Babb's Bridge has re-opened earlier than originally anticipated - By Michelle Libby

Despite the State of Maine DOT telling local legislators that repairs to Babb’s Bridge wouldn’t happen until late spring or June, the work to make the bridge safe was completed and the bridge was reopened on February 27. 
 

The bridge was damaged in a hit and run accident in February. 

“The three legislators met with Dale Doughty…and explained that’s not going to be acceptable. We need to get this done,” said local senator Bill Diamond. 

The first priority was to make the bridge serviceable and to certify that the safety of the structure was sound. There are no new restrictions on the bridge. 

“I think the lull in the weather certainly played into [getting the repairs done early],” said town manager Tony Plante. “I’ve already heard from people who use the bridge on a regular basis that they appreciate it, too.” 

“They went out of their way to get this done,” said Diamond. “We are winners all the way around.”

The fixes were not historically accurate and that will need to be addressed going forward. Diamond said, that the state didn’t commit financially to the historical restoration, but they offered to be a part of the committee that works on that part of the bridge.

Windham Eagle's second annual Top 20 under 20 nominating has begun

Who do you think of when we ask who are the outstanding teens? 

Is it the boy who shovels the walks of all of his elderly neighbors? Is it the girl, who is involved in extracurricular activities and does special things for the community? Is he an Eagle Scout? Or is she a Gold Award recipient? 

These unsung heroes should be recognized and The Windham Eagle wants to do just that. Let’s inform the public who these kids are.

The Windham Eagle newspaper is searching for 20 amazing teens under 20 years old. Who do you know? Tell us a little about them on our online nomination form. Each of the nominees will be asked to answer a thought provoking question and to provide a photograph. These 20 under 20, chosen by the staff at The Windham Eagle will be recognized in the paper in May.

We are looking for teens who go over and above to help their neighbors, have incredible musical or athletic talent, are successful in any way or are just overall amazing teens. We want to know who they are. Anyone can nominate a candidate. 

The 20 under 20 will be featured in a special pull-out section of The Windham Eagle newspaper and will be recognized for their accomplishments with a certificate and special memento. 

The Windham Eagle is asking teachers, leaders, coaches and community members in the area to help support this initiative and nominate students at their school. Nominations should be submitted online no later than Wednesday, April 1 by visiting www.TheWindhamEagle.com/nominate to submit as many people as you see fit.

For more information or with questions, please call 894-3500 or email Michelle@TheWindhamEagle.com.   

Couple's bowling career celebrated with Hall of Fame inductions - By Elizabeth Richards

Three years ago, Allyn Joy was inducted into the International Candlepin Bowling

Association’s Hall of Fame. Last year, his wife Valerie, joined him. It was the final recognition for two long and successful bowling careers.

Allyn started bowling as a child in a league run by his next door neighbor. As he got older, he stepped in for his father in a couples’ league, bowling with his mother. Later, when he was playing in a league at the Big 20 in Saco, the owner took notice as he started to bowl high scores. His career took off from there.

For Valerie, bowling started when she was in her 20s and married. She started out subbing in a couple of different leagues. Dave and Carol Little, who owned Beacon Lanes in Raymond, were instrumental in the beginning of her career, she said. When they saw that she had some talent, they connected her with leagues and tournaments to get her started.

Allyn and Valerie won the first tournament they bowled together, long before they were a couple. “It was one of those things,” Valerie said. “We met bowling, and after a while we got together and will be married 25 years this month.” 

The Joys bowled in tournaments from the 1980s to the early 2000s, traveling in Canada and throughout New England. The couple bowled on a pro tour called the WCBC that is no longer in existence. 

In most leagues, Allyn said, there aren’t more than four averages over 120. Allyn’s average often reached over 130 and Valerie’s average was typically around 120. Bowling a 200 string in candlepin is difficult, towards the top of the range, Valerie added. Allyn bowled 200 seven times, and Valerie also achieved that score. “It’s something that not a lot of bowlers can do,” said Valerie. “A lot of people are happy to bowl 100.” Allyn was the Maine state champion four times in his career, and Valerie won that title twice. 

Both of the Joys made some television appearances while they were competing, and Allyn had a long run on a show for a local cable station. In 1981, Florence Greenleaf wrote “The Game of Candlepin Bowling.” That was one of the years that Allyn won the state championship, and his picture and name showed up in the book. 

To be inducted into the hall of fame, a bowler must be nominated. They must be over 50 years old, and provide documentation of records, wins, TV appearances and more.

For the Joys, getting into the hall of fame is the culmination of two great careers. “We’re all done bowling, so that’s your final award,” said Allyn. 

 “I hoped at some point I would get in because I thought I was a really good bowler,” Valerie said. “You never know if you are going to make it because there are a lot of good bowlers, and a lot of bowlers come out of Massachusetts. For Mainers to get recognition is really nice. It sort of puts a stamp on the end of a career,” she said.

After long and satisfying bowling careers, the Joys said they left at the right time for them. “We didn’t hang around and embarrass ourselves throwing low scores and not being competitive,” said Valerie. “I think we both have a competitive spirit and we wanted to keep winning. You reach a point when you think it’s time.” 

Physical difficulties, family dynamics and the cost of bowling all played into their decision to end their careers when they did. “Bowling was getting more expensive and the prize money was going down, and the numbers were dwindling – it was just the right time to take a step back,” said Allyn.

After they stopped bowling, they began to explore other hobbies, like history, antiquing and golf. And because weekends were often filled with bowling, they found that they enjoyed having the time to just relax at home. “It is so nice to be able to sit home and watch a full football game,” said Valerie with a laugh.

The Joys have an area in their home that celebrates their accomplishments. The walls on each side of the stairwell are dedicated to plaques they have received, and their hall of fame plaques hold a place of honor in the center. “We met a lot of good people over the years,” said Allyn. “We’ve seen a lot of good bowling.”

While there is no physical structure for the hall of fame, a list of those inducted is on the website www.candlepinbowling.com.

Creating a passion for ukulele through Windham Adult Education - by Michelle Libby

For the second time, Windham Adult Education has added learning to play the ukulele to the course catalog. The first time there were 18 participants and this winter the class is up to 20. Instructor Dana Reed was asked to see if adult ed. would be open to hosting a class, if Reed was available to teach it. Reed the former minister at the North Windham United Church of Christ and retired military chaplain, has a degree in music and developed a passion for the ukulele while in Hawaii on assignment in 2006. He agreed to teach a class. 
 

“Windham Raymond Adult Education has always been at the forefront of unique and innovative programming,” said director Tom Nash. “We seek input from the community on potential courses, and topics of interest as well as possible teachers who wish to share their expertise and passion with others.”

A ukulele is a small guitar shaped instrument that is related to the lute with four strings that a musician strums or plucks. Tiny Tim was one of the musicians who brought the uke into popular culture. Now people are learning to play the uke as a way to relieve stress, learn to play an instrument and to socialize with a group of likeminded individuals. Now artists plan to “take it out of a toy into an instrument. It can be so therapeutic,” said Reed. 

“We’re all musicians here,” said Reed. “People cover for one another.” In this group, it doesn’t matter if they are the best player or singer, as long as they try. “Eighty percent of the world wants to have fun with music, not construct chord scales,” Reed said. 

“I learned as a little kid when we had them in the family,” said Olivia Casey. “It’s so accessible, so easy to learn and light as a feather,” she added. 

Homer McLemore and his wife, Ellen, decided to get off their couch and learn some new skills at night. Ellen was the one who suggested that Reed teach a uke class. The couple began taking adult ed. classes including ukulele in the fall. McLemore came back for more uke, while his wife moved on to watercolor painting. Neither had played before. 

Other members of the class are music teachers, business professionals and one woman who played in Hawaii when she was young and is now relearning the skill. 

Abbie Barber did some singing along with YouTube and played along with the chorus to practice before class. “It’s the joy that drives the insanity,” Barber joked. “The ukulele is naturally disarming. You say it and people laugh,” said McLemore.

“You learn when you play with someone,” Reed said. His goal is to teach the students the basics, but ultimately to get them to have fun whenever they want to play. Dressed in shorts and sandals and a bright Hawaiian shirt, Reed strums his ukulele. Outside it was 15 degrees, but inside the group was playing “Surfing USA”. 

“The pure joy of sitting down and playing by yourself or with friends is what it’s all about,” Reed told the group.  

“I believe its popularity can be attributed to the fact that it is a relatively inexpensive way for someone to pursue their desire to play a musical instrument. It can be explored so in a fun and safe “shared” experience. Beyond learning a new skill, the social aspect of the class – and many of our adult education classes – draws participants to adult education,” said Nash.

It was week three of the class and the students were already playing full songs including “This Land is Your Land,” and “You Are My Sunshine”. Eighty percent of western music is based on the one, four and five chords, Reed said. With those you can play thousands of songs, he added.  

With the uke, the way to play it is very subjective. “However you feel the song,” said Reed. “That’s the joy of uke and music.”

Reed was excited about the progress his students were making. “Look at yourselves,” he told them. “You can do anything on this.”

 

“It’s like drinking water from a fire hose,” said student John Carter with a chuckle. The students admitted to practicing a lot between classes to contribute to the class.  

Starting soon Reed will help launch a ukulele club that will meet downstairs at Buck’s Naked BBQ once a month. They are looking for more players to express interest to come, socialize and play together. There is hope that the club will become a social thing and go to nursing homes and other venues to play. For more about the uke club, call Dana at 653-6593 or email dana.c.reed@roadrunner.com.