Outpouring of community support at annual Veterans Day celebration

 By Matt Pascarella

Jerry Black, right, cuts the cake with Post 10643 Commander
Jeffrey Cook at the Veterans Day observance which was held at
the Windham Veterans Center on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Out of the 200
attendees at the event, Black was the oldest veteran in attendance
at age 97. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

 The Windham Veterans Center was practically standing room only as at least 200 people from the community were in attendance to support and pay their respects to those who served or are serving their country at the 2025 Veterans Day observance hosted by VFW Post 10643 on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

 This event brought community members of all ages. The Windham Chamber Singers were there to continue their tradition of uniting the crowd in song and Boy Scouts of America Troop 805 were present to help out during this occasion that celebrated the men and women who fought for the freedom of the people of the United States of America.

 VFW Post 10643 new Commander Jeffrey Cook was the master of ceremonies; former Post 10643 Commander Willie Goodman will be Cook’s Senior Vice Commander. Goodman was presented with a certificate and a gift. The keynote speaker was Honor Flight Maine representative Elizabeth Cormier. The essay winners for the Patriot’s Pen for grades 6 to 8 and Voice of Democracy for grades 9 to 12 were also announced.

 “Being the new commander means a lot to me,” said Cook. “Mostly because what it means to the other veterans and the older veterans, having a younger guy come in ... being here to support them. I do a lot of things during the week and the month that they can’t get out and do, and that’s the most important. This is my first Veterans Day event and I didn’t expect it to be this big. I didn’t expect it to be this well attended by the community and other veterans; it really shows what we have in the community.”

 Windham senior and member of the Chamber Singers Rowan Cummings said the tradition and legacy of the group is to put the community first. Singing at the event every year is wholeheartedly an experience that means a lot to them. For her to see the community and veterans come together through their music is really touching.

 This was the final year that Dr. Richard Nickerson will be with Windham Chamber Singers, he will retire in June 2026.

 “There’s no performance that we feel more honored to be a part of,” said Dr. Nickerson. “And in my final time here, I want to thank you for allowing us not just to preform, but to be present in this ceremony. It means a great deal to us to be here.”

 Keynote speaker Cormier said all veterans should apply to take their Honor Flight trip. No matter how big or little their service, all veterans are worthy of it. For Cormier, each trip reminds us gratitude should never have an expiration date. It’s a journey that truly touches hearts. VFW Post 10643 later presented Cormier with a donation of $1,000 to Honor Flight Maine.

 The theme for both essays this year was ‘how are you showing patriotism and support of your country?’ The Patriot’s Pen winner was Windham Christian Academy eighth grader Elsa Pearson; second place was Annaelle Kawaya. The Voices of Democracy winner was Windham sophomore Shea Carey.

 Pearson spoke of the importance of volunteering and how when she was in fifth and sixth grade, she volunteered at the local food pantry setting up Thanksgiving baskets. She said helping our community is one step closer to making our country better. She and her class have also traveled across southern Maine to perform juggling acts for nursing homes and spread the gospel, while visiting with the residents of these homes.

Carey’s essay was about the many ways to display patriotism. Whether that be standing to attention during the pledge of allegiance or standing up for those who can’t stand for themselves. Carey said each action she makes is done with intention, passion and regard for others. Her version of patriotism involves the simplest acts of kindness and integrity. She values being a kind person and hopes those who heard her essay take those words and strive to make a difference where they can.

 “My whole family, father, grandfather, great-grandfather were all veterans, and I totally support what they do,” said Windham resident Tom Tyler. “I think the turnout here is absolutely awesome for the patriotism of this country.”

 97-year-old Jerry Black was the oldest veteran at the observance. Black served in the Navy during the Korean War.

 “It means more to me (to see everyone here) because my cousin, a military man is not with me,” said Black. “Whenever I can come to something I try to represent him as well as myself. Just to be here and be active with all these people and the young people; I want to be here. The town has been good to me, and I hope I can be good to them sometime.”

 Black described his cousin like a brother; they grew up together and he is proud to represent him at these events. At 97, Black said he’d like to make it to 100 but takes it day-by-day. He feels good, he still drives, he walks and emphasized it’s important to keep moving. He enjoys coming to the Windham Veterans Center to just have a cup of coffee with the guys.

 “Probably someone here either is a veteran, knows a veteran or has a veteran in their family. Today we honor every veteran,” said Cook. “Let us also remember the families and the loved ones of those who still carry the burden of the true cost of freedom.”

Raymond appoints new interim town manager

By Dina Mendros

The Town of Raymond will welcome a new interim town manager, Glenn Michalowski, who will be starting later this month. He will replace Joseph Crocker, who submitted his resignation as the Raymond Town Manager in early October.

Glenn Michalowski has been appointed as
Interim Town Manager for the Town of 
Raymond and will start his duties on Nov. 17.
Michalowski has served as the Lisbon Town
Manager for the past three years. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The Raymond Select Board approved appointing Michalowski to the position on Oct. 21 and he will officially start duties with the town on Nov. 17. Michalowski is leaving his position as town manager for the Town of Lisbon, where he has served for three years, to work for the Town of Raymond.

The interim Raymond town manager position is initially for six months but could be extended to a year. To extend the position “the Board would have to be content with his accomplishments and how well he worked with the staff,” said Raymond Select Board Chair Denis Morse. He says that the town has not yet begun the process of looking for a permanent town manager.

Michalowski was one of two finalists out of 42 applicants when the board was originally looking for a town manager earlier this year, Morse said.

Crocker, who had worked for Raymond as the director of the Parks and Recreation Department for about five years, was appointed interim town manager in March and became the permanent town manager in May. He also took over as the town’s finance director in the summer of 2024 when the former finance director stepped down.

“Speaking for myself,” Morse said, “I voted for Joe as he had spent four to five years as our Recreation Department head building our growing recreation program that had been long overdue and looking for a leader.”

Although Crocker is moving to another job, he will still be around Raymond Town Hall for a while and will be helping out with some specific town projects.

“He has been in touch with Glenn and will be coming back to work for us providing help with the web page and hopefully other projects,” Morse said. “I know I can speak for the Board when I state we are delighted to hear Glenn has hired him back for a few weeks.”

In the search for an interim town manager, “We were looking for someone with the energy and passion to move forward with several large upcoming initiatives, such as the re-envisioning of the Jordan Small Middle School and our recently accepted Comprehensive Plan,” said Raymond Select Board Vice Chair Kaela Gonzalez.

Additionally, Morse said, the board was looking for someone with town manager experience and a degree in Public Management. Michalowski has both town manager experience and he holds a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University.

According to his LinkedIn page, in serving as Raymond’s interim town manager Michalowski says that he is “under contract to guide the organization through a leadership transition and strengthen its operational foundation ahead of future recruitment. My work focuses on continuity, fiscal management, and organizational stability – ensuring the town is positioned for long-term success and ready to attract strong leadership.”

In addition, Michalowski said, “I’m passionate about helping municipalities navigate periods of change, build administrative capacity, and modernize systems to deliver more effective, responsive public service - whether in a direct leadership role or as an advisor.”

Michalowski will be Raymond’s fourth town manager in 20 months. He replaces Crocker, who succeeded former Town Manager Sue Look, who resigned in March. Look had previously served as Raymond Town Clerk before being appointed by the Raymond Select Board to the role, succeeding longtime Town Manager Don Willard in January 2024 upon his retirement. Willard had worked as Raymond’s Town Manager for 23 years until he suffered an illness and while recovering chose to retire from the town manager’s role. <

Winning candidates to be sworn into office following municipal election

By Ed Pierce

The voters have spoken and three new Windham Town Councilors and two members of the RSU 14 Board of Directors representing Windham will be sworn in prior to the next meeting for both entities this month.

Winning candidates in Tuesday's election are from left top
row, Maggie Terry (Windham Town Council North District),
Doug Fortier (Windham Town Council South District),
Katie Cook (Windham Town Council At-Large), bottom
row from left are Christina Small (RSU 14 Board of
Directors) and Matthew Irving (RSU 14 Board of
Directors).  COURTESY PHOTOS
  

For the Windham Town Council, three incumbent councilors, including Jarrod Maxfield (North District), Nick Kalogerakis (South District) and John Henry (At-Large) chose not to seek re-election to those positions.

Voters elected three new councilors to serve three-year non-partisan terms on the town council during Tuesday’s municipal election.

In the North District, Margaret “Maggie” Terry will succeed Maxfield, picking up 3,221 votes to defeat Deborah Devou, who had 2,621 votes.

Terry is the business owner of Legal Label Inc. and Seahorse Alley LLC. During her campaign, she said she was seeking a town council position to address Windham’s increasing property tax burden and the challenges posed by rapid growth.

“I am particularly concerned about the impact of new state housing mandates on our infrastructure and community character,” Terry said. “My goal is to promote responsible development, preserve Windham’s heritage, and pursue alternative revenue strategies that reduce reliance on property taxes while maintaining essential services.”

For the South District, Doug Fortier received 3,736 votes to defeat Michael Russin, who had 1,826 votes.

Fortier owns a Christmas tree farm and had served for 20 years as Public Works Director for the Town of Windham before retiring in 2023. He says he grew up and has lived in Windham since 1970.

“I feel working for the town has given me insight of how the town works and what its needs are and help move it forward,” he said.

In the race for the At-Large council seat, Cook’s 2,273 votes earned the position, topping former town councilor Clayton Haskell’s 2,234 votes and Joseph Campbell’s 1,575 votes.

Cook is an Information Technology and Litigation Support Manager. She said she was running for town council because she believes Windham deserves leadership that listens, plans wisely, and protects taxpayers.

“I’m not here to play politics, I’m here to serve,” she said. “I want to make sure every decision made at Town Hall reflects the values and priorities of the people who live here. That means clear communication, smart budgeting, and a commitment to keeping Windham a place we’re proud to call home.”

In a five-candidate race with the top two vote tallies earning seats for three-year terms on the RSU 14 Board of Directors, incumbent Christina Small and first-time candidate Matthew Irving will be sworn in later this month.

Currently serving as RSU 14 Board Chair, Small picked up 2,888 votes, while Irving received 2,483 votes. Adam Zajac was third with 2,327 votes, while Megan Potter had 1,644 votes and Destiny Johnson received 1,629 votes.

Small has served on the RSU 14 Board of Directors for five years. She is a stay-at-home mother who says she sought re-election because she cares deeply about this community and public education.

“My goal has only ever been to support the staff and students of RSU 14,” Small said.

Irving is a former classroom counselor and community mental health worker who is now a stay-at-home father. He said he was running because he wants the best future possible for area children.

“I am a graduate of public schools and a first-generation public university graduate, so I can vouch for the value of public education,” he said. “Our kids need relevant skills and confidence in their ability to think critically in a tumultuous world. Our board needs people who engage respectfully with our community and contribute with well-researched ideas, which I will do.”

Voters in Windham and Raymond were among state residents casting ballots in Tuesday’s election to decide the fate of two statewide referendum questions.

Referendum Question 1 asked voters “Do you want to change Maine election laws to eliminate two days of absentee voting, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, end ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, limit the number of drop boxes, require voters to show certain photo ID before voting, and make other changes to our elections?”

The question failed statewide, with 256,326 no votes to 144,925 yes votes, or a margin of 63.9 percent to 36.1 percent. In Windham, 4,321 no votes were cast, on Question 1, while 2,558 voted yes. In Raymond, 1,185 no votes were received to 800 yes votes on Question 1.

Referendum Question 2 asked “Do you want to allow courts to temporarily prohibit a person from having dangerous weapons if law enforcement, family, or household members show that the person poses a significant danger of causing physical injury to themselves or others?”

The question was approved statewide, with 252,687 yes votes to 147,022 no votes, or a margin of 63.2 percent to 36.8 percent. In Windham, 4,403 yes votes were tallied for Question 2 to 2,465 no votes. In Raymond, 1,189 yes votes were recorded, while 793 voted no. <        

New Windham Town Clerk to be sworn in next week

By Ed Pierce

For the first time in nearly three decades, the Town of Windham will have a new Town Clerk when Anthony Blasi is sworn in for the position on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Anthony Blasi will be sworn in as Windham Town Clerk on
Tuesday, Nov. 4 after his appointment to the position by the
Windham Town Council this week. Blasi will succeed
longtime Windham Town Clerk Linda Morrell, who is 
retiring next week after decades of service to the
community. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

Blasi was appointed to the position by the Windham Town Council on Oct. 28 after serving as Deputy Town Clerk for the past three and a half years. He succeeds longtime Windham Town Clerk Linda Morrell, who is retiring, in the role and is keenly aware that he has big shoes to fill.

“Linda is a tough act to follow. I can only hope to command the love, respect, and trust that the people of Windham have bestowed upon her,” Blasi said. “Linda is so helpful. You see the way she interacts with people, and she is always willing to help. If she cannot do something or is not sure, she always finds out the answer. I learned more about resourcefulness from her and hope to be as resourceful as she is.”

In his new duties, Blasi will oversee Dog Licensing; Hunting/Fishing Licensing; Business Licenses and Permits; and Notary and Dedimus Service. The Windham Town Clerk’s office assists in Tax Collection/Auto Registration in collecting property taxes; registers autos, boats, and ATVs; issues marriage licenses and has Welcome Packets available for new residents. The Town Clerk also ensures that excellent customer service is provided to the public in a courteous and friendly manner. and supervises all elections conducted in the Town of Windham. The town clerk is also responsible for ensuring that all voter registration is handled in accordance with Maine Law and the Windham Town Charter.

Blasi is originally from Auburn and graduated in 2015 from Edward Little High School. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Maine Farmington in 2019.

Before coming to work in Windham, Blasi served as the Town Clerk of Woolwich for about a year and a half, and he applied for the Windham job because it posed more of a challenge.

“I was looking for work in a larger town with a more fast-paced environment,” Blasi said. “My mom is from Windham, so I was very interested when I saw they were hiring. Once I met Linda and the others, I knew it was a perfect fit for me.”

He is a Certified Municipal Clerk by the Maine Town and City Clerks Association and is a Notary Public.

Blasi is married and is a bit of a history buff. He enjoys visiting used bookstores, hiking and especially going to the beach. He’s also the author of the book “Frontier Ranger of Colonial New England,” for which he was presented the Roger Grindle Award for encouraging academic excellence in the field of history by the University of Maine Farmington.

During his first days on the job as Windham Town Clerk, Blasi said several immediate tasks will take priority.

“The first few weeks after my swearing in will involve several post-election tasks as well as many upcoming dog registrations,” he said.

Of everything he’s learned so far in his time working in the town clerk’s office, Blasi says organization and preparation are paramount to his success.

“I feel that in this field there is no end to training,” he said. “There are always new facts and processes to learn, which keeps you on your toes.”

Up until last year, the Windham Town Clerk job was an elected position, but voters in November 2024 approved a Windham town charter amendment to convert the Town Clerk’s position to one appointed by the Windham Town Council. The charter amendment eliminated residency in Windham as a requirement for qualified candidates seeking the job of the Town Clerk when the position becomes vacant. Morrell has served in the position for more than two decades as an elected official and her term expires Tuesday.

As far as replacing a trusted public servant and local legend as Windham Town Clerk, Blasi said Windham residents can expect continuity and consistency when visiting the Town Clerk's Office in the future under his leadership.

“When people come in and see me in Linda’s place, I hope they find business as usual,” he said. “Linda did a wonderful job; I do not see a renewal needed, only a continuing of an excellent legacy. I like to think I am a friendly professional. I want people to demand excellence with a smile and hope to meet their expectations.” <

Southpaw Meat Market earns prestigious business award for community involvement

By Ed Pierce

For employees of Southpaw Meat Market, giving back and supporting the community is second nature and has led to them being honored with one of the most prestigious business awards in the state of Maine.

The Southpaw Meat Market Team celebrates after learning
that the company was this year's recipient of the 2025
Maddy Corson Small Business of the Year Award 
presented during the 2025 Maine Family Business
Awards Oct. 8 in Portland. From left are Devon Sargent,
Kali Mowatt, Niki Sargent, and Hayden Sargent.
COURTESY PHOTO
   

During the 2025 Maine Family Business Awards Gala sponsored by the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB) on Oct. 8 at Thompson's Point in Portland, Southpaw employees were surprised when the company’s name was called as recipient of the Maddy Corson Small Business Award. Corson founded the Maine Family Business Awards and was a philanthropist and former media executive from Maine who died in 2024.

The award is presented annually to companies in Maine with fewer than 25 full-time year-round employees that demonstrate excellence in the positions and responsibilities; family involvement; succession; use of external resources; family communication; family-owned values; business communication; business success; and community service.

“I cried like a baby when our name was called,” said Niki Sargent, Southpaw Meat market co-owner. “I honestly didn’t think we were going to win anything. More than 500 companies were nominated, and it was an amazing event. The people there were amazing, and the atmosphere was electric and like a mentorship.”

Sargent said that the awards ceremony was truly professional and beautifully done.

“We were surrounded by so many talented individuals,” she said. “Being there felt so encouraging and uplifting.”

When business representatives gathered for the awards presentation after a series of other demonstrations and guest speakers at the event, Sargent and members of her Southpaw team were jolted out of their seats when the business was called to the podium to receive the award,

“I think what I took away from all of this is that what we are trying to do is right,” Sargent said. “We don’t put it out there abut how much we do in the community and collaborate with other small businesses on meaningful activities for this community.”

In 2023, Sargent, who co-owns Southpaw Meat Market, Southpaw Packing Company and Windham Butcher Shop with her husband, Leon, partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NMAI) Maine and created the “Slicing Through The Stigma” campaign to help individuals in the farming and agriculture business to receive help through a fundraising initiative.

She first took interest in creating “Slicing Through The Stigma” after she noticed a lack of access to mental health services in the local farming and agriculture communities. Seeking to find a solution to help her friends and neighbors, Sargent then partnered with NAMI Maine to establish a place of access to the services some might need.

“We put together a whole webpage on our business website through the Windham Butcher Shop and put it together for access, just so people can go in and click a button and can be anonymous and people could access information about the services that were out there,” she said.

The program was so successful that it earned the company the C.A.L. ME Award for “Caring About Lives in Maine” by NAMI and deserving recognition for those in Maine who advocate for mental health.

Southpaw employees and Sargent’s daughter Devon received the 2025 Chief Reginald Brown Community Service Award from the Raymond Fire & Rescue Department for generosity and kindness, and deep dedication to community outreach.

If that wasn’t enough, company employees also donate their time to volunteer with 4-H clubs and students in Cumberland and Oxford counties in raising livestock, and in donating to food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the Lakes Region. They also donate processing services for the raffle pig each year at the Cumberland County Fair and have made donations to medical research schools and local small businesses in need.

Employees that Sargent says were instrumental in helping the company win the Maddy Corson Small Business Award are:

Windham Butcher Shop

Leon Sargent (Niki Sargent’s husband)

Kali Mowatt (Niki Sargent’s sister)

Jane Lamb (40-year employee)

Dale Desjardins

Hunter Durgin

Paul Roy

Dana Mains Jr.

Southpaw Meat Market

Devon Sargent (Niki Sargent’s daughter)

Hayden Sargent (Niki Sargent’s daughter)

Helen Linscott

Noelle Surette

Kiera Greene

This year’s Maddy Corson Small Business Award was sponsored by Volk Packaging Company of Biddeford.

Now approaching its third decade, the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting family-owned businesses, which represent about 80 percent of all businesses in Maine. Through consulting, seminars, workshops, and networking, the Institute assists family-owned firms in meeting the unique managerial challenges associated with operating and sustaining a successful family enterprise.

Additional information about the Institute Family-Owned Business is available at www.fambusiness.org. <

Pulkkinen becomes member of Saint Joseph’s College Athletics Hall of Fame

By Matt Pascarella

Both Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen’s basketball teams have put up impressive numbers in the past couple years winning multiple state championships. He was Coach of the Year in 2024 and in March achieved 100 career wins. Pulkkinen’s latest honor came when he was inducted into the Saint Joesph’s College Athletics Hall of Fame at Saint Joseph’s College on Friday, Oct. 17.

Windham High varsity boys' basketball coach Chad
Pulkkinen, left, was greeted during his induction into the
Saint Joseph's College Athletics Hall of Fame by SJC
Athletics Hall of Fame member John Wassenbergh 
during ceremonies held at Saint Joseph College on
Friday, Oct. 17. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

“I never even thought it possible – it’s hard to be a hall of famer here, it’s a storied basketball program. It’s an honor to be a part of that Hall of Fame class,” said Pulkkinen. “It’s definitely something that my family can be proud of especially my parents and my brother and sister who were my biggest support growing up. I think sharing (this) with my family, my friends and teammates, that’s the thing that makes me the happiest.”

Each inductee was interviewed by someone who had had an impact on their time at Saint Joseph’s College. 1996 graduate and 2007 Saint Joseph’s College Hall of Famer John Wassenbergh interviewed him.

When Pulkkinen was around 10-years old, he would watch the men’s basketball games at Saint Joesph’s College and quickly found a friend in Wassenbergh. That friendship has lasted over 30 years. Wassenbergh coached him during the summer and watched him develop as a player. Pulkkinen looks up to Wassenbergh, but Wassenbergh said he also looks up to Pulkkinen.

“There are moments in your life that you just don’t forget; this’ll be one of them,” said Wassenbergh, in reference to the ceremony. I’ve known him since he was 10 years old. Chad is the epitome of hard work, perseverance, dedication, doing it the right way. He overcame two surgeries in his college career. He gives it his all every single time. He kept fighting (when injured), which is a testament to his character. I see his son today and it brings me back to the spitting image of a kid running around our gym when I was playing here. He came to every single game; I would throw him the ball during the layup lines and there was a great connection.”

In his freshman year at Saint Joseph’s College, Pulkkinen tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Less than a year later, he tore his ACL again in what he described as “extremely dark moments” for his first two years playing college ball. Being injured was a life lesson for him. It took away everything he loved. He said he thought it was the best thing for him because he looked at the game differently; he appreciated it differently, especially after the second injury.

There were doubts from people that maybe it was time for him to stop playing, but this was motivation for him to fight harder and come back stronger than before. He loved playing for Saint Joseph’s College, and after returning had his strongest season in his graduate year.

He watched players like Wassenbergh and Carl Howell go overseas and thought maybe that could be him someday. Pulkkinen started a dream through them. After college, with his BS in business, he went to play for the Northampton Neptunes in the European Basketball League.

Almost all of Pulkkinen’s coaching style can be attributed to Saint Joesph’s College and the best basketball coach in Maine, Rick Simonds. He got a kickstart his freshman and sophomore years when he was injured. Having Simonds his freshman year and Rob Sanicola his sophomore through graduate years really set him up with the Monk standards and traditions that he and his coaches work to pass on to Windham teams.

“I want Windham alumni to be proud and hopefully my experiences including failures and successes can help my current players,” said Pulkkinen.

Former Saint Joseph’s College men’s basketball coach Rob Sanicola said one word defines ever player over the course of their career; for Pulkkinen, that word is perseverance. Not just in his strong stats, but in the unseen battles and long rehabs. He kept pushing, rising and believing. He didn’t just play through adversity; he became the definition of how to overcome it. During his time as a Monk, he was a fighter, a teammate, and the heart of St. Joesph’s College basketball. Sanicola said this was a well-deserved honor and more than that, he’s proud of their friendship to this day.

“As coaches you’re constantly asking your players to come back as better versions of themselves,” said Windham varsity assistant boys’ basketball coach Geoff Grigsby. “Coaches have to work and come back a better version as well. That may be Chad’s best quality, he’s never content with where things are; he works to be a better dad, husband, coach, business owner, better community member. His players respect him and want to do well for him and be like him. He worked even harder to come back from multiple knee surgeries and still have a great career and be the best version of himself in his last year here. There’s nobody that has better character than Chad.” <