Local WWII Veteran gains a special gift - By Michelle Libby

Don Rogers is well known in Windham. The World War II Veteran, who is a regular at parades and Veterans’ events, recently received an eagle head cane from the Maine Woodcarvers Association as a thank you for his service. 

While at breakfast at Danielle’s Diner last month, Don and Norma, his wife, were approached by a woman who noticed Don’s WWII Veteran hat. She thanked him for his service. A few minutes later Herb Blake, who was eating breakfast with the woman, approached Don and offered to make him an eagle head cane. The project would take a few weeks, he told him. 

“Don was pleased. He couldn’t wait to see him again,” said Norma. When they finally met up again, Don was thrilled. 

“It had his name on it. What a wonderful organization to present that,” she added. 

Herb Blake is the project manager for the eagle canes as a part of the Maine Woodcarvers Association, which provides eagle head canes for Maine Veterans with service related disabilities.

“We can’t keep up with demand,” said Blake. 

The personalized canes are made by 6 to 12 of the approximately 100 members of the organization. The canes, which are given at no cost to the veterans, cost about $20 in materials, but each craftsman put in between 20 to 30 hours to carve the eagle head depending on the amount of detail put into the cane, which is priceless. Each one is personalized by the artist. Donations pay for the materials, which include a rubber base, the cane stalk and the template for the eagle head. 

Personalization varies from flags to wood burning a unit number, medal or ribbons as well as the veteran’s name. Blake decoupages items onto the shaft of the cane for the ones he makes. 

When it comes to a WWII veteran, Blake doesn’t ask questions, he usually puts them at the top of the waiting list that sometimes contains 30 to 40 names. “He seemed healthy and active for his age, but still I put his name to the head of the list. It was the first time I’d seen him. He was wearing a vet cap and using a cane,” Blake said. 

Maine Woodcarvers Association makes and gives away close to 100 canes each year statewide.

“Quite a few do them for family or friends. Sometimes it doesn’t’ come through the project for me to take care of,” said Blake. “I do it to recognize the veterans and their service. We’re a non-profit and it’s our way of saying thank you.”  

Blake has seen Don since giving him the cane. The last time he watched Don shake the cane. “You don’t have one of these, do you?”

“It’s very rewarding to recognize someone and have them enjoy it that much,” Blake said. 

Blake works for Bath Iron Works and lives in New Gloucester. Woodworking is his hobby. Anyone who is interested in carving a cane and has carving skills or would like to donate to the program is encouraged to contact Blake. He will provide the materials and directions. Blake’s email is hblake12@maine.rr.com. 

Information about the program can be found at www.mainewoodcarvers.org.

Third Maine encampment draws history buffs to the Village Green - By Michelle Libby

The Third Maine encampment set up on the Windham Historical Society’s Village Green last weekend to demonstrate how soldiers and their families might have lived 155 years ago, during the Civil War. With tents, a campfire, a chef and a doctor, the small 1861 camp allowed visitors to walk among the area and ask questions of the infantry. Many of them played a character, but all of them are volunteers and have a love of history. 

“It’s a gift to the community. We didn’t charge admission. We wanted to educate about history. Three hundred Windham veterans fought in the Civil War,” said president of the Windham Historical Society Linda Griffin.

On Saturday, the regiment did infantry drills, firing demonstrations, musical concerts and more events all open to the public. On Sunday, there were many of the same types of events, including the arrival of doughnuts, which they used their bayonets to serve the treats. 

From the Third Maine’s Facebook page, they said, “Today we re-enacted the most delicious page of the 3rd Maine history - the delivery of donuts to the troops! The ladies of Augusta did this at the muster of the 3rd Regiment of Maine Volunteers in 1861. 155 years later the boys still love donuts.”

“It was very hot and there were a lot of other activities going on, but they still did it and enjoyed it,” said Griffin. The best attended programs were the drills where they shot the rifles. 

During one of the infantry drill and firing demonstrations, the almost 30 spectators watched as the regiment demonstrated how to fire the 11 to 13 pound rifles and how the front lines might have attacked during a battle. 

“As an officer I don’t want them thinking,” said David Gowen, the captain of Company A. He gave orders to the sergeant, who then ordered the soldiers. 

Firing a Springfield and Enfield replica muskets is a nine step process. The soldiers demonstrated the procedure for the crowd and fired into the field. The organized chaos was set up in a pyramid type fashion with the soldiers on the front line, then the sergeants passing orders on to them, then the captains of which there were fewer of and finally the generals on horseback who could see most of what was going on and they passed the orders down the chain to the front lines. The sergeants’ jobs were to make sure the men didn’t run away, according to Gowen. 

The Third Maine is an incorporated, non-profit, educational organization. According to their website they are “dedicated to preserving the memory of Maine's role in the American Civil War. Through living history events, battle reenactments, and educational presentations we work to teach others about what life was like for Maine soldiers and civilians during the years 1861 - 1865. We also strive to serve as a living memorial to all of the people who gave their lives during the war, and in doing so gave us these United States of America.”

Officers in the re-enactment company are elected by the members in the 50 to 60 person group.

“There’s less history interests in general in the country,” said Gowen, referring to the declining number in the audience and in the regiment. 

A family from Waterville read about the encampment and decided to stop by on Saturday. On the way home the children were interested in returning on Sunday. The man told Griffin, “If my children are interested I make sure it happens for them.” They returned and staying the whole day on Sunday.

The re-enactors commented on the loud cannons going off Saturday night, but they said they enjoyed the fireworks from Summerfest. 

To get involved with the Third Maine and be a part of living history it costs around $2,000, but the actors get years of service from their uniforms, Gowen said. He told the audience that although none of the gear used this weekend was original to the Civil War, this is good because the items last longer for the re-enactors. Soldiers used to drop a rifle when it jammed or broke. They would pick up a new one on the road, Gowen said. Now, the rifles are more durable and since each costs approximately $500 to $700 they aren’t disposable. The Third Maine marches in parades, sets up encampments, although Windham was their only encampment in Maine this season, does memorials and more. They have a form on their website for those interested in having them come to their event. The encampment was paid for by the Windham Historical Society. Next year they would like to try to have a Revolutionary War re-enactment group come. “We are really hoping it will help keep history alive to the community,” said Griffin. 

The Third Maine’s next big event is a re-enactment at the 155^th anniversary of the First Bull Run in Middletown, VA, on July 22-24.

Exquisite weater and Summerfest event bring the community together - By Michelle Libby

After much anticipation, Summerfest kicked off the summer season with a bang. Last Saturday, the day started off with heavier than usual crowds lining Route 202 for the Summerfest parade featuring organizations, floats, political entries, antique cars, the Shriners and so much more. The parade was longer this year and featured favorite entries and some new ones. Once the parade ended, the booths were open for business featuring food, fun and information. There was a row of crafters and another row for small food businesses like Naturally Jammin’. Other organizations like DARE and the Town of Windham’s comprehensive plan had tables to engage citizens in dialogue about what they do and their upcoming events. 

 

Non-profits served up food from the staple of frozen hot chocolate to pizza and sausage sandwiches, many vendors sold out of their products.

The day was highlighted by little things that happened. Windham Police officers played soccer on the field with some of the teenagers. Families brought Frisbees and played catch. Kids enjoyed running and playing with Flammin’ Raymond and Sizzlin’ Susan, their hula hoops and fun music. 

Everywhere people looked there was evidence of community involvement. State Representative Mark Bryant volunteered to be dunked in the dunk tank with is tie and dress clothes on. 

Entertainment and demonstrations went on all afternoon on the main stage and on a second stage at the far end of the field. There was an exciting K9 demonstration featuring K9 Vader from the Windham Police Department and his handler Officer Steve Stubbs.

The frog jump was a popular event with the winning frog cheered on by Dylan Hanrahan. The frog jumped 29 feet in 30 seconds. Dylan’s sister Brooke had the second place frog who jumped 17 feet 9 inches. 

As the evening rolled around the music heated up with JD Gilbert & The Night Train and Tickle. Singer Suzie Cropper from Main Stage Academy sang God Bless the USA just before the fireworks show began to the delight of the hundreds of people who packed into the school grounds. 

The committee chair Kelly Mank was thrilled with the turn out and the feedback she received that day and from the survey the committee put out on Facebook. There is still time to fill out the survey offering suggestions and constructive feedback at https://www.facebook.com/WindhamSummerfest/.

The committee is looking for additional volunteers to make next year’s Summerfest bigger and better.

Other members Tommy and Deb Matthews worked on setting up and organizing the booths and the parade. Robin Mullins led the fundraising for this year’s event. Niels Mank handled logistics, set up and other details. 

The committee’s needs for next year include more volunteers willing to take some of the work load and many volunteers on the day of Summerfest to make sure everything runs smoothly. 

The survey also asks for volunteers for next year for the parade, set up, clean up and more. It’s never too early to get involved. 

Next year Summerfest will be on June 24, 2017.

Non-traditional students overcome adversities to graduate - By Lorraine Glowczak

Often, we hold the conviction there is only one approach to life. If we do not find ourselves on that path, we believe ourselves to be doomed and set on course for failure. It’s not until we are reminded that there are many alternate routes more appropriate for us as an individual that we are let go of that false perception. Some people discover early - the courage, creativity, and innovation to follow that alternative path such as the eighteen 2016 successful graduates of the Windham-Raymond Adult Education. 
 

It was all pomp and circumstance the evening of Thursday, June 16^th in the Windham High School Auditorium as 14 of those 18 graduates marched in to receive their high school diploma. Most of the graduates believed they would never see the day or participate in their graduation ceremony. There were few dry eyes as loved ones witnessed their son, daughter, or friend march down the aisle to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by local professional musician, Don Pride. 

Tom Nash, director of Windham-Raymond Adult Ed, welcomed and congratulated family and friends in the audience for their support and encouragement that made the difficult road to success less challenging for the students. 

Marge Govoni, chairperson of the RSU14 School Committee followed the director’s statement by explaining this was her fourth graduation ceremony this spring.  As she put it, “I’ve saved the best for last.” Why is this the best? Because each student courageously chose this alternative path despite extraordinary circumstances, taking that one extra step to complete their degrees.

Like most traditional graduation ceremonies, this one too came with inductions into the honor society and special awards. Graduates Arielle Blanchard, Qamar Hussein, and Nadezhda Filatova were inducted to the National Adult Education Honor Society, by Cathy Renaud, adult education coordinator. Also inducted were two instructors of adult education Judy Mandile and Carol Strout. A $500 scholarship as well as a Central Maine Community College grant was awarded to Josh Davis.

Graduate, Allison MacFeat was the first student speaker to share her story. She expressed her gratitude for the non-traditional opportunity to graduate high school. During her years at Gorham High, Allison faced many challenges that took her off the beaten track to traditional graduation. The adult ed option gave her the courage, focus, and motivation to reach her goal of obtaining her diploma, completing all educational requirements in three months.

Her speech was followed by student, Josh Davis. Still reeling from the surprise awards he received earlier in the ceremony, Davis sprinkled his grateful remarks with a touch of humor and candor. Due to his own challenges, Davis also fell incredibly behind with his school work and was about to give up on graduating high school. Not only did he believe he would not receive his diploma, but never once suspected he would be a speaker at his own graduation. But the fact is, he did graduate with the help of his big family/friend support group and did so while working double shifts, graduating in less than a semester.

Guest speaker was Aimee Senatore, the executive director of Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, local business woman and life coach. Her inspiring address included suggestions for a successful future filled with passion for life. These four suggestions were: 1. Overcome fears with curiosity. 2. Choose your circle of influence. 3. Embrace the victor in you. 4. Always hold the gift of gratitude within you. She reminded the graduates that no matter what they would choose in life, challenges will always be present and there will always be more to learn. Embracing the four suggestions, will be the catalyst to overcome those challenges and live a courageous life. 

Most traditional ceremonies rush the graduates through the line to receive their diploma. However, this graduation was performed with intention and honor. Each graduate was given special attention with a sincere handshake and diploma presentation from Sanford Prince, Superintendent of Schools, followed by a moment of silence and then loud applause as the graduate walked off stage.

A few graduates took time after the ceremony to share pieces of advice. Chantelle King’s only challenge was that she wanted to graduate at a faster pace than the traditional route. She tested out of high school, scoring exceptionally well. It was her personal goal to graduate early and join the Navy. She will be leaving for Monterey, CA in September. Chantelle’s choice can be a reminder to follow dreams in unique ways. Teacher and honor society inductee, Judy Mandile, was once a student herself in adult dd. She now teaches courses in accounting and Microsoft Office and is the owner of Mandile Tax Services, LLC. Her life is an example that we never stop learning and growing. Josh Davis, who suffered from severe depression and faced great obstacles offers this one piece of advice, “The biggest thing to remember when one is about to give up - is to never believe you are out of options.”

Let the 2016 graduates of Windham-Raymond Adult Education remind us that through hard work, perseverance, focus, and courage – we can all overcome our personal challenges and be the master of our own destinies, living the life we love and envision.

Raymond's Nathaniel Hawthorne House celebrates summer - By Walter Lunt

Art, strawberries and a committed group of local preservationists are among the entities that support one of the oldest and most historically significant houses in the lakes region. Built in 1812 and now listed on the Historic Register, Hawthorne House, located in Raymond at the corner of Cape and Hawthorne Roads, was the childhood home of famed 19th century writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. The two story Georgian/Federal hybrid style house is being preserved by the non-profit Hawthorne Community Association, a devoted group of neighborhood citizens and others “from away” totaling nearly 150 members.

Repairs and maintenance on a historic house can be costly, particularly when they are carried out in the “period correct” manner. And that is where the fundraising comes into the picture. John Manoush, an association trustee said at least three important events are scheduled for this summer. 

On Saturday, June 25 beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Association will hold their annual strawberry festival at Hawthorne House. This year’s speaker is historian Steven Rogers, who will present original research on the topic of Nathaniel Hawthorne and the Shakers. The program will be followed by a social hour and homemade strawberry shortcake.

“It’s local strawberries, fresh whipped cream and homemade shortbread,” said trustee Melanie Champniss. Coffee and punch are included. Donations are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 8 years. All proceeds go to preserve and maintain Hawthorne House.

On July 15 and 16 (Friday and Saturday) the association will host a first ever art show and sale at the historic house from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Several local artists will present for view and for sale several forms of art. Jessica Bates will feature her line drawings, quash and poster-sized tapestry photographs. Libby Welch will show landscape and oil paintings. And Sharon Renk will present watercolor paintings of land and seascapes. Other artists are expected to participate. The event is free.

Trustee Champniss said “Hawthorne House is still vital,” and sponsors many events throughout the year including book club discussions. Patrons should also check local newspapers and the association website for the date and location of the annual chicken barbecue.

Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of several American classics including The Scarlet Letter  and House of Seven Gables spent summers at the Raymond house from age 9 until he entered Bowdoin College in 1821, about 8 years. He is known to have hunted the area and fished Sebago Lake and Thomas Pond. In later years he wrote in a letter to his sister, “I shall never again run wild in Raymond, and I shall never be so happy as when I did.”

Manoush said the Hawthorne family moved to Salem, Massachusetts following Nathaniel’s graduation from Bowdoin in 1825. The house became a tavern on the local stagecoach line.  At some point in the mid-19th century until 1921 it became a church meeting house. In that year the Hawthorne Community Association was formed for the purpose of preserving the historical significance of the property.

For more information on the house, its history and fund raising events go to www.hawthorneassoc.com.

In the Photos: 

 John Manoush, Melanie Champniss and Basil Champniss pose with "Nathaniel" at Raymond's Hawthorne House on Raymond Neck. Visitors can sometimes get their picture taken with the famous author, but apparently he is unavailable for book signings.