WEDC annual meeting honors past, builds future - By Lorraine Glowczak

Innovative and collaborative leadership with a focus on honoring the past and building the future was the highlight at last Wednesday’s Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) annual meeting. Held at the Windham Veteran’s Center, the meeting began with a social hour/buffet dinner served by Rustler’s Steak House and included special guest speaker Charles Lawton, chief economist at the Portland-based Planning Decisions.

Thomas Bartell, executive director of WEDC, opened the annual meeting by greeting the board members and welcoming their guests. “This is the first time that we have attempted an annual meeting with a program and invited guests,” Bartell stated. “We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.” 

“It is truly amazing how much is happening with economic growth in the Windham and Raymond area,” Bartell declared in his welcoming statements. The various economic initiatives and entrepreneurial developments Bartell identified included, but were not limited to, plans such as the community building efforts of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Institute. The plans for the Institute are being created by a chamber committee, but the certifications will be handled through Windham/Raymond Adult Education. 

Also mentioned were opportunities to diversify Windham’s economy through the future Scale Up entrepreneur classes brought to the Sebago region in part through the efforts of Katherine Damon with Gorham Savings Bank and the same chamber committee working on the leadership institute.

Additionally, the successful entrepreneurial endeavors of local resident, Stephanie Lay were highlighted. Lay and her son, both proprietors of the Maine Tex Grilled Salsa business, will soon be expanding in Windham, creating new jobs in the area with a portion of proceeds going to the non-profit organization, The Special Foundation for Autism.

After the welcoming statements, the business meeting was called to order beginning with a review of the treasurer’s report followed by board of director elections. Two seats out of the fourteen WEDC board member positions needed to be renewed/filled. Steve McFarland, a current board member, was nominated and voted unanimously to renew his three-year term. Charlotte Mace, executive director of Biobased Maine, was nominated to replace former board member, Peter Anania who chose to step down from his position. Mace was also voted in unanimously. 

“I am so pleased to be appointed to a 3-year term on the Windham Economic Development Corporation, and I am eager to participate in existing projects and contribute to future economic development in Windham. I am passionate about economic development in Maine, and I want to help ensure that our community prospers through sustainable economic development that benefits our economy and families,” Mace stated.

The election process continued with the voting of the WEDC executive committee. President Dustin Roma, secretary Steve McFarland and treasurer Jeff Vermette all renewed their positions. Beth Schidzig stepped down from her role as vice president. Larry Eliason was voted in to replace her.

Upon the completion of the elections, president Roma reviewed the projects underway that are enhancing economic development in the greater Windham area. “Anglers Road Project is very close to being completed with one lot already sold,” he said. Also mentioned were the collaborative efforts with the towns of Standish, Gray, Raymond as well as with Saint Joseph’s College that include broadband internet and utility infrastructure progress with the intention to support business growth and strengthen existing business.

Roma also took a moment to recognize the hard work and efforts of executive director Thomas Bartell, thanking him for his progressive and cooperative leadership skills. This was met with a round of applause and standing ovation.

Finally, Charles Lawton was introduced as guest speaker. Lawton began his presentation by first praising the successful collective leadership he witnessed that evening, recognizing the sincere efforts to provide a successful economic environment for the people of the greater lakes region. “After all,” Lawton stated, “Economic development is really about people.”

Issues facing Maine’s economic status, Lawton explained, include the challenges of demographic imbalance, the loss of manufacturing jobs, those hurt by globalization, and efforts to provide the much needed skills for economic success. “Our economic challenges can no longer be solved in the traditional way,” Lawton pointed out. “We can no longer simply place an ad in the paper. Those days are long gone.”

Adaptation to new technology and business cooperation are two ways in which Maine people and communities can reach desired economic success, Lawton explained. He ended his presentation recognizing that the Windham and Raymond communities are heading in the right direction.

Before the annual meeting adjourned, a moment of honor took place to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of a past trailblazing leader. Members of the WEDC did so by recognizing former WEDC board member Thomas “Tommy” Gleason, who passed away in May of this year. His “determination to ‘make things happen’ and his drive to make Windham ‘all that it can be’” is noteworthy. As a result, the WEDC board established the Thomas “Tommy” Gleason Economic Development Champion Award. The award went to Martin Lippman for his outstanding vision and devotion to transform the area, and who provided the donation to secure the land and Chaffin Pond that is now Donnabeth Lippman Park named after Martin’s late wife. A plaque was also awarded to Gleason’s widow, Nancy Gleason, as a show of gratitude for Tommy’s service to the community.

Special thanks went to Bomb Diggity Bakery and Café for providing desserts for the evening as well as to Blossoms of Windham for supplying the flower arrangements. Jars of Maine Tex Grilled Salsa were given as gifts to all members and guests upon the completion of the annual meeting.

2016 Halloween adventure was scary fun - By Stephen Signor

Windham Parks and Recreation and the Windham Public Library held the first ever truck or treat contest on Saturday, just after the Windham Primary School . As the theme and main event put on by the Windham Parks and Recreation department implied, those interested in participating decorated their trunk or rear of an SUV in a Halloween theme. Prior, during, and after the judging, treats were available from the rear of the vehicles. 

“This event was a far cry and improvement from last year’s adventure which featured hunting for candy in the dark with flashlights,” said Randi Benish, one of the entries. When darkness prevailed the rear end of vehicles lit up with a variety of flashing lights, luminescent balloons and even a bubble making machine. It was obvious there was no limit placed on the creativity.   

In all there were nine entries with three winners. One of the winners was the Warren family. 

Their theme was not only unique, it was mostly improvisation. Their undersea display, which won most creative, included balloons to mimic air bubbles, incorporated an electric bubble making machine and a handmade jellyfish fashioned out of an umbrella frame, bubble wrap, lights and packing tape. 

“We just wanted to do something fun and really creative. The kids loved the bubbles and balloons so we went with it,” said Sally Warren.

Clearly everyone else had just as much fun. All of the contestants displayed a unique and creative quality making the judging extremely challenging. When it was over the kids reaped the benefits by filling their Halloween containers with goodies from the trunks.

There was more going on than just Trunk-or-Treat, however. An announcement could be heard in the darkness. “There other fun things to do inside after the Trunk-or-Treat, said parks and recreation director Linda Brooks using a megaphone. There’s a table in the gym for registering your costume for the contest,” continued Brooks. There was also a haunted house inside that began on the second floor of the gym where long lines formed all evening.

Entertainment was provided by Flamin’ Raymin and Sizzlin’ Suzzin high energy DJ’s. They have been pleasing crowds and providing unprecedented entertainment for 22 years. “We started out as line dance instructors and still are. But we evolved more as entertainers.” Doing nearly 200 shows a year has kept them busy, especially in the summer months. With numerous environments it’s always different. 

“We try to fit what we do to the crowd or if there is a theme we stick to that and decorate accordingly. During the summer months we do a lot of resorts. We have been performing at Point Sebago for 22 years,” shared Susan Hall, the Susan in Suzzin and controller of the tunes.  

“The town has done a great job with this. I’m impressed. I think Windham did a really good job of getting it going. I think it will only continue to grow,” she added.

The other half, Raymond Dupuis, had the duty of keeping the crowd, especially the kids, entertained. Dressed up as a pirate, he held the audience captive with his swashbuckling mannerisms. When it came to dancing, all ages enjoyed the lessons in choreographic elements of such Halloween favorites as Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Tunes also included other favorites like Bobby Pickett’s MonsterMash.

 

Meanwhile, the best costumes were chosen. Judging was done by Mrs. Maine 2017 Betsy Benish, Sherma Moody, Jennie Butler and volunteer Selena Pelletier. There were numerous visually appealing outfits and several age groups eligible to win making judging very challenging. “Among other things we are looking for the scariest, detail, originality and overall appearance. Some very original costumes are out there,” said Benish. Even Donald Trump made an appearance.

When the finale the kids were waiting for arrived, they were ready. The costume contest winners were announced.  Tina Bean was given the most original title and Elizabeth Benning was most authentic dressed as a cat. 

Although this event was scheduled until 9 p.m., the majority of the crowd made a mass exodus immediately after the judging of the contest, but everyone agrees they had a great time.

Despite rain, WPS's firstfa ll Festival a huge success - By Stephen Signor

Rain did not keep Halloween fanatics from showing up at 404 Gray Road last Saturday for Windham Primary School’s first ever Fall Festival. 

“In June we started thinking about ideas about an event and landed on the Fall Festival, something for all ages with a theme,” shared principal Dr. Kyle Rhoads. 

Although the weather forced most of the events to be moved inside no one seemed to care. Several classrooms were the showcase for such events like a ring toss over pumpkins, face painting and a treasure hunt where two kiddy pools were filled with leaves that hid prizes for the taking. The main hallway was abuzz with children engaging in games like the apple toss and having their picture taken while placing their smiling faces into corn stalks and other seasonal selfie booths.

Meanwhile the cafeteria was the scene of pumpkin decorating. Two young for using carving tools, the children decorated donated pumpkins with stickers to take home. The library was the scene of a scavenger hunt. There were hidden objects in plain sight to be found by seekers and treats to be rewarded.

Outside a dunk tank was set up that proved to be very popular. Despite the rain, children lined up to take a shot at four brave souls who volunteered to get wet. For $1, those aspiring to hit their target were given three bean bags. Staff members secretary Corey McAllister, social worker John Reidy, noon monitor Jason Farley and last but certainly not least principal Rhoads endured the rain and accurate arms of paying customers. 

The staff’s popularity was obvious even before the day of the festival. “Well, we made announcements over the intercom on Thursday listing the activities that would be available. The dunk tank was most by far what the kids were talking about,” said Rhoads. The notion of this activity came naturally. “The dunk tank was my idea. Thankfully it was purchased by the PTA and eventually paid for by contributions,” continued Rhoads. 

In response to the weather, Rhoads said “Even though it was rainy outside, it was sunny inside for sure. The kids are having a blast and that’s all we wanted to do.” 

There was no letting up in the attendance the entire four hours. “I’m impressed with how it has gone today. At one point we had the hallway pretty packed with families. The PTA has been a great help along with staff and family volunteers. Volunteer coordinator Michelle Jordan was instrumental in getting volunteers and organizing the event. It’s a team effort. It shows community support also,” said Rhoads. 

 

Parent advisory group at the primary school, the PTA and staff all worked together to coordinate the event. Kudos also goes to Melissa Oldakowski from Coldwell Banker Team Real Estate who recruited donations from area businesses and people. 

“Local business owners should feel proud that they make consistent efforts to help their community. I think it comes back two-fold when you give,” said Oldakowski. As for the event itself, she acknowledged, “Super thankful to all the teachers. I am really excited to see where this community is heading,” she continued.

Success isn’t always easy to measure. But to summarize, Jordan attempted by saying “We had 350 pumpkins and they were all gone. If you take, say 400 kids each with two adults, I think we probably had 800 or 900 walk through today.” As a free event the only thing donation-based was the bake sale table and the dunk tank. 

“That money will off-set any cost that we had for the event. I expect that we will make some extra money so we will decide later where we will put that to work; probably something for the students through the school,” concluded Jordan.

Dr. Nickerson semi-finalist for the 2017 Music Educator Award - By Elizabeth Richards

For the second time in four years, Dr. Richard Nickerson, director of choral activities at Windham High School, has been recognized as one of the top music educators in the country. Nickerson has been named a semifinalist for the 2017 Music Educator Award to be presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation. 

 

Nickerson was named a quarterfinalist for the prestigious award in April of 2013. This year, he is one of 25 semifinalists from an applicant pool of thousands from all 50 states. In December, 10 finalists will be chosen. The final winner will be announced in February 2017, and flown to Los Angeles to receive the award and attend the Grammy Awards.

“It’s a little surreal,” Nickerson said on Tuesday afternoon. “There’s a lot of excitement around here. The students are very excited.”  

The Music Educator Award was established to recognize current full time educators from kindergarten through the college level in either public or private schools “who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in schools.”  

Anyone can nominate a teacher for the award. Nickerson was nominated by another music educator, he said. Once nominated, educators are notified and invited to fill out an application that included both school data points and essay questions on teaching philosophy, Nickerson said. After being selected as a quarterfinalist, Nickerson was asked to submit three videos and a written resume. The videos detailed specific points such as teaching philosophy, how he has dealt with challenges, and an uninterrupted video of him teaching, Nickerson said. Now, as far as he knows, the only thing to do is wait for the announcement of finalists. 

Nickerson said he is overwhelmed with the support he feels from the community, especially the people reaching out in the past few days as word got out that he is a semifinalist. “It’s been very humbling,” he said. “I just continue to be so thankful and feel so blessed that I am so well supported by this community, and that they’ve enabled me to take risks, to try different things in this incredible journey that I’m on and bring my students along for the ride.”

Recently, the Windham Chamber Singers performed a nearly sold out show with a Queen tribute band at the Windham Performing Arts Center. “It was so different from anything we’ve ever done, and I think that was one of the things that the community was really into,” Nickerson said. The energy generated that evening was unlike any concert the students have performed, he added, with people literally dancing in the aisles. 

Nickerson has taught at Windham High School for 30 years. He conducts three choirs, teaches music courses, and is the music coordinator for the district. He is also the Minister of Music at North Windham Union Church. 

Nickerson has won many awards, including Maine Music Educator of the Year and Maine Distinguished Choral Director of the Year. In January 2009, he was named one of ten “choral directors of note” in the US by Choral Director Magazine. Nickerson has also been runner-up for Maine Teacher of the Year. Nickerson has conducted in major concert venues throughout the world, and made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1998. Last April, he returned to Carnegie Hall to conduct a festival choir made up of singers from Maine.

Nickerson and the chamber singers are hard at work preparing for the American Family Holiday concert on December 3rd, 2016. In April 2017, the group’s spring tour will take them to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Babbs Bridge reopens with a clean look - By Stephen Signor

Last Friday at 10 a.m. the covered bridge that crosses the Presumpscot River and connects Gorham with Windham opened after much needed renovations. The original plan was to just replace openings left in the sides of the bridge from vehicle accidents and replacing the roof from which vandals would make access possible for diving off the span. 

Half way through the project it was decided to install sheathing first behind the siding boards for extra strength and added damage protection, then install all new boards over that on both sides for aesthetics. The added use of cedar resulted in a good looking structure that should last a long time.

“With the changes the original price tag of $89,000 increased to $108,000, but well worth it,” a MDOT worker shared. “It’s up to the users of the bridge now how long the overall condition lasts.”

At 10:20 a.m. the first car drove across from the Gorham side. “It’s nice to see this done. They did a great job,” said the happy motorist who wished to remain anonymous. He also expressed concern regarding the history of vandals. “Last summer there was a surveillance camera placed high up on a tree by the Gorham Police Department. This was an effective deterrent. I don’t know why they took it down, but the moment they did the vandalism continued.” 

 “The covered bridge will remain unpainted so it can age naturally and gain that weathered look,” explained a representative from Doten Construction, Inc. of Freeport who worked on the project.

Babb’s Bridge is one of the few covered bridges left in New England.