Diane Leavitt strategizes her way cross country By Michelle Libby

Pulmonary arterial hypertension. Two years ago, those words were spoken to Windham High School teacher Diane Leavitt. She went on oxygen right away and has had to have a portable oxygen concentrator with her all of the time since then.
 
That hasn’t stopped her from living her life. Leavitt has taken a road trip this summer with her middle son, Christopher. However, it’s not just any road trip. She has a mission.
 
Leavitt had breathing problems prior to her diagnosis, she wasn’t sure why she was walking slower and unable to do the things she wanted to do like kayak and canoe. Now she has trouble breathing when she walks into school and when she talks animatedly. “They still don’t know what’s causing it,” said Leavitt.
“I take a break getting into school outside the office, which is about halfway to my room. I get to see a lot of the kids because I’m going slow. I see a lot of good that comes out of people,” Leavitt said.
 

Leavitt is an educator at heart. She also likes to travel, but what’s a woman who carries oxygen around supposed to do? In Leavitt’s case, she packs her bags, Christopher, and heads on a cross country trip to document her journey and to discuss life with people she meets along the way.
 
“Each year I get progressively worse. Next year I might not be able to travel. I don’t expect much. I just experience it,” she said.
 
As a little girl she would walk around the neighborhood in Cambridge and introduce herself to the neighbors. “Finding out about other people, that’s what the traveling is all about,” she said. This trip has brought her back to that time in her life when she introduces herself to people and talks to them.
 
Now she uses her camera to document the stories about people with and without disabilities from all over the country. She hopes that this film will help people who get a diagnosis like hers to learn about and manage what they might go through.
 
“I just think about the early stage and how scary it was. Doctors specializing in this can recommend (the documentary) to their newly diagnosed patients,” Leavitt said.
 
Her new philosophy is “random acts of kindness...no longer random but a way of life. This attitude is a magnet for kindness in return. This states a lot about the project and what we can do for each other.” She has learned about the kindness of others and how people sympathize with her. They want to know where she got her oxygen machine, which she calls R2D2 after seeing a Star Wars display, or they want to help her in general.
 
“I’m really visible. A lot of people are dealing with things that aren’t visible,” she said. “Find that positiveness and stick with it.”
 
“Part of my learning was educating my family and friends. Here I am an educator. I’m on oxygen and some people are way worse. I’m still active. It’s better to keep moving, keep doing,” she said.
 
“I force myself to keep going physically. People have to do what they have to do,” she said. She knows one student that has cancer and when she hears a perfectly healthy teen say that her life sucks and he can’t take it, Leavitt looks at her student and can’t believe it what she’s hearing. “I want to give a message to high school kids. You’ve got to figure out a way around it. Learn to strategize,” Leavitt said.
 
Medically, there was no prognosis given for her condition, but when she Googled it…”It’s very disturbing,” she said. However, her doctor told her that there are no rules.
 
The trip cross country is not part of a bucket list. She doesn’t want to call it that. “I understand my limitations and strategize accordingly,” she said.
 
Many people told her that she couldn’t make this trip. Physically, they said she couldn’t do it. “They’ll try to rob you or take advantage of you.” She didn’t believe her friends. She was determined.
A
t the end of day one she said, “I can’t physically do this…without Christopher. People are going to help me out. It’s a trip instead of an ordeal,” Leavitt said.
 


Their destination is Calfornia, San Francisco and the Redwood Forest. She also got in touch with a group that’s meeting in Sacramento like the support group she belongs to here in Maine. They invited her to stop by and she hopes to get interviews with some of the members.
They left Las Vegas on Wednesday, heading for the west coast. They plan to return to Maine around August 8.
 

Leavitt is best known for her work with the business simulation classes, but she is also the community service coordinator and coordinator for the allied arts at Windham High School.

Solar project at East Windham Fire Station moves forward by Elizabeth Richards

Within the next few months the East Windham Fire Station will have a very different look. The town council voted in late June to move forward with a project that will install an array of solar panels on the roof of the station. Curt Bartram, an energy engineer and member of the town’s Energy Advisory Committee said, “Solar energy systems do work in the State of Maine, and this is going to be a good example of how they can benefit towns, and people in the towns.”

Another committee member, Rocky Ackroyd, spoke in favor of the initiative at the June 25 town council meeting. “It is a perfect pilot project for the community to move into the solar world,” he said.

The project is a joint venture between the Town of Windham, and Portland-based ReVision Energy, which approached the committee with the concept of doing a solar project using none of the town’s money, said Bartram. The company purchases the system at its estimated cost of $117,000, and will own and operate the system for the first six years. Windham will purchase the energy generated at a discounted cost of one cent below Windham’s indexed market rate during this six-year time frame, after which the town will have the option to purchase the system for $35,000. The panels will create as much energy as is used by the East Windham Fire Station and the North Windham Fire Station combined, said Ben Smith, assistant town planner in Windham.

“Part of what makes this work for both the town and ReVision is that there are solar energy credits available to the company whereby they sell discounted electricity to the town, and then after six years the town has the option to purchase the solar panel and all the equipment that goes with it at a very discounted rate,” said Smith. While the final contract is still being reviewed, and there is no construction schedule in place yet, Smith said that the panels will be installed before winter.

The goal is to have the town take ownership after the six years, he said. “That’s certainly where the town would see the greatest energy savings dollar wise, but having that six year time period to basically evaluate the system, see how much it’s actually going to generate, will inform that decision when the time comes,” he said. There is a projected savings of approximately $100,000 over 30 years, said Smith, and an estimated $5,500 annual savings once the town owns the system.

While cost savings may be the reason the energy committee could get the proposal on the council agenda, the energy committee was also interested in energy projects that the town can do from a model standpoint, said Smith. “The benefit of generating electricity that’s not fossil fuel based is certainly one of the objectives that the energy committee was looking at,” he said.

“The committee thought it was an excellent way to promote alternative energy sources and to save energy for the town at the same time,” said Bertram. “We’re trying to promote alternative energy, trying to reduce energy consumption within the town, and trying to promote the concept of alternative energies to the folks that live in Windham – that’s really our goal,” he added.

In his comment at the council meeting, Ackroyd said that while there is potential for several years of “free” energy if the town purchases the panels. That’s not what it’s all about. “It’s not the free energy. It’s the modeling of conservation and that the town is willing to do this, which is a great incentive for other people to see the need for us to start looking at alternatives to our traditional fuels that we use for electricity,” he said.

An initial meeting in April left the council with some questions around installation, snow removal, financing and payback that were answered satisfactorily by the time the council voted on the project on June 25, according to Smith. The council voted 6-1 in favor of the project.

Community Garden fills a blooming need by Michelle Libby

Two women stood in the middle of the Windham Community Garden. “I heard on the weather channel there’s late blight in New Jersery. I called Blue Seal to see about some copper.”
“We should get on that,” the other woman said. When gardeners get together they talk about the weather and the crops. It’s no different at the Windham Community Garden where there are 75 beds on Route 202.

The Windham Community Garden is run by a 10 person committee. Each committee member is in charge of overseeing the food pantry beds and making sure that someone around one of those beds is watching out for those crops.

The gardens are all organic. Gardeners are not allowed to use pesticides or harsh chemicals per the organization’s bylaws. They do care about getting rid of the pests. They use surf and turf compost from Benson’s Farm, lime to regulate the soil, Neem Oil and Surround crop protectant.

“There is a misconception,” said committee member Marge Govoni. “We live in Maine, why do we need a community garden? We have a lot of trees. Trees and woods are not compatible with growing, they provide a lot of shade. Gardens need sun.”

What is grown at the community garden is everything and anything. Tomatoes, carrots, beans, peas, cucumbers, garlic, corn, zucchini, squash, broccoli, flowers and more. Fourteen of the total beds grow crops for the Windham food pantry. Last year the garden donated over 2,100 pounds of produce including tomatoes, carrots, string beans, peas, cucumbers and two types of squash. Last year they planted winter squash for the food pantry, but a farm nearby also grew and donated winter squash, so they chose something else this year, said Govoni.

The land the garden is on is town-owned. “If the town required it back, we would give it back at anytime,” Govoni said. From an aerial view the garden is all beds except for the middle. There is a hill where the gardeners have built some rock sculptures, although they tried using it, it is all ledge and nothing could grow there.

After the first year, 2010, with no water at the garden, Fire Chief Charlie Hammond gave permission to have a water line hooked into the fire department and now there are 12 spigots for easy access to water. 

The group holds regular educational sessions led by cooperative extension on pest control and other topics important to the success of their gardens.

This year, the community garden board had to return to the town council to get permission to expand the garden. There is usually a waiting list for beds in the garden. However, due to people moving or lack of ability to care for the garden there isn’t one. The process for getting a plot of land begins in the middle of the winter, said Govoni. An application must be filled out and submitted and applicants must agree to abide by the rules and bylaws. “We supply all the tools,” Govoni said.

The group does charge for a bed, but they also offer two fundraisers each year, a fall harvest supper and a chili challenge in February. They also have been awarded a grant for a new “group house”, which is a cross between a green house and a hoop house for winter plants and extending the growing season.

The garden is looking for more members to be on the committee and is always looking for volunteers who need community service hours. “We want people who care and who have a passion, one, for gardening and two, for helping folks. We make a commitment for our gardeners to be successful. We ask that they be healthy and can work,” said Govoni. “And taking care of this garden is work.”
For more information on the Windham Community Garden, visit www.windhamcommunitygarden.org 

Local nonprofit offers cancer support by Elizabeth Richards

On the last Monday of each month the Windham Cancer Support Group meets at the Windham Public Library, welcoming anyone dealing with cancer to ask questions, find information or simply vent. The nonprofit organization was formed seven years ago when two women determined that there was a need for a local support group. Now, the group has a core membership of 10 to 12 people.

Kim Murray and Rachel Phinney have been involved in the group since the very early days. They had known each other before their cancer diagnoses, and were diagnosed around the same time. The group helped them become stronger in their journey, said Murray. Phinney has only missed one meeting in seven years.

Murray stressed the importance of having a local group available. During cancer treatments, she said, the Cancer Community Center (CCC) in South Portland is just too far to travel. “I never made it there, but I was able to get to this group, which was really nice,” she said.

Bob Beane joined the group five years ago, after receiving a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer and a prognosis of three months. He recalled walking in to the meeting the first night, seeing a group of about 14 women, and wondering what he was doing there. Now, however, he feels differently. The group includes a few men now, and they would love to add more. “This is home. It’s local. As long as we keep the door open, there are people in this community, this surrounding area, this lake region area that we hope will hear about us and come in,” said Beane. “If we can come in and tell our stories and give somebody else hope, then that’s what it’s all about.”

Even though her treatment is complete, Murray said it’s nice to see what they give back by sharing their experiences with others. “We get just as much from them, and it makes us feel good to be able to give back because it was there when we needed it,” she said.

Phinney added, “We laugh, we cry, we try to make it very light, so people will come.” The toughest aspect, she said, is getting the word out there so that people know the group exists. “We’re there in Windham for people anytime they want to contact us. We have an open door policy, and everything is confidential,” she said.

Murray added that the members of the group rely on each other. “This is our network now, this is our community – it has made me feel a part of the community in a way that supports me, but also in a way that we can give back,” she said When a cancer diagnosis comes, she said, sometimes people have no idea what to say or do. Because the people in the group have been through it, they know how much something like a gas or Hannaford gift card can mean. And the connections they’ve made matter as well. “I can’t stress enough the friendships and the bonds that we have now,” she said.

“This group is a family. We’re always there talking to each other,” added Beane. “If somebody’s got a problem there’s three or four people standing there saying ‘what can we do to help?’ That’s what it’s all about.”

The group also offers education and resources, such as speakers at every other meeting, with topics ranging from reflexology and Reiki to nutrition and laughter yoga. The education piece is important, said Beane. “For those of us who have been diagnosed and are dealing with this stuff, about 80 percent of our knowledge of this disease, what it does, and what it’s doing to us comes from support groups. It does not come from the medical community. I have learned volumes of information about my type of cancer from support groups,” he said.

The Windham Cancer Support Group supports caregivers as well, with special meetings and the opportunity to connect with other caregivers. The group participates in American Cancer Society (ACS) events, such as Relay for Life and Making Strides, and helps connect members to resources available through the ACS and the CCC.

The group is also involved in fundraising, both holding their own and participating in local fundraisers to support individuals. With these funds, and funds donated to the group, they are able to provide some support as needed, as well as supporting a couple of local families affected by cancer around the holidays.

The Windham Cancer Support Group meets on the last Monday of each month. In December, they hold a social event instead of the meeting. The support group is active throughout the summer as well. “The cancer society stresses that cancer doesn’t sleep,” said Phinney. “We try to make it as accessible as we can if somebody really needs to talk.” The next meeting will be held on Monday, July 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

100 years of collaboration celebrated by South Windham Fire Company by Elizabeth Richards

One-hundred years of community collaboration was marked on Tuesday, June 25, as former and current members of the South Windham Fire Department came together to celebrate 100 years of continuous operation. The company, founded in 1913 as the South Windham Fire Department, was the first fire company in Windham.

The South Windham Fire Company, as it is called today, is unique in that it is a joint company that serves both the towns of Gorham and Windham, according to a press release issued by the company. Community members, who are on call respond from their homes to staff the company. They have always been staffed with people from both sides of the river, says Ernest L. Nichols, former deputy chief of the Windham Fire Department. Nichols spent the winter of 2004 doing a history of the station, compiling enough history to fill three newspapers, he joked.

The collaboration between the two towns has created a unique situation, which Nichols said has drawn comment at times. He recounted a story of a time when someone said to him “I thought you were a Windham fireman?”  When he replied that he was, the man responded that the truck he was on said Gorham. Nichols stated that he was a Gorham fireman, too. He said, “That might sound funny, but it’s true in South Windham.” 

The costs are shared between the two communities. Nichols said that the payroll and workman’s comp are paid by the community that the call comes from. Other costs, including maintenance and upkeep of the building, training, and protective gear are shared by the two towns.   In 2003, the communities split the cost of Tower 3, a 2001 Emergency One 95-foot aerial platform quint truck, with a price tag of $700,000. Without the collaboration, this piece of specialized equipment might have been out of reach. The South Windham Fire Company building has also houses trucks from both Gorham and Windham.

Nichols said that consolidation is often talked about as a way to share costs and realize savings. The South Windham Fire Company has done just that for the past 100 years. “It’s different, but it does work,” he said. “When I was coming up through the ranks, I was just as much a captain in Gorham as I was in Windham. They recognized both,” he said.

The celebration, held at the Robie School at Little Falls, was put together by members of the company, and was an excellent event, according to Nichols. The evening featured a meal and program with Deputy Chief Poitras as the MC, and several speakers, including Nichols. He described attendance as a “very good crowd,” including former and current members of the company. Members in attendance were given t-shirts with an old company photo on the back and the 100-year emblem on the front, as well as a coin which had pictures of past trucks on one side, and pictures of current trucks on the other. He added that Gorham Chief Robert Lefebvre spoke about how many people who belonged to the company had gone on further in the fire business. “We have quite a line of them,” said Nichols, citing that both Chief Hammond and Chief Lefebvre are members of the South Windham Fire Company.

The evening was a great tribute to community collaboration and service. The press release expressed the sentiment best, stating, “South Windham Fire Company is a true model of communities working together to provide the best service possible to the communities. South Windham Fire Company is looking forward to another 100 years of joint community service.”

Relay for life makes changes, still a sucessful event by Michelle Libby

With the weather forecast looking like thunderstorms in Windham Saturday
night, co-chairs for the Relay for Life, Janet Copp and Becky Driscoll, had to make the difficult decision to move the relay inside Windham High School and cut the time from 12 hours to 8 hours.

Despite the changes, spirits were high and members of the 36 teams in attendance walked, set up displays to educate the participants and most importantly raised money for the American Cancer Society. One team created a Mardi Gras themed table with a ping pong game to see who could get a ball into a cup of one of the bras stuck on a wall.

The event raised over $65,000. Relay team Kim & Butch’s Crusaders raised over $10,000 by themselves before, and the night of, the relay.

“Each of us has a unique reason for being here, but we all have something in common. We want to put an end to cancer,” Copp told the crowd of over 200. “But we are also celebrating all the lives being saved by your efforts here today.” Copp herself is a breast cancer survivor.

This relay celebrated the fifth year that Sebago Lakes has held a relay.

Upbeat music was provided by Hicks Productions to keep the walkers motivated. Despite the heat in the gym, people continued to walk around and around the track created in the gym by hundreds of luminary bags decorated by participants in memory for, or in support of, someone who has been affected by cancer. Glow sticks were lit in each bag and the lights were lowered while one member from each team read names of some of the friends and family members battling cancer.

Although it never rained, the shortened event was a good idea many thought. “Better to be safe than sorry,” one woman told a committee member.

There was a gift basket raffle with prizes ranging from a giant teddy bear to a Kindle Fire. That brought in much more money than Copp was hoping for. “My goal was to raise $2,000,” she said.

The overall goal was to raise $75,000, but Copp said, “there’s always next year.”

For more information on how to get involved in the 2014 Relay for Life, visit www.RelayforLife.org/sebagolakesme or email rflsebago@gmail.com.

Local drummer goes national by Kiara Tringali

It is an incredible feat for a solo drummer to be praised by The New York Times, Jazz Times, and Downbeat Magazine. It is an even more incredible event when that drummer is from Windham.
Mike Pride began his music career much like any other child of Windham: in the Manchester School band conducted by Betty McIntire. He excelled in the program all the way through middle school, where David Kent urged him to play percussion instead of the saxophone. Through music lessons, classes and activities, Pride discovered his love for music. He credits supportive parents, especially his mother (who bought well-loved instruments from yard sales so her sons could become musically adept) with his earliest successes.

When he was in college, Pride considered several different career paths before ultimately choosing music. He began with a major in visual arts with the intention of becoming a filmmaker. But after playing with the Smithsonian jazz musician David Baker in Rockport, Pride changed his mind and his major.

He’s not the only thankful one. Pride’s journey to New York brought him an immensely successful career, and a diverse one at that. He has played everything from jazz to rock to metal, including film soundtracks and video games. His diversity is evident in his two latest albums: Birthing Days and Drummer’s Corpse, both released this past May.

Birthing Days, released with Pride’s band “From Bacteria to Boys,” was written in the month after Pride’s first child was born. Pride says he spent a large amount of time at home and his landlord’s empty apartment contained a piano. Pride wrote in his free time and the music unintentionally shaped itself around the joy felt by being a parent. It is a positive record with a beautiful and warm sound.
Drummer’s Corpse is two longer compositions, almost like a classical record, with one composition at 33 minutes and the other at 26 minutes. Pride released this record with a 7-drummer band under the same name. When asked, Pride said that the first composition from Drummer’s Corpse was written after an apartment fire, while the second was written after a close friend’s death. The raw, emotional music was written from 2005 to 2007, but Pride never had any intention of releasing it on a record. As a spontaneous idea, Pride started a Kickstarter, a funding platform for creative projects, to fund the project in 2012, and the record was released in 2013.

It is unusual that a record company would release two records on the same date, let alone two records produced by the same artist. But Pride said that this made publicity much easier, especially because he can publicize both records simultaneously. Pride said that this project, specifically the one with “From Bacteria to Boys,” is his favorite project so far (although he said that he has spent long enough paying his dues and now only plays gigs he thoroughly enjoys).

Mike Pride is someone whose love for music goes beyond the recording studio and into his own personal compositions.

If you’re interested in buying Pride’s records or finding out more information about him, visit www.mikepride.com.

Summerfest: family, food & fun by Michelle libby

Summerfest 2013 is history, but the memories will last in the minds of the over 4,000 people who attended the event some time during the day.

“It went off without a hitch,” Summerfest coordinator Kelly Mank said. The day kicked off with a car show, a 5K and the Lion’s Club pancake breakfast. The parade, which started later than in the past, travelled down Route 202 to the high school complex, where organizations had tents set up to sell everything from frozen hot chocolate to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

“I think it went amazing. A great success,” said Kathy Varney, who coordinated the vendors. “Minus the 50 raindrops we got, no one left because they were disenchanted or unhappy.” Some vendors ran out of products and others had other commitments, Varney said.

Smiles abounded as neighbors in the parade greeted neighbors on the side of the road. There were many different floats and entrants this year. Stanley Wisecup, the man in charge of the parade, said there were no incidents or even near incidents this year between parade goers and the larger vehicles.

“This is something we can continue to build on,” said town manager Tony Plante. “We had a rocky spring. We didn’t have the volunteers. A really great group of people stepped up, actually tons of great people,” he said.
“I watched the parade, and walked through the car show, food vendors and saw a lot of people enjoying themselves,” Plante added.

The main stage and the field in front of the stage was busy through the day with entertainment like Mad Science, the frog jumping contest and a K-9 demonstration by K-9 Grinko and his handler Sergeant Bill Andrew. The Windham Eagles’ Rob Donato acted as master of ceremony for the day. The most popular part of the day was headliners Motor Booty Affair, who played for almost two hours before the fireworks. Not even a little bit of precipitation slowed the crowds from seeing the show. Community members danced in front of the stage and in their chairs to the sixties and seventies disco music. Even The Windham Eagle’s own Dave deBree played his saxophone as a guest of the band. The fireworks, donated by Central Maine Pyrotechnics, were spectacular as billed. 

Humanitarian and Summerfest committee consultant Ron Eby was allowed to help set off the display with Windham High School principal Chris Howell and his team.

“The energy was phenomenal. The community really pulled together with volunteers and business sponsorships to make it a family friendly, fun-filled day,” Mank said. 

Safety was top priority and the Windham Police force was on site all day. “Everyone was safe. I had some concerns, but everything worked out pretty well,” Chief Rick Lewsen said. “Only two kids were missing for a few minutes.”

The silent auction raised $409.50 for the Windham Primary School playground and Del Chadbourne won the 50/50 drawing, both of which took place the day of the event.

“It went fabulously. It was an exhausting and fun day all at the same time. I honestly don’t think it could have gone any better than it did,” said Robin Mullins, who did much of the fundraising organization. Mullins also wanted to thank Josh Elliot, Joe Hansen, Michelle Brooks and Rick Yost for their help with selling advertisements and running fundraising events.

There were helicopter rides for much of the day, but when the weather rolled in threatening the fun, it no longer was safe to fly and that was closed. There were also rides and games at the carnival to add smiles to the event. Plante was in contact with people all day, he said, watching the weather. “It was if a little hole opened up in the weather front right around Windham,” he said, thus the fireworks were able to be lit.

“It was exactly what we expected Summerfest to be,” said Varney.

Next year promises to be an even larger event. Mank is hoping to grow the business expo and would like to see more youth organizations get involved to help with their yearly fundraising. 

“After all the people who have worked so hard enjoy their summer, I look forward to working with them on Summerfest 2014 and the town continuing to be part of that,” Plante said.

21st Century Family Fitness sold by Michelle Libby

After 13 years, John Booth is selling 21st Century Family Fitness to Meredith Hanby from the Oxford Hills region. She is planning to relocate to the area with her husband Bob.

“It’s not getting any closer,” said Booth. “I live in Winslow and made the commute for 13 years. The goal was to have three clubs in Maine, but the economy had other ideas.”

The new owners take possession on July 1.

“I’m scared, excited and stressed,” Meredith said. Both Meredith and Bob are teachers, but Meredith resigned last year and realized that she really likes working with people. She got her strength and conditioning certification and when she saw the gym for sale, she pursued it.

“Fitness and weightlifting are a part of our life together, part of our relationship. Weightlifting is a passion of ours,” Meredith said.

She didn’t want to be only a trainer, she wanted to have her own facility. “I want to help people in an existing facility,” she said. “It’s still teaching, just not in a traditional classroom. I want to be a business woman,” she added.

The name will change to Rohan Strength & Fitness. The fee structure will change eventually, but it will be consistent and fair, they said. They plan a fall membership drive with deals on memberships. She would like to expand the personal training, bring in atlas stones, car pulls and big tires for lifting, which is the type of weightlifting Bob is passionate about.

“I would like to find women who would like pick up heavy things off the floor. It’s empowering,” she said.

Bob will remain a teacher at his present position, but will help during the summer. The Hanby’s don’t plan to change things right away.

“Bob and I are learning what’s here. We want to meet people’s needs and start implementing things we’d like to add,” Meredith said. She also would like to upgrade equipment slowly.

Getting to know their members is very important to them. “Introduce yourself. You’re not just a face just walking though,” she said. She’d like to know everyone’s name.

They plan to hold a grand opening in August.

“What I love about this facility is that it’s so diverse here they can meet their own goals, whether it’s train for a tri-athlon, or one of the senior programs. What is offered is phenomenal,” Meredith said.

Mayer touches lives with art by Leah Hoenen

When Nancy Meyer arrives at a senior center, she unpacks watercolor paints, brushes and paper. Eager hands await the materials, ready to get to work adding color and personal flair to the watercolor paper.

Meyer has been visiting Southern Maine retirement and senior centers for more than 10 years, holding watercolor painting sessions using materials she’s designed herself. Line drawings of plants and animals on watercolor paper enable people of all abilities to paint pictures they’re proud of, she said.

Activities directors have been so pleased with the results, Meyer has launched a new business called Dandi-Lines, and now offers packaged painting projects for senior citizens for sale online.

Teaching and facilitating watercolor painting with seniors has had a great effect on Meyer, a New York native who now calls Baldwin home. “It’s so rewarding. They’re so proud of it,” said Meyer. 

She focuses on nature in her watercolor sessions, bringing pieces of the natural world inside especially for those who are unable to go out-of-doors. It may be apple blossoms, flowers or pumpkins. These special still-life subjects are sure to bring smiles, said Meyer.

The people attending Meyer’s sessions range from the very independent to those stricken with Alzheimer’s. Many forego drawing in favor of painting Meyer’s printed designs. “I always say, ‘Personalize it,’” she said. “One lady put a bottle of beer in the sand,” said Meyer, laughing and sitting in the sun on one of the first warm days of the Maine summer.

In a bright dress, eyes behind stylish sunglasses, she becomes pensive and tells of another participant who has lost her memory, and set down her painting when visitors arrived. “She walked back in to where I had the paintings and picked up hers – she has no memories anymore, and couldn’t remember her visitors, but that picture mesmerized her,” said Meyer.

“I learn from them,” she said, of her students. Some smile, paint and have a great time. Others are slowed down by the details. Others come simply to watch her paint.

“It’s like a therapy to watch someone paint. Activities directors say it’s a very therapeutic session. It’s very calming,” she said. The sessions offer an opportunity for Meyer to make personal connections.
She’s met fellow wild-bird admirers in her classes. Others love plants. There are always stories to go around.

Meyer appreciates the pride her students take in their work, and she enjoys the variety in the finished products. Despite the fact that most people paint off the same pre-printed design, no two end products are alike, she said.

Traveling around southern Maine, Meyer teaches two classes a day on average, and is working on Dandi-Lines, which she opened in May along with her business partner. Some people are unable to draw, said Meyer, while others are fabulous artists and still want to use the pattern. The printed designs enable both to express themselves in color.

“I’ve made so many people happy with painting,” she said. Meyer is a self-taught artist who got her start in craft shows when she was 18 years old. Her paintings have hung in some of New York’s prestigious galleries – she later began teaching watercolors and her business spread by word-of-mouth.

Meyer said it is a privilege for her to be able to get to know the senior citizens she works with. “They give me so much more than I give them. They have such a soul,” she said.

SummerFest: This Weekend by Michelle Libby

Starting and ending with a disco theme, is the way Summerfest coordinator Kelly Mank described the event that will take place this Saturday, despite much controversy in March when the Town of Windham cancelled Summerfest.

“It’s going to be an amazing event and what makes it even better is that we were able to pull the community together in a fraction of the time that it usually takes to organize Summerfest,” said Mank. “It shows that the community can come together.”

“We have a new fresh group of dedicated people,” said Ron Eby, who has coordinated in past years and this year is acting as a consultant and detail keeper. “The community support was always there. It just takes leaders to step up,” he said.

The day kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with registration for the 4th Annual Duane Clark Scholarship Car Show, featuring 20 classes of competition. At 9 a.m., join the Lion’s Club pancake breakfast and a 5K run and kids run which starts at the Windham High School track and then mosey across Windham Center Road where the Windham Historical Society begins its Artisan on the Green exhibit, featuring many crafters showing their skills and products.

At 10 a.m., take a helicopter ride, ride the carnival rides and the car show begins, followed by the food and game booths, which open at 11 a.m.

The parade, organized by Clarence Wisecup, which still taking additions to the parade at the time of press, starts at noon. “We were down about 20 entrants, but they’re still coming in,” he said. There will be two Shrine units and the Shaw Brothers are bringing the biggest piece of equipment in the world, and it’s less than one month old, Wisecup said.

“There’s a lot of local stuff,” he said. Of course, the Camp Sunshine monster fire truck will be showcased and a new addition, The Blue Star Ladies, who are mothers of active service members, will march with the veterans.

Kathy Varney organized the booths as she has done in past years. There will be 45 food, games and community booths ready to tempt those passing by. “There are a lot of new people joining this year than before,” said Varney. She attributes that to the visibility of the event with press coverage and an updated Facebook page.

“I’m really excited about the mix this year. It’s nice to see the new people, or the old people doing new things,” she said.

No two booths sell the same food item, she said.

“Our mission behind the food booths and games is to allow non-profit groups exposure to highlight their cause and an opportunity to raise money for their passion,” Varney said. Do to the lack of preparation time, some organizations couldn’t get their booth ready in time, she said. This mostly impacted the business expo, which was only expected to have five booths, but has 10 signed up.

“Economic times haven’t changed,” Varney said, explaining why some businesses couldn’t afford to have a booth. Adding to the fact that the Windham Economic Development Corporation, which usually gives out scholarships to businesses, was not able to do that this year, made the entry fee more than some could spend. Varney worked with Rick Sanborn on the business expo. The business expo gives companies the opportunity “to promote and showcase their businesses. We encourage each one to do a drawing, giveaways, games or something to interact with people,” Sanborn said.

Events start on the main stage at 1:30 p.m. Featuring singers, a K-9 demonstration by Sergeant Bill Andrew and Fourniers Karate demonstration. At 3:15 p.m. things really get hopping with the ever popular frog jumping contest.

From 4 p.m. until the spectacular fireworks around 9:15 p.m., the main stage rocks with Johnny the K, DeBreeze & Keys and headliner Motor Booty Affair. 

The fireworks, donated by Central Maine Pyrotechnics, will be set off by Chris Howell and his team at dusk for the grand finale to the day.

“When the fireworks goes off, you look around and see how many people start to congregate. Then you really know you’ve done what you set out to do,” said Eby. “When the first fireworks go off, there’s a collective sigh of relief (from the committee),” he said. 

 “The day of it’s a little overwhelming. I hope the community realizes how close they were to losing it,” Eby said. The sponsorships have been amazing and without them Summerfest wouldn’t have happened, Eby said. “This is all done for others. They can’t focus on personal gain – it’s for others.”

None of the events could be held if not for the fundraising that was done to help pay for entertainment, power, rentals, advertising and more. Robert York and Robin Mullins were tasked with the job of raising enough money to cover this year’s festivities and have $5,000 seed money left over for next year’s committee.

“Overall we’re meeting our goals,” said York. Fundraising efforts involved a bottle drive, donation drive, selling advertising in the Summerfest flyer, and in a little under two months the funds were raised.

“I got involved because of the lack of interest. It’s a lot of work and takes a lot of time when you’re busy at work, but it’s something my kids really enjoy,” York said.

“I’m pleased at how generous people have been,” said Mullins. “We want to thank the town for being extremely generous. To hit a goal that one time seemed impossible…”

The final fundraiser for this event is a silent auction at Summerfest. Tickets will be sold and people put them in a jar in front of the item they want. Since Summerfest has reached its goal, the money from the auction will be given to the Windham Primary School playground fund. Items will still accepted until the last minute and no item is too big or too small, said Mullins. To donate, call 310-8578 or email rjmullins1209@gmail.com. 
“In this age of electronics, computers, iPads, cellphone, getting people out in the fresh air to see people who live next door to them and interact face to face, that’s what’s important,” said Varney. “It’s people being with people and unplugging from technology.”

RSU 14 chooses iPads for Grades 7 and 8 by Leah Hoenen

Students, staff, administrators and board members of RSU 14 gave the thumbs up to iPads for next year’s seventh and eighth grade classes.

The groups met with Apple and HP vendors in May, said board member Mike Duffy. “The overwhelmingly favored application was the iPad,” he told board members Wednesday, June 12. “Everyone in the room said the iPad is the way to go,” he said.

Duffy said the state was offering the choice of HP or Apple products.

Students will receive iPads and teachers will receive iBooks and Apple televisions for their classrooms, said Duffy.

District technology director Bob Hickey said middle schools strongly favored the intuitive interface of a tablet. He said the Apple iPad is a cheaper tablet and comes with the largest number of installed base applications for education.

“The local cost will be zero,” said Hickey. The computers are funded for four years, he said.
The high school has Dell netbook computers which are on lease for another year, said Hickey. He said that gives the district time to do research and consider what the best technology option is for the high school moving forward.

“It would be optimal to have teachers and students on the same platform,” he said.
The iPads will be in the hands of seventh and eighth graders at the start of the next school year, Hickey said.

Egyptian dongs come to Maine looking for forever homes by Michelle Libby

Dinsmore is a cute little puppy, full of energy and he romps and plays with his older doggy siblings, but 12-week-old Dinsmore is special.

Windham resident and father of five Jim Hoar loves his animals. He was told by his wife, Debbie, that he could not have any more dogs, so he volunteered as a rescue dog transporter. He picks up dogs and drives them sometimes 100 miles to the next volunteer as one leg of a journey that takes a dog to its forever home.

“I was surfing the Facebook sites and came across ‘Save Aurora!!!’ It showed cute little puppies. Tough guy, Mr. Macho started crying,” he said of himself. The puppies, who were only weeks old, had lost their mom and were looking for new homes, but that was only the beginning of the story.

The mom was a full-blooded German Shepard and when she got pregnant by an Egyptian street dog called a Baladi, her human parents kicked her out of the house to fend for herself. She had the puppies the garden at an older woman’s house. She called the Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals. While waiting for placement at the ESMA, boys from the town tried to steal the puppies and when the mom growled at the boys, one of the boy’s fathers poisoned her. Seven little puppies were left orphaned.

 Phaedra Al-Masri, an Egyptian model and soap opera star, is also an animal activist and she started the Facebook page. It was Al-Masri that Hoar contacted about transporting three of the puppies from JFK airport in New York City to Maine to meet with two ladies from Canada who were adopting the puppies. That was on May 21. Al-Masri asked Hoar if he would like one of the puppies as a gift for helping. He declined.

“I thought I could foster one, I have two other dogs,” he said. But on the ride home in driving rain at midnight, Dinsmore snuggled up to him and said, “Yeah, I’ll adopt you. I’ll rescue you,” Hoar said.
“I have become an international foster failure,” Hoar laughed.

He thought this would be a onetime thing for him. He didn’t see himself driving to JFK more than once, but Dinsmore had more brothers who needed forever homes.

“Every dog deserves a chance to make a difference in a human’s life,” Hoar said and four more needed homes. These dogs have no chance of being adopted overseas, so they turn to the US.

Hoar has been in touch with the Seeds of Peace camp offering Dinsmore as a “canine ambassador”. “Animals thrive when people come together. Even from foreign countries wondrous things can happen,” Hoar said. Dinsmore is also being sponsored by the Gray-New Gloucester Animal Hospital for all of his shots and vaccinations, according to Hoar.

Never again, happened last Friday, when Hoar returned to JFK to pick up four more puppies. However, this trip didn’t go quite as smooth. On the way home at 11 p.m., Hoar tried to change lanes and realized too late that he was being passed on the right by a tractor trailer truck. He over corrected and went off the left side of the road, totaling his wife’s 2010 SUV. The dogs were in crates and they were fine, one crate opened, but the puppy was found under the passenger seat, by Tim Riley, from Haverhill, Mass. Fire Department, who was one of the first responders on scene. Only weeks before he had put his St. Bernard to sleep, and his co-workers seeing Riley hold two of the puppies told him, “You’re wife was going to get you a new dog for Father’s Day,” they said. “These two need homes.” So Riley, who was only responding to a call, walked away with two new puppies for his 7-year-old twins, said Hoar. “You couldn’t ask for a stranger, more coincidental thing. Rescued by this rescuer,” he said. The other two puppies went to homes in Lowell, Mass. and Canada.

The story should end there for Jim Hoar and his Egyptian puppies, but it doesn’t.

“With Phaedra and a German lady paying to send them over, this system is really going to work,” Hoar said. There are three more German Shepard puppies waiting to come to the US and there are more.

The puppies are free to good homes. Each dog is fully-vetted and has a vet certificate from Egypt. Hoar does home inspections and talks with the families, who sign a contract saying they will care for the dogs and love them. If a family is interested in one of the Egyptian puppies, email egyptrescuedogs@yahoo.com. 

There is no cost involved to adopt one of the dogs.

“It’s amazing how these things just work out,” Hoar said.

Relay for Life laces up for a sleepless night by Michelle Libby

Walking around the Windham High School track for 12 hours doesn’t sound like a good idea, until it’s walking around the track to raise money for the Relay for Life Sebago Lakes. The Relay for Life organization, which raises money for the American Cancer Society, plans walks nationwide and to date has raised over $4 billion toward finding a cure for cancer. This year’s Relay for Life in Windham takes place starting Saturday, June 29 and ends on Sunday, June 30, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. This year the walkers are celebrating the 100th year of the American Cancer Society.

“As a cancer survivor, the Relay for Life is an event that I look forward to every year. It feels great to be a part of such a great community event, and to know with the money raised we are making a difference,” said Windham resident and co-chair Janet Copp.

The relay began in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt from Tacoma, Washington decided to walk to raise money. That night he raised $27,000. The thought behind the all-night walk is that cancer never sleeps.

Five years ago the relay came to Windham. It had been held in Falmouth before that, but they built a turf field and couldn’t hold it any longer.

“(Windham’s) a great site,” said Copp.

“Two out of three people are survivors and we need to make it three out of three,” said Copp. “The survivors…that’s why we walk.” Each year there is a survivor/caregiver reception at 4:30 p.m. An invitation goes out to all of the survivors in the area. This year’s reception is sponsored by Hope Lodge, which provides free lodging for people going through treatment and patient support.

“The survivor reception when all the survivors and caregivers get together is an awesome experience. When you participate in the survivor/caregiver lap and all the other participants line the track to cheer you on, the feeling is unbelievable and you know that you are not in this alone,” said Copp.

Most years the Sebago Lakes relay has between 500 and 600 participants. Not all walk, but they are at the track to sell items, cheer on their team or to help organize. The other co-chair is Becky Driscoll.
Throughout the night laps are themed, from a beach party to silly hats, each lap gives the participants something fun to do. Music blares all night and at 3 a.m. there is a Zumba class.

Another part of the night is the lighting of the luminaria, paper bags bought in memory of a loved one who has passed or who is fighting with cancer. Each bag is decorated in honor of one person. When they are lit, members from each team read a list of people the luminarias were made for.

“It’s so cool. All the lights are off and just the bags are lit. For me it’s the coolest part of the night,” said Copp.

“We are creating survivors and fighting against cancer,” said Copp. There is an open invitation to the community to come and check the event out. “Once you do, you’ll be back, she said.

The goal for the event is to raise $75,000.

To donate or walk with a team, visit www. Relayforlife.org/sebagolakesme or email rflsebago@gamil.com.

Oklahoma Connection by Michelle Libby

Sometimes one doesn’t have to be in the affected area to be affected by a tornado. Shelley and Chris Chappell recently moved to Gray from the area in Oklahoma devastated by a tornado in May. In under one hour, 38,000 people were displaced out of the 58,000 people in Moore, Oklahoma and damage totals more than $1.5 billion, according to Shelley.

“It’s a really sad situation,” she said.

In 2003, the Chappell’s lived in that area and helped rebuild when a tornado took virtually the same path through the town. They still own a house in Oklahoma City. Even though they now live in Maine, they still wanted to help their friends and family who live in Oklahoma.

Shelley created the foundation “Bears, Backpacks & Blessings” to collect and deliver donations for the children of Oklahoma who “desperately need all our help.”

“Within 90 minutes we were up and running and snowballing really fast,” Shelley said.
“We have family members, friends and deep roots of love and commitment to the State of Oklahoma,” Shelley said. “However, this is our home now,” she said. “It makes me proud to live here and help there.”

The goal of the foundation is to assemble and deliver 500 to 1,000 backpacks filled with new items for six- to 12-year-olds. She suggested stuffed animals, coloring books, sticker books, Leap Frog systems and games, $25 gift cards to Target, Staples and Walmart for clothing as well as hygiene supplies and other educational technology. She is hoping to raise $15,000 to buy bikes, electronics and necessities for the children in Moore.

They plan to deliver the filled backpacks on July 6. They have volunteers from Maine who will drive a snowmobile trailer filled with supplies to Moore. They are also receiving help from the American Legion in Windham. One hundred percent of all donations will be given to the children of Oklahoma affected by the May 2013 tornado.

Businesses are beginning to get involved with fundraising. UNO Chicago Grills in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire are fundraising until July 7, to support the “Bears, Backpacks & Blessings” mission. Customers need to have a ticket that says 20 percent of the meal is to be donated to “Bears, Backpacks & Blessings,” Shelley said. Bring the ticket found in The Windham Eagle June 14 edition with you. The nearest UNOs is next to the Maine Mall in South Portland. A woman from Connecticut shipped beanie babies to be given away. Paula Sparks is donating 500 hand-quilted pillowcases. MSAD 15 schools have agreed to help by putting boxes in each building to collect items.

West coast comedian Elijah Tindall is touring Oklahoma, Arkansas, Arizona and California with his Moore Laughs Comedy Benefit Tour, where all proceeds will go to “Bears, Backpacks & Blessings.”
“People have just called us from all over,” Shelley said.

Shelley intends to keep the foundation going even after the shipment is delivered. Her goal is to make this a State of Maine foundation that sends hope to children and even elderly people when there is tragedy and devastation in Maine first and then other areas affected by tornado devastation. Shelley feels that getting a backpack will help cheer people up and make them know that someone cares.

“We need more people in the State of Maine to get involved and get behind what we’re doing,” Shelley said.

To donate items or money, visit www.gofundme.com/Bears-Backpacks-Blessings. To date they have raised $1,700 toward the goal of $15,000. Gift cards can be dropped off at MSAD 15 offices and by contacting Shelley at shelleyisblessed@gmail.com.

“This shows the power of what one person can do,” she said. “We just had to do our part.”

Windham music teacher named as quarterfinalist for GRAMMY Foundation award by Elizabeth Richards

Dr. Richard Nickerson, Director of Choral Activities at Windham High School, has been named a quarterfinalist for the first Music Educator Award to be presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation. 

The award was created to recognize educators from K through college in public or private schools “who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education, and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools,” according to a news release from the Grammy Foundation.  The award, announced on the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, was open to all current US music teachers.  Nominated teachers were notified and invited to fill out an application.

There were 217 music teachers from 45 states selected as quarterfinalists, from over 30,000 nominations submitted.  The award recipient will be selected from 10 finalists, and the award will be presented for the first time at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony during Grammy Week 2014.  Semifinalists will be named in August.

Windham produced 'Skeeter Skidaddler keeps bugs at bay by Leah Hoenen

From Maine’s North Woods to the Amazon jungle, the planet’s most feared swarms of biting insects have met their match. What’s stopping them is ‘Skeeter Skidaddler, a pleasant-smelling blend of herbal extracts developed and made in Windham.

In 2007, Windham resident Allen Pollock, co-founded the Lakes Region Farmers Market, where he planned to sell organic produce. “When you do market gardening, it’s all the time. You’ve got to be out there,” said Pollock, who is allergic to insect bites.

Ready to grow produce for the market and wary of the bugs, he started looking for an effective insect repellant with a nice fragrance, but couldn’t find one he liked. He wanted to avoid DEET, and had questions about some commonly-used herbal oils. For example, rosemary oil is mildly toxic, Pollock said, and citronella is relatively ineffective.

So, Pollock did some research and started to create his own product, which he decided to sell at the market alongside his produce. “Some essential oils that seemed to be benign were not being used,” he said. One such oil was eucalyptus.

Pollock had recalled a bit of information his father, a veteran of the Second World War in Asia, shared with him years before when he was growing up in San Jose, California. “He knew I was allergic to bugs. He was a subtle man. At the time, I liked the smell of eucalyptus and would put it in my hair. He said to me, ‘You’ll notice there are not a lot of mosquitoes in a eucalyptus grove.’ I remembered that,” Pollock said.

The first year ‘Skeeter Skidaddler was offered for sale, he pasted photocopied labels on purchased bottles. “I sold 85 bottles the first year and realized people are coming back to buy this. It’s not just a one-time thing,” he said.

Pollock used the spray, and sent some to his brother who lives in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. “He said it was good stuff,” said Pollock.

Sales went up the second year ‘Skeeter Skidaddler was at the farmers’ market. Pollock describes himself as conservative when it comes to risk, so he developed his business slowly. In 2009, he sold 180 bottles at the market. “I’m making far more money selling this at the market than I am selling radishes or lettuce,” he said. At the end of that year, Pollock quit the market because he couldn’t produce and sell the bug spray and grow and sell vegetables.

Since then, he’s begun selling wholesale to retailers and has purchased some used processing equipment. Pollock built his own filler, and mixes the batches and labels the bottles by hand. It can make for a long day, since Pollock also works with computers at Maine Medical Center. Logging the hours necessary to build a business is what makes an entrepreneur successful, he said. Recently, he and his wife, Elaine, traveled to Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina promoting ‘Skeeter Skidaddler.

“It’s not just a product for northern species. I’ve had people use it in Haiti, the Amazon jungle, Bali, Vietnam, and it works just as well there as in northern area like Minnesota or Maine,” said Pollock.
‘Skeeter Skidaddler is made of essential oils mixed with organic sunflower oil. Pollock is careful to buy from suppliers that name the sources of their oils and buys nothing from China. “The Chinese have a culture of having absolutely no responsibility for what they’re selling. They think that’s your problem, not their problem,” said Pollock.

Oils in ‘Skeeter Skidaddler come from Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia. The cedarwood oil is sourced in the United States. “None are organic as in the sense of being labeled organic, but they’re steam distilled. There’s no hexane used,” said Pollock.

He noted that there are no genetically-engineered sunflowers, and that the sunflower oil he uses is processed in Denmark from Romanian seeds. “One of the good things about E.U. is they generally have to play safe. I wouldn’t use anything from Ukraine because of the radioactivity. Concentrates can have much more toxicity per unit, because it’s concentrated. Why expose anybody to that?” said Pollock.

In the formulation of ‘Skeeter Skidaddler, Pollock has put his concern for safety first and foremost. “I didn’t want to assume it’s all good until somebody proves otherwise,” said Pollock. That’s why he avoided oils, such as rosemary, which are known to be toxic and to accumulate in fatty tissue.
And, because people like to spend time with their dogs outside, Pollock formulated a dog version of ‘Skeeter Skidaddler which does not include cedarwood oil which can irritate dogs’ skin. “I was concerned that people would use the human product on dogs and it would cause dermatitis,” he said.
‘Skeeter Skidaddler is available in its original formulation, in the pet-friendly version or without patchouli.

“It’s in a small bottle and it’s concentrated essential oils. There is no water and no propellant, so you get the maximum benefit of the oil,” said Pollock.

Look for the small silver bottles for sale in stores around the lakes region. Further information and a list of retailers may be found online at www.tremblingleaf.com.

Remodeled Raymond fire station rededication by Leah Hoenen

With the uncoupling of a pair of fire hoses, officers of the Raymond Fire Rescue Department officially reopened the District 2 station, which has just undergone an interior remodel.

The department held an open house on Wednesday, May 22, during Emergency Medical Services week, to give community members and those involved in the project a chance to see the final product, visit with department members and tour fire trucks and an ambulance.

The building was originally constructed in the late 1970s and remained largely unchanged since, said Cathy Gosselin, Deputy Chief of the Raymond Fire Rescue Department. “We completely remodeled the living quarters,” she said. While the station does not house live-in staff, the living apartment is available for storm coverage and other big events during which personnel may need to stay, she said.
A team of volunteers donated time and material to the project, said department Chief Bruce Tupper. Because of their contributions, the cost of the project remained low and the department was able to save some expenses.

“I think the project came out very well. We are thankful to the town and selectmen for their support,” said Tupper.

Gosselin said the walls and ceilings were all repainted and a former office is now a living area, while new heating was installed along with an exhaust system to clear fumes from the building when vehicles are started inside. With cream-colored walls and light wood cabinets, the area is bright and welcoming. Floor tiles and a range were donated to the project, she said.

Tupper said the project was very much the result of a community effort, and he thanked volunteers for hundreds of hours spent painting, cleaning, wiring and doing other work to move the project ahead while keeping costs to the town low. “Our folks did a lot of work,” he said, noting that the building was originally constructed by volunteers.

Standing before the Webbs Mills Road building and its new sign, the officers rededicated the building to the memory of department member Joel Bennett, who was 16 years old when he died driving fire apparatus in 1957.

Tupper said the department wants to collect the names of as many people who have been involved with the department as possible. The fire service sees periodic turnover in personnel, he said, and sometimes people’s work and contributions are forgotten. This summer, the department plans to solicit information from the community to help reverse that trend, said Tupper.

The Raymond Fire Rescue Department has 35 members in its on-call company along with four full-time paramedic/firefighter positions, said Gosselin. The department has a Fire Rescue Association which is open to all community members, not only firefighters.

Correctional Center opens showroom in Windham by Leah Hoenen

The Maine Correctional Showroom has opened a new retail store along Route 302 where handmade furniture, woodworks, gifts and more are for sale.


The center formerly sold goods made by inmates of the Maine Correctional Center in Windham at its outlet store on Mallison Road.

On a rainy Saturday morning, cars streamed into the store’s parking lot minutes after opening and soon Bob Walden, Industries Program Director, was speaking with a customer about the importance of meaningful work.

Customers milled around the showroom, inspecting novelties and gifts, birdhouses and wooden toys, and a variety of furniture pieces. The corrections department hopes the new facility will allow it to greatly expand offerings.

Industrial programs are common in correctional facilities across the country, but none are as diversified as this one, said Walden, standing before shelf after shelf of handmade products. Behind glossy turned wooden bowls sits a model of the U.S.S. Constitution, which he said took more than 300 hours to create.

The Correctional Center in Windham has had an industries program for about a decade, said Walden.
“There has been an industries program in all five adult facilities dating to 1824,” he said. The revenue from retail helps offset the cost of running the program, he said, and the corrections department tries to offer as many positions in the industries programs as possible. Currently, 220 inmates work in industries programs statewide, spending six to eight hours a day learning and improving their skills, said Walden.

To be eligible to participate, inmates must maintain a clean disciplinary record and follow their case plans, Walden said. Industrial programs include woodworking, textiles and machining.

The program offers industrial training and chances for advancement within the system, Walden said.
Inmates earn between 35 cents and $3 an hour depending on their skills and responsibilities, he said. They must save money and what they earn helps pay debts, such as crime restitution and child support, Walden said. “They have to make good on their financial responsibilities on the street first,” he said, noting that any additional money may be spent at the correctional center’s canteen.

“Woodworking has a very therapeutic aspect. A great deal of creativity can come with it once you have the basics. They can be very proud of what they are able to create, and we know there is no limit to what you can create with wood,” Walden said.

Maine has begun to track the recidivism rate of those who worked in industries, but won’t have data for some years to come, said Walden. National data, however, suggests recidivism drops in half for those who participated in industrial programs for two or more years, he said.

The new store is the contact point for anyone interested in having furniture refinished or reupholstered, as well as for those who are looking for custom pieces, said Walden.

Walden said the center is allowed to sell to the public, but strives to not create competition with private business. Instead, he said, the woodshop can enhance local businesses through wholesale or special work for other businesses.

For now, the store will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Eventually, it will be open 7 days a week.

Music with a Mission: Great music supports local causes by Elizabeth Richards

A concert series sponsored by the North Windham Union Church offers members of the community an opportunity to enjoy a variety of high quality musical performances by area talent, while also contributing to local charitable causes.

Jim McBride, chair of the Music with a Mission committee, said inspiration for the series came after the church hosted a concert by Ithacapella, a men’s a capella group from Ithaca College which includes Windham High School graduate Chris Frost. “They packed the place,” said McBride. “It was full of energy, hope and love for terrific music. “ McBride said this concert inspired an idea. If they could get that many people to attend a concert, why not do it every month? Thus, a concert series was born, to support both the church and the programs in the community.

The Music with a Mission committee works hard to promote the concerts through word of mouth, an email list, their website and a Facebook page. “By necessity we’ve been forced to try to keep the advertising low,” said McBride. They are, however, confident that word is getting out.

Though there is no formal benchmark or measuring stick, the series is going well, especially considering that it was put together in just about 30 days, said NWUC Minister of Music Dr. Richard Nickerson. “Our concerts have certainly been successful, especially that first one. We didn’t know what we were getting into, and we just hoped people would show up.” And they did, with close to 180 people attending the first show. The church can hold 300 people, and McBride hopes that some of the upcoming shows will have a full house.

There have been three concerts in the series to date. In addition to raising funds for the church, these three concerts have raised over $1,300 to support local charities. The entertainers for the evening select which local nonprofit will be the beneficiary.

The first concert, An Evening of Bluegrass, benefitted Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors. The second concert, featuring The Squid Jiggers, went to support the Natural Resource Council of Maine’s “Clean Air, Clean Energy,” project. The Bellamy Jazz Band played at the latest concert, held on Saturday, May 25th. The Lewiston Fire Relief Fund, which provides support to families displaced by the recent fires in Lewiston, was the recipient of the funds from this concert. The United Way of Androscoggin County was on hand to speak about the program, and also urged attendees to join their ongoing efforts to combat hunger in Maine, by donating food to local food pantries in their communities.

Though the performers choose the charity, Nickerson said that the goal is to keep these donations local. He added that the selected organization is also given an opportunity to come and share information about their program to those in attendance.

Both McBride and Nickerson are encouraged by the fact that when looking out at the audiences in attendance, there are plenty of people in attendance who are not from the church. “That’s what we want; to bring people in, give them a great evening of music, raise a little money, and expose them to the great work that’s going on in the church,” said McBride.

There are concerts scheduled through October, and the series will continue for as long as there’s energy around it, said McBride. “There’s no shortage of talent. We’ve got a long, long list of entertainers and performers that we would love to have come and showcase their stuff,” he said. “Windham has a community-wide passion for music,” he added. “The challenge for us, frankly, might be finding weekends that we’re not stomping on somebody else’s show.”

The next concert on the schedule is The Milltown Road Show on Friday, June 28. There are five concerts currently scheduled, with more to be added. The current concert schedule and ticket information can be found on the series’ website, www.mwamconcerts.com. The committee can be contacted at mwamconcerts@gmail.com.