Stories from Wreaths Across America touch Windham - By Michelle Libby

Monday morning five vehicles from Wreaths Across America were parked in front of Chute’s Bakery on Route 302 and it drew a lot of attention. The five drivers were on their way back to Columbia Falls to drop off the cars after a trip to Washington D.C. to place wreaths on the graves of soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. 
 

Lil Charron, an employee of Wreaths Across America, was originally from Windham and her parents are buried in Chase Cemetery, was finishing up her eighth convoy. Every year she stops on the way back from Washington to place a wreath that rode on her car on their graves. This tradition is what brought the five of them to Windham. 

Jim Johnston is formally from Raymond and now lives in Saco. The Army Veteran was asked to drive Gold Star Parents (parents who lost a child) and Blue Star Parents (who have a child serving presently) down to Washington. He agreed. 

“There’s no “nos” in Wreaths Across America,” said Charron. 

When Johnston retired from the Army, he said, “I’ve got to do something with Wreaths Across America. I was selected as a driver. It was the trip of a lifetime.” He drove four gold star parents. “Just listening to their stories is fantastic,” he added. 

Ruth Stonesifer from Ocala, Florida, a Gold Star Mother, lost her son 39 days after 9/11. Her son’s marker is at Arlington and she is a board member for Wreaths Across America.

Doug Brown from Westbrook was excited about completing his first trip with Wreaths Across America. “It was my first year, but I hope it’s not my last. It was humbling to ride with a gold star mom and aunt,” said Brown. 

Most of the Veterans and the gold and blue star families rode down on a bus. However, Chevy donated four Suburbans, three pickup trucks and one Camaro. It was the first time they had a corporate sponsor said Charron, who was tasked with finding the drivers. “That’s when I called in the troops,” she said. 

The wreaths, all from Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, were loaded into 63 semi-trucks and shipped in convoy to Washington D.C. Truck drivers came from all over the country to drive. The lead driver was from Maine. Scott and Lorna Harris from Patton are gold star parents. The truck Scott drove was wrapped for Wreaths Across America and in his mirrors he could see a picture of his son on the side of the truck. Drivers also deliver wreaths to 1,000 other sites across the country, according to Charron. Nine hundred thousand wreaths are made and shipped. 

On December 12, 240,000 wreaths were laid at Arlington National Cemetery at each headstone where it was appropriate.

“It’s an experience with everyone going every which way. They wait a good amount of time to get a wreath or two,” said Stonesifer. “It’s wonderful energy, chaos.” 

Within three hours the entire cemetery was covered with wreaths. Seventy thousand people had volunteered to place wreaths and honor those who fought for our freedom. 

“It’s easy to pick out people associated with Wreaths Across America. While they’re placing their wreaths they are teaching their small children, reading to them. People are encouraged to spend time with each one,” said Johnston. People go home and learn about the Veteran they honored. Volunteers are also encouraged to say their Veteran’s name. 

Johnston quoted Karen Worcester, “She would talk to us every morning. ‘Every individual dies twice. Once when his heart stops beating and again when a person says your name for the very last time’.”

The mission for this year’s program was “Remember, honor and teach.” The volunteers are reminded that “Every stone has a story.” 

Nancy Buell, from Salisbury, Massachusetts, told a story about a girl who had just finished a book report on a Veteran buried at Arlington. She didn’t know the World War II Veteran, but she learned about him. “She walked right up to the stone, just walked up to it,” Buell said. They ran off to get a wreath to put on his headstone.  

“These stories happen a lot. It’s amazing,” said Buell. 

The program was started by Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine. For more, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org or visit them on Facebook.

Photo: Lil Charron, Hunter Diffin, Jim Johnston, Ruth Stonesifer, Doug Brown and Nancy Buell stop at Chute’s on Monday for breakfast on their way home from Washington D.C.

Photo by Michelle Libby

State report: Remains of old Windham fort may lie beneath River Road - By Walter Lunt

Analysis and conclusions, now being drafted by the lead archeologist of the recent dig at Parson Smith House, will likely recommend an expanded search under adjacent River Road

Leith Smith, project manager of last month’s archeological dig at the Parson Smith House, told the Eagle this week that his team is leaning toward recommending the historic Windham site be eligible for placement on the National Historic Registry, a move that would prompt the Maine Department of Transportation to support an expanded, full-scale archeological excavation beneath the roadway adjacent to the Parson Smith property at 93 River Road. The DOT is in the process of widening and reconstructing the southern end of River Road and is required to investigate any sites that may be historic.

The preliminary dig in November was designed to learn whether the known historic site held early secrets that might reveal more than we now know about the culture and resources of Windham’s founding families and their struggle with a band of Wabanaki natives led by the venerable Chief Polin. For several years, many of the early settlers inhabited the so-called old Province Fort for protection. Archeologists hope to learn how they lived and survived during the period from 1744 to the 1780s.

Contacted this week at the Maine Historic Preservation Commission in Augusta, Smith outlined several points of agreement among the five archeologists who worked the November dig site: Artifacts retrieved at the site were in a good state of preservation, which is favorable for determining dating and cultural activities.

More intriguing artifacts will likely be uncovered if a more expansive dig takes place. Among the historic treasures already unearthed include a possible chimney foundation, an 18^th century silver cuff link, German and English ceramics and a sliver of flint, identified as part of the firing mechanism of a flint lock rifle.

Although the defining four corners of the fortress were not located, the preliminary finds point to the southwest under the road. Smith said that if the archeological investigation continues, the search will center on locating the remains of the 50 foot square palisade fence, believed to have surrounded the fort.

Finally, Smith hopes to answer an intriguing question raised by the archeologists. Did the Windham fort house multiple structures within the fence, as opposed to the single blockhouse, pictured in a sketch from Frederick Dole’s A History of Windham, Maine. Smith maintains that most New England forts of the era supported two or three structures within a blockade fence.

Smith says he expects the Commission’s report will be submitted to the DOT in January with a final decision on the full-scale excavation by spring. If the DOT approves the expansive dig, additional work by Commission archeologists will occur next summer at the current dig site, however the excavation under the road bed would not commence until the summer of 2017 when the DOT expects to begin lowering Anderson Hill at the Parson Smith location.

Windham Veterans honored with decorated wreaths - By Walter Lunt

Dozens of local veterans, girl and boy scout volunteers fanned out across Arlington Cemetery last Saturday placing decorated Christmas wreaths at the headstones of Windham’s war veterans. The day was sunny with temperatures in the 40s, decidedly different from a year ago when the group wore winter coats and gloves, and had to wipe away snow to read names so not to forget anyone. 
 

The project, known as Everlasting Gratitude, took place on the same weekend as the Wreaths Across America caravan began its trek across Maine on the way to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Both efforts originated in Maine.

Everlasting Gratitude began weeks before when volunteers gathered at Studio Flora flower shop in North Windham to learn how to hand-tie red bows for the 850 wreaths that were placed in over 20 cemeteries across Windham. Floral designer and architect of the program, Libby Sawyer, moved easily among the volunteers delivering crisp, clear instructions on how to create the wreath bows. “Measure to your elbow, drop, make a loop and then pleat it into your hand….”

Over a two to three hour period, dozens of red-ribboned bows were dropped into a large cardboard box, later to be transported to cemeteries where they were twist-tied onto fresh circular wreaths on truck tailgates before distribution.

“It’s important to honor our vets. My dad and boyfriend were veterans, it’s the least I can do-give up a night after what they’ve done for us,” said bow maker Becky Andrews of Windham.

Diana Greenier-whose husband, Mel, is commander of American Legion Post 148 in Windham agreed, “This is a wonderful thing to do because it brings the town together and tells the vets we care.”

Everlasting Gratitude, now in its third year, is sponsored by Studio Flora, Sebago Gardens Landscaping and Little Log Cabin Montessori School, all of Windham. Supporters and volunteers this year included members of the American Legion Post 148 and Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion Auxiliary, Boy Scout Troop 805 and Girl Scout Troop 193. Other volunteers worked at Smith and Chase cemeteries on Saturday morning. Some were daughters of the Civil War and grandsons and granddaughters of Veterans who had recently died.

The cost of the wreath project, including the purchase of wreaths, was over $6,000. Donations can still be made at Studio Flora on Roosevelt Trail near the intersection with Whites Bridge Road. 

“Special thanks go out to Roger Timmons of the VFW and Dick McKeen of the Legion post for coordinating the wreath efforts at Smith and Chase Cemeteries. Earlier in the week smaller bands of veterans fanned out to cover the 20 some smaller cemeteries around town with vets entombed,” said Veteran Dave Tanguay. 

Each and every cemetery was visited no matter how remote. 

“There was a sense of pride on the faces of the Boys and Girl scout volunteers as they attached the bows to the wreaths and then thoughtfully placed them on each veteran’s grave,” Tanguay added.

An American Family Holiday delights all generations - By Michelle Libby

Last Saturday, the Windham Performing Arts Center in Windham was packed for two sold out shows of the Windham Chamber Singers An American Family Holiday concert. The chamber singers, under the direction of Richard Nickerson, hosts the AmFam concert yearly. The concert ushers in the holiday season in Windham and Raymond and features not only the chamber singers, but also world renowned artists and performers. 
 

This year Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary fame took top billing. Stookey did not disappoint his fans. At 77 years old, he still loves the stage and performing for audiences, often stopping to tell stories or involving the crowd in the singing of his songs. 

His gravelly voice and unique scene of rhythmic timing stamped his personal style on O Holy Night, which is a song that is always performed at AmFam by the guest performers and the chamber singers.

One of the highlights for many was when Stookey had everyone help him sing “Puff the Magic Dragon” which was made famous by the trio in 1963. He was accompanied by his friend and musical director Michael McInnis. 

“Technology in its vastness means there’s something to be said for the simplicity of things,” Stookey told the audience. 

Year after year the audience is treated to favorite songs and new tunes destined to become favorites.

“It’s fantastic. There’s always something new, and some continue every year and that I enjoy,” said Dr. Sister Marilyn Sunderman from Sister of Mercy. “I love every year that the Strange’s come up from Florida. The performers have won numerous awards, nationally and internationally. Who would think it in a little town like Windham, Maine?” The chamber singers have consistent quality regardless of how many years have gone by, she added. 

Windham High School graduate and pianist Dan Strange and his wife, violinist Ashley Liberty return every year to delight fans. They keep the show fresh and exciting. This year, host Kim Block from Channel 13, announced for the couple that they are expecting a baby, due in May. 

For MaryEllen Doherty and Kathy Buxton, this show was their third and fourth shows respectively. “I started coming because a colleague’s daughter was a chamber singer. It’s a new tradition,” said Doherty.

“I love the show. We’re so fortunate to have so much talent in such a small town,” said Ben Jordan. 

While Strange played “The Christmas Song” solo on piano, it was if the audience took a deep, collective Christmas breath as the notes washed over them. 

 

The compliments rolled in from everyone in the audience about the amazing quality. Walter Braley and his wife Nina sat in the front row for the first time and were impressed at what the action looked like close up. “When you’re deaf it’s better,” Braley said with a laugh.  

Tickets go on sale on the first of October for next year’s show, so mark a calendar. These shows rival any big stage production and will put families in the holiday spirit.

Windham Veterans honored with decorated wreaths - By Walter Lunt

Dozens of local veterans, girl and boy scout volunteers fanned out across Arlington Cemetery last Saturday placing decorated Christmas wreaths at the headstones of Windham’s war veterans. The day was sunny with temperatures in the 40s, decidedly different from a year ago when the group wore winter coats and gloves, and had to wipe away snow to read names so not to forget anyone. 

The project, known as Everlasting Gratitude, took place on the same weekend as the Wreaths Across America caravan began its trek across Maine on the way to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Both efforts originated in Maine.

Everlasting Gratitude began weeks before when volunteers gathered at Studio Flora flower shop in North Windham to learn how to hand-tie red bows for the 850 wreaths that were placed in over 20 cemeteries across Windham. Floral designer and architect of the program, Libby Sawyer, moved easily among the volunteers delivering crisp, clear instructions on how to create the wreath bows. “Measure to your elbow, drop, make a loop and then pleat it into your hand….”

Over a two to three hour period, dozens of red-ribboned bows were dropped into a large cardboard box, later to be transported to cemeteries where they were twist-tied onto fresh circular wreaths on truck tailgates before distribution.

“It’s important to honor our vets. My dad and boyfriend were veterans, it’s the least I can do-give up a night after what they’ve done for us,” said bow maker Becky Andrews of Windham.

Diana Greenier-whose husband, Mel, is commander of American Legion Post 148 in Windham agreed, “This is a wonderful thing to do because it brings the town together and tells the vets we care.”

Everlasting Gratitude, now in its third year, is sponsored by Studio Flora, Sebago Gardens Landscaping and Little Log Cabin Montessori School, all of Windham. Supporters and volunteers this year included members of the American Legion Post 148 and Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion Auxiliary, Boy Scout Troop 805 and Girl Scout Troop 193. Other volunteers worked at Smith and Chase cemeteries on Saturday morning. Some were daughters of the Civil War and grandsons and granddaughters of Veterans who had recently died.

The cost of the wreath project, including the purchase of wreaths, was over $6,000. Donations can still be made at Studio Flora on Roosevelt Trail near the intersection with Whites Bridge Road. 

“Special thanks go out to Roger Timmons of the VFW and Dick McKeen of the Legion post for coordinating the wreath efforts at Smith and Chase Cemeteries. Earlier in the week smaller bands of veterans fanned out to cover the 20 some smaller cemeteries around town with vets entombed,” said Veteran Dave Tanguay. 

Each and every cemetery was visited no matter how remote. 

“There was a sense of pride on the faces of the Boys and Girl scout volunteers as they attached the bows to the wreaths and then thoughtfully placed them on each veteran’s grave,” Tanguay added.