Finding Our Someday – One family’s trip to discover a different way of life by Michelle Libby

Many people talk about taking a grand adventure or what they might do someday, but few take the leap that Windhamites Corey and Jessie Nickerson and their two daughters took last November when they sold their Windham home and their belongings before traveling with a U-Haul to Florida to spend the holidays with family. The ultimate plan was to purchase a recreational camper to pull behind their truck in order to see the country.

 “It’s so much better than we ever expected,” said Jessie.

The Nickersons at the Grand Tetons

It took them a year to plan their exit from Maine. Both Jessie and Corey owned their own businesses. Corey is a veteran, real estate and business marketing photographer as well as owner of Detail Maine. Jessie, a certified spray tanning technician, owned Envious Bronze, a spray tanning business that she ran out of her home. They found that both businesses were very seasonal in Maine, so they started looking at warmer climates.

“It’s been a long decade for my family dealing with terminal illness and caretaking. We were ready for a change. We were in a rut. It was time to take a leap of faith and step out,” Jessie said.

Jessie’s father was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in 2007. Four years ago, after Jessie had spent years as his caregiver and homeschooled her children so they could be close to their grandfather, he passed away. The Nickerson’s began to pray and think about what would be next for their family.

Looking for somewhere to start over, they rented a car and in three weeks, put 6,000 miles on the car roaming up and down the east coast and west to Texas, but instead of finding a place to settle, they decided that the drive was the adventure. The present trip is their first time out west and they are amazed at the sights.

“My dad never got his someday,” Jessie said. Her father always said, someday he would travel, someday he would go on vacation, someday…the Nickerson’s didn’t want to wait for their someday.

Jessie and Corey searched for a year to find the right recreational vehicle for the family. They finally settled on a 33-foot 2018 Grand Design Reflection 285BHTS, which they purchased in South Carolina. They traded in their beloved truck for a GMC diesel and never looked back.

The youngest Nickerson’s; Lily, 13, and Leila, 11; have been homeschooled their entire educational careers. The family was very involved in the homeschool co-op in the area and were sad to leave it behind, but now they are “road schooling”, which according to Jessie, is a totally different view of schooling. They have more “field trips” and volunteering has become a way of life for the family. Their learning is now part of their everyday adventure.

Traveling.

Many families plan out their travels, but the Nickerson’s have taken a “fly by the seat of our pants” approach. They are open to new opportunities and surprise learning experiences.

While doing this interview, the family was staying on a ranch in Wyoming, riding horses, watching cows get branded and volunteering.

“We didn’t want to do the touristy things, we wanted to come and help out,” said Jessie. They are doing the tourist stops like Mount Rushmore and the Florida Everglades. Everywhere they go, they search for opportunities to volunteer so they will be treated less like a tourist and more like a community member. In the Everglades they worked for four days at Everglades Outpost, a wildlife refuge. Leila has started naming all of the animals they meet on their journeys.

This summer they are heading to Canada and Alaska.

One challenge that has been difficult for Jessie is not rushing. The culture in society is that everything has to be done now, she said. “It’s a new perspective. We have to be flexible. It’s about altering your mindset. Our time is our own. I’m more relaxed,” Jessie said.

Downsizing.

The tiny, minimalist lifestyle was not new to the Nickersons. During the Maine summers, they spent most of their time on a 23-foot cabin cruiser on Sebago Lake. They knew how to live with one another in small, confined spaces, so moving into a RV gave them more space than they were used to on the boat.

“Downsizing was way easier,” Jessie said about moving from an 1,800 square foot house to a 296 square foot RV. They sold everything except for a few bins left at Jessie’s mother’s house. The girls were able to bring one bin of toys or possessions each and have two drawers for their clothes. They didn’t really have a hard time choosing what to keep and what to giveaway, Jessie said.  

“Everything is here. We pull off the road and we are home,” she said. When visiting family and friends, they often expect them to stay in their house, but the Nickerson’s bring their home with them and are more comfortable in their own beds, she added. 

One of the goals for the Nickerson’s is to grow closer as a family and this trip has already done that.

The RV community.

The RV community is small. They share information, tips and travel itineraries with one another.

“I had no idea the relationships we would have or how wonderful that would be in the RV community,” Jessie said.

When they considered the challenges of RV living, Jessie said they were worried about the family, finances and safety, but that has not been an issue.

“There’s nothing we hate,” she said. Although in retrospect, she said she hated making the beds up clean. On a serious note, she found that saying goodbye often to family and friends has proven to be the most difficult part of this lifestyle.

“We make bonds, very deep and lasting bonds. So, saying goodbye to someone who is living a very similar lifestyle is hard,” she said. Many of the people they have met on the road are entrepreneurs home schooling their children while traveling from state to state. No matter where they go, they are welcomed by other full timers.

“We keep meeting these amazing families and people,” she said. While back in Maine in May, the Nickerson’s met up with a family they met on the road. They spent an entire week entertaining the family and showing them Maine. They have set up plans to travel to Mexico with that same family in the future.

The Nickerson’s have also strengthened connections and networking. They’ve met tons of people who want to be a part of their journey and those who provide opportunities like Jessie’s college friend whose family member runs a ranch in Wyoming.

Making money.

The Nickerson’s saved money for years to be ready for this adventure. They had a set amount of money they budgeted for their time on the road.

“Our monthly budget dictates how much we travel,” Jessie said. Realizing how much they are enjoying seeing the country, they are attempting to discover ways to make money remotely. They have met up with others in the RV community who are making money while “full timing,” which is the RV term for someone who lives in their rig all the time.

Corey is taking jobs using his photography and drone skills and Jessie is working on creating a spray tanning online certification course for those who want to start their own business. Bronze by Willa, in Windham, is a graduate of Jessie’s course. 

Advice.

“I recommend you go for it. Don’t force it. It has to work for both spouses and families. “It’s a lifestyle. It’s worth it by the freedom it affords,” Jessie said.

When searching for a RV, go into as many campers as possible. People won’t know what they don’t like until they see it. Know that in a fifth wheel, there will be no storage in the back of the truck.

Jessie’s huge advice is that no one has to buy an RV where you are. Look for the best package deals and price.

“We had the courage to take that step,” Jessie said. The family has all lost weight since taking this journey because they are more active. Some people say they are crazy for doing this adventure, but the Nickerson’s don’t care. “If it’s right for you and your family, it’s right for you.”

Jessie wrapped up their first months of traveling with this statement from their website: “A year of planning, stressing, downsizing, selling, moving, buying a truck, an RV and a whole lot of stuff, and here we are.  Figuring out our new rhythm.  Our new process.  How we work.  How we do school.  How we function in this new space.  It has been scary, exhilarating, freeing and inspiring.”

To follow the Nickerson’s adventures, find them at www.findingoursomeday.com, on Instagram and YouTube @FindingOurSomeday.

Anthem's Heroes at Hadlock honors 4-year-old cancer survivor

Libby Rulman

As part of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s commitment to supporting the prevention and treatment of cancer and the work of the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP), 4-year-old cancer survivor Libby Rulman of Windham was honored as an Anthem Hero for the courage she displayed battling a serious illness at such a young age.

Rulman was the second of four Anthem Heroes at Hadlock to be recognized during the 2018 season. The ceremony took place prior to the June 24 Portland Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field.

“Libby is an amazing young girl and we’re all inspired by her story of perseverance,” said Dan Corcoran, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. “We have a long tradition of supporting organizations that foster healthy communities here in Maine, and we’re especially proud of our commitment to MCCP and supporting the good work they do for kids like Libby.”

Rulman was only 26 months old when her parents took her to the doctor for what they thought was conjunctivitis. After being prescribed antibiotics and seeing no change in her condition at follow-up visits, the family was referred to an eye specialist, who immediately admitted Libby to Maine Medical Center. She was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, a rare cancer.

After surgery and a year-long chemotherapy regimen, Libby persevered and thanks to the care and treatment she received from MCCP, today she is in remission. Libby enjoys dancing, playing tee ball and will start kindergarten next year.

When asked what her favorite part was in participating at the Heroes at Hadlock event, she said she loved running the bases and getting to high-five all the players while she was running! But there was more she enjoyed, “I also loved spending time with my family and friends,” Libby said with a smile.

The Anthem Heroes at Hadlock Program provides children who have battled a serious medical condition with a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Hadlock Field. Each honoree takes a celebratory home run lap around the bases of Hadlock prior to a Sea Dogs home game, while the players give the child high-fives and the crowd provides a standing ovation. The children and their families also receive a number of Sea Dogs souvenirs and other VIP privileges.

The Anthem Heroes at Hadlock Program will recognize two more courageous kids this season prior to the games on July 14 (6 p.m. start) and August 19 (1 p.m. start).

Local runner sets lofty goal by Elizabeth Richards

Scott Paradis running the Sandy Hook 5k in Conn.

Scott Paradis spontaneously took up running in 2015 and just as spontaneously set an ambitious goal for himself: to run 51 5K races in 50 states - and one in the nation’s capital, Washington DC.

Paradis, 35, is a Windham resident who graduated from Windham High School in 2001.  He is likely a familiar face in town since he works as a cashier at both Hannaford and Home Depot. 

He began running just three years ago, on a whim. “I just got a crazy idea - I just feel like going out running,” he said. He began with a one mile-loop on the Chaffin Pond Trail.

That first mile was tough, he said, tougher even than running three miles now. But he stuck with it, gradually increasing his distance, running his first 5K in September of 2015. That was the Stephen Ward 911 Memorial 5K in Gorham. 

After that first race, Paradis got an even crazier idea: to do it again in each of the 50 states. He said at first, he didn’t think it would happen, but then he started, and after running in a few states he realized it could be a reality.

Paradis finds races on runningintheusa.com. He searches each state for a race with a cause he is most interested in supporting. “Whatever charity I like the best for that state is how I usually choose it,” he said. 

Paradis has a logo, designed by his brother that he puts on a t-shirt each year; the races he has completed are listed on the back. His tagline reads “A Race to 51 5Ks in 50 States.” The final race, to cap it all off, will be in Washington, DC. “I figured that would be a good way to complete the whole thing,” Paradis said. His goal is to have run all 51 races within 20 years.

Paradis has a large map on the wall in his room, tracking the races he has completed. In June 2018, he ran his 16^th race, the Honoring Our Heroes 5K in Cincinnati, OH. At that race the runners raised enough money to provide tiny houses to three homeless veterans. “That made me feel really good that I was part of that,” Paradis said.

Paradis said he doesn’t seek out any particular type of charity. He doesn’t have a specific order in which he hopes to complete the 50 states, but has already done a few distant states, including Arizona, California and Hawaii.

One of his favorite causes so far, he said, was the Sandy Hook 5K in Newton, CT. That was a larger race, with approximately 1400 runners. At that event, he said the runners raised about $70,000, which was donated to charities chosen by the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.

Some races are more challenging, depending on the weather or other conditions. In Hawaii, for instance, part of the race was on the beach, where running on sand added some difficulty. But Paradis said he feels like if he’s going slower, the rest of the participants are facing the same challenges and will also run slower, so he’ll place in the same range he would have.

“I go into these races knowing I’m never probably going to win, I’m not the fastest runner…My goal is to finish better than half the pack, I’m okay and happy with that,” he said. 

Paradis said he prefers races that have somewhere between 100 and 500 runners, because he can get to know people more, and talk about what he’s doing. He tries to approach the race organizers and let them know what he’s doing. 

           

Some of these organizers have been very happy that out of all the races in the state, he has chosen theirs. The mayor of Mt. Airy, MD, where Paradis ran Ava’s 5K for Down Syndrome, wrote him a personal thank you letter after the race.

Paradis funds his own travel, with the help of credit card and hotel rewards programs. He does not do additional charity fundraising beyond paying his race fees. 

Paradis said he has had many great experiences so far – including finishing on the 50-yard line at the Buffalo Bills stadium in Buffalo, NY, and coming in 2^nd male overall at a very small race in GA. 

Paradis said he doesn’t have a specific goal in mind for how many races he will complete each year. He was able to do seven the first year by travelling to states within driving distance. However, that will slow as he heads to states farther away. And some states, like North and South Dakota, don’t have many races listed, so he’ll need to coordinate around what’s available.

Typically, Paradis said, he does a race in March, April, May and June, and then takes the summer off to avoid travelling when it’s too hot. He’ll pick up again in the fall with another race or two.  His 17^th race, the Skeleton Run 5K for Bone Health, will be in Morristown, New Jersey on October 21, 2018. Paradis said this year is the first year for this particular race.  

Paradis said he likes to travel, and has fun choosing a race in each state. He travels on his own, but sometimes visits family on the way, or chooses a race based on where family or friends are located. 

One of his favorite things about doing these races is the reaction he gets from some people when they hear his goal. “It’s just an accomplishment in itself to be able to do it,” he said. 

Employees at Windham Weaponry awarded for generous contributions by Lorraine Glowczak

The employees at Windham Weaponry, Inc. were presented with a plaque by Drew Patin, Principal at ^th to show gratitude to the employees for giving a portion of their income to the programs; contributing a total of $750 per month during the school year.

Windham Middle School (WMS) and Marge Govoni, Coordinator of the Backpack and WMS Student Assistance Program (also known as Community Cares Program). The award was presented on Tuesday, June 12

Patin choked back tears when he expressed his appreciation. “Your contributions have made a huge impact on the students who need extra financial help. There is always a need and I’m often trying to help students in many ways. I work to find ways and to assist the students’ basic life necessities. Your contributions help us immensely.”

Community Cares Program was established to help WMS students who experience financial hardships. The program has assisted students with clothing, food, shoes, scholarships toward field trips and other necessary educational programming. The monies are also used to help with any other need a student may have that is essential to their educational growth and overall health.

“On a macro level, this program helps to build community through giving time and financial support,” Patin said. “It provides a sense of belonging and is what helps people get up in the morning.”

Mary K. Galipeau, Windham Weaponry’s BATF/Exports and Compliance Manager, stated that the idea of giving to this program was introduced by Cheryl Eliason, the Customer Service Manager.
“She put the idea out there, and we all thought it was a great idea,” Galipeau stated. “We’ve been contributing to this cause ever since.”

To make a contribution to help fund food and other necessary resources to all students in the RSU14 system, please contact Govoni at mgovoni@rsu14.org.

Dreams come true for 2018 Windham-Raymond Adult Ed graduates by Lorraine Glowczak

Sometimes it takes a little bravery to follow a course of action on a rarely traveled and less popular path, believing against all odds that it will lead to good things. Much like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” who traveled along the yellow brick road only to experience a variety of challenges and road blocks, the 2018 graduates of the Windham-Raymond Adult Education (WRAE) met their challenges head on and succeeded. 

The Windham High School Auditorium hosted families and friends on Thursday evening, June 14th

as 16 of the 20 graduates marched in to receive their high school diploma.

Tom Nash, Director of WRAE, welcomed and congratulated family and friends in the audience for their support and encouragement in helping to make the difficult road to success less challenging for the students. He gave the biggest kudos to the graduates for their hard work and determination.

Jani Cummings, Chair-elect of the RSU14 School Board, reiterated Nash’s sentiments, asking the audience one question, “How did you get here, tonight?” she begin. “Of course, as I drove here from my home in Raymond, I traveled a certain way – most likely different than those of you from other surrounding communities. There is more than one way to get to a destination, and these 2018 graduates successfully traveled their own road to accomplish what they had set out to do.”

Inductions into the honor society were part of the evening’s program. Graduates Zachary Cole, Grace Daye, Mary Laughlin, Marjorie Lougee and Carlos Rodriquez were inducted to the National Adult Education Honor Society by Cathy Renaud, Adult Basic Education Coordinator. Also inducted were other members of the Adult Education Program: Dioni Araya, Nyabore Luak and Victoria MacDonald. A scholarship to Central Maine Community College was also awarded.

Graduate, Marjorie Lougee was the first student speaker to share her story. Lougee explained that it took some time to get where she is now, but with the support of family and friends, she was able to reach her aim of graduating with a diploma. Now that she has accomplished one goal, she has more on her list to check off. “I want to become a massage therapist, a wife, a mother,” she said. “And, I also want to be a writer and a storyteller.”

Her speech was followed by student, Nyabore Luak. Luak shared the challenging journey from her home in South Sudan to American citizenship. She explained that arriving in a new culture and unable to speak the language was the most difficult of her experiences. She would have never imagined that 22 years after arriving in America, she would be giving a speech in English. “I did not get discourage,” she said of her journey. “I wish to thank all my teachers in Portland Adult Ed as well as the Windham-Raymond Adult Ed who have helped me to be where I am today.” Luak worked full time as a mother of eight children while obtaining a diploma, purchasing her first home in Windham a few years ago. But she isn’t stopping there. Luak ended her speech by announcing that her next step is to become a nurse.

Guest speaker for the evening was Rep. Patrick Corey of Windham. The subject of his speech was “The Courage to Embrace Firsts,” explaining to the graduates that this was his first graduation address. “I have done many things in my role as a representative, but this is my first time to speak at a graduation,” Corey admitted. “What is an ending for you today, is also a first. The first of many things. Life will throw you many, many firsts and some will require you to find a way to overcome them. Keep track of your progress and you will see your improvement along the way.” He ended his graduation address with this advice: “Don’t let failure get in the way of your goals.”

Musical interludes and highlights were performed by the Sebago Lakes Ukulele Society (SLUKES), directed by Dana Reed. Nash and the musical group led the graduates and the audience in Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwoʻole’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

“Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly

And the dreams that you dream of, dreams really do come true.”

Congratulations and good luck to all the 2018 Windham-Raymond Adult Education graduates that include the following: Lydia Chadbourne, Zachary Cole, Ezra Davison, Grace Daye, Bailey Halliday, Carter Jackson, Mary Laughlin, Marjorie Virginia Lougee, Sidney Brent McKeen II, Eric Mitchell, Nathan Rizal PeBenito, Carlos M. Rodrigues, Tyler Santero, Yasmin Siana-Wolf, Kiante Smith, Shane Thompson.

May your dreams always come true.

Students learn compassion and respect through Heart of Courage Project by Lorraine Glowczak

Kelsey Theberge (center) stands with her grandfather veteran Larry Theberge (right) and father Sean Theberge. Also pictured is the silhouette she made of her grandfather 

The sixth grades students at Windham Middle School (WMS) who are from Ms. Hopkins’ and Ms. Stokes’ team, celebrated an evening of gratitude and celebration with a presentation of their Heart of Courage - Veteran Project Base Learning (PBL) Program. The festivities occurred on Monday, June 11 at 5 p.m. at the Windham Veterans Center; beginning with an Honor Guard ceremony and the National Anthem, sung by sixth-grader, Caitlin Miles.

Monday’s celebration was an accumulation of educational discovery that began in early spring. The project was kicked off with an opening event with the ROTC cadets led by Sergeant Wirtz.  The event included a brief history of the military, students participating in practice drills, trying on military gear, and using portable military medic cots.

The sixth graders had been working closely with local veterans, interviewing them as part of their PBL project; which was a student-centered mode of educational discovery with focus on subjects in the humanities, math, English language arts, science and data analysis.

The festivities included a spaghetti dinner followed by presentations by the students. After the student speeches, guests had an opportunity to talk to the pupils as they stood by hand-made silhouettes of the veterans they interviewed, to discuss what the students had learned from veterans.

In addition to interviews, the students researched the history of U.S. conflicts, participated in activities with the high school ROTC, placed flags at cemeteries, listened to presenters and visited the Maine Military Museum.  The students also cleaned headstones and flat stones at the Augusta Cemetery.

Laurent “Larry” Theberge, a Vietnam, Dessert Shield and Dessert Storm Veteran, was one of the local individuals interviewed by the sixth-grade class. Theberge’s granddaughter, Kelsey, is one of those sixth-grade students and he felt honored to participate in his first interview. “I have discussed my experiences with others, but I’ve never been interviewed before,” Theberge stated. “Most people don’t know what you experience in war. It’s not fun. It’s good to let people know what happens in war and how it can change you.”

As for Theberge’s granddaughter Kelsey, the project created a few realizations that may not have occurred in a traditional learning mode. “It [this project] has made me realize just how important it is to respect veterans and why,” Kelsey said. “By talking to the veterans, I realized just how much they went through and it has made me go deeper into this subject.”

Logan Forbes (left) with Willie Goodman

Another student, Logan Forbes, had the opportunity to interview Willie Goodman, who entered the service in 1963 and is a Persian Gulf Veteran. “This was not as easy as you think,” began Forbes. “It was very difficult to capture the veteran’s story and put it into one writing assignment. Also, when we visited the cemeteries and we washed the stones, it was much more difficult than anyone would think. You just don’t wipe over the stone – you have to scrub it. We were told to say ‘thank you’ at each veteran’s gravestone, but I ended up talking to them all. So, I learned a lot about respect, too.”

One of the guiding questions for the interviews included, “How do we show gratitude to those in our community who have served?” Goodman stated that vets do not expect to be treated differently. “It’s not that we ask to receive it [respect], or even expect it, but when we are honored in some way it is nice to know that people care.”

Students took a lot of pride and ownership in this project. “During interviews many students were sensitive to the experiences and emotions of the veterans, making sure not to bring up uncomfortable memories,” Stokes explained. “During the flag placing at local cemeteries, students worked hard to make sure the grounds and headstones were neat and beautiful. In Augusta, students took their time, scrubbing and cleaning the stones, often saying, ‘I need to get this cleaner.’ Students took care and loved cleaning each and every one of the stones and memorial markers. As family members approached headstones to place flowers, students went up to family members, offered assistance and asked to help clean the stones. Many students engaged in conversation with family members about their deceased loved ones.”

As for what lessons the students learned from this project, Stokes explained it is difficult to narrow it down to just one thing. “Both Mrs. Hopkins and I feel that if we were to narrow it down, students have grown significantly in regards to compassion towards others, respect for those that have served (and still do) and our responsibility to give back to veterans.”

Earlier this spring, Post VFW applied for a $1000 grant to help support the PBL project and received that grant. The grant money paid for all busing to field trips and reading books connected to the wars.