Raymond Fire Department readies new truck - By Michelle Libby

Raymond Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Bruce Tupper, is outfitting the first new fire truck in many years. The new truck is fresh off the assembly line with a design created in part by the people who will use the truck the most, Raymond fire fighters.
 

Tupper asked his staff to design a fire truck with all of the components they wanted to see and they came through with a design that is functional, safe and ready to handle any challenge that Raymond and the surrounding communities have for it. 

The new truck has a stainless steel body, which won’t have the same problems the aluminum ones do, like reacting with the road treatments in the winter and bubbling paint. 

 

The truck has “tons of room”. It was designed with efficiency in mind. The truck is taller, but shorter and much more maneuverable than the trucks already in use, according to Tupper.   

The truck carries compressed air foam and water is pushed out at 1,500 gallons per minute. The price difference between a 1,250 gallons per minute unit and this one was not much, Tupper said. 

The fire truck cost $424,999.99 out the door. Tupper was able to get some discounts through different group buys and a local bond to provide payment up front. 

When making a 20-year purchase, the department had to think about what they might need in the future. “The capabilities of this are great. It seats four, is comfortable, efficient and engineered for what we do,” Tupper said. “This is the working man’s truck. It’s not designed to be the parade piece.” It has a galvanized frame and rails and many of the additions to the truck were with Raymond in mind. A front suction means that filling the truck with water can be easier from any of the lakes and ponds in the town by driving straight in and not having to turn the truck sideways. Its size makes it better to fit down the many camp roads. The LED lights make everything safer in the long run, and all of the equipment is on the inside. 

With ladders and hoses inside the truck, the items take less of a beating by the elements saving money. The truck also has a back up camera and air bags. The technology this truck provides helps to keep the fire fighters safe while they do their job. 

Right now, the truck has many open spaces and compartments, but soon they will hold the equipment needed to fight fires, respond to accidents and keep Raymond and beyond safe. 

The crown on the new truck is the $1,800 chrome bell donated by Captain Cliff Small. 

“It’s tradition,” Tupper said. Small said he wanted to see a bell on the truck, so he made it happen. Tupper and all the fire fighters are grateful. The bell can be rung from inside the compartment creating the loud, clear sound reminiscent of fire trucks from the past. 

“It’s nice, pretty, tradition. It creates a lot of pride within the department,” Tupper added. 

The truck still has two more months of set up and transfer of equipment before it will be put into service, Tupper said. For now they are figuring out where to put equipment and mount it. 

In addition to the new truck, the Raymond Fire-Rescue Association is raising money to purchase new ice rescue equipment.

LePage holds town hall meeting in Windham - By Michelle Libby

Governor Paul LePage took the stage Tuesday night in a town hall meeting at Windham High School. He addressed the audience first focusing on four areas that concern most Mainers and laying out plans he had to combat the issues in a state of the state-like speech. The first issue was income tax, then energy costs, continuing to reform the welfare system and finally student debt. 
 

“We compete globally,” LePage said. People and businesses go where they are welcome and stay where they are wanted, he added. The top 10 states with the strongest economy do not have income tax and many of those don’t have sales tax. Maine is not on that list. 

He pointed out that many companies are relocating to Texas because the regulations are predictable and they “don’t tax people to death.” LePage said his number one goal is to lower the income tax and get rid of it all together by moving to a consumption based tax with reductions for youth and those on fixed incomes. He would like to eliminate the state tax by 2025.

In the last five years, energy has become his number one issue and Maine is falling behind. “We have a renewable portfolio of 64 percent which is the highest in the country,” he said. “We are paying a very high price for that.” LePage said that legislators have signed $198 million in above market rate energy contracts to special interests over the last 20 years. “They don’t care for you. They care for the next election.” 

He spoke about solar energy and wind power, which is better than solar, neither are more than 25 percent efficient. Hydro power is 90 percent efficient. LePage said that 10,000 homes in Maine have converted to heat pumps after seeing the numbers and learning that it’s a highly efficient way to heat homes. He would like to buy cheaper energy from Canada, and we should fight like crazy to bring natural gas into Maine. 

“Every dollar we spend on energy we are not spending in wages,” LePage said. 

Maine needs welfare reform, LePage said. Maine is number three for providing welfare behind Washington DC and Vermont. “I’m fighting for number four,” he said. For Maine to get to number 25, the midpoint, $6,700 has to be cut to $2,500 in entitlements per resident. 

He told a story about a woman who was writing to governors to find out which state could provide her with the best benefits. “I told her ‘ask not what we can do for you, but what you can do for us’,” he said. He said he had nothing against someone asking for a hand up when they need it, but he doesn’t want to see able bodied people working. 

Another issue he talked about was student debt. Where people with advanced degrees pay $3,000 a month in student loans, this is a problem. He is working with Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) to lower the cost the debt. One solution would be to encourage people in science, technology, engineering and math fields to be in Maine by having half their debt paid off after five years of work and then after 10 years pay off the rest. To do this, LePage estimated it would cost $10 million dollars put into FAMEs budget. “Everybody is competing for the best people,” he said. This could make Maine more marketable. 

He is currently asking the legislature to approve a measure that if an employer pays off student loans for an employee the boss would get a dollar for dollar return on their taxes. He would also like to see more online education and better use of technology within the state education system. 

Maine is the oldest state in the union with a median age of 44. Bringing people to Maine to fill rural industries and bringing back manufacturing would help our economy. 

LePage took a few detours from his four listed items to talk about making laws and abiding by them and where money goes, for example, money being reallocated to “sanctuary cities” where asylum seekers come for the services. 

He only mentioned once the failed impeachment. “Special interest runs the state. When you fight back they try to impeach me,” he said. 

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“I’m very passionate about the country and I’m very passionate about this state.” 

During the question and answer portion of the town hall meeting the following topics were discussed: Drug rehabilitation treatments, how prescription drugs are over used and over prescribed, National fines put on the state for $29 million because federal laws are in direct opposition to Maine laws, consolidation from local control to county control, welfare fraud, gun control, expansion of heathcare and the moral compass of Maine residents. LePage had answers for all of them. Not all of his answers were popular with the audience. Dr. Jane Pringle of Windham, a former representative, asked about the expansion of Medicaid, which was the only heated conversation of the night with LePage refusing to hear arguments that expansion is the way to go. “ACA and Medicaid is going broke,” he said. States that expanded are now deep in the red, he added.

At the end of the night, he closed with “I try to be straight forward and tell you the truth.”

January 15, 2016 - Front Page Stories

Energetic & talented Windham MS students deliver strong performance -Walter Lunt

Renys expands to Windham - By Michelle Libby

Dolby Funeral Chapel sold to husband/wife employees - By Walter Lunt

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Energetic and talented Windham Middle School students deliver a strong performance - By Walter Lunt

If you haven’t yet treated yourself to a good show this New Year, plan to the take the family to see Shrek, the musical at Windham High School, starting this weekend.

The classic Disney production, adapted from the Broadway show, is being presented over the next two weekends by a cast of over 60 talented and enthusiastic sixth through eighth graders from Windham Middle School.

Shrek is a musical comedy under the direction of Mary Wassick, who said the selection of such a challenging musical production was made because the artistic directors had confidence in the talent and motivation of “these” middle school students. It is highly entertaining, a seamless theatrical production that is the result of work by 65 young cast members, stage workers and adult volunteers. The timeless themes and fervent performances will appeal to parents, relatives and community members of all ages.

What begins as a self-serving adventure ends with life lessons about real friendship and about judging others. Superb vocals (light jazz, soul and classic theater song), energetic dance (from tap to soft shoe) and bright, eclectic sets combine to enhance an amusing, thoroughly entertaining story driven by strong characterization: Brusque but big-hearted Shrek (Lucy Hatch); lovely and hiding a big secret, Princess Fiona (Chloe Cyr), the boisterous and charming Donkey (Angel Spiller); and the self-serving and devious Lord Farquaad (Denali Dieumegard).

“I think people will be surprised …(these kids) are incredibly talented, said Wassack.

Musical highlights include the soulful Forever and, performed in classical theater style, I Know It’s Today under the musical direction of Suzy Cropper of Main Stage Academy in Windham.  A dynamic dance number, choreographed by Shelbi Wassack, is The Story of my Life, which captures the lament of all the lovable but misunderstood fairy tale creatures. 

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Expect great vocals, strong dance, characters that really tell their story and comedy. Director Wassack summed it up:

“The entire show is fun and silly. And will leave you feeling happy.”

Shrek premiers at Windham High School Auditorium on Friday, January 15 at 7 p.m.  Two performances follow on Saturday, January 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and again the following weekend on the same days and times. Admission is $10 adults, $5 students 

Renys expands to Windham - By Michelle Libby

John Reny, president of Renys, announced this week that a new “Maine Adventure” is coming to Windham. The new store will occupy the corner space in The Windham Mall on Route 302, previously occupied by Big Lots and Summit Adventures. 

“I think it’s going to be a good location for us,” said Reny. Windham had been on the Renys radar for the past two years, but with a new computer system, they weren’t ready to open a new store, he added.

Reny’s will occupy 27,000 square feet in the old Big Lots location. Summit Adventures has been using the space and will consolidate their operations into the left side of the existing space, according to WRE Commercial Brokers, who lease the space at The Windham Mall. A new entrance will be built for Summit Adventures. 

 “They decided they like the market and asked for space,” said Windham Economic Development Corporation director Tom Bartell. “This provides another option for shoppers and a draw to bring folks to Windham. It’s a nice thing to have.” The nearest Renys is in Bridgton.

“We are excited to add another Renys location to our group of stores – There are many great towns in Maine that we would love to be in and Windham is one that we have driven by daily to bring great values to our Bridgton store and will be a great addition,” Reny said. 

Construction has begun “Reny-vating” the space for the new store. Reny anticipates that fixtures will be placed in March and the store will open in April. There will also be a new front on the store. “We try to make it nice. We have customers to have a nice, clean shopping experience,” he said. “We hope they really like what they see. Great deals, new merchandise, quality at a good price.” Renys is known for carrying Timberland boots, Carhartt and Smartwool socks, to name a few items. 

“We live here, we know what you need,” said Reny. 

"Renys is a landmark Maine business, and it will be great to have Windham be a part of Renys Maine Adventure," said Windham town manager Tony Plante.

The new store will employee between 40 and 50 people full and part time combined. “It’s going to be a busy store,” said Reny. 

Renys most recently opened stores in Portland and Topsham in 2011 and currently has 16 locations across Maine. Founded in Damariscotta in 1949, Renys continues to succeed, employing over 500 people across the state. 

“We are excited to be part of your town,” added Faustine Reny.

Dolby Funeral Chapel sold to husband/wife employees - By Walter Lunt

In-house transaction ensures little, if any, changes to services

The Dolby Funeral Chapel, long a Windham institution that is the source of service and comfort to local families in grief, has changed hands. It’s been sold “…but I’m still here,” Tim Dolby said on Monday. But now he’s there in the capacity of an employee. The familiar establishment in the Newhall section of River Road, as well as the chapel in Gorham, was purchased about four weeks ago by Kristin and Eric Segee, both funeral directors, who have been employed by Dolby for the last three years. The Dolby business name will be retained.

I think everybody involved “wanted to avoid a sale to a big corporation,” Eric speculated, “If Tim could be here forever, I’m sure he would.”

“I’ve done this for a long while, but it was time for some kind of change,” Dolby said. In addition to the Dolby family having operated the funeral service for decades, Tim was also Windham fire chief for a number of years.

The Segee’s are licensed and certified morticians, and in addition to their work with the Dolby funeral chapels they have also worked at funeral homes in Portland and Bangor. So far, patrons have reacted with a mix of surprise and acceptance, said Eric.

“Most respond with ‘Oh, how sad, but good for you’.” And, he added, most are glad to learn that Tim is still very involved. 

On the topic of possible changes to the operation and physical plant, the Segee’s agreed there will be little, if any. “We want the same level of service and commitment to the community,” said Kristin.

Eric said both he and Tim have agreed on the need for one set of improvements to the chapel facility. Technology. Especially the electronic options which are now limited to cassette and CD players. The plan is to modernize by offering multiple flat screen TV’s that will receive wireless video, still pictures and musical playlists from a patron’s smart phone, which are utilized as tributes to the deceased. In addition, Eric said the website will be revamped and expanded.

“Years ago, if you knew the deceased’s church affiliation you knew the kind of memorial service that would be expected. But today the range of funeral and memorial services are vast and varied.

“The new website (expected to be in operation in four to five weeks) will be used to educate consumers about the now infinite personalization options.”

Another long range goal, he added, might be to enlarge the chapel to accommodate the growing number of people that attend services.

At nearby Thayer’s Store, proprietor Jim Quimby said the news of the Dolby sale took him and his wife, Judy, by surprise. “It’s the end of an era,” he quipped. He said the most frequent response from his startled customers is, “Are you kidding me?”

“Changes in your neighborhood, like any change to your lifestyle, take time to get used to,” he said. “People are reluctant to embrace change. But it’ll work out…(the new owners) seem to be nice people – very congenial.”

The Segee’s (pronounced suh-ghee) seem to be comfortable and content in their new role at the Dolby chapel. They say they’ve gotten to know at least 100 families during their employment there.

“We’re excited, but a little anxious with the new endeavor,” said Kristin, smiling. Eric, who grew in East Machias, indicated they’ve settled in for the long haul. “We like living in Windham.  The town is like a hybrid, it’s got the feel of a suburb, but the character of the old farming community is still here.” Everyone seems to know and care about each other.

January 8, 2016 - Front Page Stories

WHS alum entertain @ 18th Nickerson Scholarship Concert - Elizabeth Richards

On Thin Ice – rescued dog “doing fine” - Crews display teamwork - By Walter Lunt

Be The Influence Coalition welcomes new director - By Elizabeth Richards

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Windham High School alumni entertain at 18th annual Richard Nickerson Scholarship Concert - By Elizabeth Richards

More than 20 Windham High School alumni gathered to share their talents and support a music scholarship on Saturday, January 3^rd, 2016, at the 18^th annual Richard Nickerson Scholarship concert.

The evening featured a variety of styles, from Broadway favorites and old standards to the modern music of Adele. Though many of the numbers were solo acts, The Side Notes, a mixed voice a cappella group, sang in delightful harmony with a wistful Sting song and an energetic Beach Boys medley. Also interspersed among the solos were a duet by sisters Jessica and Jenny Wood, and a father/daughter duet by Matthew and Brenna Ryder.

Concert highlights included original acts that exhibited the comprehensive talents of two Windham musicians. 2015 graduate and RNS scholarship recipient Ceili Spaulding performed a powerful, soulful original song titled You Take. 2011 graduate Logan Burns also presented a strong, engaging original piece.

The finale was a moving rendition of I’ll Stand By You, a song that seemed particularly relevant to the event. Production Manager Janelle LoSciuto, the 2002 scholarship recipient, said the award has played a part in many of the participant’s lives. “It is former students coming together to support current students. I think that’s special,” she said.

The Richard Nickerson Scholarship fund was started in 1997 by parents of the Windham Chamber Singers in appreciation of Dr. Richard Nickerson, director of Windham High School choirs and the Windham Chamber Singers. Each year, $1,000 is awarded to a graduating senior who plans to pursue music in some way during his or her college experience. LoSciuto said that although recipients don’t always choose music as their major, “They always carry their passion for music with them.”

LoScuito says alumni are happy to return for the scholarship concert. “A lot of people who received [the scholarship] feel connected to the program and the school, and are willing to give back this way,” she said.

The net is cast wide when seeking participants and any alumni who wish to participate are welcome. LoScuito said she begins with a mailing list of former WHS music students and those who have participated in the concert previously, and then takes it to a more personal level through social media, phone calls and emails. If the group was too large, they might ask performers to do duets or ensemble pieces, but usually they end up with just the right number of participants, said LoSciuto.

2017 will mark the 20^th anniversary of the scholarship program though due to a snow cancellation in 2010 it will only be the 19^th concert. LoSciuto said that next year’s concert, which will be held, as usual, on the first Saturday in January will be a larger and more exciting event which will include an alumni chorus directed by Dr. Nickerson.