Windham Veterans honored with decorated wreaths - By Walter Lunt

Dozens of local veterans, girl and boy scout volunteers fanned out across Arlington Cemetery last Saturday placing decorated Christmas wreaths at the headstones of Windham’s war veterans. The day was sunny with temperatures in the 40s, decidedly different from a year ago when the group wore winter coats and gloves, and had to wipe away snow to read names so not to forget anyone. 

The project, known as Everlasting Gratitude, took place on the same weekend as the Wreaths Across America caravan began its trek across Maine on the way to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Both efforts originated in Maine.

Everlasting Gratitude began weeks before when volunteers gathered at Studio Flora flower shop in North Windham to learn how to hand-tie red bows for the 850 wreaths that were placed in over 20 cemeteries across Windham. Floral designer and architect of the program, Libby Sawyer, moved easily among the volunteers delivering crisp, clear instructions on how to create the wreath bows. “Measure to your elbow, drop, make a loop and then pleat it into your hand….”

Over a two to three hour period, dozens of red-ribboned bows were dropped into a large cardboard box, later to be transported to cemeteries where they were twist-tied onto fresh circular wreaths on truck tailgates before distribution.

“It’s important to honor our vets. My dad and boyfriend were veterans, it’s the least I can do-give up a night after what they’ve done for us,” said bow maker Becky Andrews of Windham.

Diana Greenier-whose husband, Mel, is commander of American Legion Post 148 in Windham agreed, “This is a wonderful thing to do because it brings the town together and tells the vets we care.”

Everlasting Gratitude, now in its third year, is sponsored by Studio Flora, Sebago Gardens Landscaping and Little Log Cabin Montessori School, all of Windham. Supporters and volunteers this year included members of the American Legion Post 148 and Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion Auxiliary, Boy Scout Troop 805 and Girl Scout Troop 193. Other volunteers worked at Smith and Chase cemeteries on Saturday morning. Some were daughters of the Civil War and grandsons and granddaughters of Veterans who had recently died.

The cost of the wreath project, including the purchase of wreaths, was over $6,000. Donations can still be made at Studio Flora on Roosevelt Trail near the intersection with Whites Bridge Road. 

“Special thanks go out to Roger Timmons of the VFW and Dick McKeen of the Legion post for coordinating the wreath efforts at Smith and Chase Cemeteries. Earlier in the week smaller bands of veterans fanned out to cover the 20 some smaller cemeteries around town with vets entombed,” said Veteran Dave Tanguay. 

Each and every cemetery was visited no matter how remote. 

“There was a sense of pride on the faces of the Boys and Girl scout volunteers as they attached the bows to the wreaths and then thoughtfully placed them on each veteran’s grave,” Tanguay added.

An American Family Holiday delights all generations - By Michelle Libby

Last Saturday, the Windham Performing Arts Center in Windham was packed for two sold out shows of the Windham Chamber Singers An American Family Holiday concert. The chamber singers, under the direction of Richard Nickerson, hosts the AmFam concert yearly. The concert ushers in the holiday season in Windham and Raymond and features not only the chamber singers, but also world renowned artists and performers. 

This year Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary fame took top billing. Stookey did not disappoint his fans. At 77 years old, he still loves the stage and performing for audiences, often stopping to tell stories or involving the crowd in the singing of his songs. 

His gravelly voice and unique scene of rhythmic timing stamped his personal style on O Holy Night, which is a song that is always performed at AmFam by the guest performers and the chamber singers.

One of the highlights for many was when Stookey had everyone help him sing “Puff the Magic Dragon” which was made famous by the trio in 1963. He was accompanied by his friend and musical director Michael McInnis. 

“Technology in its vastness means there’s something to be said for the simplicity of things,” Stookey told the audience. 

Year after year the audience is treated to favorite songs and new tunes destined to become favorites.

“It’s fantastic. There’s always something new, and some continue every year and that I enjoy,” said Dr. Sister Marilyn Sunderman from Sister of Mercy. “I love every year that the Strange’s come up from Florida. The performers have won numerous awards, nationally and internationally. Who would think it in a little town like Windham, Maine?” The chamber singers have consistent quality regardless of how many years have gone by, she added. 

Windham High School graduate and pianist Dan Strange and his wife, violinist Ashley Liberty return every year to delight fans. They keep the show fresh and exciting. This year, host Kim Block from Channel 13, announced for the couple that they are expecting a baby, due in May. 

 

For MaryEllen Doherty and Kathy Buxton, this show was their third and fourth shows respectively. “I started coming because a colleague’s daughter was a chamber singer. It’s a new tradition,” said Doherty.

“I love the show. We’re so fortunate to have so much talent in such a small town,” said Ben Jordan. 

While Strange played “The Christmas Song” solo on piano, it was if the audience took a deep, collective Christmas breath as the notes washed over them. 

The compliments rolled in from everyone in the audience about the amazing quality. Walter Braley and his wife Nina sat in the front row for the first time and were impressed at what the action looked like close up. “When you’re deaf it’s better,” Braley said with a laugh.  

Tickets go on sale on the first of October for next year’s show, so mark a calendar. These shows rival any big stage production and will put families in the holiday spirit.

Tree lightings in Windham and Raymond signal the start of yule season - By Walter Lunt and Michelle Libby

The joyful event at Raymond Village Library had all the ingredients for the official launch of the Christmas season: A 40-voice chorus of favorite yuletide songs, a children’s story time, hot beverages and snacks, a fire truck, a brightly lit Christmas tree and, of course, Santa Claus. The party-like gathering of over 100 adults and children was Raymond’s 16^th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Raymond Lions Club.
 

Following a read-aloud story time in the library, the Raymond Elementary School third and fourth grade chorus filled the late afternoon air, growing cold in the creeping darkness, with songs of the season: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells and, following Santa Claus Is Coming To Town…he did. First, to the delight of young and old, a raucous countdown from 10, the tree lighting, then Santa, who stepped from Raymond Fire Department’s engine one, merrily chanting Christmas greetings and ringing a bell.

For nearly an hour following his grand entrance (the first from a fire truck, according to the Lions) Santa greeted countless children and their parents promising to bring good cheer and presents Christmas morning.

Choral Director Patricia Gordon, clearly pleased with her group’s performance, said a majority of her singers show up for this event every year and “are always excited to do this.”

Lions Club president Dale Gilman observed that the “Raymond Village Library Christmas Tree lighting is a growing tradition, especially for the village.” Other Lions members, who were helping out at the event, were quick to credit the many who contribute to the affair every year: Bob Payne for donating the tree, CMP for the tree placement, and Raymond Elementary School, Fire Department and public works. All Lions spoke of the need for new members and urged residents to join the organization. The Raymond Lions Club supports numerous library programs and also awards several college scholarships each year to deserving high school seniors. For information on Raymond Lions contact Bob Wallace at 655-2222.

Saturday members of the Windham Land Trust turned out to Black Brook Preserve to string lights on a tree there. At least 15 people came to celebrate the season.

In Windham, the Windham Police and Fire Departments, Windham Public Works, the parks and recreation advisory committee, along with Linda Morrell, the Windham Town Council and the Windham Economic Development Corporation teamed together to put on the first annual tree lighting at the public safety building on Route 202. 

“It was certainly a group effort,” said Linda Brooks, director of Windham Parks and Recreation. “It went wonderfully. We accomplished all we hoped for and more.”  

“How’s your holiday spirit doing?” asked town manager Tony Plante after the Windham Primary School third grade chorus under the direction of Nancy Cash-Cobb sang holiday tunes. 

The tree was lit just before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on a fire truck to great the crowd of adoring children. Santa took pictures with the children and some lucky adults as well. Music was also provided by local musician Doug Elder. 

“People are planning what we can do for next year, the second annual,” said Brooks. Next year, they hope to have even more community involvement.

Photo:

Wendy Lebel, Crystal Notte and Susan Lawson from Cross Church in Portland helped serve hot chocolate and sweet treats.

Project Christmas Love fills a niche in holiday giving - By Michelle Libby

The holidays can be a stressful time. Some families struggle to provide special gifts for their children and many organizations work to help them with those needs. Jennifer White, owner of A Joyful Noise Christian Daycare and Learning Center, saw a different segment of the population that was being missed and she decided to fill that niche with what she is calling Project Christmas Love.
 

Project Christmas Love started last year as a way to bring unwrapped toys and gifts to patients at Maine Medical Center who are terminally ill or very ill and can’t leave the hospital to buy gifts for their children or grandchildren. This is a way for them to pick out gifts for those loved ones. 

“We then wrap each gift for them and put name tags on them. The gifts are left in the patient's room so they can surprise their loved ones for Christmas. The doctors and nurses were so appreciative and supportive of us doing this and really wanted us to continue the tradition this year,” said White. 

This year White and her squad will be going to Maine Medical Center on December 21, to provide the chance for patients to pick out presents. 

“For the last decade Peter Kneeland from Edward Jones in Windham has had a company party where people bring in a toy. They started to bring them to us to find families in need,” White said. Sometimes she found families in her daycare center and other times, she found them in the community. 

The idea came to her to take the unwrapped gifts to the terminally ill patients. The doctors and nurses helped steer her to see the right people. They started on the Gibson floor and then moved on to others who were planning to be in the hospital until Christmas or after. 

“This year we are in need of collecting more toys and gifts along with Christmas wrapping paper, tape, bows and name tags so that we can help bring Christmas love and cheer to even more ill people. For some, this is their last Christmas. To be able to give their children a special gift means a lot to them,” White added. 

Last year White and Barbara Lewis of Maine Real Estate Network went room to room at the hospital. People were so overwhelmed and appreciative, White said. 

One woman told them that she was praying that God would provide a gift for her daughters and granddaughter. Project Christmas Love was the answer to her prayer. 

“Sometimes they are not terminal, but are really having a hard time in life. The doctors know this person needs a pick me up,” she said. 

“I know there are a lot of charities,” White said. She just asks that people think of this project as well.

The project is very special to White. When she was younger her grandmother died of cancer on Christmas Day. “Just before she died, she made my aunt promise she would buy presents for all of her children,” White said. “It’s near and dear to my heart. This makes it even more significant.” 

Global Harvest Outreach is the non-profit organization started by White to help with the community service projects she was doing. “A lot of different projects are through that,” she said. With the non-profit status, she can also provide receipts for businesses and people who donate. 

Project Christmas Love is looking for new toys for kids of all ages, teens, young adults, young kids. Monetary donations and gift cards are great as well. There is also a need for wrapping paper, bows and gift tags. The most popular items are books, Tonka Trucks, construction vehicles, animals, dolls and craft kits. For gift cards, $10 or $15 to Bull Moose, Subway, Game Stop or iTunes are big hits with teens.  

One hundred percent of donations go toward the project. “We ran out of toys last year and could have spent another day at the hospital,” White said. “It makes them feel so good that they can leave something behind.” 

Items can be dropped off at A Joyful Noise, 679 Roosevelt Trail, at the intersection of Route 302 and River Road until Friday, December 18. Businesses are encouraged to be a collection spot or to collect items for this cause. For more information or to speak with White directly, call 712-7371, visit www.projectchristmaslove.org or find them also on Facebook.