The new vision for North Windham - By Walter Lunt

An ambitious project, five years in the making, aimed at transforming Windham’s bustling commercial strip between River Road and White’s Bridge Road intersections may soon begin a long trip toward reality. Planners have initiated a plan to improve safety in the Boody’s Corner area with the creation of crosswalks and count-down pedestrian signals. In addition, sidewalks would be installed on the north side of Route 35 from the intersection to Basin Road. A small but definitive step to what local officials hope will someday be the ultimate alternative to an auto-centric commercial center. The future, they say, will be “a historic style grid creating a fabric of mixed uses and street types…east and west of the transportation corridor…(which) promotes economic development, safety and sense of place.
 

Decades of complaints about traffic congestion and lack of aesthetic appeal in the commercial district of North Windham have been as numerous as the hamburgers and household goods sold daily along the strip. Long gone are the days of a single traffic light at Boody’s Store (intersection 35/115), a village style mix of locally owned stores, single family homes and farms and a thru-fare framed by overhanging elm trees. Since the 1960s, numerous studies have been recommended, even implemented, to change and improve the area. Still, dissatisfaction lingers.

Now a bold and optimistic project, idling since 2011, is beginning to take shape. Town planners and officials of T.Y. Lin Engineers of Falmouth met with residents and stakeholders last week to discuss the first steps toward implementation of the North Windham 21^st Century Downtown Plan. 

T.Y. Lin senior associate Thomas Errico presented slides and sought feedback from the gathering of several dozen at Smitty’s Cinema in North Windham. The plan, a comprehensive vision for the future of the area, seeks to guide growth and change through the promotion of “quality of place.” Not just another “corridor study” that focuses on traffic movement, the master plan would expand street networks surrounding the commercial core, incubate economic development and housing opportunities, landscape esplanades and access to open space.

A key concept of the plan is the promotion of Complete Streets, designed to provide safe and comfortable travel for pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation riders as well as cars. On-street parking is envisioned on lateral streets. Crosswalks with count-down signals would be installed at all intersections. Intermittent raised medians installed on Roosevelt Trail would be designed to improve driveway access. And collaboration with local businesses is recommended to modify driveways deemed unsafe or unneeded. Shared drives created by fewer curb cuts will be encouraged. In addition, improved traffic signal phasing is anticipated to reduce delays. The plan also acknowledges the need for a public sewer system, a move now underway by a committee of Windham public officials and local residents.

The 21^st Century plan also recommends the inclusion of so-called “in-fill” development.  Portions of existing parking lots and streets parallel to the commercial corridor, such as Manchester Drive, could absorb future growth through the Complete Streets model. Residential and mixed use development would be encouraged on the periphery of the commercial district. According to the master plan, “…transportation options, land use and architecture (can) balance the needs of “to,” “thru,” and “local” modes and types of travel (creating) a gateway to the Lakes Region as well as the heart to a vibrant town center.”

Building form under the master plan would become more consistent. New buildings would be constructed closer to the road-way and possess a certain character unlike that of typical chain store and big box structures. The report states “Buildings should act as ‘urban architecture,’ framing the public realm and reinforcing the new and retrofitted Complete Streets.”

The North Windham 21^st Century Downtown project received the prestigious Plan of the Year Award from the Maine Association of Planners in 2014. It was approved as official town planning policy by the Windham Town Council in 2013.

Windham officials and T.Y. Lin predict it will be many years before 21^st Century approaches complete reality because components of the plan will be introduced only as future development occurs. The new sidewalk and crosswalk construction at Boody’s Corner is dependent on a grant application now before the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS). Preliminary engineering is expected to be completed this spring.

Planners said the dramatic transformation envisioned under 21^st Century will have to happen in conjunction with future development and with the formulation of short and long term goals. Revisions to the Windham Comprehensive Plan and to land use ordinances will guide its implementation. Funding, over time, could come from a variety of sources including capital improvement budgets, tax increment financing, bonding, impact fees and grants.

“We are not trying to replicate the Old Port,” said town planner Ben Smith. “North Windham is very valuable to our community and we can do better. It needs to be more healthy, enjoyable and more residential.”

 



Artist’s rendering comparing access drive to WalMart (McDonald’s on right) before and after implementation of 21^st Century plan.

Huge turnout at the local caucuses brings increased excitement - By Michelle Libby 
 Raymond Community Forest Project close to reality - By Walter Lunt

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Raymond Community Forest Project close to reality - By Walter Lunt

If local land preservationists are successful the view from atop Pismire Mountain in North Raymond will be virtually unchanged 100 plus years from now. Local volunteers, including members of Loon Echo Land Trust and the Raymond Conservation Commission, have worked for more than three years to establish a conservation easement on 350 acres of pristine forest on the east shore of Crescent Lake. Known as the Raymond Community Forest Project, the plan would preserve a rustic forest and mountain area and protect the water quality of lakes and rivers, wildlife habitat, as well as scenic vistas and recreational activity.

Carrie Walia, executive director of Loon Echo Land Trust, said her organization has an intent-to-purchase agreement with the current owner, Hancock Lumber Co., that carries a real estate deadline of June 30, 2016. The property was appraised at $615,000, of which $30,000 still needs to be raised in the next 3 ½ months.

“This significant project is steps away from being completed,” said Walia. “We’re optimistic that the community will help us close (the) gap to buy this special property in Raymond for the benefit of the public.” Almost 95 percent of the purchase price has already been secured from a variety of sources, including the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, private donations, a number of foundations and a “bargain sale” in-kind contribution from Hancock Lumber Co. Another from the Land for Maine’s Future will have to be covered by a loan until the state funds are released.

The sprawling forest land lies within the watershed of Crescent Lake. Walia said the proposed community forest will serve as long term protection of the quality of the lake and the waters downstream to Panther Pond and Sebago Lake, the source of public water for the region.

For outdoor enthusiasts, LELT promises the development of trail networks, at least one to the top of Pismire Mountain. Others would support hiking, walking, mountain biking and cross/back country skiing. Traditional hunting and forestry is also planned. A parking area would be located off Conesca Road.

As recently as last Monday, Walia announced the receipt of a $32,000 grant (pending purchase) from the Maine Recreational Trails Program (Maine State Department of Agriculture).

Loon Echo fliers indicate “…the forest will be a destination point to Raymond and the region, helping support for local tourism and a natural resource based economy.”

Sheila Bourque of the Raymond Community Forest Steering Committee said while Loon Echo will own and pay taxes on the land, she foresees a group of Raymond residents serving in an advisory capacity in the management, trail maintenance, signage and supervision of the public, and youth groups using the property.

“We would act as the eyes and ears of the property,” tending to the day to day, hands-on tasks, Bourque said.

To learn more about the Raymond Community Forest Project and to donate, visit www.LELT.org. Click on “Places to Protect” and “Raymond Community Forest.”

Huge turnout at the local caucuses brings increased excitement - By Michelle Libby

Chick for this weeks sales flyer

This past weekend, the National political scene came to Maine as republicans and democrats turned out in record numbers to voice their opinions and cast their choice for nominee for President of the United States. Republican caucuses were held on Saturday and democratic caucuses were held on Sunday. The Republican State Committee grouped the caucuses into 11 regions, whereas the democrats met by town. Windham Middle School was the location for the republican caucus for Windham, Raymond, Standish, Casco, Sebago, Harrison, Naples, Gray, Bridgton, Baldwin and Frye Island. 
 

“People are mad,” said Peter Dunn of Raymond. “I’m 78 years old and I’ve never been to a caucus before.” 

Others were also attending caucuses for the first time. Velma Bowes from Gray is 79 years old and she’d never been. Craig Doering from Windham was nominated as a delegate. “My impression is that there is a huge turnout,” he said. The Windham voters filled a classroom on Saturday to hear local legislators discuss needs for the Republican Party both locally and on the state level.

One woman arrived at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and there were already a lot of people waiting. “This is a fantastic turnout,” she added.

Ryan Crowell holds his daughter Lucy at the democratic caucus in Raymond on Sunday. They are a Hillary family.

“It’s bringing us all out. And we’re Trump all the way,” said Louise Dunn from Raymond. 

Representative Patrick Corey, from District 24, was at the caucus to announce his run for reelection. He recalls that in 2012, there was a Presidential preference poll where people put their vote into a container. “We didn’t have this opportunity in 2012,” he said. Corey had this to say about working with other elected officials. “It’s not about you. It’s about your community. Whoever gets elected, that delegation has to work together.” 

The caucuses gave voters not only a chance to vote for their favorite candidate, but to hear other opinions on why they were voting for certain people. It was the first time it was tried this way.

In 2012, 5,585 voters cast their vote for a republican presidential candidate. This year 18,650 voted. Cruz won the regional vote and the State of Maine with 45.84 percent of the votes. Trump was second with 32.55 percent of the votes.

Speakers from all four republican candidates attempted to entice the votes to choose their candidates and representatives from each candidate were on hand to answer questions and hand out bumper stickers and signs. 

“This is a slice of American. Kids, seniors, adults all came out. It’s personalized,” said Rep. Mike McClellan. “Isn’t that why most of us are here? People are angry, frustrated. He’s telling them what they want to hear,” said Keith Minton from Raymond who is campaigning for Cruz. 

Close to 800 people voted in Windham. 

On Sunday, the democrats met in their individual towns to support Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton.

“This is the first step to vote for electing a democrat for President,” said Janis Cummings, who opened the caucus in Raymond. In 2012, seven people came to the democratic caucus in Raymond, this year there were 100. 

Jess Fay, who is running for the District 66 seat, and State Senator Bill Diamond both spoke to encourage the crowd. “The turnout has been unbelievable. That’s all good news for us,” said Diamond.  In Portland, the caucus had to be moved outside due to the large numbers and many people stood in line for hours. 

Unlike the republican caucus, the democrats asked their voters to stand on one side of the gym or the other at the Raymond Elementary School, depending on who they wanted to vote for. The undecided voters stood in the middle until they made their decision. 

“They [Clinton and Sanders] need each other,” said Bill Hayman. “The most important thing is getting out the vote.”

One man who was planning to vote for Sanders said, “Hillary is still playing the same game the way it’s always been played.” 

Another pointed out that “Bernie is more likable than Obama was at this point in the race.”

The final tally in Raymond was Sanders 87 to Clinton 47. 

“I’m psyched,” said Jen Bruder. “I didn’t realize the importance of it until I found someone I’m passionate about. [Sanders] doesn’t owe anybody any favors, except for us.” 

Sanders won the democratic vote in Maine. The process is now under evaluation in Augusta to see if caucuses are the best way to hold primaries in Maine.

Maine Wildlife Park from Representative Sue Austin

Another Great Year For The Maine Wildlife Park

As many of you know, I have been singing the praises of the Maine Wildlife Park for a very long time now. In my opinion, it’s one of the preeminent attractions in all of Maine.

Well it appears that I’m not alone in my affinity for the park and all it has to offer. 122,000 people visited the park this year. That is not only an increase of 16 percent over last year, but a new record for attendance. 

It wasn’t only the impressive and record setting attendance numbers that made this a year to remember for the Maine Wildlife Park. The grand opening of the new lynx enclosure happened this past spring thanks in large part to the Friends of Maine Wildlife Park. Standing 19 feet tall and 18 feet wide, the new Inland Fisheries and Wildlife mural was also a head-turner this year.

If you haven’t had the chance to get to the Maine Wildlife Park you don’t know what you’re missing. There’s more than 30 species on display, many of them you won’t find anywhere else in Maine. Many of the animals brought there were injured or orphaned and would have likely died had it not been for the care they received at the park.   

The Maine Wildlife Park has been a fixture in this area for 84 years and with the wonderful staff and volunteers they seem to have every year, they will likely be around for much longer. 

Rep. Sue Austin represents House District 67 which includes: Casco (part), Frye Island, Gray (part) and Raymond (part) 

Winterfest's first year low on winter, high on spirit - By Michelle Libby

Last Saturday, Windham Parks and Recreation and Windham PTA worked together to put on a Winterfest celebration that would mesh with the Sebago Lake Fishing Derby, however, when the derby was cancelled expected attendance dropped, but that didn’t stop the people who came from having fun. 

“It was a slow start and as the day went on more people came. It was a little lower attendance with the confusion around the canceling of the derby,” said parks and rec director Linda Brooks. “By the evening, we had a lot of visitors.”

The event was held at two venues, Donnabeth Lippman Park and the Windham Veterans Center, with shuttle service between the two. 

“A lot of people learned about Lippman Park,” said Brooks. “They didn’t know it was there.”

Skating at the park was a big hit. Youth played hockey and some families skated, said Brooks. Many of the activities were more akin to a springfest, but the bounce houses, hidden candy on the story walk and hula hooping with Flamin’ Raymond and Sizzlin’ Susan gave everyone a chance to practice their spring and summer fun skills. 

The indoor venue at the Windham Veterans Center gave people the opportunity to get out of the cold and warm up with free food and treats. The Windham PTA held a crockpot cookoff, and served hotdogs and popcorn. Guests sampled the food and voted for which dish was their favorite. The third place was a tie between Sarah Simagna’s meatballs and Julie Frost’s Taco Soup, second place went to Melissa Oldakowski’s sweet and sour meatballs and first place went to Ernesta Kennedy for her BBQ Beans. 

 

Pat’s Pizza donated a soup to the crockpot competition and 25 other businesses donated prizes for the winners and as door prizes. The Windham Veterans Association donated the building to the cause.

“It was great because we had such a response from our community,” said Wotton. 

In the past the PTA held a winter type event at Manchester School, but it had not happened for the last few years. When they heard about this event, the PTA couldn’t wait to partner with Windham Parks and Recreation. The PTA took over the organizing of the warming space in the Veterans center.

Wotton, president of the PTA in Windham, involved Cub Scout Pack 805, who set up a Pinewood Derby track and let the children build Lego cars to race. 

Leanna, 7, and Bryce, 4 1/2 , Rogers build race cars out of Legos to run down the Pinewood Derby track.

“It’s been a successful first year. We wanted to start simple so we would be successful,” said Wotton. “Next year it will hopefully be bigger.”

Thank you to the sponsors including Maine Optometry

Next year’s plans are already underway, with the possibility of a shortened day and expanded community involvement. “Lippman Park is a great opportunity for winter activities like cross country skiing, skating and snowshoeing,” said Brooks. She anticipates that the locations will stay the same. 

A Campfire.

“On the whole it was something to grow on. People were generally very pleased,” Brooks said.

Winterfest's first year low on winter, high on spirit - By Michelle Libby 
 John A. Andrew School: Can an appreciation of the past add clarity to the future? - By Walter Lunt
Business community and education - By Michelle Libby

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John A. Andrew School: Can an appreciation of the past add clarity to the future? - By Walter Lunt

All vestiges of the original wood frame John A. Andrew School in South Windham are now gone. All but the memories.
 

The 90 plus year old “grammar” school was demolished and hauled away in recent weeks after its roof was deemed beyond repair. The brick ell, an addition built in 1954 and currently used for school storage, remains on the High Street site. Concurrently, a committee of the RSU 14 Board of Directors mulls the future of the district’s three middle schools. An advisory group concluded in June, 2014 that Windham Middle School (1977) and Field-Allen School (1947) in Windham are over capacity and facing heating, electrical and other building issues. Jordan Small School in Raymond, it was determined, while suffering from roof deterioration, electrical issues and energy inefficiency, is under capacity by 45 percent. Unfortunately, efforts to resolve the middle school concerns spawned controversy over cost sharing between the two towns and Raymond’s failed attempt to leave the district.

The John A. Andrew history is a proud and storied one. The original structure, a clapboarded 2 ½ story wood frame building, built at the turn of the 20^th century, was lost to fire in the early 1920s. The more recent 4-room wooden building featured an abbreviated, shallow cellar with a raised floor. Generations of Windham children, kindergarten (early on known as sub-primary) to grade 4 learned their arithmetic facts and ABCs from stern, strict teachers, usually female.

As noted in the early Windham Town Reports, most teachers were graduates of Gorham Normal School; great emphasis was placed on penmanship (Palmer method), and promoted the craft through basic and advanced classes and special awards to those who mastered the drill sheets; and public speaking (known as elocution) was valued and practiced daily.

When primary and elementary classes at John Andrew ended in 1990, a reunion of staff and alumni was organized. Attendees reminisced about teaching practices unheard of in today’s schools: Early “scholars” entered the building in two separate lines, boys and girls – the girls entered first. Both would pause to hang up coats and remove boots in a “cloakroom.” A treasured and esteemed occurrence was to be chosen by your teacher to clean chalk board erasers by going outside and “clapping” them against the building – chalk dust was a regular and familiar part of the classroom sensory experience. And, a mainstay of the day’s opening exercises was a verbal prayer. 

The original school in the 1920s

John A. Andrew in South Windham and the old Arlington School in North Windham (predecessor to the Manchester School) were among the vanguard schools that lead rural communities from the 19^th century “district” school systems, or one-room schoolhouses – there were once 19 in Windham). The newer, larger schools were less expensive to operate and required fewer grades per room. The dawn of the automobile, in this case buses, afforded pupils the convenience of “conveyance” instead of walking long distances.

1990

The school’s namesake, John Albion Andrew, was a favorite son of the community. His birthplace is located near the school site on Depot Street. Born in 1818, “Albion” was home schooled, and later attended Bowdoin College. After pursuing a law career in Boston he is best remembered for serving as governor of Massachusetts during the Civil War. In his last return visit to Windham during the town’s centennial celebration in 1862, Andrew regaled local citizens with a rousing speech crediting his early life in Windham with his success. Later, in 1935, Windham historian Frederick Dole would write, “He was a son of whom Windham is justly proud.” In the early 1900s, one deserving Windham High School graduate would be honored with the John Andrew prize by being awarded the sum of $12.

As residents pay humble respects and bid a necessary though sad good-bye to the John Andrew School, Marge Giovani, chair of the current day RSU 14 Board of Directors, looks ahead to the task of meeting modern school needs. “We’re whittling down our options on the middle school issue. It’s a difficult one,” she said.

Before the brick addition. 

Giovani said the facilities committee hopes to give district voters two viable options later this year, either in an advisory or a binding referendum. Choices, she says, could involve new construction or major renovations.

School facilities director Bill Hansen said that the Andrew site will continue to be cleaned up. “Right now, we’re enhancing the area for future use.” The brick building that was the 1954 addition to the Andrew school is serving a critical need for storage. Attractive metal siding is being placed where the two buildings connected. He said tires and other lingering debris will be removed, and it will soon be an attractive lot.

 

Almost as an after-thought, Hansen mentioned that he is planning to construct a special plaque in honor of the school, a unique one.

It seems, during the tear-down, while the Windham Historical Society salvaged old slate chalkboards and decades old wainscoting for use in their Village Green history center, Hansen removed the front stair treads that lead to the classroom areas. “I’d like to use them for a plaque,” he mused, “that would show (highlight) the indentations formed by years of foot traffic.”

So, gone but not forgotten. Hansen’s plaque will be a physical testament to immortalize decades, that is, generations of little feet. Memories.