“Break-a-leg” carries literal meaning for star in Windham Center Stage’s “Wizard of Oz” by Walter Lunt

No one expresses those classic theatrical words of encouragement, “break-a-leg” to Olivia Elder who plays the leading role of Dorothy Gale in Windham Center Stage’s “Wizard of Oz”. She already did.

Olivia, 13, had secured one of two cast roles of Dorothy and had learned her lines when she helped her brother clear snow from a high deck at their home. When they finished, both jumped off into the pile of snow.

“He landed okay, but I hit where the snow was soft and my leg broke in two places,” she stated.

It was just before the start of rehearsals for “The Wizard of Oz”, Young Performers Edition - when director Diane Hancock got the call from Olivia’s mom.

“Olivia was devastated and assumed she would have to give up the role”, said Hancock. But not so fast - If Olivia was willing, the production staff, the cast and the family would all pull together to “make it work.”

“I learned a lot about myself,” said Olivia, “I never had a leading role before (so) I had to push myself. Mostly, I was worried that I would let down my cast.”

As it turned out, she didn’t. The performance was reblocked (stage maneuvers) to support Olivia’s crutches. And the 39 other cast members, second through eighth graders, stepped forward to accommodate; giving special meaning to the phrase “supporting cast.”

“Oz, For Young Performers” is the adaptation of the classic 1939 musical drama about young Dorothy of Kansas who dreams of what’s over the rainbow.  Her adventures begin when a twister carries her and her dog, Toto, off to see the wizard via the yellow brick road. In her dream world, she meets: Scarecrow (If I only had a brain), the Tinman (If I only had a heart), the Cowardly Lion (If I only had the nerve) and, of course, the Wicked Witch.

“These kids sing beautifully,” says Hancock, “and it’s because of the music teachers in the school system and the directors of area music venues, who foster excitement and passion about m

Cast A

usic.”

“Oz” is performed by two separate casts (distinguished by cast A and cast B), each consisting of 40 young performers, ages 7 to 13. There are 12 performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from March 10 (Opening Night) to March 26.

“We had lots of new kids auditioning this year.” said Hancock, “Kids from Greely, Waynflete, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Gorham, as well as Windham and Raymond; and more boys than usual. I think that’s because this isn’t a ‘princess show’. It’s a classic from our childhood.”

Annika Mocciola, who plays Dorothy in cast A, said she let out a scream of joy upon learning she had landed the leading role.

“My friends called me out of a music lesson at school and we all danced (in celebration).”

The angelic voices of both Dorothy’s give a smooth and stirring rendition of the show’s famous, “Over the Rainbow”.

Cast A’s Wicked Witch is played by Lucy Hatch, 12. “I just finished playing a villain in another play - now I’m a villain again. They loved my cackle (during the audition).”

Gianna Stevens, the cast B Witch, joked, “I get to be not myself,” adding with a flourish of her arms, “obviously, I’m not wicked.” Stevens worries about her Witch’s laugh. “I practice it all the time and ask people if it sounds okay.”

Emma Chase, 12, describes her role as the Scarecrow in cast A, as “…floppy, clumsy, goofy and happy. A fun role from a movie we grew up with.”

Cast B Scarecrow, Hannah Perfetti, was more introspective, “I’ve been shy my whole life and this allowed me to step out more.”

Maddie Hancock, 12, said her part as the cast A, Lion “…was the one I wanted because it was a challenge. I worked with the staff on voice and delivery so I wasn’t just a middle schooler on stage.”

The Lion in cast B, is Kate Ramseyer, who feels hers is “One of the most fun roles. Lion is whiny, annoying (but) comedic, and I like making people laugh.”

The Tinman posed a challenge for the actors in both casts. Daphne Cyr, 12, in cast A, characterized the role as, “Amazing! It taught me so much about acting (especially) the ‘tin walk.’ I was nervous (because) it’s hard to stay in character all the time.”

 

Cast B

“I had to up my game,” said cast B Tinman, Alex Robbins, a fifth grader. “Before, I just had ensemble or bit parts. I was surprised (to get a leading part); lots a’ lines - kind a’ hard.”

Dorothy’s faithful dog, Toto, is played by Monica Farley (A) and Autumn Wood (B) – both fourth graders. The Toto’s are scrappy, fun and full of stage energy. While most cast members admitted that they hoped for the part of Dorothy (but settled happily for the role they got), Farley said she was going out for the part of Toto; “When they closed the door (at the audition), I dropped to my knees and acted like a dog.”

Wood said she loves playing Toto. “I’ve got two dogs at my house – I watched and studied them (to get into the role).”

“These kids make my job easy,” says Hancock, “they’re talented. They’re excited. We don’t have to push them. And one of the coolest dynamics of all our shows is the social environment. The younger children admire and emulate the older, more experienced kids. Then the younger ones become the mentors to a new generation of performers.”

Dorothy and her friends are complemented by: The Munchkins, Trees, Winkies, Flying Monkeys, Ozians and more. “Oz” is a youthful blend of music and comedy set amidst the classic conflict of good and evil.

“Oz” is directed by Diane Hancock with musical direction by Patrick Martin and choreography by Andrea Levinsky.

Why see it? Hancock says, “Because it’s a classic and the kids are awesome!”

And all the performances promise to “break-a-leg”.

For show times and more information visit: windhamtheater.org/Shows/wizardofoz.htm <

Refuge church finds a home in Windham By Stephen Signor

After an extensive, exhausting search for a venue, the Reverend Adam Herald and his wife Tanya have found, at least temporarily, a home for the next three months to startup their new church - The Refuge. Just days ago the Heralds and their dream team were setting up and rehearsing for their inaugural day of worship at the Windham High School auditorium that commences this Sunday March 5 at 10 a.m.

Pastor Adam Herald rehearsing at WHS auditorium

Their names may be familiar having gained some exposure through what they call, interest hangouts. To incite awareness in their church, the Heralds have been conducting information services at locations like the Dugout, the Veterans Center, the library and for a few weeks at Pats Pizza, since moving here from Illinois just 7 months ago. As time passed, interest grew and helped set the stage for their ultimate goal of conveying a message.  “With a last name that means ‘messenger’, it’s part of who I am. As a youth pastor for 12 years and having attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, there was always the desire to be a church planner”, shared Herald.

The name Refuge came as a message from the obvious point that is found in the book of Psalms: Chapter 91. “The whole passage talks about refuge, but not just refuge, but making God our Refuge. He becomes that place we can run to during the storms of our lives. Our battle cry is: Never be overtaken. It’s a good mantra to have based on scripture. You can’t go wrong in my opinion,” stated Herald.  

Expect the unexpected. First impressions are important. To this end, as part of what they call a dream team, a first impression team, or parking lot crew for the layman; they will be there to greet church goers. “So many churches put all of the emphasis on the music and on the message. But what happens from street to seat, is the most important part of our first impression team,” explained Tanya Herald. To emphasize her point she added, “We tell the team - you are not parking cars, you’re parking people. By the time they’ve made it into the service, they will have made enough connections to gain our trust and listen to what we have to say. Their first impression will be made within the first 11 minutes.”

But that’s just the beginning. With a simple stage design and lighting, there is just enough to enhance the worship experience. “We know that people are used to the boring standup, sit down experience and we wanted to bring something that’s alive,” explained Adam Herald. “It’s to interact with all the senses. So many times when you go to church it’s just auditory. So if we can add visual, they start to connect and feel things more,” added Tanya Herald.

To dispel and disperse any fear out there that the Refuge may even remotely resembles a cult, Tanya explained, “Cults are more about their own agenda and we are not about that. We have credibility through our church planning organization Association of Related Churches (ARC) that has funded us, trained us and released us to this area.” ARC has planted over 600 churches in its 15 year existence all over the country. This is the first church planned through ARC in the state of Maine.

Furthermore, like most services this service is geared for everyone regardless of age. But unlike most services, the Refuge offers designated spaces by age. “We have rented the auditorium for the Bigs (adults), the cafeteria or Eagles Nest for the Middles (grades K to 5) and two class rooms for the Littles (ages 3 to 5),” shared Adam. “This is done so that parents can relax. There is no role at the Refuge that is not the most important role. To insure this, the ‘team’ has been trained for weeks and undergone background checks, done through the state of Maine; we’re going by the state of Maine regulations of adult to child care ratio. We also have different policies and procedures in place, plus there are first responders on site at all times. We’re not here to make a new church; we are here to make a new culture. We want people to say this is a church for people who don’t do church.” added Tanya Herald. 

With Easter the second largest attended service of the year, the strategic timing couldn’t be more perfect, perhaps divine. “We’re starting March 5, so that gives us six weeks until Easter.”

FMI visit: www.arcchurches.com/  and or to pre-register children, visit: refugemaine.church/

Raymond Community Forest offers more than recreational activities By Lorraine Glowczak

A foggy morning stroll

It was a cloudy and foggy winter morning last Saturday, February 25 when Franklin Glowczak of Windham took an early morning walk, in the newly established Raymond Community Forest in Raymond, with his dog Zarah and her four-legged friend, Mallomar.

“This is the first time I have hiked the trails of Raymond Community Forest,” Glowczak stated. “I want to come back this summer and hike it again to see what it looks like in full bloom and without the foot of snow that remains today.”

It was just a year ago, when the Raymond Community Forest was a project - making its transition from the ownership of Hancock Land Company to the stewardship of Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT). With the sale and purchase on June 21, 2016, the 350 acres have been preserved forever and will provide recreational opportunities such as hiking, snowshoeing, biking and hunting.

However, the RCF does not only offer leisure time activities, it also provides Raymond and the surrounding communities, with educational, historical, cultural, environmental and financial advantages too.

“There will be an interpretive trail that offers interesting information, from tree identification to historical and cultural features to watershed quality,” stated Jon Evans, LELT Stewardship Manager. “The Raymond Community Forest will also continue to provide forest products to local mills, supporting the local economy, as it has for decades. Loon Echo elects to pay property taxes on its fee owned lands including Raymond Community Forest.”

Beginning as a dream by local preservationist and members of organizations such as the Raymond

Conservation Commission and LELT, the preserved land is based upon the community forest model.

Per the Food and Agriculture of the United Nations (FAO), the original concept established in 1978 regarding the community forest model includes, but is not limited to: 1) meeting the basic needs at a rural community level, 2) the provision of environmental stability and 3) the ability to generate income and employment for the rural area with the intent of “active participation of the population, with external involvement being of a supportive rather than management nature.”

In regards to watershed and the environmental impact on the drinking water provided to the towns of both Raymond and Windham (as well as the Greater Portland Area), the LELT places high importance on working with those in the Sebago Lake Region to ensure the high standards and quality of the drinking water remains.

“There are 200,000 people who obtain their drinking water from Sebago Lake,” stated Thomas Perkins, Executive Director of LELT. “We work collaboratively with other organizations such as the Portland Water District as well as home and land owners whose land filters water going into Sebago Lake, to ensure the quality of drinking water for 54,000 households.”

To guarantee not only the quality of southern Maine’s drinking water but to continue the recreational, educational, cultural and financial opportunities for the Raymond and Windham areas, community and monetary support is vital to the Raymond Community Forest’s success.

“Membership is what allows us to be stewards of the properties we’ve been given,” Perkins continued. “We are preserving the landscape and the rural characteristics of this area. Our conservation efforts create jobs. For this and many other reasons, Loon Echo is worth supporting.”

Financial support through donations and memberships are always appreciated. Fifty one percent of the operating revenue for LELT goes toward stewardship and the monitoring of 6,700 acres of property (nineteen conservation easements and nine preserves, including the Raymond Community Forest).

One can also support the organization by volunteering time to maintain not only the trails at the Raymond Community Forest but the many other 31 miles of trails that LELT oversee. Also, an individual can participate in the variety of free events that the organization hosts throughout the year - including the upcoming event on Saturday, March 11. The LELT invites the public to join their staff as they hike Pleasant Mountain 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We do not need to travel far to get a dose of nature with the many trails at the community’s disposal - having the Raymond Community Forest right in our backyard.

“Maybe the most exciting aspect to consider,” Evan explains, “is that 100 years from now, this wonderful forest will be managed as it is today; for the benefit of animal habitat and water quality, while enhancing the quality of life of those that choose to wander through it.”

To learn more about Raymond Community Forest, to become a member, volunteer and to learn about all the events, visit LELT website:  www.loonecholandtrust.org/

Ice Bar fundraising event this Saturday at Buck’s Naked BBQ by Lorraine Glowczak

Arctic Spirits will provide a unique fundraising event on Saturday, February 25 at Buck’s Naked BBQ, 4 Turning Leaf Drive in Windham from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The fundraiser, a first for Arctic Spirits and the Windham area, will be an ice bar event with the proceeds going to Camp Sunshine, located in Casco. Camp Sunshine provides a year-round opportunity for children with life-threatening illnesses to spend a week at the camp. This camp provides respite, recreation and support to children and their families from all over the country at no cost to them.

Emily Wainwright, one of the founders of Arctic Spirits, stated that they began raising funds for Camp Sunshine about two years ago. The first fundraiser was a wine and beer tasting event and it has slowly morphed into the Ice Bar event.

Light appetizers and all types of beverages will be served, along with entertainment by DJ Nate Hicks, a raffle and silent auction inside! Arctic Spirits is one of the only ice bar events in the Sebago Lakes Region.

Tickets are available online at: www.eventbrite.com by typing the key words “Arctic Spirits” into the search bar on the homepage. The cost to purchase the tickets online prior to the event is: $25 per person or $40 per couple. Tickets include one free drink ticket good for a mixed drink, beer or wine.

Tickets are also available and can be purchased for the same cost, in person at the following locations:

Metayer Eye Care, 4 Commons Ave

Microtel Inn, 965 Roosevelt Trail

Freedom Massage, 999 Roosevelt Trail

Windham/Raymond Adult Education, 406 Gray Road

Gorham Savings Bank, 766 Roosevelt Trail

Mechanics Savings, 3 Drive-in Lane

Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce office, 909A Roosevelt Trail

Buck’s Naked BBQ, 4 Turning Leaf Drive

Tickets may also be purchased the day of the event for $30 per person or $50 per couple.

“I am honored to be able to plan such a cool event to help Camp Sunshine out,” Wainwright stated. “For the children and their families, it’s a lasting, memorable, fun time to have the chance to enjoy what our little region has to offer.”

Wainwright would like to remind area businesses, that sponsorship opportunities are still available starting at only $100. She is also still actively taking in donations for the silent auction, raffle, and door prize give-a-ways. For donations or sponsorship, contact Wainwright at: Emily@metayerfamilyeyecare.com.

If you would like more information about Camp Sunshine, visit www.campsunshine.org <

Raymond resident and Windham teacher writes children's story set on Thomas Pond by Walter Lunt

“The Boston Terrier Who Thought He Was a Loon” - A children’s book by Windham teacher Michelle Patch

By Walter Lunt

One year ago, the furthest thing from Michelle Patch’s mind was to become an author. It was the heartbreak of losing a beloved family pet, 15-year old Rollie, her Boston terrier that compelled Patch to write his story. It became therapy to overcome grief. 

Based on real events, “The Boston Terrier Who Thought He Was a Loon”, illustrated by Maine artist Thomas Block, and tells the warm and amusing tale of Rollie, who lives with his human family on Thomas Pond in Raymond. Rollie is curious and playful and discovers a new friend along the shore, where he spends most of his summer days. The newcomer, he discovers, is a lot like him: It’s black and white, swims, and sings a greeting. As the season progresses and wanes, Rollie dives after tennis balls, rides a paddle board and scans the waves in search of his new feathered friends - the loons. He watches them dive, feed on fish and interprets their call as a greeting, which he returns with a happy bark. One day, Rollie’s friends disappear. Block captures the beauty of the changing seasons on the pond. Rollie watches and waits.

Rollie’s story charms the reader with its subtle, yet powerful themes of friendship, sense-of-place and the delight and pleasure of family pets.

“I tried to capture the energy, fun and magic that was Rollie,” Patch told the Eagle in her office at Windham Primary School, where she is a counselor; “It’s amazing to me how it’s having the effect of joy on the kids. I haven’t yet had a negative review.”

The book is a hit with the K-3 classes at the school. “I liked the details,” said Mallory, a first grader; “Rollie swims with the kids and the loons eat the fish.” She pointed to a picture of Rollie jumping off a boat to greet a loon that quickly disappears under water. “I liked when he jumped,” she said, then added, “It was cool, but dangerous.”

“When Rollie died last year, I couldn’t stop thinking about him,” said Patch. “Then I made the connection - he was one of my three great passions: Thomas Pond, loons and Rollie. They meshed together into this story.”

Popular and successful children’s books exhibit characteristics of strong characters, a relatable story, wholesome messages and striking pictures. “The Boston Terrier Who Thought He Was a Loon”, has all of them and is recommended for kids of all ages.

Michelle Patch will be at Windham Public Library on March 6 to discuss her maiden journey as a writer and to sign copies of her book. Readers can also visit:  www.michellepatch.com.  <

Then and now - Babb's Covered Bridge: A history and future by Walter Lunt

This is the second installment of a series on the history and the unique heritage of Windham, then and now

New England embraces a romantic fascination with its covered bridges. Once numbering in the hundreds, they were in the 19^th century, a practical means of conveyance. By the early 20^th century, suburbanization and practicality dictated that many be replaced by concrete and steel.

In the 1850s, more than 150 covered bridges dotted the Maine countryside. Today, only nine remain – two that had been destroyed, were replaced by exact replicas. The Windham/Gorham structure over the Presumpscot River was one of them. Historians disagree on the age of the bridge, as is evident in the historical photo/essay book series: “Images of America”. In “Windham: Images of American”, (Bell) states the original bridge was built in 1767. The “Images” series, “Gorham” (Fogg) records that the first construction occurred in 1763. And the “Images, Maine’s Covered Bridges”, (Conwill) maintains the bridge dates to 1864.

Almost certainly, there was a wooden span of some kind connecting the two towns during their early development in the mid to late 1700s. The disparity may lie in whether the bridge was closed-in or open. Earlier, open bridges may have been replaced with closed structures. Both types were common. A few, known as boxed pony trussed, had sides, but no canopy.

As noted by Conwill, “The historical record is never complete…most bridges disappeared early and their history is spottily recorded.” Windham’s early historians, Smith and Dole, are silent on the subject. Old town reports in both Windham and Gorham offer few clues, referring to expenditures like: “For work on the bridge.”

THEN: Babb's Covered Bridge, c. 1948

Babb’s Bridge can be awarded special mention however, for several distinguishing characteristics. Most historians agree it is the oldest of Maine’s covered bridges, and the shortest - with a span of just 66 feet. It is also the only queen-post truss covered bridge in the state. Truss systems are framing styles, usually adapted to the requirements of span and usage.

One question frequently posed by visitors and schoolchildren is, “Why were these bridges covered?” Some speculate it was to provide shade and protection from the weather for the weary traveler. Others maintain it was to keep snow clear of the bridge. Neither is correct. In fact, early town reports record expenditures to: “snow the bridge”.  That is, they hired an individual who would shovel snow onto the bridge for the accommodation of sleighs - the principal form of transportation “back in the day.” Early bridges were, in fact, roofed to prevent the decay of their wood construction.

Even covered, dangers persisted. The most common were wind, waves and wildfire. In 1767, what was then termed a hurricane, but more likely was a microburst or a tornado given the early descriptions, destroyed  “…all but the sturdy oaks”,  in ¾ mile wide swath from Gorham, over Duck Pond (Highland Lake) to Falmouth, and sending  almost the whole bridge downstream. Rebuilt, it became known as Hurricane Bridge. Floods upended the bridge on several occasions during the 1800s. It took the name Babb’s Bridge around 1880 after a Gorham family who lived nearby.

NOW: Babb's Covered Bridge, c 2016

In modern times, and still within vivid memory of many, Babb’s Bridge burned at the hands of arsonists in 1973. Residents and members of the Windham and Gorham Historical Societies teamed with the Maine Department of Transportation to engineer and build an exact replica, which was dedicated in conjunction with the nation’s bicentennial in July of 1976.

Today, the most recent threat to the historic bridge occurred over a two-year period in 2015 -2016. Vandals, intent on high-jumping off the structure into the water, removed side boards and cut holes through the roof. The bridge’s secluded location hindered adequate security.

In the early fall of 2016, following concerns expressed by local residents, the Maine DOT commissioned a nearly total make-over of the bridge at a cost of over $160,000 - once again, respecting its original design. State highway officials now say, that while they will continue to maintain the bridge, lack of manpower and funds make them reluctant to respond to fixes that result from vandalism.

Windham resident Gary Plummer has begun assembling local citizens and state legislators to form a, Friends of Babb’s Bridge Group, which will be aimed at providing increased security and heightened awareness.

“Babb’s Bridge is now in great condition,” says Plummer. He closely monitored the recent work and said it included cementing stone blocks that make up the bridge abutment. Water had collected in pockets between the stones and the freeze-thaw cycle had caused the blocks to move. 

The roof was stripped and replaced with rough cut boards and plywood, then topped with cedar shingles. Restoration was also completed on the sides and entrances.

Plummer hopes the Friends Group will increase awareness and appreciation of the historic nature of the bridge and encourage wary eyes on the activity there. He said police chiefs in both communities are committed to increased surveillance and,  “…we are also planning to install security cameras (which) have been shown to decrease problems.”

“My hope is that 150 years from now it will (continue) to be a stately structure.”  <