Lifelong love of local library inspires Eagle Scout project

Jamie Louko (photo by Tammy Louko)

By Briana Bizier

Not many seniors in high school can say they have led a construction project, submitted building permits, or faced the town board. Yet Windham High School student and Raymond resident, Jamie Louko has done all three as part of his process to become an Eagle Scout.

“Think of getting the rank of Eagle Scout as going through high school with a very big project at the end,” said Dr. Nick Bizier, Eagle Scout and Windham High School chemistry teacher. “By the time you apply for an Eagle Scout, you have to have shown proficiency in many different areas.”

That big project at the end must be a contribution of value to the community. Prospective Eagle Scouts must propose their project to the BSA and then execute the project themselves by leading other scouts and members of the community.

“There was no doubt in my mind that my Eagle Scout project would be at the library,” Louko told an audience of over sixty community members at the dedication of his completed service project, an outdoor gazebo dedicated to the memory of Raymond volunteer and community leader Betty McDermott.

When Louko spoke to the audience at the gazebo’s dedication, he shared fond childhood memories of reading the Warriors children’s book series in the back of the Raymond Village Library while his parents browsed the adult sections. With his Eagle Scout project, he hoped to share his childhood love of reading with the next generation of Raymond children. Inspired by the gazebo in the Raymond community garden, Louko decided to build a similar structure closer to the library. Louko presented his service project plan to the Raymond Library Board of Trustees in May of 2018 and received their enthusiastic approval.

However, as Louko discovered during the course of the gazebo’s planning and construction, building Louko’s original plan for the gazebo proved to be too close to a land lot line, and his application for a building permit was turned down by the select board. This setback forced a creative reevaluation of his original plan.
projects are rarely straightforward.

“We were forced to move to the front of the library, which ended up being an even better place to build,” Louko told me. “I am very thankful because I think it was for the better.”

After submitting his revised plans to the select board and finally acquiring his building permit, Louko needed to contact donors willing to provide supplies for the actual construction. Several organizations generously agreed to provide the building materials, including P&K Sand and Gravel, Hancock Lumber, Roosevelt Trail Garden Center, Machine Lumber, and Louko’s neighbor David Lind.

In order to turn a pile of donated supplies into a beautiful gazebo, Louko turned to the other members of Troop 800. “The only workers I had to help build my project were either scouts or scouts' parents,” Louko said. “Leading my fellow scouts is an important step in doing my project because it teaches me so much about how to lead effectively and what my leadership style is.”

“The Eagle Scout project gets at the heart of what experiential learning really is,” Dr. Bizier added. “It teaches you to make lots of those little adjustments that are necessary to bring a complicated project to life.”

In the case of Jamie Louko’s Eagle Scout project, his gazebo both embodies and honors the spirit of community service. Before construction began on the gazebo, the Raymond Village Library Board approached Jamie about dedicating the structure he planned to build to Raymond resident and longtime volunteer Betty McDermott. Louko agreed, adding that the McDermott family are his next-door neighbors.

“This is a great example of how Eagle Scouts can honor the past and contribute to the future through service to their community,” Dr. Bizier, Louko’s former chemistry teacher, adds. “I think it’s a wonderful thing to be an Eagle Scout.”

The new gazebo is open to the public and can be found just outside the Raymond Village Library at 3
Meadow Road.

The Healing Tribe offers complementary therapy for those in need: Fundraiser next Friday

By Lorraine Glowczak

In the conventional sense, a tribe is described as a social and/or cultural group who have something in common. Urban Dictionary approaches the word with a more contemporary viewpoint; “A group of friends that become your family. The people that will be there for you no matter what…”

The Healing Tribe, a new Windham non-profit organization established approximately one year ago, offers free massage, energy therapy, and Bowenwork®* as complementary service to those in need who are engaged in traditional treatment and analysis and suffer from anxiety, depression, and/or chronic pain. The Healing Tribe is like a group of friends who will be there for those who most need it but cannot afford it.

“The Healing Tribe is a group of massage therapists, energy workers and a Bowenwork® practitioner that work in conjunction with social workers and other clinicians who recommend alternative therapies to their clients in order to help aid the process of recovery and emotional healing,” explained Lisa DeFosse of Windham, the brainchild of the non-profit. “There are a number of individuals who can afford the healing benefits of massage, energy therapy and Bowenwork®. 

However, there are many others who could gain additional recovery and therapeutic advantages from alternative medical practices who cannot afford it. That is where The Healing Tribe comes in.”

This is not the first time DeFosse has participated in the complementary therapy concept. When she was working as a massage therapist in Saco, she worked alongside a grant funded program that provided the same services as The Healing Tribe offers today in the greater Windham area. “When I
worked for that program, it felt very rewarding to help people heal on a deeper level. I was amazed at how body and energy work assisted in the healing of the more conventional and clinical therapies.”

DeFosse, who is certified in massage therapy and Bowenwork®, now owns her own business in Windham. She wanted to bring the same experience and opportunity to the Lakes Region.

“Since we have begun working with the medical professionals, clinicians are telling us they see positive results,” DeFosse said. “It helps make the client more relaxed and breaks down walls. As a result, the individual is able to speak more clearly about the issues they face and are able to approach it in a more mindful manner.”

Some participants in the program have been in chronic pain and experienced migraines for many years. In one case, an individual saw changes within in three weeks after receiving services from The Healing Tribe. She has eliminated a majority of her pain medications and is now able to sleep through www.thehealingtribe.com.)
the night. The headaches are gone. (For more testimonials, go to The Healing Tribe website at

In the event the massage, energy work and Bowenwork® open unexpected emotional discomfort that may require immediate clinical therapy, The Healing Tribe practitioners are able to communicate directly with the clinicians. “We are prepared in the event that deep emotional wounds may surface,” explained DeFosse. “This is a safe environment, and everyone involved is dedicated in taking the best quality care for all clients.”

The massage and other healing modalities, offered free of charge, doesn’t come without a cost.

“Bodywork practitioners are very skilled, educated and passionate about offering their services, but it is very costly to do so for free,” DeFosse stated. “Bodyworkers must keep up and continue education credits and meet state certifications, must pay for office rent or mortgage and this service is most often their primary source of income. As a result, The Healing Tribe raises funds and is in the process of writing grants in order to pay those therapists who offer the ‘free’ service.”

One newly established annual fundraising event to help with the cost of this free service is a spaghetti dinner and silent auction that will take place next Friday, October 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Windham Veterans Center, 35 Memorial Drive. The dinner will include a salad, garlic bread and
dessert. The cost for the dinner is $8 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under.

If you are unable to make the event, you can make a financial donation to The Healing Tribe at www.thehealingtribe.com. For more information, contact Lisa DeFosse at healingtribemaine@gmail.com.

*According to AmericanBowen.Academy, Bowenwork® is a system of touch that initiates a series of responses through stimulation of the nervous, musculoskeletal, and fascial systems and the energetic pathways. Practitioners perform a sequence of small movements on specific points on the body, interspersed with rest periods.

Raymond residents honor Betty McDermott at dedication ceremony

Eagle Scout Jamie Louko, who built the gazebo in
Betty McDermott's honor, shared his memories of the well loved volunteer

By Briana Bizier        

Can one person truly make a difference in their community? Last Saturday, the answer to that question was a resounding yes as the Raymond Village Library dedicated their new gazebo to the memory of long-time Raymond resident Betty McDermott and the spirit of community service that she embodied.

A devoted volunteer and advocate for Raymond, McDermott served the town in many capacities. She was a member of Raymond’s Board of Selectmen for nine years, serving as the Chair for two of those years. She was also a charter member of the Raymond-Casco Historical Society, and she served as the Treasurer of the Raymond Women’s Club, which built and ran the Raymond Village Library.

“This library exists because of Betty,” Sheila Bourque, head of Raymond Village Library’s Board of Directors, told a crowd of over sixty people at Saturday’s dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Sheila praised the efforts of local volunteers not only in the library by also in the Raymond Recreation program, the Raymond Lions Club, and the Raymond Arts Alliance.

“These programs are all made possible by the efforts of our volunteers,” Sheila said.

Maine State Senator Bill Diamond and state Representative Jessica Fay also praised Betty’s service.

“To be honest, I was pretty intimidated by her,” Fay admitted as the audience laughed. “Betty was smart, powerful, and had the courage of her convictions.” Fay also applauded Betty’s extensive service. “Volunteers hold our community together,” she concluded.

Don Willard, Raymond’s current Town Manager, echoed Jessica’s assessment that Betty McDermott could be intimidating. However, he also spoke of his close relationship with the McDermott family. “I consider myself a surrogate McDermott,” Willard said.

Willard recounted several of the many projects McDermott helped to advance, from extending the water line to improving Route 302 to constructing the new fire station and elementary school. “Betty loved the town, she had a vision for the town, and she wanted to move the town forward,” Willard told the crowd as he stood in front of the gazebo dedicated to McDermott’s memory. “She really tried to make a difference.”

Frank McDermott remembers his wife

This new gazebo was built over the summer by Raymond Scout Jamie Louko, along with the members of BSA Troop 800, as part of Louko’s Eagle Scout project.

“When I thought about my childhood,” Louko said at the dedication, “I spent every weekend here at the library. There was no doubt in my mind that my project should be here. I want kids to have the same great experience I had.”

Betty McDermott was also a part of Louko’s childhood. Louko lives next door to the McDermott family, and he told the audience that he remembered selling popcorn to Betty as a Scout fundraiser.

“We live in a very rural part of Raymond,” Frank McDermott, Betty’s husband, explained. “And Jaimie was the only kid who ever came to our house for Halloween.”

McDermott’s oldest son, George also recounted his memories of her involvement in the library, from organizing rummage sales to their family’s frequent visits to the library’s previous location. Just like Jamie Louko, the Scout who built the gazebo, George shared fond memories of childhood afternoons spent at the Raymond Village Library looking for the newest Hardy Boys book. Thanks to the efforts of Betty, Jaime, and the many volunteers who are following in their footsteps, the next generation of Raymond children will be able to enjoy their favorite books in the shade of the library’s outdoor gazebo.

“This gazebo is not just for Betty,” Frank McDermott declared shortly before cutting the red ribbon and officially opening the new structure. “This is for anyone who’s ever donated their time. People ask, ‘What can I do?’ You tell them: ‘You can volunteer.’”

The Betty McDermott Memorial Gazebo outside the Raymond Village Library at 3 Meadow Road is open to the public. If you would like to check out a book to read while you enjoy the gazebo, the library is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Historic Casco schoolhouse rises from the ashes and now is open to the public

Photo courtesy of Rose Andrews-Symonds

By Walter Lunt

After more than a year of resolute and reverent reconstruction, a replica of Casco’s old Quaker Ridge Schoolhouse, or Friends School, was opened to the public this week on the grounds of the Casco-Raymond Historical Society museum.

Nearly 100 visitors attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the museum complex on Route 302 in Casco. Society curator Rose Andrews-Symonds said she heard the comment “How beautiful” numerous times during the three-hour open house event. Andrews-Symonds, who also curated the original building before it was destroyed by fire in 2018, continued, “It’s quite breathtaking to it see (back) almost in its original state.”

Few who gathered for the occasion failed to notice the front steps. The imposing granite treads seemingly invite the visitor to enter. Some were retrieved from the debris of the former structure, and some were donated by Society member Louise Lester.

Upon entering, just past the cloak room, one knows for sure they are stepping back in schoolhouse time. Rows of old-fashioned desks in long, straight rows await scholars of an earlier day (two of the desks are originals from the old building). Benches, a faded globe outlining countries long ago renamed, an original 1861 wall map of Maine, a standing bookshelf containing atlas’, early grade-readers and other books dated in the 1800s, a large teacher’s desk, an American flag and a wood stove complete the experience.

The old-style interior construction, including walls, trim and floor was completed entirely by Tim Symonds, with assistance from grandson Daniel.

“We’re filled with history,” said Andrews-Symonds, “it’s important to preserve where we’ve been (in order) to know where we’re going.”

The original Quaker Ridge Schoolhouse was built in 1849 on Quaker Ridge Road by the son of a founding settler in what was known as Quaker Hill, or Quakerville. Run by the Society of Friends (Quakers), it operated continuously until 1942, except for the year 1920 when it closed temporarily due to low enrollment. Also, around that time, indoor toilet facilities were added. An open house was held in the 1950s; it was reported that scores of former pupils and teachers attended.

In 1971 the schoolhouse was acquired by the newly formed Raymond-Casco Historical Society and moved from its prominent perch on Quaker Ridge to a spot next to the fire station in Casco Village. The structure secured a listing on the National Register of Historic Places in the late ‘70s. Long range plans for the building included restoration and moving to the RCHS museum complex on Route 302. That was just about to happen when arsonists destroyed the building last year. Also consumed by the flames were irreplaceable books and documents dating to the 18^th century, including an official proclamation announcing the election of George Washington as president. Plans to build the replica in the new location began almost immediately.

Resources for the reconstruction of the Quaker schoolhouse, including money donations and in-kind services, came from dozens of businesses and residents. Andrews-Symonds said the town of Casco, Hancock Lumber (especially employee Bob Thibodeau), and Society members Skip and Zeena Watkins were just a small fraction of the volunteerism and donations received for the project.

Asked how the new schoolhouse would be utilized, Andrews-Symonds said it now becomes a part of the regular tour of the museum complex, which includes three other buildings. She said the museum is now closed for the winter but will open for school groups this fall, adding “It’s important for the kids to understand the progress of life.”  

New organization’s mission to “Move Windham Forward” provides candidate forums for fall elections

By Lorraine Glowczak

It all began as a fun and casual conversation among a group of individuals at a monthly networking Business Break event hosted by the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. The conversation consisted of various matters of concern expressed by Windham community members. Topics discussed included residential and commercial growth, civility among elected officials, tax increases as well as environmental concerns. The conversation turned serious and it was decided then to be proactive and do something about the concerns expressed.

“We need to move Windham forward in a positive way,” stated Maggie Terry, during that impromptu discussion. Terry is a chamber member and owner of Legal Leaf, LLC and Legal Label, Inc.

It turns outs that Terry had been thinking about this idea for a while – the idea that would unite Windham in a positive and solution-based way. “It seems we’ve been divided for a number of years and I want to change that,” Terry said.

Fast forward three months. Terry along with fellow chamber member and Licensed Insurance Agent with MetLife, Jonathan Priest, have been working together ever since to “Move Windham Forward”, making the thoughts and concerns discussed at the beginning of the summer, a reality.

The organization, Move Windham Forward (MWF) is a non-profit, non-partisan group of residents and taxpayers that have come together for what has been identified as common goals and interests of the residents of Windham. The mission as is stated on the website: “We seek to have a better understanding of the issues we face as a community while we contemplate our decisions on leadership, community planning, land use, infrastructure, taxes and technology changes.” www.movewindhamforward.org.

The group offers an educational approach for all residents who wish to get involved but are not sure how to go about it. The website includes the proper way to address the Town Council regarding any issue that one deems important as well as background information about each elected official.

But perhaps just as importantly, MWF will offer two “meet the candidates” gatherings. Windham residents will have the opportunity to meet, speak to and address concerns with the candidates running for Town Council office. The purpose of these meetings is to allow residents to get to know

the individuals they are voting for so they can make their own personal and well-informed decisions at the local election in November.

The first gathering will occur on Monday, September 30^th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Microtel Inn and Suites’ Roosevelt Room at 965 Roosevelt Trail. The second “meet the candidates” gathering will occur again at the same location from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 10^th.

“We want to make it clear that Move Windham Forward is a non-partisan organization,” began Priest. “We do not endorse or oppose any candidate running for Town Council. We just want to provide the opportunity for residents to ask questions in order to be well informed as they vote in the elections this fall.”

“We also want to eventually hold Town Hall meetings to provide ongoing conversations in a positive way,” Terry added. “This is a future goal we are working on. Right now, we want to focus on our meet and greet gatherings so they can be as successful as possible.”

MWF emphasizes a core set of concerns that include: Unity, Growth, Taxes and Environment.

Briefly, and as stated on their website:

1)     Unity: North Windham. South Windham. East Windham. West Windham. In such a geographically large town made up of a growing, diverse population it is often easy to fall into our divisions and not feel as one. Especially over the last few years. It is important that we remember that mostly - we all agree on more than we disagree on starting with this; we all love Windham.

2)     Growth 1: Everywhere we look something new is being built; a house here, a subdivision there. It all adds up. What brings many people here is the rural feel but, ironically, as they come that rural feel disappears a little more for someone who was already here. What is the answer? Unfortunately, this is not an old question, it has been around for decades - but to date has been without a real solution. Some say stop growth completely, some say have zero regulation and let landowners do as they wish. The answer is somewhere in the middle.

3)     Growth 2: Windham is one of the fastest growing towns in Maine for residential housing but is significantly lacking in commercial development. Commercial development such as retail, service businesses, restaurants, office space, manufacturing and high density residential are the keys to our economic future. This development would benefit our town, by bringing more of a sense of community and a place people want to be, by helping create new revenues to offset the residential tax burden and by encouraging growth in the places we want, instead of the places we don’t want.

4)     Taxes:  We can’t seem to avoid them, but we can certainly have more of a say in how they are spent. The town budget should reflect the needs and goals of the taxpayers, for today and tomorrow.  Our elected officials and town staff should be constantly working to maximize the return on every tax dollar by spending wisely for today and investing smartly for tomorrow.

5)     Environment: Our environment in Windham is our greatest treasure and must be protected. Windham has some of the most beautiful farm space, open space, forests, water bodies and animal habitats; it’s a large part of why many of us chose Windham. These assets need to be protected, especially our lakes, streams and ground waters, many of which are already on state impaired lists. It is in our control and our responsibility to preserve our environment for Windham’s next generations.

For more information, peruse the Move Windham Forward website at www.movewindhamforward.org

Raymond Elementary School dedicates new playground

Ribbon Cutting ceremony on the first day of school

By Briana Bizier

The first day of school is always exciting, but last week students at Raymond Elementary School and Jordan Small Middle School had an especially memorable event to mark the beginning of their academic year. As the bright September sun glittered off Panther Pond and Sebago Lake in the distance, students left their classrooms and walked to a new fenced field behind Raymond Elementary School.

Randy Crockett, the principal of Raymond Elementary School, welcomed students from both the

elementary and the middle school. After offering his heartfelt thanks to the community, parents, and local businesses whose generous donations helped with fundraising events such as last summer’s ice cream social and the annual holiday pie sale, Crockett described the elementary school’s new playground and play field.

“We’ve installed a new balance apparatus,” he told the assembled crowd of teachers, students, parents, and community members, “as well as a climbing Webscape and two new sandboxes.”

That towering blue Webscape, which immediately drew the interest of many of the children walking past the new playground, has an especially touching story. The entire structure was made possible by a generous gift from Raymond Elementary School kindergarten teacher Stephen Seymour, his wife Karen, and their family. This journalist can confirm that both the balance apparatus and the climbing Webscape appear to be much more fun than anything found on school playgrounds when I was
growing up.

The elementary school’s new sandboxes were built as an Eagle Scout project by Alex Brooks, who was once a student of Raymond Elementary School and now attends Windham High School. A second Eagle Scout project is planned to replace the playground’s storage shed that holds jump ropes, sporting equipment, and sleds.

Principal Crockett also took time to generously thank the Maine National Guard. Members of the 262nd Engineer Company (Horizontal), which is based in Westbrook, did the original earth work to clear the new play field, hauled in over 500 loads of gravel, and turned what had previously been a steep, forested slope into a grassy, level field.

“It’s always great to give back to the community that supports us,” Major Kerry Boese of the Maine National Guard said at the opening ceremony.

Alissa Messer, a parent volunteer who was instrumental in overseeing the playground’s construction, emphasized gratitude as she spoke to the students. “This playground is a labor of love,” she said. “Today, we are grateful for what we’ve been given.”

As the crowd applauded enthusiastically, the speakers held out their scissors and cut a wide, red ribbon, officially opening Raymond Elementary School’s new playground. The air filled with cheers as the students followed their teachers for tours of the playground equipment.

If you’d like to view Raymond Elementary School’s new playground and play field for yourself, it is open to the public after school hours and on weekends.

Senator Bill Diamond helps to pass law to keep hands on the wheel

Pat Moody of AAA, Sen. Diamond and Rep. Mark Bryant.
Can you tell the difference if the driver of this car
was intoxicated or intexticated

By Matt Pascarella

Distracted driving is unsafe and has been a problem for a while. And it’s only getting worse. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) website, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates distracted driving kills an average of nine people and injures 1,000 every day.

Recently, Senator Bill Diamond introduced and passed LD 165, a bill “To Prohibit the Use of Handheld Phones and Devices While Driving.” This bill will go into effect on September 19, 2019.

The bill was created out of a similar law that Senator Diamond sponsored in 2011, that made texting while driving illegal. However, while it was illegal to text and drive, it was not illegal to use your phone or have it in your hand.

“We talked with law enforcement and the biggest problem is texting while driving; the crashes, the injuries are just exponentially increasing,” stated Senator Diamond. “What this says is you cannot have your phone or device in your hand. Everything in this bill is all about hands-free. You look down for two seconds, often times it’s three or four seconds – and in that short amount of time a lot can happen. And that’s a problem. This fixes it.”

This bill allows law enforcement to stop an individual if they are holding a phone in their hand, no matter what they’re doing. Diamond reminds the reader that you can attach your phone to your dash with a clip and if a call comes in, tap the button and talk or talk through Bluetooth.

We use the phone for so much more than calling people, and the temptation is there to use it. Senator Diamond goes on to say, “Just like we did with seatbelts; when we passed the seatbelt law people said, ‘you can’t make people put on a seatbelt.’ With public awareness and education, we did. It’s to the point now where, if you’re in a car without a seatbelt, most of us feel weird, and secondly, we got kids in the car who say, ‘hey dad, you don’t have your seatbelt on.’” Like the seatbelt law, this hands-free device while driving law is a cultural change.

What happens if you still do it? The first time is a $50 fine and every time after that is a $250 fine.

 “All Law Enforcement is going at this full speed; they’ve all become frustrated with the needless accidents because someone was distracted; and most of that distraction was with a phone,” added Senator Diamond. “It’s going to be very aggressive, and people need to know this. If they can break this culture, break this habit, they’re going to literally save lives.”

Pat Moody, Manager of Public Affairs for AAA of Northern New England has met with Senator Diamond and AAA has a campaign centered around not driving ‘intexticated’.

“AAA is an advocate for traffic safety. We do a lot of research on distraction in all facets of driver safety, we survey our members, then we also do research through the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety to better understand those aspects of driver safety. Specifically, we’ve done some work on distracted driving...the one big thing that comes out of this is that cognitive distraction is real. With this specific law it’s going to get that device out of their hands, so people are less likely to do things like Snapchat, check Facebook, send a text message – all those things that take your eyes off the road.”

The essence of AAA’s slogan; ‘Don’t drive intoxicated, don’t drive intexticated’ is both these driving behaviors end up with the same result. “A lot of people would never think of drinking and driving; dropping the kids to school and taking a sip of beer but they don’t think twice about sending a text,” added Moody. Texting and driving have become a habit, and come September 19^th, people are going to have to think twice when they’re in their vehicle.

To-be driver and 16 year old junior at Windham High, Hayleigh Moody stated, “You will be hard pressed to find a teen without a cellphone these days. When your phone “pings” and you know you have a text, it is really temping to take a quick peek and check it. Unfortunately, it only takes a glance away from the road for really bad things to happen. I think parents are key; the more they demonstrate that texting while driving isn’t appropriate then their kids will be more likely to follow their example. My dad uses the “do not disturb while driving” feature of his cell phone so it temporarily holds text messages until he is parked. The new “hands free” law...will help change behavior of adult drivers and when a teen sees that their parents are less distracted by their phones while driving, hopefully they will follow their example.”

“This is one of the most important bills I’ve ever passed because of the result of saving lives and injuries. I’m proud of this because I think it’s one of those things where an immediate difference can be made,” concluded Senator Diamond.

Book launch and toy drive to raise funds and awareness for pediatric illnesses

Image courtesy of Courtney PostvanderBurg
at Tailwind Portraits

By Lorraine Glowczak

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church will host its annual Welcome Back Weekend beginning this Saturday, September 7th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and continuing into Sunday, September 8^th. The purpose of the annual event is to welcome back and invite the community, parishioners and non-parishioners alike, to enjoy each other’s company and welcome everyone back after the beautiful summer vacation.

The weekend will be filled with many fun activities on both days. On Sunday – in addition to a BBQ after the 10 a.m. service, there will also be an opportunity to donate toy’s to Libby’s Ouchie Box and Make-A-Wish foundation as well as attend a book launch from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The book, “One Child, One Million Prayers: Driving through Hell in a Minivan,” by Windham author, Norma Fitts was recently published in July. It’s the heartwarming and, often heart wrenching true story with touches of humor about a mother and an adopted daughter – who are both liver transplant recipients. But this story is not any ordinary transplant recipient story (as if there is an ordinary in such circumstances) – the tale includes the “coincidence” of how it all occurred and how it affected the mother and daughter as well as all who loved them.

Norma, at the age of six, was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha 1), an inherited condition that raises the risk of liver and lung disease. Some with the Alpha 1 gene live with very few issues and have a healthy life, but in Norma’s case, she required a liver transplant.

Despite all the medical difficulties, she receives a new liver, grows into a beautiful young woman and marries the man of her dreams. Alpha 1 is only inherited if both sets of parents carry the gene. But this was of no concern as Norma was told she wouldn’t be able to have children. A miracle occurred and she and her husband, Adam, had their first child, a girl named Chloe. All is perfect – until they discover that Adam carries the Alpha 1 gene, too – and thus, so does Chloe.

To prevent the possibility of having additional children who might inherit the same need for a liver or lung transplant, they decide against having any more biological children, but to adopt instead. Norma prayed that she would get a child who most needed her. “I prayed for a child whose needs I could meet and be mothered best by me,” Norma explained in the book.  

Maya was that daughter. Born prematurely, Maya is eventually diagnosed with liver cancer – and required a liver transplant at a very young age.

Norma takes the reader back and forth in time, comparing her experience and that of Maya’s. Sharing the “hell” that all families experience in such circumstances – Norma is candid. Honest about the fact that she, as a child was always in the spotlight (and news media attention), leaving older sister, Jess, feeling dismissed, alone and unseen as parents and others concentrate on Norma’s health and survival.

As a result, Norma shows appreciation to her sister - now the aunt to Chloe, Maya and adopted son, Lonnie. “Having Jess take care of Chloe and Lonnie was wonderful because she knew what it was like to be a sister of a sick child – she knew their needs and was able to advocate for them,” Norma stated in a phone interview. “She was a blessing.”

Learn more about Norma’s experience this Sunday. There will be snacks and beverages available and donations for Make-A-Wish Maine will be accepted at the snack table.

Norma has donated fifty books to Camp Sunshine as well as providing two signed copies that were a part of a Make-A-Wish Maine fundraiser – her two books raised $1600.

As for the donation of toys, they will be go towards Libby's Ouchie Box Toy Drive that was created by the Rulman family. Libby Rulman, a survivor of childhood cancer, collects toys for the Ouchie Box, located at Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP). 

After a clinic visit at MCCP, which may include anything from chemotherapy to a check-up, patients are allowed to choose a prize from the box. The Ouchie Box gives pediatric cancer patients something to look forward to on their clinic day. It often brings smiles after tears.

The Rulman family will be on-site collecting donations for Libby's Ouchie Box Toy Drive. They accept toys for children of all ages: newborns to teens. Gift cards and cash donations are also welcome to help families affected by pediatric cancer.

RAA to host inaugural artist scholarship fundraiser

Devon and David Young

By Lorraine Glowczak

The Raymond Arts Alliance (RAA) is hosting its inaugural artist scholarship fundraising concert on Saturday, September 7 at 1 p.m. at 163 Raymond Hill Road. The purpose of the concert is to raise funds to support local artists in need.

The concept was inspired by the aspirations of David Young, a local singer/songwriter, Raymond resident and 2017 graduate of Windham High School (WHS). David has performed in clubs for several years and has developed a strong local following. He studied guitar for a year at the University of Southern Maine and now will be moving to Nashville in the first week of November. 

The RAA hopes to donate part of the proceeds raised from this event to help with his move and start his new life, while also seeding a fund to assist others in the future.  David, along with his brother, Devon - a drummer who is a 2019 WHS graduate, is also moving to Nashville and will be performing with David.

Mary-Therese Duffy, RAA Chair, stated that the scholarship program is in the early stages and that the organization hopes to collect enough funds to support all artist and ages.

“For some, perhaps many, it is very challenging to claim the word artist for one’s self, particularly in the beginning. There are numerous cultural barriers to artists fully immersing into their ideas and vision, from simply being recognized in youth to being supported in explorations as young adults,” Duffy said. “Art is not considered a serious contribution to society and to that way of thinking, not a valued pursuit.  Many artists internalize this and believe they shouldn’t or can’t pursue what they truly love; and often, artists don’t know what that is even.  That is only because of the nature of artistic expression itself:  it is a calling, amorphous, often intuitive, looking nothing like a chosen path, never mind a clear one.  This can lead to self-doubt, second guessing, and always putting one’s

artistic process on the back burner.  Connecting to successful artists, having a mentor and the freedom to explore is critical to artistic development.  Few things adequately reflect and express the soul (if you will) of a culture than the arts, and they need to be supported at as many levels as possible.  They are an oxygen, a mirror, a compass and sometimes prophetic; a very needed element within our human collective, indeed.”

David recorded his first song at the age of 14 entitled, “Assassination #16”, a song about Lincoln’s death. He also recorded an album with Devon in 2017. Although music has played a large role in his life, he didn’t always know that music would be the direction he would take. “I didn’t know music was what I wanted to do FOR SURE until maybe a year and a half ago. Dev and I decided about a year ago that we would chase our dreams,” David said.

When asked if he had advice for other aspiring musicians, he admitted that he is still very young himself and does not have much advice to give, but does offer this suggestion: “I will say that if you know what you want to do, chase it! For me, I’d rather struggle to achieve something that I love to do than do something I hate just for the money.”

Other performers for the inaugural scholarship concert will include special guests, Jani Cummings, Dos Canosos (Raul Freyre and Gary Wittner), and The Disclaimers.  The location is. This is an outdoor event, so please bring a folding chair. There is no cover charge, but since this is a benefit, donations are greatly appreciated.

Service Dog Strong organization to provide relief for those with RR-PTSD anxiety

Simone Emmons

By Lorraine Glowczak

Known as a person’s best friend, dogs offer companionship and unconditional love. This, in and of itself, provides more health benefits than we can possibly know. But there is more. Dogs can be trained to guide the blind, assist the deaf or hard of hearing, offer a warning to an individual with epilepsy and can calm PTSD related anxiety.

Service Dog Strong, a local nonprofit, is just months and a few dollars away from obtaining their mission to provide trained service dogs free of charge to individuals who experience PTSD related anxiety as a result of sexual trauma, otherwise known as Rape Related PTSD (RR-PTSD)

The brainchild of Simone Emmons of Windham, Service Dog Strong came into being on March 21, 2019. She, along with co-founder Kristen Stacy intend to help others who are dealing with the dramatic effects resulting from sexual assault. “I started this organization because I simply wanted to help other people who have been through what I have,” Emmons said, whose service dog Gunner has eased the angst of many anxiety attacks.

Emmons and Stacy publicly share their stories so others will know they are not alone – and to come forward for help.

After graduating from Windham High School, Emmons joined the armed forces in 2006 with the intention of making it her life’s career. Shortly after basic training, she was violently raped by another officer. “What added insult to injury is that he told others about the rape and they all laughed and joked about it,” Emmons began. “My complaints were dismissed and downplayed by those whose rank was above my own. When I tried to stand up for myself, I was told that I had it coming to me.” 

The assault also caused a brain injury.

The reaction from her superiors and counterparts fed into her own feelings of worthlessness. Her anxiety and self-loathing grew until it became unbearable. She started using drugs and alcohol to suffocate and hide the emotional pain. “That one traumatic experienced traumatized my life,” she said. “I was able to maintain employment, but it was low wage and it was very hard to make a living.

This employment difficulty was a result of the discharge the army gave me, I was left with no assistance or educational benefits. They just gave me a discharge abruptly. It was not dishonorable but uncharacterized.”

According to an online academic article written in the Psychiatric Times, “Rape and other forms of sexual assault have broad-reaching effects on many levels, including basic needs, functional impairment, physical health and mental health. Although chronic psychopathology does not develop in most rape or sexual assault victims, these forms of traumatic victimization are associated with a higher prevalence of PTSD than are other types of traumatic event. For example, the National Women's Study, an epidemiological survey of 4008 women, found the lifetime prevalence of PTSD resulting from rape and sexual assault to be 32% and 30.8%, respectively, compared with a prevalence of 9.4% caused by non-crime-related trauma (eg, motor vehicle accident).”

Kristen Stacy

Emmons started attending the Veterans Center in Portland and discovered that she could get emotional support and help free of charge. She began therapy – and it was here she learned that the rape was not her fault. She stopped using drugs and alcohol, turning to more holistic methods to calm her RR-PTSD. Emmons also discovered that she qualified for a service dog trained specifically for anxiety. It has changed her life.

Stacy’s story began one evening in her college dorm. “I was doing what a lot of young students do - I was underage drinking and I passed out in my bed,” she began. “The next thing I know, I am waking up in the morning with a man I only knew slightly lying next to me and I was in a pool of blood.”

Much like Emmons’ experience, Stacy’s incident was also downplayed by her rapist and her female roommates. “They would say things like, ‘I’m sure it’s not what it seems.’ So, I just kept everything to myself and I didn’t tell anyone.”

Keeping her rape a secret and having her own feelings of worthlessness took its toll. She later tried to commit suicide, but it was the text she wrote to a friend just prior to her attempt that saved her life when he called the police. (According to Suicide.com, suicide is common among rape victims. Emmons stated that suicide attempts after sexual assault are actually higher than with combat related PTSD.)

Upon completing her bachelor’s degree at USM and her master’s in social work at UNE (University of New England), Stacy continued to keep her rape a secret. It wasn’t until Stacy discovered through a friend that Emmons was creating Service Dog Strong, that she revealed her story. “I knew this was it for me – I knew speaking up and helping others would free me from my past. The biggest blessing this has been for me is I now know I’m not alone.” Stacy said.

Already, in just five months after Service Dog Strong began, there is a list of people waiting for trained service dogs. However, the organization is still trying to raise the funds needed to meet the demand. “For six people, it costs $21,000,” explained Emmons, who – along with Stacy- will not receive any financial reimbursement for their work. “The cost will go toward adoption fees, spaying/neutering, 18 weeks of training as well as the vest and color all service dogs wear.”

Emmons continued, “When I thought of creating Service Dog Strong, it never occurred to me the financial aspect that would be required, I simply want to help other rape survivors. That’s all.”

Help Emmons and Stacy help others. Donations can be made through the Service Dog Strong Facebook page, or a check/money order can be sent to: Kristen Stacy, 10 Stacy’s Way, Denmark, ME 04022.

If you have been raped, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE. It does not matter whether the rape happened recently or long ago.