Windham High graduate combines education with life experiences abroad By Stephen Signor

Caroline Ireland (left) poses in front of a building being constructed

Well before Caroline Ireland graduated from Windham High School in 2015, her immediate future had already been mapped out. It began at an early age when she was in the girls’ youth group Challenge, run by Regnum Christi, a movement of the Catholic Church. Through this movement, 

Ireland joined Mission Youth as one of many missionaries that serve communities in the US and abroad in their specific needs.

Ireland’s interest in serving others is obviously innate. “I have always been a very curious person. My curiosity has definitely prodded my passion for volunteerism. I think all humans have a unique story to tell and I am always eager to listen. My passion and interest in service/volunteering also stems from my family. My parents and older siblings have always volunteered their time in a variety of ways.”

Once in high school it would be through the organization of Mission Youth that the first taste of travel and service would take place. “I knew they offered international service trips for high school students, so when I was a junior at Windham High School, my friend Katherine (who I did Challenge with) and her mom invited me to join them in Haiti. Of course I wanted to go so in July of 2014 I embarked on my first international service trip,” shared Ireland.

Haiti proved to be a really shocking and quite the influential trip. While there, she was exposed to a brand new culture and a country that was living in extreme poverty. “At first it was hard to look past all the trash and filth. I remember being genuinely repulsed at first, but then when I opened my heart to the people there I could see the inner beauty,” stated Ireland.

One day spent at the Home for the Dying, simply massaging the women in need was enough to learn the value of and importance of the human connection. “That day the simple act of the human touch and connection truly moved me. I vividly remember that day and am so grateful for the intimate experience I had with those women and the lessons they taught me,” continued Ireland. 

A typical Haitian Day

As a senior, things really took off. It started with the search for college. “I was unsure of what to study because I like a lot of things. I have always been passionate about people. I know I have the skills to work well with people and communities,” said Ireland. It was this mindset that lead to the decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. “I also believe I can grow as a human being in this field which is important,” continued Ireland.

Anselm College in New Hampshire was her choice. “When I was applying for colleges, I knew I wanted to attend a liberal arts catholic college. Also I wanted a school that was aesthetically appealing, had great food, and was challenging academically. Saint A's fit that description perfectly. Saint A's is incredibly hospitable and many people here are involved with service,” said Ireland.

Anselm was also chosen for its reputation and dedication to community service. But that was not the only reason. During school, Ireland works for the Meelia Center for Community Engagement (MCCE), a service/volunteer center on campus. “The Meelia Center is what sets Saint A's apart from a lot of other small liberal Arts Colleges and I'm truly grateful to work for such a meaningful place! Also Saint A's is home,” continued Ireland.

Just three weeks ago Ireland embarked on a trip to Guatemala. This one included her parents. “It has always been my dream to go on a service trip with my family, because now we can share in this unique and educational experience together,” explained Ireland. Saint Joseph's College in Standish has been offering trips run though Partners in Development (PID) for over 10 years and with her parents connected to the school - her mother the dean of students and her father a clinical instructor for nursing, a family trip came to fruition.

And so began the connection to PID. “It was a no-brainer when my mother asked if I would be interested in going. I immediately said yes. So, I didn't necessarily pick to work with PID, the opportunity sort of presented itself,” said Ireland, According to her, PID is an organization that truly brings about positive change. “While I was in Guatemala I learned more and more about this organization and I got to meet some of the sponsored children, work on the construction site of two dwellings, and truly see the impact this organization is making on these children and their families,” continued Ireland. 

There is always time to have fun

Now 19 and a sophomore, Ireland is adding to her life lessons while pursuing that bachelor’s degree in social work. This week she will be leaving the USA to further her studies in and around Orvieto, Italy for one semester. The time there will be spent learning, which includes travelling two days a week in other Italian cities to visit museums. Spare time will be spent exploring the rest of Europe. “In my free time or open weekends I hope to go to Ireland, France and other countries as well,” said Ireland. With a sister that lives and works in Israel, there are definite plans to visit her for Easter.

Although this may temporarily suspend performing service through volunteering, it remains a priority in her life. For others who may have a shared interest but are unsure about pursuing the rewards, “I think the best piece of advice I can offer, is to be open to new experiences. Be open to learning from someone who is different from you. Be open to learning about and engaging with a different culture from your own. Be in the present! Volunteering is a wonderful way to use your talents for good, as well as gain new insight and perspective from the people you are serving,” concluded Ireland.

To learn more about these volunteer opportunities visit: www.missionyouth.com/ and www.pidonline.org/programs/guatemala.

Fundraising effort a success due to the generosity of many By Lorraine Glowczak

If there is a precise definition and example of true generosity, caring and community support, the fundraising event this past Saturday initiated by the owner and employees of The Manchester Team at Keller Williams Realty would be it. 

Manchester, Brackley-Moody, Russell, Anderson

Over 300 people turned out at Smitty’s Cinema, 795 Roosevelt Trail in Windham on January 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help raise funds for the families of  Dennis Brackley, Gavin and Alexa Goad, Adrian King and Samantha-Jo Brink. 

Brackely, age 65, and his grandson, Gavin, age 4, both passed away as a result of a car accident that occurred on January 13, 2017 on Route 202 in New Gloucester. Alexa Goad, Adrian King and Samantha-Jo Brink, survivors, were hospitalized and are still facing extraordinary challenges as a result of the collision.

“This was an idea we came up with just eight days ago,” Brad Knowles, director of sales with The Manchester Team, stated. “Within this short time, the community has come together, including area businesses who have donated over 140 auction items, to help the four families in need.” 

One of the businesses includes The Manchester Team itself, who reserved two theaters and paid for theater tickets for all attendees to see the movie Sing. The Team, who worked tirelessly for the past week to make the fundraising effort a success, included not only Knowles but Cathy Manchester - owner, as well as agents and administrative staff that are comprised of:  Chris Anderson, Martha Russell, Rebecca Hatch, Jon Gomez, Sue Fleck, Taylor Candage, Patrick Matheson (and his wife Kate), Jennifer Visscher (and husband Doug), Kate Manchester-Betzer and James Betzer. The Team was also assisted by Melanie Craig, and Leni Grant and her daughter.

Another remarkable element of the fundraising success was the number of individuals who arrived at the theater on a sunny Saturday morning to support the event. Individuals included, not only family and friends of the victims, but people who did not know the families personally and were seeking a way to be of some service.

Over 140 auction items donated

“I don’t know the families of this horrible accident,” an attendee stated, and did not wish to be identified. “I just wanted to help in some way. I feel like what I’m doing isn’t much, but hopefully coming together, like we are today, will benefit the families in some way and ease some of their financial burden.”

One person who was able to make the event was the sister of Dennis Brackley. “I have been amazed at the outpouring of love we have received from the community,” Vickie Brackley-Moody said, holding back tears. “Even from people who do not know us. It truly astonishes me and I’m very grateful to all who have reached out to us.”

The silent auction that began at 11 a.m. and ended at 1:30 p.m. was open to everyone, not just to those who stayed to watch Sing. The winners were announced after the movie had ended. Those who were not present were contacted.

“Although monies are still coming in, we have raised $4,600 so far,” Manchester stated. "We'd like to thank Smitty's Cinema and Courtney Taylor, Director of Marketing and Sales, for helping us get this organized in such a narrow window; for graciously donating popcorn and soda, and for attending the event to be sure it came off without a hitch. Additionally, we'd like to thank all of the individuals and businesses that donated auction items. Without their generosity and support, the silent auction would not have existed. And finally, we'd like to thank the community for turning out as they did and supporting these families."

Funds raised from this event will help cover funeral and medical expenses for the families.

To donate additional funds, visit the website: www.gofundme.com/windham_crash_victims_fund. Checks or money orders can be sent to: Community Fundraiser, c/o The Manchester Team of Keller Williams Realty, 19 Main Street, Gray, Maine, 04039.

Author Debra Spark makes appearance at Raymond Village Library by Elizabeth Richards

Debra Spark captured the audience’s attention the moment she began reading from her book, “Unknown Caller.”  Spark’s author talk at the Raymond Village Library on Wednesday, January 25^th, was relaxed and engaging, a lot like having a conversation with a friend. 

Debra Spark converses with the audience

Throughout the course of the talk, Spark took the audience through her writing process, where the idea for the book originated, and outlined the story – without giving any key parts away.

“Unknown Caller” begins with a call from Joel’s ex-wife, Liesel. Liesel often calls late at night, disrupting Joel’s life with screaming and anger about Joel’s refusal to send more than a minimal amount of child support because he has not been allowed to meet his daughter. But this call is different. This time, Liesel says she’s sending the girl to him for the summer. The twist, however, is that she never shows up. Not only that, but Liesel stops calling, and the two seem to simply disappear.

Although for some writers, ideas are easy to come by, Spark said this is not the case for her. This idea came from the life of some long-time friends, whose situation mirrored the beginning of the book. Spark said she began to think “What if the daughter never showed up?” And the idea for her novel was born.

The audience was small, but enthusiastic. After reading a longer section that described Joel waiting in vain at the airport, Spark took questions about the book. Discussion followed, covering topics such as the travel required for research, since the novel took place over several continents; where the title came from; and character development.

For audience members who had not yet read the book, there were some lingering questions. Why, for instance, wouldn’t his daughter have had a cell phone, and why wouldn’t he have been able to find his ex and his daughter online, where almost anyone can be found? The digital age, Spark said, has certainly made plotting more difficult, but explanations can be found in the story.

Spark’s dynamic personality soon allowed the conversation to shift to other topics, from politics to what other members of the audience were reading. This left the event feeling more like a gathering of friends than a formal author talk. 

Veronica Haskell said she has attended other author talks at the library and was surprised at the small group. Library Director Allison Griffin said the crowd for author events can vary widely, from nobody at all showing up to a crowd that barely fits inside the library.

Griffin said they are trying to have at least one author and one non-author event each month. “They don’t have a community center here, so we’re trying to fill that need,” she said, adding that author events and wildlife/nature presentation are the most popular and most requested.

Haskell said one reason she attended the event was that it was a local author. “I like to listen to some of the local writers,” she said.

Cheri Dwinnell said she was at the library and had selected Spark’s book because it looked interesting and was a Maine author. Her husband pointed out the upcoming talk, so she decided to attend. Dwinnell read the book prior to attending the talk, and loved it, she said.

Spark said she enjoys doing events at libraries. “I feel like it’s my chance to meet people in other communities and introduce my work to people who would otherwise not find it,” she said. In larger venues, she added, many of the attendees are her friends. “When I do it in a library, its people I don’t know. Often, it’s a smaller audience, but it’s an audience that actually wants to be there,” she said with a laugh.

Spark is the author of eight books. Five are works of fiction, and four are novels. Spark has also written many shorter pieces that have appeared in major newspapers and magazines. She has received numerous awards, including a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. Spark is a professor at Colby College and teaches in the MFA program for writers at Warren Wilson College. She, her husband and son live in North Yarmouth.

A perfect day for cutting ice By Stephen Signor

Last Sunday saw over 60 people gathered at Dundee Pond, a small shallow bay of the Penobscot River in Gorham. Merrifield Farm, located at 195 N. Gorham Road, was the scene of ice blocks being cut and removed with the use of tools, at least 100 years old. With favorable temperatures and a blue sky; not to mention a history lesson, there was plenty of reason to remain for the entire scheduled time of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reporter, Stephen Signor, takes his turn cutting ice.

It has been five years since the last time an invited crowd assembled on Dundee Pond. “We haven’t cut ice in five years because of the weather conditions and I broke my ankle; otherwise it is every two years,” shared owner Lyle Merrifield. Using a device which he custom-made specifically for this purpose, a chain saw is guided as it makes its way to a depth that equals three quarters of the block’s total thickness.

But, it really all begins the day before the event, when roughly 3 hours are spent lying out and cutting the gridlines for the ice blocks, using a hand-held ice plow. “Yesterday we came down and scored the field of ice and then using a chain saw, the ice blocks are cut ¾ of the way through,” explained Merrifield. And that is where the use of modern technology ends. “All of the tools we use for the actual removal are at least 100 years old,” continued Merrifield.

Strewn across the ice, but most often in the hands of eager volunteers of all ages, are ice breakers, saws and ice clamps which were used to break-up, release and guide the ice blocks into a precut channel leading to a cart. From there, 10 blocks at a time - weighing 135 pounds each, are driven up to the ice house.

“We built the ice house in 2004 or 2005, I can’t remember,” shared Merrifield. The ice house, although rather small looking was big in volume. “The house will hold roughly nine tons but we usually only store about seven tons,” continued Merrifield. With an ice field that can yield roughly 12 tons, there is plenty to go around.

100 year old ice cutting tools are still used today.

Moving all that ice up the ramp and into the ice house requires power and leverage. However, using a team of oxen and a pulley system to do the job, it doesn’t take long. Once stacked inside, sawdust will be packed in to keep the ice cold for months - just as it has always been done prior to the invention of the refrigerator. “We’ll have ice next summer whenever we need it,” said Merrifield. The rest will go to vendors at the Cumberland Fair in the fall. The remaining amount cut from the field will be for the children to amuse themselves.

Among the interested onlookers and participants were members of the 4-H Club and the Historical Society. There were also those who have made it a tradition to come here during the spring for Maple Sunday. One participant was Brittany Taylor, a teacher from Windham Middle School. “This is the first time we have been here for this, but we will definitely return next year. It’s fun and good for the kids to get out and see something like this,” shared Taylor. Her two year old son, Trenton wasted no time in participating.

It wasn’t all work however. Lunch was available and served at picnic tables overlooking the pond and the increasing view of the newly exposed water surface. A feast of hot dogs, chili, soup and a macaroni and beef dish were among the served hot choices. Finger foods and a variety of desserts were also available; all made possible by the Merrifield family and many others.  

When all was said and done (and eaten) eight and a half tons of ice was removed. A job well done by those interested in participating. “It was a great day! I enjoyed seeing a large crowd and especially the children enjoying themselves,” concluded Merrifield.

FMI on this and upcoming events visit:

www.getrealmaine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=findafarm.dealer&locID=2596