Homemade 'Christmas Star' illuminates Raymond backyard

Cheryl Blanchard of Raymond created a Christmas
Star for her backyard to remind us all how blessed
we are in this time of year. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

By Ed Pierce

In one of the most enduring stories of the Bible, the three wise men known as the “Magi” travel to Bethlehem for the birth of the infant Jesus and are led to his doorstep by a shining celestial light known as the “Christmas Star.”

The tale of the “Christmas Star” and the Magi has been depicted for more than 12 centuries as part of Nativity pageants in churches and portrayed by generations of schoolchildren and in films and television programs. Partly inspired by the Bible story and using her creative ability, a local woman has made her own “Christmas Star” for this year for everyone driving by her home on Route 85 in Raymond to see.

“I created a star to represent us all far and near,” said Cheryl Blanchard of Raymond. “It’s to help remind us all of how blessed we are in this time of year.”

Blanchard said she’s always been very creative and engaged in a variety of arts and that her homemade star is an expression of what she is feeling for everyone this Christmas season.

“It's been a very emotionally hard year for all who I know and my dear loved ones,” she said. “There
are so many memories that are not happening this year due to the pandemic. I was thinking it would be so nice if I could send out a special message to everyone.”

She said that she drew inspiration for the star from having performed for the past 15 years in the production Christmas Nativity/Christmas Pageant with the City of Portland at First Parish Church on Congress Street. She’s also been involved through the years with holiday community dinners, horse and buggy sleigh rides up around the Christmas Tree at Monument Square in Portland, caroling with her sisters and sharing her special Christmas memories with her grandchildren.

“I'm truly blessed. I'm so grateful, Blanchard said. “I often drive through the streets and see so many people in the lines at local food pantries and so many children who sure could use a nice warm coat. Christmas brings back memories that I wrote about in my book 236 Cumberland Avenue Portland Maine. I created a star to send out a very special message of hope for you all this Christmas. 

“I made this star with some coat hangers and light silver tinsel,” Blanchard said. “But where was I going to put this very big star so it could be seen by all.”

Her husband, Moe Blanchard, who works at First Baptist Church, had an idea.

The Christmas Star created by Cheryl 
Blanchard can be viewed about three
miles north of Raymond on Route 85.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

“He thought we should put it up as high as we can,” she said. “He boosted my star up in the sky as high as he could, and when he did that, we stood back and saw the most amazingly beautiful creative star.”

Since her husband first put the star up in the couple’s back yard between some tall trees around Thanksgiving, there have been two serious storms, one was a significant windstorm with gusts reaching 60 mph and the other was a snowstorm last weekend accompanied by strong winds that knocked out power in the area for many and toppled trees.

Yet despite the destructive winds and snowfall, Blanchard’s “Christmas Star” has stayed put.

“Can you believe it, it’s up in the open air where the wind can blow really hard and believe me it did,” Blanchard said. “So maybe it's a message for all to see in our beautiful holiday season. It serves to remind us just remember how truly blessed we are. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and to hold your loved ones and to reach out to those less fortunate with kindness and love in your heart.”

If driving, Blanchard’s “Christmas Star” can be viewed three miles north on the left side of Route 85 from Raymond. <

 

Coalition calls on everyone to get outside safely this winter

AUGUSTA – A broad coalition of Maine conservation groups, state agencies, and outdoor brand businesses have launched a series of recommendations to help people safely enjoy fresh air this winter.

While outdoor activities are great ways to stay healthy during Maine's winter, it is important for everyone venturing to Maines public parks and land trust preserves to continue following COVID-19 health guidance. In addition, all should be prepared for short days, cold temperatures, snow and ice, and ever-changing, unpredictable conditions.

When venturing outside this winter in Maine, be 
prepared for short days, cold temperatures, snow
and ice, ever-changing unpredictable weather and
observe COVID-19 precautions.
COURTESY PHOTO 

"Our goal is to help create safe experiences for everyone," explained Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal. This partnership goal is to inform and remind residents and visitors that we can and should enjoy the tranquility and peace of our outdoors this winter while preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Maine’s conservation and recreation communities, natural resource agencies, and outdoor brand leaders developed checklists to help us all enjoy Maine’s outdoors in ways that are safe and responsible this winter, said Doreen MacGillis, Chair of the Maine Land Trust Network.

Before you head outside:

Be Prepared

·         Dress for success: Be aware of current conditions and bring appropriate gear to match those conditions, including, snowshoes, ice grips, and plenty of layers to stay warm. Local outdoor stores are available to give advice on appropriate clothing and equipment. Consider buying a Maine-made brand!

·         Check before you go: While many conservation lands remain open during the winter, access roads and parking areas may not be accessible. At the same time, conditions may not be safe or appropriate for desired activities such as ice fishing. Visit websites to see the latest information on closures and to learn about current conditions.

·         Know what’s available: Consider visiting a nearby Wildlife Management Area, or a less-trafficked state park, public land, or land trust preserve. (Maine Trail Finder is a great resource.)

·         Don’t take risks: Stick to familiar terrain to avoid injuries, which add stress on first responders and medical resources. If you're headed out alone, let someone know where you're going and be especially careful.

Heed All COVID-19 Health Warnings

·         Practice physical distancing: Stay at least six feet away from other people who do not live in your household. Step aside when passing other people on the trail and be considerate -  it's different than how you've experienced the outdoors in the past, but necessary as we try to stay safe.

·         Wear a mask: When you're in the vicinity of others, even with six feet of separation, a mask will help keep everyone safer.

·         Have a plan B: If the parking lot is full, the destination is too crowded. If your first destination has a busy parking lot, go to the next spot on your list. Do not park on public or private roads where snowbanks prohibit parking completely off the road.

·         If you're sick, stay home: It puts others at risk when you leave home while exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19, or if you have recently been exposed to the virus.

·         If you or friends or family are traveling from out of state, please adhere to Maine’s travel and quarantine guidelines.

"Getting outdoors is extremely beneficial to both your physical and mental health," said Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso. “Enjoy Maine's natural resources this winter in safe and responsible ways and we can work through this unique time together.” <

 

Student groups coordinate effort supporting families in need for holidays

By Elizabeth Richards

In a year where more families than ever may be struggling to provide a holiday celebration for their families, the honor societies and Student Council at Windham High School are pulling together to give back to the community.

“All of the honor societies like to give back during the season,” said Katy Dresnok, coordinator for the French Honor Society at WHS.

Five different organizations at Windham High
School, including the honor societies and student
council are teaming up to collect donations to
sponsor families in need in the area this 
Christmas season. FILE PHOTO  

Because of COVID, she said, making connections is harder this year. Although clubs are connecting online, they aren't meeting in person, and activities they've done in the past aren't a possibility this year.  

“The kids still want to do something, and give back somehow,” Dresnok said.

As the student groups thought about what that might be, Dresnok said, they realized that a lot of people are having a hard time this year.

Initially, she said, she approached David Dyke, coordinator for the Latin Honor Society and Elizabeth Bubier, coordinator for the Spanish Honor Society with the idea to do something together. The idea was then expanded to include Windham High School’s National Honor Society and the WHS Student Council as well.

The end result is a joint effort among the five groups. They decided to get it out to the public, as well to get as many people as possible involved.

“People want to help, they just don’t know how,” Dresnok said.

For this effort, each school group will coordinate donations to support a different family from Windham or Raymond during the holidays.  With the help of monetary donations from the community, they’ll support at least five families.

“It went from a little thing to a big thing,” Dresnok said.  

The goal is to collect $1,000, which will provide food items, gifts, and a gift card to Hannaford so families can purchase their desired main entrée for their holiday dinner.

Each club will collect and purchase donations according to a list of needs provided by the school social worker, Doug Daigle, who will then get the packages to the families.

Any donations received that exceed the need for the five selected families will either be used to extend the effort to more families or donated to a community program to help people in need, Dresnok said.

Any excess food donations will be donated to a local food pantry.

Dresnok said they all feel fortunate to be living in Maine, and able to go to school at least part time.  At the same time, she said, they realize that a lot of people are struggling. 

“It feels really good to help people, even if we don’t know who we’re helping,” she said. 

Dresnok appreciates the fact that the students are doing something for others, and they love it too, she said.

“They always go big…the kids are super generous, and this is a way for them to do something for the benefit of the community.”

Monetary donations will be accepted until Dec. 17, which will allow for time to assemble and deliver the items, Dresnok said. 

An account is set up at WHS for people to donate to student activities. 

For this effort, anyone wishing to donate can go to https://rsu14.androgov.com  and select student activities, noting WHS Holiday Fundraising Campaign in the payment description area.

Checks can be sent as well, made out to Windham High School, with Holiday Fundraising Campaign noted on the memo line. <

State boosts funding for Meals on Wheels program

Maine's Department of Health and Human
Services has invested $536,000 in federal
CARES Act funding to continue Meals on Wheels
deliveries through spring. COURTESY PHOTO

AUGUSTA – The Mills Administration has announced that it will dedicate more than half a million dollars in Coronavirus Relief Funds to extend home-delivered meals to older Mainers and caregivers, ensuring food and nutrition for Maine people staying home during the pandemic. 

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ investment of $536,000 in federal funding will maintain greatly increased deliveries through Meals on Wheels and similar programs since the spring, when Maine received separate CARES Act funding for these programs. The number of older adults and caregivers receiving home-delivered meals and the number of home-delivered meals has since doubled, to more than 5,500 people and 102,000 meals in the month of October alone.  

Maine’s Area Agencies on Aging have rapidly expanded these programs both through direct delivery themselves and community partnerships. They will use the CRF funding announced today to stretch the initial federal award, allowing them to maintain current levels and extend meal deliveries further into 2021, according to varying schedules based on the need.     

“Meals on Wheels has long been a lifeline for Maine seniors, but especially now when so many Maine people are staying home as much as possible to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Maine Gov. Janet Mills. “This investment will ensure that meals continue to be safely delivered to their doors by caring neighbors in communities throughout Maine.” 

“We extend our gratitude to Maine’s Area Agencies on Aging and their volunteers, who help Maine seniors to age with dignity and nourishment,” said DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. “This federal funding will bolster their critical work during the winter as we continue to protect Maine’s most
vulnerable residents against COVID-19.” 

In addition to providing nutritious food to recipients, Meals on Wheels and similar programming ensures a social interaction and wellness visit to vulnerable adults in Maine.

Especially during challenging times, this connection to another caring individual can be a lifeline for older Mainers. Also, caregivers qualify to receive meals during the pandemic, providing them with extra support when getting out to grocery shop can be challenging. 

To ensure health and safety, meal delivery volunteers knock at the door of each home and then step back to ensure that the meal is received while maintaining physical distancing. <

Fuller Center brings much-needed housing rehab services to Sebago Lakes Region seniors

This fall, the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center
for Housing helped four older adult families stay
safely in their homes. Shown from left are Fuller
Center Board Member Steve McFarland, 
Community Volunteer Wayne Jones, Board
Member Karen Swasey Jones and homeowner
Ellen Huber as they worked to prepare Huber's
yard for the winter. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Only recently founded by a group of six local churches and organizations, the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing has gotten off to a remarkable start, already completing four projects for area seniors in spite of the challenges of COVID and a cold, rainy fall.

The local Fuller Center’s first project involved repairing and replacing window trim and siding for an elderly Windham couple.  That was quickly followed by rehabbing a much-used deck and steps for another older homeowner, and then completely clearing leaves, acorns, and gutter debris for two others in order to make their yards safer to walk in and to keep them off ladders themselves. 

The four projects involved 37 volunteers, local Fuller Center Board members and community residents. 

“Getting these jobs done was not deterred in any way by the need to wear masks and socially distance. The volunteers approached it all with energy and good humor, staying safe and being really productive,” said Steve McFarland, a Fuller Center Board member who worked on all four projects.

An affiliate of the non-profit national Fuller Center for Housing, the local Fuller Center was founded by representatives from Faith Lutheran Church, the Unity Church for Spiritual Growth, the North Windham Union Church (UCC), Windham Hill United Church of Christ, Raymond Village Community Church (UCC) and St. Joseph’s College, and serves the towns of Windham, Raymond and Standish.  The group’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of home repair, clean-up, and rehabilitation services to qualified senior homeowners. 

Local Fuller Center services can include trim and siding repair, painting, property clean-up, light demolition, weatherization, door and window repair, handicapped access structures such as ramps, etc., all with the aim of supporting “aging in place.” 

“Studies demonstrate that when people can comfortably stay in their own homes as they get older, they lead better, healthier lives,” said Diane Dunton Bruni, local Fuller Center Board President.  “Our program helps to make that happen by assisting aging homeowners to keep their houses in good repair.”

Basic criteria to be eligible to receive local Fuller Center services include financial need, and a willingness to be involved in some way as health and finances allow. This is in keeping with the philosophy of paying it forward. 

The local Fuller Center is already gearing up for what it hopes will be a busy 2021 and is asking for
community support. 

“In preparing for next year, we would be very grateful to receive three things from our local communities; help in identifying senior homeowners who may have a need, involvement as volunteers for our rehab crews, and financial support through donations to the organization,” Bruni said. 

Suggestions for projects and expressions of interest in volunteering can be sent to the website at www.sebagofullerhousing.org or by emailing the Fuller Center at sebagofullerhousinginfo@gmail.com.  Tax-deductible financial contributions can be made online at the website.  For more information about the work of the local Fuller Center, please contact the Fuller Center through the website or by email.

The national Fuller Center (an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) was founded by Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda.  The Fullers were long-time friends of former President Jimmy Carter.  The Fullers had initially founded Habitat for Humanity in 1976 and led that organization for 29 years.  They parted ways with Habitat and created the Fuller Center in 2005 as a way to continue to pursue their original vision of ending “housing poverty”.  Millard Fuller died in 2009.  Linda Fuller is still very much involved in the work of the organization.  For more information about the national Fuller Center, see: www.fullercenter.org. <

 

RSU 14’s IT Department overcomes challenges in keeping students connected during pandemic

RSU 14 Network Administrator Mark Politano
examines a computer at Windham High School 
on Tuesday. The school district's information
technology staff has stepped up to the challenge 
of providing and servicing computer equipment 
for students who have had to study remotely
from home as a result of the pandemic.
PHOTO BY HOLDEN ANDERSON 

By Elizabeth Richards

Both hybrid and full remote learning have required planning and technical support far beyond a typical year. Administrators, teachers, and technology staff have made keeping students connected – both online and emotionally – a top priority in RSU 14.

According to Director of Curriculum Christine Hesler, RSU 14 approached full remote learning differently than other districts in the area who opted to use a software called Edmentum.  In RSU 14, they wanted to ensure that remote students stayed connected to the RSU, their schools, and district staff, Hesler said.

RSU 14 provides remote teachers at each grade level, using the same curriculum, teaching strategies, and connections to the schools as students would have in person to keep things as consistent as possible.

“We felt that was really important because eventually we’re all coming back,” Hesler said. 

With the move to having students in both hybrid learning and remote learning, demand for technological solutions, and support using them, has increased.

The district is sending students as young as second or third grade home with devices for distance learning.

“We’ve never done that before,” said Bob Hickey, RSU 14 Director of Technology. “This allows students to have a device with them while they are not at school and supports both the hybrid and distance students.  We are also working on sending home devices for students as young as kindergarten and first grade.”

The district has also increased the number of devices available so that in addition to a MacBook Air for each student in grades 2 through 12, there’s an iPad for every kindergarten and first grade student instead of one for every two students as in past years, Hickey said.

“This helps with interactive tablet interfaces for young students who lack keyboarding skills,” he said.

Hickey said the district also has iPads for the 32 Pre-K students at the new program in Raymond.  “Even the youngest students show the ability to use the touchscreen and all the most successful educational apps are available on this platform.”

The district has made great efforts to provide wi-fi hotspots to families who otherwise wouldn’t have
internet access at home, so students aren’t left without support, Hickey said. 

“Some of the hotspots were free from the state, others the district paid for to bolster the availability of devices,” he said.  

Tammy Lorenzatti, Technology Instructor at Windham High School and a representative of the WHS InfoTech team, which includes librarians Amy Denecker and Kristin Chavonelle, said, “Much of the support we offer students and families comes directly through our work with teachers.”

Over the summer, she said, a district-wide team created a mini-course focused on best practices for virtual learning to help faculty and staff in RSU 14 develop experiences that would empower students to succeed.  Hesler published grade-level remote learning dashboards for teachers to access essential tools, information and materials, Lorenzatti said.

Since schools reopened, Lorenzatti said, they’ve continued to offer virtual professional development opportunities to the district.  They will be piloting a “Teacher Tech for Teachers” program, where they’ll facilitate sharing of remote teaching strategies among teachers.

“If this initiative is successful at the high school, we hope to share the opportunity with other schools in the district later this year,” she said.

Hybrid and remote learning poses many challenges, particularly when it comes to technology.  “The transition to remote learning seems to have changed almost every aspect of what we do in schools. As a result, we’ve learned to be flexible and creative in accommodating the ever-changing needs of the community,” Lorenzatti said. “We started the year aware that access to materials was going to be a greater challenge for both students and teachers.”

In order to make transitions as seamless as possible, she said, they invested in several online streaming platforms that provide teachers with digital access to movies, pop culture and educational magazines, ebooks and audiobooks.

Technology has also been used to connect teachers and students virtually.

“Beyond Meet and Zoom, we’ve purchased several Owl smart cameras, which give remote teachers full-sound and a 360-degree view of the students in their classroom. Prior to the arrival of the Owls, we had to adapt our greenscreen camera and computer station to connect remote teachers with their in-person classes at school, and using this technology, we’ve successfully enabled instruction to continue despite the distance,” Lorenzatti said.

Because streaming and online meetings have become far more frequent, Hickey said, they’ve faced a heavier reliance on the district network. To address this need, they worked with the Maine School and Library Network, who provides the district’s internet connection, to increase bandwidth from 1 Gigabit to a 2 Gigabit connection.

Increased technology use can require more troubleshooting.  Dedicated teachers and a skilled district Technology Integrator help students and families resolve issues, Hickey said.  Parents can email HelpDesk@rsu14.org if their student’s account is locked out or they have hardware issues and need a replacement student device, he added.

 “While teaching in the remote and hybrid models, many teachers are the front line for students and families,” Lorenzatti said.  When difficulties arise, she said, the InfoTech team works closely with teachers to provide support both in-person and through their website, www.whslibrary.org, which offers how-to guides, class guides, InfoTech resources and tools, and application tutorials.  

Federal funding efforts by staff have enabled the district to attain interactive white boards that will replace very old smart boards, whiteboards, projectors, apple TVs that communicate with the projector and sound bars, which will all be consolidated into one device, Hickey said.  “These devices will be used by the teacher and even remote students can view what is displayed on the electronic whiteboard.  It really helps to tie together the in-person folks and remote students,” he said.

District staff are creating connections beyond core academics as well.  Hesler said that UA teachers are videotaping lessons for students to participate in at home.  While these, of course, look different than face to face instruction, it allows students to continue engaging in those aspects of school.

“We cannot replicate everything, but we’re trying to think differently of how we can give kids that experience,” she said.

The InfoTech team has worked closely with teachers, club advisors, and coaches to find the most effective methods to live stream events, such as sports and virtual spirit weeks, Lorenzatti said.  The team has also created a Play site, updated every Friday, where students are provided fun, boredom blasting activities, she said. 

That site can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/infotechplay/home. <

Year-round charitable giving more important than ever during holidays

Collette Gagnon, Social Service Administrative
Assistant at the Windham Food Pantry, accepts
a Thanksgiving check from the Lake Region
Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) in the amount
of $885. In December, the organization will
sponsor students at the Katahdin program for
Christmas. Each student will be given presents
off their request list, approved by the school,
totaling $50. SUBMITTED PHOTO    

By Lorraine Glowczak

Whether it is toys, turkeys or time - there is something about the holidays that motivates us to give of ourselves and be there for those who face many struggles. It matters not if it is karma or being of service that innately motivates humans, the fact is – the holiday ignites the need to serve.

For some organizations, the inspiration to offer necessary life sustaining gifts 365 days a year is a part of their everyday mission and purpose.

It is true that there are a many individuals and establishments give all year and those works go unseen and there are those who prefer no recognition.

However, other organizations rely on community support to provide the much-needed services they provide to families and individuals all year long.

These groups that work quietly behind the scenes include St. Ann’s Essential Pantry, Lakes Region Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Windham and Raymond Food Pantries.

St. Ann’s Essential Pantry

For approximately five years, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church at 40 Windham Center Road in Windham, has been serving families by providing personal and household items that cannot be purchased by an EBT debit card. The pantry also provides commodities that are not available at local food pantries.

“We provide personal hygiene and cleaning products that are acceptable to donate and are not provided by local food pantries, like liquid laundry detergents and liquid deodorants,” Deacon Wendy Rozene, of St. Ann’s said. “Toilet paper is essential, especially now during the pandemic when it is cleared off the shelves. Hand lotion is another needed item now that people are washing their hands and using hand sanitizer more frequently.”

Other much needed items include: Shampoos, conditioners, bars of soap, stick deodorant, paper towels and hand lotion to name just a few important everyday items. Toothpaste and toothbrushes, although an abundant item at the moment are still being accepted and will be put to use.

The pantry, which serves over 100 families, with about 25 to 30 being served at a given time, is open the last Saturday of every month from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. During non-pandemic times, families and individuals were able to select the items they needed in the lower level of the church; however, the pantry has made special accommodations to adhere to Maine CDC guidelines.

“We now bag items separately and have them prepared as people drive up to the door, remain in their car with masks on and we put the bags in the trunk of the vehicle,” Rozene said. 

The pantry is open to all people from Windham, Raymond, Casco, Standish and the lakes region. The
first time they come they need proof of residency such as a CMP bill with their name and address on it. That is all that is required.

Rozene said that the Essentials Pantry collaborates with both the Windham Food Pantry and Faith Lutheran Church, also of Windham which helps keep the pantry stocked and running.

“There are times we have a lot of food donated to us which we can’t easily store,” Rozene said. “So, we give some of that to the Windham Food Pantry and the toiletry items they can’t give out, they give to us. It is a win-win situation.”

Rozene also said that Faith Lutheran Church, at 988 Roosevelt Trail, has been contributing monthly stipends and volunteers for the past couple of years.

“It is important to mention that we’ve have received generous financial donations as well as workers from Faith Lutheran Church to help us distribute the much-needed items each month. We do appreciate their contributions,” Rozene said.

Food, essential items and monetary donations can be made in person or sent via snail mail to: St. Ann’s Essential Pantry, 40 Windham Center Road in Windham. If delivered in person, the office is open Monday through Thursday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Lakes Region Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) #4352

Located at 456 Roosevelt Trail location, FOE #4252 is a part of an international, non-profit organization that was established in Seattle, WA in 1898 to “unite in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice and equality. To make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.” The mission is to serve others, as often as possible, all year long.

FOE #4352 is exceptionally motivated to do what they can to provide help for those in need throughout the Lakes Region. Although they provide help in many ways to individuals and organizations all year round, the holiday season is a perfect time to introduce the community to FOE #4352 as well as promoting the importance of giving year-round.

The organization gives a monthly financial donation to local food pantries and they made their Thanksgiving donation of $885 to the Windham Food Pantry on Monday, Nov. 23. Even though it is a season of giving, the trip to the food pantry is a way to ceremonially show their appreciation by presenting their check in person.

But their deeds for the holiday season are not quite complete.

“Although The Eagles will continue their monthly donation to the pantry in December, we will also be sponsoring all the students at the Katahdin program for Christmas,” FOE #4352 President Frank Farinelli said. “Each student will be given presents off their request list totaling $50. We are also collecting food and winter clothing for programs at the high school.”

Although FOE #4352 is a membership-based organization that raises funds and distributes their gifts privately, they welcome financial donations from the public, of which 100% is distributed toward their gift giving efforts.

To assist FOE #4352 in their efforts or to learn more about the organization, contact Frank Farinelli by email at francescojfarinella@gmail.com or by phone at 207-310-4197.

To learn more about the Katahdin Program, an alternative educational curriculum located at 406 Gray Road in Windham, contact Program Director, Craig Haims at (207) 893-7377.

The Windham and Raymond Food Pantries

The Raymond Food Pantry, 1273 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond, is located in the building of the Lake Region Baptist Church. They are open the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 4 to 6 p.m. The return of banana boxes, used to carry food with, will help to keep costs down. For more information, contact the pantry at 207-310-1419.

The Windham Food Pantry, located at 377 Gray Road in Windham, is open to Windham residents with proof of residency. Residents are provided with food on a monthly basis and are asked to call and schedule an appointment. Food and non-food donations are accepted Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monetary donations are accepted 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at the Town Manager's Office or by mail at 8 School Road, Windham. <

Help available for Windham, Raymond residents with missing pets

Microchipping is an effective way for animal
control staff members to identify and return
lost dogs. The average cost for the service is
less than $70 and widely available through
local veterinarians. COURTESY PHOTO

By Daniel Gray

Whether or not you have a fuzzy loved one at home, many know the heartbreak that happens when a family pet runs off and aren't able to find their way back home. It isn’t uncommon for dogs to run out the front door or somehow snap themselves off their leashes, but there are ways to prevent pets from becoming lost and if they do, to get them back home safely.

 

Windham resident Myia Canty, a student currently majoring in mechanical engineering at the University of Maine, knows exactly what it’s like to have her dog run off unexpectedly. And to make matters worse, she lives right near River Road in Windham, making it very dangerous if her dog were to run off.

Her German Shepherd and Lab mix named Trinity loves to play and will want to play in the front yard right next to the treacherous road.

 

“Every once in a while, she’ll see something move outside like a squirrel or my dad getting home from work, so she will just book it out the door and once she realizes she’s outside, she’ll get excited and think it’s time for a walk,” Canty said.

 

Recently, Trinity has started clicker training, which is when a pet owner can use a small hand-held device that makes a soft clicking noise that gains a dog’s attention and, when done properly, the dog can associate a click meaning they did a good job and get a treat. The Cantys started the training a year ago and say that it is extremely helpful with Trinity. She knows to come when the clicker sounds, which is a vast improvement from without the clicker.

 

A dog training company called Partners in Canine, 756 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, has a very confident outlook on clicker training. Partners in Canine owners and trainers Merri Button and Meg Terrio believe tremendously in the science behind clickers that dates to the 1890s. A Russian physiologist named Ivan Pavlov created the “classical conditioning theory,” ring a bell and give a dog food, and they will expect food every time the bell chimes. The same thing happens with clicker training.

 

“Once we have established this conditioned response to the clicker, we have the ability to do tons of things that can make training your dog easier and more positive,” Button and Terrio said.

 

Windham’s Lake Region Animal Hospital’s head veterinary technician, Leah Janus, has a very positive
view on clicker training as well, but said she would also add professional training into the mix.

 

“We feel that clicker training can be a great training tool for dogs. But, if you are a true beginner, it is probably best to start with a professional trainer,” Janus said. “Without realizing it, people can give their dogs confusing cues when they are learning how to train a dog.”

 

Partners in Canine offers a few different programs that can help with dog training if someone can’t do it on their own. They have the Puppy 101 course for younger dogs and also offer a Partner Program for dogs 6 months or older. These courses are made to help owners with dogs who have behavioral issues or goals they would like to achieve.

 

Janus says she also strongly urges residents to get their pets a microchip. The chip is injected and the chip itself is the size of a grain of rice, being placed between a dog's shoulder blades. The microchip has the dog's registration number along with where the ship was registered. If your dog is found and their chip is scanned through the skin, the vet clinic can contact the registry and get your information from there. At the Lakes Region Animal Hospital, it costs $66 dollars for the “Home Again” microchip bundle. It includes a microchip implanting chip, registration, 24/7 pet recovery assistance for one year, a medical hotline for pet poison control, and even a lost pet travel assistance for when dogs end up far away from home.

 

Jackie Frye is Windham’s personal animal control officer and for the past three years has logged 40 hours a week on average to assist with strays or various animals roaming in Windham. The town’s animal control’s budget for 2019 was a little more than $68,000 with this year’s budget being slightly more than $67,000.

 

When Frye is notified of an animal running loose, she catches them safely and brings them to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP) in Westbrook. She does have happy stories to tell of when she has examined a lost dog’s collar to reunite them with their owners.

 

“Before going to the shelter, I’ll try to find the owner. If there’s a rabies tag with the number, I’ll also call the town to get the owner’s name and information,” Frye said. “I’ll definitely try to find the owner first and I would rather do this every time than go to ARLGP.”

 

Raymond’s animal control officer is Jessica Jackson who has been serving the public since 2013. Raymond’s lost pet process is similar to Windham’s with Jackson bringing stray animals to ARLGP or returning them home if the information is available. In 2019, the budget for Raymond’s animal control was about $32,000 and 2020’s budget was nearly $35,000.

 

Jeana Roth of Windham is the director of community engagement for the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland and said the first thing done when a stray animal arrives is to scan for a microchip or locate other information.

 

“For pets without any identification, we hold them for a period of time to try to locate their family and to observe and treat any medical needs they may have,” Roth said. “We work with groups like Maine Lost Dog Recovery/Maine Lost Cat Recovery on Facebook to share that we have a stray pet with the hopes of an owner being identified.”

 

Typical recovery fees for owners of animals taken to the shelter is $25 and all dogs are held there for six days.

 

Both Raymond and Windham mandate that pet owners register dogs each year. pick them up and they hold all dogs for six days.

 

Registration is Dec. 31 and requirements include proof of a rabies vaccination and veterinarian's name and phone number, and a neuter certificate if applicable. For neutered animals, the registration fee is just $6 or $11 for animals not neutered. Registration can be done online at the town website, by mail or in person at town offices. <

Draft of Windham Open Space Master Plan available for comment

By Elizabeth Richards

A draft of the Windham Open Space Master Plan has been completed, and is available on www.windhamopenspace.com for public comment through Dec. 4.

 A series of videos that summarize the plan and three specific policy areas are now available on the website along with the draft plan.  

The plan’s Executive Summary says, “Windham is fortunate to have acquired over time, a large network of open space properties that have become significant assets to the community. This Open Space Master Plan highlights the importance of these assets to the community for both the recreational and environmental benefits, while also serving as a guide for the management and enhancement of the open space network in Windham.”

Windham Planning Director Amanda L. Lessard 
reviews open space maps for the town in
conjunction with the release to the public of a 
new draft Open Space Plan. The initiative
identifies four activity centers and two
additional rural character preservation zones
for Windham, focusing on the conservation
of rural character and rural functions going forward.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE   

According to Windham Planning Director Amanda L. Lessard, part of the motivation for the Open Space Master Plan was concern about preserving Windham’s rural places. 

“There was a lot of concern about development happening in rural areas…the plan focuses a bit on these rural protection areas and what the town should be doing in those areas,” she said.

In June, Lessard discussed the specific importance of rural areas to Windham in general during an interview with The Windham Eagle newspaper.

“Rural character is central to Windham’s identity as a community. Being proactive about open space in the face of strong residential growth pressures will help preserve community character and ensure that Windham’s most important open spaces will remain available for future Windham residents,” she said.

Thinking about how to best manage and develop Windham’s current open spaces will add value for today’s residents, Lessard said.

The draft plan identifies four activity centers and two additional rural character preservations zones, where the focus is on conservation of rural character and rural functions.

It outlines current open spaces that exist in the town, discusses challenges and constraints around these spaces, and identifies priorities and opportunities for these spaces.  Three main policy recommendations were made including to acquire new properties and develop new facilities; to improve existing properties and open space assets; and to update policy and practice. In the draft plan, each recommendation is followed by specific goals.

COVID considerations have made people more eager to identify recreational areas.

“We’ve seen an uptick in activity,” Lessard said.

The process of developing an open space plan has made people more aware of what open space already exists in town, Lessard said. 

Many people have asked questions about where in the area they can participate in specific activities, not realizing those activities are already available right in Windham, she said. 

“This is a good opportunity to raise awareness of what is out there,” Lessard said.

One of the recommendations centers around signage and wayfinding, she added.

Lessard said that the plan will be an easily accessible source of information about anything related to open space, whether for conservation or active recreation.

Looking at open space planning now will provide Windham with an opportunity to assess where the town is currently, where the community would like to go and how it might eventually get there, Lessard said.

She said that this type of planning assists in the protection of important open space and will be used to encourage compatible growth in the future by managing aspects of growth and development in ways that preserve, protect, and enhance the environment, along with exposing potential problems and conflicts while there is still time to prevent them from arising in the future.

The deadline of Dec. 4 was given to allow the committee time to incorporate suggestions into the final version of the plan, Lessard said. 

“We still want to hear from the public after that, but we’re trying to work towards a date where we can have a final draft to present to the council,” she said.

 Comments can be posted directly on the website. <

‘Buy Local’ not a fad: It's a matter of survival for business owners and the community

Diana Mills, the owner of Mills & Co. at 778
Roosevelt Trail in Windham, shows a Cuisinart
skillet available at the store this Christmas.
Mills & Co. is one of many local businesses
that is ready to host shoppers seeking personalized
service, great products and supporting local
merchants this holiday season.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

By Lorraine Glowczak

It may be viewed as the latest progressive movement but shopping local is by far not a popular whim that will quickly become a thing of the past. In fact, it is a matter of survival, for both the business owner and the individual.

Locally owned businesses generate more tax revenue and thus promote positive economic growth by recirculating a greater share of every dollar back into the local economy, adding to the pot of many non-profit and social programs, facilitating civically based healthy communities.

service
Additionally, local businesses add a certain level of “local flavor.” This is important for tourists who visit the Sebago Lakes Region every summer. Local commerce encourages economic growth gained from tourists’ dollars.

An important side note to be addressed includes the current pandemic. Homegrown businesses can accommodate the variety of safety protocols; keeping their employees and customers safe and still offer the same amazing services, especially on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28.

“Local business owners have worked hard this year to ensure all CDC requirements are being met and have implemented protocols to ensure the safety of employees and customers,” Executive Director of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, Robin Mullins said.

Although we may be tempted to order online through non-local entities, it is advised to use these resources as a last resort.

“Ordering online, although convenient, is hopefully a consumer’s last option, and only when an item
cannot be found locally,” Mullins said. “If a consumer orders online with an organization like Amazon, none of that money stays local. Therefore, providing no benefit to our community at all”

The following are concrete examples of how supporting Windham and Raymond businesses returns in favor to the two towns that include positive impacts on the community and individual.

1. Supporting local trickles down and provides the ‘good life’ of small-town living.

If you truly want to enjoy the ‘good life” feeling that comes from living in small towns like Raymond and Windham, then purchasing from your local store is what will keep that feeling a reality. Often the “trickle down” is not always apparent - only felt.

“The less obvious reason to buy local is that by supporting local businesses you are benefiting your
entire community,” Mullins said. “If a consumer spends $100 at a locally owned business, $68 of that stays local, supporting community programs.

If there is one highly rated example of a business supporting various community programs, The Good Life Market located at 1297 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond is among the communities’ greatest supporters. Owner, Linda Manchester, and her family give back to the community by helping to support local education initiatives and non-profits who serve those in need.
“My family and I grew up in this area,” Manchester said. “We raised our family here and we were educated here – and we aspired to start a business here because we wanted to stay close to home and be among what mattered to us. We didn’t want to drive into Portland every day for a random job - so we opened the market to be closer to what we loved and cherished.”

From the moment The Good Life Market opened their doors, the community came out in full force to
support this new business.

“The community supported us from the very beginning,” Manchester said. “We believe in the saying, ‘what goes around, comes around’ and as a result – we give back to local food pantries as well as local programs that focus on education to our youth and the care for our elderly.”

2. The people behind the product know you and the community’s needs.

When you personally know the person behind the business, you enjoy a connection you would not otherwise have. And perhaps just as importantly, the local business owner has an invested interest in and know the needs of the community. Chris McDonald of Windham Power Sports located at 646 Roosevelt Trail in Windham is a perfect example. He and his family were one of the major supporters to ensure area school children were safe by supporting the initiative raising funds, placing stop arms on RSU14 buses.

“When it came to the school bus issue it all began with my own children,” McDonald said. “For years we stood in our front driveway waiting for the bus and it seemed as though a regular issue how unsafe it was for my kids to cross the street and load the bus with drivers not paying attention to stop lights. Something so simple in most minds appeared difficult for others. Maybe they didn't have children of their own? Or maybe they were still tired from the morning, didn't have their coffee yet or were late for work? However, it doesn't matter what the reason, it was careless and unsafe. Sitting in the car one day with my daughter, we were discussing the issue and she brought up the fact, at eight years old, ‘What about my friends and all the other kids?’ So, we decided to try and bring some community involvement into the situation and took video shot from my truck and posted the infractions online. This community is where we live and have lived for the last 16 years! As our videos began to circulate, one of the
groups our daughter was a part of the "Odyssey Angels" decided to get involved in raising funds for these extended stop arms to be installed on buses to help wake those people up who are not paying attention. Shortly after, other groups began to coordinate events as well as together these groups reached out to local businesses myself included and it was amazing to see the support provided by these local folks. They were able to raise funds far beyond the expectations of the original goal and they outfitted multiple buses with the first of the extended stop arms.”

3. Supporting local gives the community its “local flavor.”

How can one pass the The Elbow Room restaurant located at 781 Roosevelt Trail in Windham and not wonder what is up the chef’s creative sleeve?

“Our home is the test kitchen and our family acts as our critics,” Owner Nick Kalogerakis

said. His son is the chef behind the inspired and creative menu.

“We cook in our kitchen almost nightly,” Kalogerakis said. “We rarely eat the same meal twice; we are always changing things up with different seasonings and cooking techniques. Most recently we have been using some spices my mom brought back to us from a trip to Turkey. Delicious.”

However, “local flavor “does not only refer to food. It can also signify personal preferences in Maine home furnishing and decor.

“If Maine-made products that include keepsakes and country relics is what you want for your home decor - we have it ,” said Carrie Perry, Owner of Willow Tree Primitive Shop, located at 6 Sabbady Point Road in Windham.

Whether it is personally made wooden signs, local honey or Maine made furniture- most items sold at Willow Tree Primitive Shop support local artisans, providing the ‘local flavor’ of Maine.

“A majority of what we sell is unique to Maine and is made by local individuals,” Perry said.

4. More personalized service.

“All of our employees know and understand what we sell,” said Bob Mills, owner of Mills and Company, located at 778 Roosevelt Trail in Windham.

That is another reason why shopping local is so important. Receiving personalized service by individuals who know their products is seen by many as a thing of the past. Not so at Mills and Co.

“We have 319 different vendors – most of which come from Maine,” Mills said. “This adds up. Twenty-five percent of our business goes back into our community and into the State of Maine. And our employees know most of those businesses and individuals.”

5. Local does not necessarily exclude national chains based within the community.

“It is also important to understand that if consumers spend $100 at a national chain store that is located in the region, $43 stays local,” Mullins said. “Clearly, we hope residents choose to shop our locally owned businesses. However, based on the numbers, there is still a benefit to supporting national chain stores in our region.”

Be sure to keep informed with the latest in supporting local businesses. The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce is working with the generosity of Gorham Savings Bank and Windham Economic Development Corporation, to support local businesses in the Sebago Lakes Region in a “Support Local” event coming up soon. <