four. “I think I may have been one of the only parents who was required to ask her child to put a book down and to go outside to play,” she laughed. As for writing, Marla explained that Sierra insisted on writing thank-you notes before she entered kindergarten. “One day she wanted to send a thank you card to someone so I gave her the card and crayons, expecting that she would draw the thank you. But she insisted on writing it.”

Sierra’s love of learning continued with a special interest and skill in the sciences, especially chemistry. When she was a student at WHS, she participated in the AP (Advanced Program) Chemistry curriculum. Her passion for chemistry and its affect within the world, however, began before she entered high school.

In fact, this is not the first time Sierra has received media attention. As a Windham Middle School
eighth-grade student, the motivated and innovative 14-year was a house-hold name in the Associated Press after watching the film, “Bag It”.

Briefly, “Bag It” explores the impact of plastic on marine life due to the fact that plastic never fully degrades - and when it is thrown ‘away,’ some of it finds its way into waterways and oceans, eventually killing marine animals that ingest it. The film also enlightens the viewer that plastic is making its way up the food chain and is consumed by humans as well. “Bag It” explains how plastic is made, sharing the fact that chemicals such as Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates are added during the manufacturing process. The film states that scientists have overwhelming evidence that these and other chemicals are affecting humans - specifically babies in utero and children.

“When she learned how detrimental plastic bags were, she set out to make a change,” Marla said. “She spoke to the Windham Town Council to advocate for the elimination of plastic bags at local grocery stores. She prepared a Power Point Presentation and, wouldn’t you know it – there were technical difficulties and she couldn’t use it. But that didn’t stop her. She got out her notes and gave her presentation to the Council without missing a beat. They were pretty impressed.”

Sierra’s activism created media interest and her story hit the news. Her advocacy was highlighted in The Bangor Daily News, Portland Press Herald, Factory Direct Promos, The Blaze and many more Associated Press media outlets. She was also interviewed on Channel 13.

But Sierra never once mentioned this in her interview. Instead, she focused on her educational career, specifically the State of Maine University’s educational system and how it made a profound impact on her success during college. Although Sierra had many college options, she ultimately chose the
University of Maine due to the fact she received the UMaine Pulp and Paper Foundation Scholarship, which paid for all her education.

During the last two years of college, she participated in a co-op series which allowed her to apply her classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, working two terms at Onyx Specialty Paper located in Western Massachusetts.

As for school itself, Sierra is glad she chose UMaine. “Don’t knock your state school,” she advises future WHS graduates. “At first, I really didn’t want to attend UMaine, but I discovered I have received the best education possible. The faculty wants everyone to succeed and help you become qualified for the next step in your life.”

Sierra’s next step is obtaining her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Although she is still deciding which school to attend, her top four colleges choices are: Clemson University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Pennsylvania and Penn State.

Whichever college she chooses, if the first 22 years of her life are any indication, she will succeed beyond measure.

“I am just going to sit back now and see where life takes her,” Marla said.

The community from where you got your start, Sierra, will be watching you, too. Thanks for allowing us to share your story, inspiring us to work hard at accomplishing our own dreams. Congratulations and good luck on your future endeavors.

Local poet creates framed poetry display for National Poetry Month

Bob Clark

By Elizabeth Richards

Bob Clark’s interest in poetry was piqued when he was a student at Windham High School.  A teacher there took the time to really examine poetry and the different ways it could be interpreted.
That initial interest returned later in life, and inspired Clark to begin offering a display of his work to public libraries during April, which is National Poetry Month. He is scheduled to display his work for the tenth consecutive year at the Windham Public Library next month.

In notes that will accompany his 2020 display, Clark wrote, “Making reader connections
has become my lead effort, just as it had been years ago in grade school when we were invited to think about a “deeper meaning” that an author could be intending. It was fascinating!”

Clark dabbled in poetry in college where there were classes devoted to looking at the meaning,
motive and feelings of poetry.  He had some work published in the college literary publication, which was a nice validation of the idea that “wordsmithing was legitimate,” Clark said.

After college, Clark joined the Peace Corps. In the Spanish speaking places that he travelled to, he began to notice the tone and sound of words that people respond to, he said. After his Peace Corps experience, he became a Spanish teacher at Gorham High School. When he started to think of retirement around the year 2000, he picked up a pen once more.

In 2010, Clark approached several local libraries about doing a display for National Poetry Month. His idea for display was different than the typical book or poster displays he’d seen. Clark framed his work, sometimes adding illustrations to the page that reflected the ideas in the poetry.

For several years, Clark had month-long displays in two different libraries. He has now backed off to only displaying his work in Windham.

Clark’s poetry reflects what he sees in New England, much like that of Robert Frost or Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, he said. “To write is to feel freedom, a freedom to use words as images and images as expressions of comfort and joy, as well as concern or unease,” Clark said in his 2020 display notes. “The ‘story’ of many poems furnishes a friendly New England gesture to relax and read with a serene sense of enjoyment. Those on display welcome patrons to recall something similar
in or from our unique natural maritime and forest landscapes and work heritage,” he added.

Clark’s 2020 display is titled “Carriage Lane,” and features works from his two books, “The Hitching Post”, and “Tenerife Island”. Along with the display, Clark will offer free bookmarks, and a booklet of poems for sale.

Because the library is currently closed due to the current coronavirus social distancing efforts, this display may be postponed or cancelled.  Please check with the library for updates.

Windham couple make it to final round to win a “Real Maine Wedding” with plans to donate to Windham Food Pantry

Stephanie Frost and Mitchell Hodge

By Lorraine Glowczak

Since 2011, the publishers of Real Maine Weddings magazine have hosted a fun competition for couples getting ready to tie the knot for a chance to win a $100,000 wedding prize at a beautiful Maine venue. Past host communities have been located in idyllic Maine locations such as Rockport, Kennebunkport, Peaks Island and Ogunquit to name a few. This year, the lucky winning couple will have their wedding celebrations in Bath and Phippsburg.

Windham natives and 2012 Windham High School graduates, Stephanie Frost and Mitchell Hodge, who became engaged to be married on October 19, 2019 entered the contest and have made it to the top three finalists. The final round of voting runs to midnight this Saturday, March 21st.

Frost stated that she and her fiancé were encouraged to enter the contest by her grandmother. “My
grandmother knew the couple that won last year,” Frost began. “She believed we had an interesting story and history to share so she thought we would be good candidates for this year’s Real Maine Wedding competition. So, we thought we’d give it a try and go for it.”

A fun history and story the couple does have. This is not the first time Frost and Hodge made The Windham Eagle news. In the December 7, 2018 edition, Sports Reporter Matt Pascarella highlighted Frost and her sister Samantha for their long-time connection and coaching experiences with the Windham Youth Basketball Association.

Hodge, on the other hand, was written about in the article, “Coach and Teacher Spotlight on Mother and Son”, highlighting him and his mother who are both educators and coaches for Windham students. The article, also written by Pascarella, was published in the January 4, 2019 edition.
Hodge and Frost grew up in Windham and although they knew one another while in high school, it wasn’t until they became friends at Keene College in New Hampshire that their love blossomed during their sophomore year. After receiving their degrees - Frost in communication; Hodge in theater with a minor is psychology - they returned to live and work in Windham, becoming engaged
approximately three years later.

The couple are active community members, giving back in multiple ways including coaching youth in soccer (Hodge) and basketball (Frost). But giving back to their hometown does not stop there. In a recent Facebook post, Hodge wrote the following:

“Coronavirus. Tom Brady. Let's take a minute and forget about the tragedies going on around us.
I have been bugging people about voting for Stephanie and I to win this wedding contest, but I've been trying to figure out a way to actually give back to the people voting for us. This includes people we've never met before. Steph and I want to give back to the community that we grew up in, live in, coach in, etc.  Between us directing the Windham Summer Camp, coaching youth and travel basketball, coaching high school soccer, working in Special Ed, Steph and I are passionate about the kids and families around us. Especially those in need. For every vote we receive throughout the final round of voting, we will donate ten cents. The money raised will be donated to the Windham Food Pantry. Steph and I want to give back and help the people around us, whether we win the contest or not. We will be giving back to our
community. That's the real win.”

If you haven’t done so already, help support Hodge and Frost win their dream wedding – and at the same time, help raise funds for the Windham Food Pantry.

The three Real Maine Wedding finalists are chosen based on a score determined by a weighted average that considers 50% of the public vote and 50% of the partnering vendors vote. Public voting consists of one vote per day per email address. The winner will be announced on March 22, 2020.

Vote once every day until midnight this Saturday and help not only this young Windham couple experience a wedding that dreams are made of but also helps those who could use some assistance during this challenging time. Again, for every vote received, the couple will donate ten cents to the Windham Food Pantry. To vote, go to www.realmaineweddings.com/Video-Contest/Vote-20

Congratulations to Windham's new Town Manager Barry Tibbitts

Interim Town Manager, Barry Tibbitts being officially sworn in as the new Windham Town Manger by Town Clerk, Linda Morrill on Wednesday, March 11. He was unanimously voted in by the Town Council on Tuesday evening at the regular meeting.

Saint Joseph’s College to announce $1.45 million award to address Maine’s secondary STEM teacher shortage

President James Dlugos is set to announce that Saint Joseph’s College of

Maine has been awarded a five-year, $1,444,983 grant from the National Science Foundation’s

Track 1 Robert Noyce Scholarship and Stipend Program.

Governor Janet T. Mills will officiate at the announcement, which will be made on Monday,

March 16^th at 10:30 a.m. in the Baggot Street Cafe of the Heffernan Center at Saint Joseph’s

College. The event will be open to media.

The Growing Future STEM Teachers in Maine (GFSTM) project will provide two-year

scholarships of $25,500 per year to a total of 18 undergraduate juniors and seniors. The program

will provide special supports as they pursue STEM degrees in biology, mathematics, or physical

sciences-chemistry or environmental science, as well as secondary education certification.

Ultimately, Noyce Scholars will work in high-need urban and rural schools across Maine.

GFSTM is a collaboration between Saint Joseph’s and Southern Maine Community College, and

a partnership with 7 school districts.

The seven GFSTM partner schools include: Deering High School, Lewiston High School, and

Westbrook High School as urban schools; Bonny Eagle High School, Windham High School,

Lake Region High School, and Old Town High School as rural schools.

The Growing Future STEM Teachers in Maine project is designed to increase the number of

secondary STEM teachers in an era when nearly a third of Maine teachers are 55 years old and

nearing retirement, and to address the decades-old problem of Maine’s shortage of STEM

teachers, in particular. By partnering with a community college and seven high-need schools, the

Noyce project is designed to grow students from within those sites. The project will also

encourage students from high-need school districts to return to their communities as teachers and

leaders of the next generation of science and math educators.

“Saint Joseph’s College is deeply committed to educating the next generation of STEM teachers

for Maine schools,” President Dlugos said. “STEM education remains the foundation and the

number one priority for training Maine’s future skilled and educated workforce. By working with

SMCC and schools across Maine, this project promises to draw more students into STEM-Ed

degrees, provide teacher training with diverse populations, and plant seeds with current high

school and middle school students to become future STEM teachers.”

Maine’s Congressional leaders expressed excitement about the program. “In order for Maine’s

students to gain STEM skills, we need to make sure they have dedicated and well-trained STEM

educators,” said Senators Susan Collins and Angus King in a joint statement. “For decades,

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine has been giving teachers the tools they need to train the next

generation of STEM workers. This funding will help the college expand its efforts and make an

even greater impact on Maine’s students and economy.”

Representative Chellie Pingree said: “As the number of STEM jobs in Maine increase rapidly, we

need our students to be well-prepared for their future careers,” said Pingree. “Increasing the

number of public school STEM teachers will go a long way towards preparing our children for

the jobs of tomorrow. My thanks to the National Science Foundation for recognizing how

important this STEM education is for the future of Maine’s workforce and for funding this

work.”

Representative Jared Golden added: “Saint Joseph’s College does critical work to prepare young

Mainers for jobs in education and other careers, positions we need to fill in our state. This grant

will provide Maine students with opportunities to develop valuable skills that they’ll bring back

to the classroom and help address our STEM teacher shortage. I’m proud to see the NSF

prioritize schools in places like Lewiston and Old Town to provide Maine students with access to

good jobs and a quality education.”

Matthew J. Lokken, Principal of Lake Region Middle School, a project partner, said: “We

appreciate that Saint Joseph’s College will address the shortage of science teachers in our region.

In the last few years, we have not had a large pool of applicants for posted STEM teacher

positions. It is essential that students at the middle school receive rigorous and authentic learning

opportunities in STEM education for not only academic success and opportunities, but to

effectively prepare the next generation of innovators.”

The first Noyce Scholars will be awarded scholarships in Fall 2020. The grant’s investigators

and creators are Dr. Patricia Waters, Assistant Professor of Education, Dr. Emily Lesher,

Associate Professor of Science, and SMCC’s Dr. Daniel Moore, Professor of Biological

Sciences.

“This partnership provides new opportunities for our students who have a passion for math and

science,” said SMCC President Joe Cassidy. “Besides helping our students, the program will

benefit Maine’s educational system by allowing us to do our part in delivering a new generation

of STEM teachers where they are most needed. This builds upon our mission of transforming

lives and communities through education and training.”

For more information about GFSTM, the scholarship criteria and application process, see

www.sjcme.edu/stem-ed or contact Oliver Griswold at 917-617-2103 or ogriswold@sjcme.edu.

The 2020 Chase Wescott Award winner announced

(L to R) Coach Jim Beers, Jake Goslant, Chase Wescott

By Matt Pascarella

In 2019, the Chase Wescott Basketball Heart Award was created at Jordan Small Middle School (JSMS). Last month, Jake Goslant became the second recipient of the award.

“At JSMS we already had a soccer award and a baseball award, but nothing for basketball,” explained basketball coach Jim Beers. “And while there have been plenty of former players, I could have named the award for Ben MacDonald, Austin McGowan, Orion Beers, Connor Pittman, Andrew Wing, Jakob Emery, and Colby Mizner; they all culminated into Chase.

Chase Wescott was on the team when Beers decided to create the award. “Chase is a tremendously hard worker, constantly looking to improve, always staying late, having to work harder than those it came naturally to, being a great teammate, being a leader...this is what the award is all about,” added Beers.

Wescott averaged 16 points a game, he hit 25 three pointers his eighth-grade year and just had a real successful first year at Windham High School. Coach Beers attended several of Wescott’s games and watched him get better each time. Wescott was someone who had to overcome a lot: attitude wise, education wise, even ability wise to stand out and that’s exactly what Jake Goslant has also done.

When Goslant was in seventh grade, he had trouble showing respect to his teachers. He was in the Special Education program for his entire seventh grade year. He received several talks from his
family including his grandfather and his mother who explained that his teachers were trying to help him improve. After that regular school year, he had to take part in summer school. “I came back [with the] mentality to be a good student and be a good role model for everyone,” Goslant stated.

Goslant remained in the special education program for the first third of his eighth grade year and after much hard work, was able to leave the program in December 2019.

Once basketball started, Goslant was excited and wanted to keep up the hard work to play on the team. He received encouragement from his dad that he had the potential to do really well at basketball because of his height, and his hard work would be crucial when he played basketball in high school.

He worked hard to become a great player. He had strong work ethic, he stayed late and set goals for himself. Coach Beers said he went far beyond those goals, not just on the court, but in the classroom. He averaged six points and ten rebounds a game. 

When Goslant heard about the Chase Wescott award, he really wanted it and knew he had to work hard to get it. His hard work soon paid off.

“When I heard that I was going to get it I was so happy; everything that I did through last year – maturing – helped. When I came back from that day and everyone heard that I got it, I got ‘good job, good job, you deserved it,’ my heart was like ‘oh my god; people care about me.’ Last year I felt like no one liked me at all.”

It meant a lot to him to be noticed for his hard work.

“I know Jake wants to go on to play basketball and football in high school; I think now with this award, it will spur him to realize that people do care, people are noticing his play, people are noticing his turnaround in the classroom, socially, and they might recognize him more now and take him seriously, because...this young man has the fire to go show high school what he’s made of and I think he’s ready to do that,” commented Beers.

In addition to his hard work, his parents and older brother, Austin, have been big sources of encouragement for Goslant.

Goslant plans to play basketball and football in high school and long term wants to play college football for the Texas Longhorns.