Meters add up to marathon for Windham runner

Mike Parker, a 78-year-old South
Windham runner and a former 
president of the Presumpscot 
Regional Land Trust, completed
a marathon run on Dec. 4 at 
Windham High School that he 
began in September and
accomplished by running 
100-meter segments at a time.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Ed Pierce

Persistence has paid off for a 78-year-old South Windham runner who completed a marathon run 100 meters at a time at Windham High School earlier this month.

Mike Parker, a devoted runner and former president of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, had been walking on Portland Water District trails to escape cabin fever heading into the fall, but with hunting season in full swing, he says he came up with an activity a little safer and perhaps a bit more challenging. 

“Like most 78-year-olds, I can barely recall the glory days when I was running four or five marathons a year,” Parker said. “But like any aging runner, I measure my well-being by how well my legs are functioning. One quiet afternoon, I calculated from my best marathon speed that it would take 23 seconds to run 100 meters.”

He said that Windham High Coach Jeff Riddle showed him where he could find start and finish lines on both straightaways of the track and wished him well.

“For three months I have become something of a fixture on the oval,” he said.

Parker decided to try and run a marathon, completing 100 meters each time on the track, doing 10 segments at a time. 

“He figured out from his past personal record marathon time what time he would need to run many 100-meter dashes in, repeatedly over time, and then use many months and days heading to the track and run 10 one-hundred meter dashes on that day, and matching it in that time, as eventually it will add up and he will have run a full marathon, and his time will match his past best time ever,” Riddle said. 

In early September, Parker had his first timed trial run.

“I finished within the requisite time, but only by going all-out, which is scary business at my brittle age,” Parker said. “My stride was short because my hamstrings had so little stretch, and I had very little time per stride because most of my muscle mass has taken leave. But I had discovered a distance, however short, in which I could equal my marathon pace.”

Running has always come easy for Parker, who graduated from Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield and attended Dartmouth on an NROTC scholarship. He served 30 years in the Navy, first as a line officer, then as a Navy dentist.

In the year before he entered Tufts University Dental School, Parker worked in Saigon on the staff of Vice Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who went on to become Chief of Naval Operations. After retiring from Navy dentistry, he practiced with Dr. Dan Armstrong in South Portland for a dozen years.

He said that a marathon distance is 26.2 miles, but in metric terms, it is 42.2 kilometers, or 422 dashes of 100 meters.

“There was a way I might be able to run a marathon in my best-ever pace, 23 seconds at a time,” Parker said.

He only ran two dashes in the first session in September.

“I noted a delicate balance between what was fast enough and what my hamstrings would tolerate. Ten
dashes per session seemed tolerable, but I made the mistake of experimenting higher,” Parker said. “After two consecutive sessions of 20 dashes in late September, I had to spend a couple weeks recovering.”

He continued the effort through October and in November, he was able to settle into a pattern of completing fairly comfortable 10 dashes, or one kilometer per session, icing his hamstrings after most of them.

One day while walking from the finish line back to the start along the home stadium, Parker said that he noticed another man about his age apparently also running dashes on a grass playing field closer to the high school.

“I intercepted him as he was leaving and learned that he was keeping himself in condition for the USTFA Masters competition, which had been canceled this year by the pandemic,” Parker said. “He said he had done well in past years and wanted to stay competitive with his contemporaries. He declined to join me on the track, saying he needed the grass to cushion his sore knees. We all have our weaknesses.”

During November. Parker completed one kilometer per session and then dodging rainy days, he was able to schedule his final kilometer of the marathon on Dec. 4.

“I dedicated this challenge to the memory of my college ski coach, Al Merrill, an Andover, Maine, native,” he said. “In his memory, I wore a 56-year-old letter sweater for the final dash, thinking that I would be back on Nordic skis with substantial snow in the next couple days.” 

He and his wife, Carolyn, have raised three children in 56 years of marriage and Parker has plenty of time to run and stay active, having retired in 2007. <

Help available as need for local heating assistance increases

The nonprofit organization Windham Neighbors
Helping Neighbors provides one-time emergency
heating fuel assistance to Windham and Raymond
residents, and to direct residents to available
long term resources while promoting a culture
of neighbors helping neighbors locally.
COURTESY PHOTO   

By Lorraine Glowczak

At a recent Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors board meeting, it came to the members’ attention that they have had several new requests this year for heating assistance. Their concern for and offer to those individuals, and others who are facing financial challenges, is to provide more information to the community that help is available in various ways.

“Several new people who made request from us had no idea about applying for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program),” said Deb McAfee, WNHN Board and Community Service Committee member. “Some people who had reached out to never had to pay the bills before and were unaware where and how to begin.”

McAfee said that WNHN can help individuals who request heating needs while they apply for LIHEAP or are waiting for their appointment for LIHEAP approval. 

Briefly, Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a 501c3 nonprofit, provides one-time emergency heating fuel assistance to Windham and Raymond residents, and help direct individuals to appropriate long-term resources and promote a culture of neighbors helping neighbors.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program through the Department of Health and Human Services. The program provides money to help low-income homeowners and renters pay for heating costs and they assist in paying the heating bills. There are income guidelines for eligibility, and applications are accepted from Aug. 1 through April 30 each year. Contact information for LIHEAP is 1-800-452-4668.

Residents in need can also contact local Windham officials for a LIHEAP application including Rene Daniel, Windham’s General Assistance Administrator. He is available to help with the application process and to answer any questions one may have. He can be reached at 207-892-1906.

Daniel, who also oversees the Windham Food and Clothes Pantries located at 377 Gray Road in Windham, said they have seen a minor spike with the need for services since the pandemic began, including the need for LIHEAP applications

“We’ve seen a small uptick in recent months,” Daniel said. “And we are there to provide the gaps and carryovers from local, state and federal aid. All people need to do is to make an appointment with me and I will help walk them through the LIHEAP application process and we will support everyone who walks through the door. Even if they are not eligible for receiving LIHEAP funding, we will find a way to help in some form.”

Daniel said he is very grateful for local organizations and individuals who give so that others may live in a healthy way and keep warm for the winter.

“I am so lucky to be a part of Windham,” Daniel said. “People in this community are just so giving. I
am especially thankful for Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Once a person applies for federal heating assistance, there is a waiting period, and it is possible their heat may be turned off until they get approved. To prevent this from happening, all I have to do is call Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and they are there to help us fill in the gaps between services.”

The services provided by the Windham General Assistance Program also include food and clothes. Currently, because of the pandemic, the food and clothes pantries are open by appointment only.  

“We ask that people call in and we will prepare the bags of groceries they need,” Daniel said. “Once they arrive, we require people to remain in their vehicles with masks on and we bring out the bags of food and place them in the trunk of their cars. We are getting pretty fast at this drive-up service. In fact, I think we can do it in less than a minute or two – all the while adhering to CDC guidelines for social distancing.”

The eligibility requirements at the Windham Food and Clothes pantries are quite simple.

“We are only one of two food pantries in Maine whose only requirement is proof of Windham residency,” Daniel said. “That is all we ask. We do not ask for anything else.”

The Windham Food Pantry also offers a once-a-month drive through program for older citizens in the area. The next drive thru program for those 60 and older is from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

The following is list of resources available for those who are facing financial challenges in the Raymond and Windham communities (heating assistance or otherwise).

Town of Windham:

·         Rene Daniel/Windham Food and Clothes Pantries and heating assistance: 207-892-1906

·         Windham Town Clerk, Linda Morrell: 207-892-3507

·         Judy Vance of Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors: 207-892-1900. windhamneighbors.com

·         St. Ann’s Essentials Pantry, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church located at 40 Windham Center Road in Windham: Serves families by providing personal and household items that cannot be purchased by an EBT debit card. For more information, call Deacon Wendy Rozene at 207-232-0841.

Town of Raymond:

·         General Assistance Administrator Jennie Silverblade: (207) 655-4742 x 124

·         Raymond Food Pantry: Lake Region Baptist Church, 1273 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond, call 207-428-3637.

·         Town Manager’s Office: Don Willard at (207) 655-4742 x131

·         Raymond Village Community Church at 207-655-7749.

Towns of Raymond, Windham and Standish;

·         Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing: Although unable to assist directly with heating needs, they collaborate with Window Dressers – an organization that improves the warmth and comfort of homes, lowering heating costs that reduces CO2 emissions by producing low-cost insulating window inserts that function as interior-mounted storm windows. The local Fuller Center’s mission is to serve older adults who wish to remain in their home by providing home repairs or renovations and yard work with a “pay it forward” mindset. For more information, call 207-838-8378 or send an email to sebagofullerhousinginfo@gmail.com. <

Windham student to serve on Maine Association of Student Councils

Windham High School sophomore Brooklynn Hennigar
has been named as the Southern Maine Representative 
to the Maine Association of Students Council's
executive board. PHOTO BY HOLDEN ANDERSON   

By Elizabeth Richards

Brooklynn Hennigar has been part of the Windham High School student council since her freshman year. This year, the WHS sophomore will expand her involvement to the state level by serving as the Southern Maine Representative to the Maine Association of Student Council's executive board.

Hennigar said she joined the WHS student council last year because she enjoys hearing what others have to say. Her involvement is a big aspect of who she is, she said. Being chosen to participate at the state level took her by surprise, she said.

“I’m very excited to see where this takes me. I’m so blessed and overwhelmed that I don’t even know what to say,” she said.

Having a voice is important to Hennigar.

“I feel that everyone should have a voice and they should be heard at all times,” she said. “I feel very honored to be a part of my student council and have a voice for the sophomore [class].”

While becoming involved on the state level is a little overwhelming, she said, “I’m very excited to take on this challenge.” Being part of the executive board will allow her to show leadership and bring others together, she said, “It’s amazing where this whole community can come together and become one,” she said. “I can’t wait to see a change in schools becoming more active.”

Hennigar’s future plans include attending a four-year college and then obtaining a master’s degree in pediatric nursing. This opportunity to serve at the state level is something she feels could help her to reach those goals.

“I am very fortunate to become part of something that could really help me out in the future, with
colleges and jobs,” she said.

The state board will currently meet via Zoom because of the pandemic, Hennigar said. There is typically a state conference in May, and she’s hopeful they’ll be able to meet in person then.

Maine Principals’ Association Executive Director for the Professional Division, Holly Couturier, said that as the Southern Maine Representative, Hennigar will be responsible for reaching out to member schools in Southern Maine to inform them of statewide events the board has planned, as well as organizing regional events as desired by the schools.

“During the regional meetings, schools will have the opportunity to come together – virtually this year of course – and talk about what they are each doing in their individual councils. This sharing of ideas is exceptionally helpful to others so that they can ask questions and then try things to improve student leadership and school spirit in their respective schools,” Couturier said.

Serving on the executive board will also give Hennigar a strong voice in planning the statewide Student Leadership Convention which brings together more than 500 students from all over the state, Couturier said.

The Maine Association of Student Councils is sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association. According to the Student Council page on the MAP website, the association provides guidance for student councils at the local, regional, state, and national levels.

“Membership provides your school access to workshops, meetings, information, and the opportunity to communicate with fellow student councils,” wrote Couturier in a letter posted to the page.

“I’m very excited to see what the State of Maine has for the next coming year,” Hennigar said. After her first meeting, she said “It looks like it’s going to be a very interesting year. I love all the people who are on the board with me, they’re very nice, positive and respectful. I’m very much looking forward to working with them.

“I feel as a state that we are very special,” Hennigar said. “We should be working as one to become a better state. I feel that it’s very important, going through a pandemic, we should be coming together to work as one,” she said. <

Knights of Columbus grateful for public generosity during pandemic

By Ed Pierce

Real generosity exists and the Windham Knights of Columbus have witnessed it in person.

Over the course of the past seven years, the Knights of Columbus have hosted the popular “Claws for a Cause” Lobster Dinner each October to assist in raising money for the Windham Food Pantry and through that event, the Knights have collected and donated on average about $2,500 to the food pantry since its inception.

But because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Knights of Columbus had to scrub this year’s annual fundraiser when the need for financial assistance for the food pantry was greater than ever.

In late October, the Knights of Columbus appealed to the public to step up and help out by contributing voluntary tax-deductible donations to the organization so that they would be able to offer some help to the food pantry.

According to Dave Spada, District Deputy and Maine Regional Training Director for the Maine State Council of the Knights of Columbus, the help they so desperately sought did indeed arrive.

Spada said that more than 100 people from throughout the Lakes Region made donations to the effort.

“The Knights had an initial goal of $2,500 and we kick-started the goal with a donation of $1,000,” he said.

Because of the significant donations coming in from the public, in November the Knights of Columbus were able to present the Windham Food Pantry with a check in the amount of $4,350, the largest private donation ever received by the food pantry to date.

“The donation enables families in need to receive food throughout the holiday season,” Spada said. We are humbled by the response from the community and we thank you for your support.

The Windham Knights of Columbus is an organization of Catholic men who lead, serve, protect and defend in the community. They share a desire to be better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors, and role models and to put charity and community first.

The Knights of Columbus organization was founded in 1882 in Connecticut as a fraternal benefit society and remains true to its founding principles of charity, unity, and fraternity to this very day.

They remain committed to rendering mutual aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members of the community and to promote intellectual fellowship through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief work.

Windham’s Knights of Columbus chapter at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church is one of more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout America, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.

The Windham Food Pantry, 8 School Road, Windham, is open year-round to Windham residents with proof of residency. It provides food monthly to Windham residents in need of assistance.

For more information about the Windham Food Pantry, call 207-892-1907.<

Windham Chamber Singers adapt to digital holiday performance

Members of the Windham Chamber Singers directed
by Dr. Richard Nickerson perform songs during 'A
Maine Family Holiday' concert on You Tube. The 
group's annual holiday concert has become a tradition
locally but was forced to switch to digital-only
because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COURTESY PHOTO

By Daniel Gray

It wasn’t easy to shift from performing their popular “An American Family Holiday” Christmas concert live to streaming a You Tube event, but the Windham Chamber Singers are pleased with the result.

 

In early October, ongoing pandemic restrictions Chamber Singers Director Dr. Richard Nickerson announced the change with the first performance available online Dec. 5.

 

To many in the community, "An American Family Holiday," is a traditional Windham Chamber Singers event that happens every year featuring various holiday songs and guest stars in the Windham High School auditorium. But the pandemic couldn’t stop that yearly tradition, it just led to the concert being performed digitally. And for this year, the concert was renamed "A Maine Family Holiday" to celebrate Maine's bicentennial celebration.

Nickerson said that the project was fun and engaging for himself and the singers.

To pull it off, each student filmed their part separately, and then sent the file to Nickerson to splice them all together. When completed, the result turned out to be a spectacular show with other guest stars spliced into the mix of songs.

During the hour-long video, host Kim Block showcased the Windham Chamber Singers along with special guests John Cariani, Con Fullam, and our own U.S. Senator, Angus King. For musical accompaniments, the Chamber Singers were joined with Daniel Strange and his wife Ashley Liberty, Robyn Hurder and Clyde Alves, Travis James Humphrey, and some former WHS Chamber Singers that lent their voices to the concert. Even the beautiful dancers at Maine State Ballet were included making for a gorgeous show for us at home.

According to Nickerson, all around, it was an amazing performance and a wonderful job of everyone who was involved and added their talents and stories.

A personal favorite song during the whole performance for Nickerson was toward the end with the song “O Holy Night,” with the reason being they had Chamber Singer alumni from all over the globe reach out to sing along. There were former graduates all the way back from 1991 to 2019, for which he was very happy to hear from. Other songs featured in the video include “The Maine Christmas Song,” “Jingle Bells,” “Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming,” and many others.

With the video now topping more than 3,800 views on You Tube and steadily climbing, Nickerson said it was originally intended to only have the video up on the Windham Chamber Singers You Tube channel for a limited time, but he had changed his mind when a snowstorm hit Maine and knocked the
power out of many homes.

Nickerson said that not only were Mainers viewing the stream, but he noticed people from all over the globe were tuning in to watch.

 

"I was monitoring the live feed, and we had people from all over the country watching. People from as far away as Mexico and even people in Europe,” Nickerson said. “It was very exciting to be able to interact with people from literally all over the world."

 

Even though the end results were something truly amazing, Nickerson said performing digitally t isn't something that he and the Windham Chamber Singers would like to continue doing. It was a fun process for them, but it just isn't what the Chamber Singers do. They all love the excitement and joy that comes from a live performance on stage, not exactly staying at home and recording on a laptop or phone.

 

Nickerson said he encourages everyone to watch the video and await the return of live performances by the group.

 

“It's a way to bring the joy of the season,” he said. “Even in a time of restrictions of what we can and can't do, this concert was certainly making lemonade out of lemons. I’ve got a couple irons in the fire for things that we might be able to do next spring, but we’ll have to see. The only thing that is predictable is that things are unpredictable right now.”"

With the holiday concert serving as the Windham Chamber Singers only fundraiser for the whole year, things were a bit different with the introduction of an entirely free video on the internet.

If you would like to donate to the Windham Chamber Singers, they have a website where there are several options of donating. Please visit windhamchambersingers.com for more information. <

Windham delegation announces traffic signal delay for Route 202, Falmouth Road intersection

AUGUSTA – Windham’s legislative delegation has announced a delay of the installment of a traffic signal at the intersection of Route 202 and Falmouth Road in Windham, previously scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31.

Because of inadequate components, the
installation of a new traffic signal at the
intersection of Route 202 and Falmouth Road in
Windham, scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31
has been pushed back to Feb. 1, 2021.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE  

The delay comes after a contractor installed inadequate components, which now must be replaced. The project’s new completion date is set for Feb. 1, 2021.

The intersection has been designated as a high-crash location by the Maine Department of Transportation. This means that over a three-year period, the intersection had eight or more crashes and a higher rate of crashes than similar locations across the state.

“I’m disappointed that there has been another delay, but it’s critical that the improvements we make to this intersection meet our high standards,” said Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham. “As senate chair of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee, I know how critical it is that we have safe, working roadways. This traffic light will go a long way to ensuring the safe flow of traffic.”

State Rep Mark Bryant, D-Windham agreed.

“Although the delayed construction at the Windham intersection is unfortunate, it is a testament to the Department of Transportation’s commitment to quality work and dedication to keeping us all safe on the roads,” Bryant said. “I’m grateful for DOT’s thorough work and look forward to seeing the final product and continued modernization of Maine's traffic systems.”

State Rep. Patrick Corey he believes the intersection is dangerous.

“I pass through the Route 202 and Falmouth Road intersection when I travel between my home and Augusta, thinking about the many accidents every time,” Corey said. “This traffic light really cannot come soon enough. This delay is disappointing, but it’s even more important that the job is done right.”

Once the traffic signal is completed, Maine DOT will be able to control and monitor the signals from their traffic control center.

The project’s start date was pushed back earlier this year after the coronavirus pandemic caused a delay in the production of necessary parts. <

Retired Raymond teacher shares unique bond with class from 1966

Students gather for annual reunions, relive memories from ‘magical year’

By Ed Pierce 

Attending a past student-teacher reunion are, from 
left, Jacquie Dobson, Bruce Hummel. Roberta
'Bobbie' Kornfeld Gordon, and Robert Collins. 
Dobson, Hummel and Collins were students in
Kornfeld Gordon's second-grade class at 
Ellwanger and Barry School 24 in Rochester,
New York during the 1966-1967 school year. 
Kornfeld Gordon now lives in Raymond and 
hosts annual reunions for the class there.
SUBMITTED PHOTO    

Many who have chosen to teach have found that as years pass, students may not recall individual lessons, but they fondly remember the difference that a teacher makes in their life. Such is the case with Roberta “Bobbie” Kornfeld Gordon of Raymond, whose second-grade students from a school in New York state have chosen to gather for reunions with her every year for more than a half century to reflect on the direction of their lives and be close to their beloved teacher.

Originally from Elmira, New York, “Bobbie” Kornfeld earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Buffalo State University and landed her first teaching job at Ellwanger and Barry School 24 in Rochester, New York. In her final year there during the 1966-1967 school year, her students asked if they could walk to nearby Highland Park on a spring afternoon where thousands of colorful lilacs were blooming.

The class of 30 students enjoyed it so much, they returned to the park for lessons and lunch every day for the last three weeks of school and on the last day of school, parents of the students asked the teacher if she would come back and visit them the next spring for Lilac Week at Highland Park in Rochester.

She moved that summer to teach in Massachusetts and met her future husband, George Gordon there, but she did return to Rochester the following spring and kept going back every year even after marrying and having a family of her own.

Two of her students from the 1966-1967 class, Jollene Dubner of Lowell, Massachusetts and Jacquie Dobson of Rochester, had an idea to turn the annual gatherings into class reunions and the practice gave their teacher a unique opportunity to remain part of their lives and watch them face life’s challenges as they grew to become adults with children of their own. Some of the class had moved away, served in the military or had died and Dubner and Dobson thought an annual gathering would help keep everyone in touch.

In honor of the students’ 50^th birthday in 2009, the Gordons invited them to travel to Maine and join
them at their home in Raymond and for a grand celebration at Sebago Lake. That too has become an annual tradition for members of the class, but both the trips to Highland Park and to Maine were scrapped in 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions.

A special class

Kornfeld Gordon said from the very start of school back in the fall of 1966, she realized that this class was special.

“Ours was a totally inclusive class and whoever was with us was part of our family,” she said. “We had students from all backgrounds, economic levels, races and ethnicities in that class. During the school year, we had five or six students hospitalized with very serious illnesses, including one who was diagnosed with leukemia. As a result, they all became very close.”

Feeling deeply connected to her students, Kornfeld Gordon led them through what she calls “a very magical year” of teaching them about reading, writing and even architecture, which was accomplished through hands-on field trips throughout the city.

Former students of Roberta 'Bobbie Kornfeld
Gordon's second-grade class from 1966 gather with 
her and her husband, George Gordon, for a 50th
reunion and celebration in 2017. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO    

“I taught them that life is what we make it,” she said. “I’ve always turned to that and told my students to take one more step if they can.”

Her students found her to be a wise mentor and highly inspirational.

“It was over 50 years ago that I attended Miss Kornfeld’s class. Reaching back, I remember the quality in which she approached each of us as individuals and not as a group,” said Robert Collins, a member of her 1966-1967 second-grade class. “She was always kind, caring and thoughtful. She was able to see our potential as second-grade students and encourage us in those areas.”

He said attending the class reunions with Kornfeld Gordon is one of the most enjoyable and heartwarming experiences of his life.

“I had learned of the reunions I think around the middle 1980s to early 1990s from a classmate, Thomas Rutherford, however, at the time it was something I was not interested in. I was informed again by him that the 50^th reunion was coming soon and decided to attend. It was the most emotional, in a good way, event. To see not only my former fellow students, but the highlight was of course embracing Miss Kornfeld after all those years. Yes, there were tears.”

He said that the most important thing he learned from his teacher wasn’t something she taught him, rather it is what she gave him.

Spiritual connection

“Throughout life you occasionally cross paths with people and a spiritual connection is made,” Collins said. We don’t know why, it just happens. And because of this bond, my memory of her and how she cared for us is something I carry with me to this day.”

Her former student Dobson, who now works in education herself, said that Kornfeld Gordon is an outstanding example of how a teacher can truly connect with children.

“She cares about us and that was as evident then as it is now,” Dobson said. “She’s the nicest person and continues to be a loving an investing person for all of us. She’s like a Mama Bear, she’s genuine and very patient. She’s a compassionate person who affirms you. Her inner spirit matches her outside beauty.”

A bench is shown from a park in Lowell, 
Massachusetts dedicated in honor of a deceased
student, Jollene Dubner, who was a member of
Roberta 'Bobbie' Kornfeld Gordon's second-grade
class in 1966. SUBMITTED PHOTO

While visiting Maine for her 50^th birthday, Dobson joined Kornfeld Gordon and about a dozen or so former students from the class in traveling to Lowell, Massachusetts to visit a park where lilac bushes have been planted in the memory of Dubner, another student in the class who had died. While there they dedicated a bench in her memory.

During that annual trip to Raymond, Dobson said she was amazed when Kornfeld Gordon surprised the group of former students with a collection of drawings, stories, schoolwork, report cards and photographs she had saved for them from their classroom.

“We all received monogrammed linen bags with our work from that year inside,” she said.

Donna Lape Collins, another former student, said that Kornfeld Gordon always made sure what the students were learning was fun.

“In making her lessons fun, it was easy to focus,” she said. “Miss Kornfeld was the best teacher I ever had.”

According to Lape Collins, the single most important thing she learned from Kornfeld Gordon was to respect her classmates.

“I learned that everyone’s a different person, but someone is always there for us no matter what we are going through,” she said. “We learned that we could talk to her about anything. She’s like family.”

Not being able to get together for the reunion in 2020 because of the pandemic was disappointing for everyone concerned, Lape Collins said.

“It was so sad. We had made plans but had to cancel them,” she said. “With all of us aging, every minute you can spend with someone is precious.”

Move to Maine

After teaching in Rochester, Massachusetts and Maryland, Kornfeld Gordon moved with her periodontist husband who was establishing a practice in Maine, and their 6-week-old son, here in 1971. They first lived in Cape Elizabeth and the family grew over time to include four sons. Eventually they bought a home on Sebago Lake in Raymond where the couple lives today.

Kornfeld Gordon worked in Maine as an independent breastfeeding coordinator for Maine Medical Center and operated two businesses, School for Writing and Word Power for Children. She also began working with immigrants from Darfur in 2008, teaching them English.

Bruce Hummel, another of her former students from the 1966-1967 class, said that Kornfeld Gordon is a special person and it didn’t take the class very long to recognize that.

“All of us from that second-grade class could see that then and we still see it now,” Hummel said. “I feel fortunate to have been part of what was truly a unique learning experience back in 1966, which grew from all of us having an incredible to all of us gaining a remarkable friend. As a fairly new teacher, she was not afraid to take a different approach to teaching, which involved making learning
enjoyable.”

Hummel said that rather than sitting in a classroom all day, she would bring the students outside and for field trips to the nearby park.

“I remember one day all of us sitting around a guitar player and singing,” he said. “She knew how to connect with a bunch of 7-year-olds to make learning fun, interesting and how to challenge our minds at the same time. That connection has remained for more than 54 years now, leading to a bond and friendship for all of us that is hard to put into words other than it was special and we have one person to thank for that, the person who taught us then and still teaches us now one of life’s greatest lessons, kindness.”

Kornfeld Gordon said that the reunions will continue after the pandemic ends and she and her husband are optimistic about hosting a student reunion again this coming summer in Raymond.

She said sharing memories of that special year unites her and the students and it is what makes their class such a close-knit group of friends.

“We are all the same, it’s our history that binds us together,” she said. “Every spring when the lilacs bloom brings back great memories. We are one unit and still are. The bonds that we carry for each other are still deep.” <  

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. <