Hold on Molly! by Elizabeth Richards

Photo by Francine Morrissette

The Schoolhouse Arts Center in Standish comes full circle this weekend, opening its 25th season with “Hold On, Molly”.  The show, written by Schoolhouse founder Hank Beebe and based on true Maine historical events, was the very first production at the theater when it first opened in 1988.

Beebe had a successful 26 year career in New York theater before relocating with his wife, Nancy, to Maine.  While they were ready to give up the fast track, Beebe said, they did not want to give up musical theater.  The Beebes brought musical theater to a variety of stages, including churches, the City Theater in Biddeford, the State Theatre and even in their home.  In 1988, they discovered the Johnson School in Standish, which had once been the high school.  The location worked well, Beebe said, because it not only had a space for the theater in the gymnasium as well as classroom space, but also a huge unused baseball field.  This solved a common problem for community theaters – that of where patrons will park.

Photo by Francine Morrissette

The theater has gone through ups and downs over the years, but Board President Kristen Watson says they are on stable ground now. When she discovered the Schoolhouse Arts Center in 2010, she gravitated toward the board, which is the group that makes sure all the work gets done.  “I fell in love with the place and haven’t left,” she said.  One of her responsibilities as president is to keep things running smoothly and in a forward direction.  Watson said she hopes to accomplish this by generating excitement for volunteering, in whatever capacity people wish.  “I don’t want anybody to do anything that they’re not going to be happy doing,” she said.

Terri Plummer, general manager of the Schoolhouse Arts Center, said the theater is moving in a good direction.  However, she said, she knows that could change in a heartbeat with a few poorly attended shows or an unexpected major repair.  “We are in an old building, anything can happen.  When we have those major repairs that are five or ten thousand dollars, that’s what could really put us under.” There are some big capital expenses on the horizon, including painting the building, paving the parking lot and some interior repairs.  The theater has a fundraising committee that is looking at ways to fund these projects, including seeking out grants, corporate sponsors and special events.
Watson wants to get the surrounding communities excited about the theater, and its location in Standish.  “This is the community’s building,” she said.  “We’re here for them, they’re here for us, and we all win.”  Participants are welcome from all surrounding communities, and no experience is necessary to get involved.  “It’s a really great place to bring kids, it’s a family place.  We have a lot of families who are in shows together,” Watson said.

Plummer originally became involved nine years ago, when her children were auditioning for a show.  She auditioned as well and has been there ever since, serving as education director for several years before becoming the general manager.  “It’s a community, and it’s just a wonderful thing to be involved in,” she said.

“Hold On, Molly” director Harlan Baker has been involved in local theater for many years, but this is the first show he has directed for Schoolhouse Arts Center.  Through a lot of hard work, the show is shaping up nicely.  “There’s a lot of people who are very enthusiastic about doing the show,” he said.  “It’s a very fun show.  You can’t dislike this show.  It’s impossible,” he added.

Both Watson and Plummer are excited about being part of the 25th anniversary season.   Plummer said she’s seen volunteers come and go, but currently there is an enthusiastic, hard working group on the board.  “That makes all the difference,” said Plummer.  “It’s nice to have the new energy and new enthusiasm from a bigger board.”

Beebe said it’s wonderful to see the Schoolhouse Arts Center still in operation after all these years.  “These people have gotten the bug, they love the theater and they have kept things going and built upon what we started.”  The theater has grown substantially, and offers a lot more opportunities for children, he said.  “One of the things I love is when I go up there, children show me around,” he said.  “The children feel like they own it, it’s their place.”

“Hold On, Molly” opens on April 12 and runs for two weekends, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday Matinee at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for students and seniors.  For reservations, call 642-3743 or visit www.schoolhousearts.org.

Local businesses help support Fit4Summer by Michelle Libby

Jumping off the proverbial fitness bridge can be a scary endeavor, but the rewards according to the owners of Balanced Ground, 21st Century Family Fitness, PFN and Planet Fitness can be limitless. People who register for the challenge get discounts at four area fitness locations, special classes and workshops, and can even win cash by being the person who loses the biggest percentage of weight loss.

“Discounts are great, even if they don’t win, as long as they come together as a community, especially if they find out they like one of (the classes), they become part of your life, they become a process,” said co-owner of Balanced Ground Sarah Charles.

Each gym and center sponsoring the fit4summer challenge, offers something special for the beginner athlete to the seasoned athlete. Balanced Ground is offering 50 percent off a $100 punch card, good for 10 classes, either yoga or mixed-martial arts/kickboxing. Each member of the fit4summer gets a one on one session with Sarah, who teaches yoga, or Nate Charles, who does the MMA/kickboxing classes.

“If they’re trying to get in shape, the challenge would only benefit them,” said mother of four Sarah. She uses yoga as stress reduction instead of going to the gym all the time. “I need something that’s about lengthening, stretching and focusing on breath in a calm, soothing way,” she said. “It helps to bring a sense of balance in the chaotic life we have right now."

Balanced Ground has classes every night including classes for children in yoga and kids MMA.

 “Sometimes they need to drive by the gym and it’s that little extra thing that gets them in the door,” said John Booth, owner of 21st Century Family Fitness. Family Fitness is offering a special $49 rate for 12 weeks plus a free one-time workout and customized plan lead by a certified trainer. They also offer classes, babysitting, a basketball hoop and a separate free weight section. “We offer as much as we can,” said Booth.

“Anything that can promote health and wellness is always a good thing,” said Booth. “It’s easy to make excuses. You’ve got to sit down and write down your schedule. Treat it like a part-time job,” said Booth. “I know people who are my age, who look like my father. I can find the time (to hit the gym.),” he added.
At Planet Fitness, working out is a community affair, according to owner Eric Giguere. “It helps both the physical and mental aspects,” he said. Clients at Planet Fitness range in age from 13 to 103. For the fit4summer challenge, they are offering $10 down and $10 a month including unlimited free training with their trainers. They can help design a custom program for each member.

“We offer a welcoming gym, judgment free, no intimidation,” Giguere said. “The challenge is great for the community to come out and experience the gym. We try to pull those reasons (why they can’t workout) right out of them.”

PNF, which has been in business for a year and a half does personal one-on-one training and classes all by appointment only. At their studio, members can buy a punch card for $50 and attend 10 classes. This week they just added spinning classes to their repertoire. “Accountability is a huge thing,” said Whitney Sullivan, who co-owns the gym with Mark York. They train everyone from University of Southern Maine athletes to high school athletes and people who are homebound and need help with their activities of daily living.

“(The challenge) brings the community together and it’s about the fitness. It’s not about the competition between the facilities, but helping people to reach their goals,” Sullivan said.

Registering is easy. Sign up at any of the four sponsoring gyms, Balanced Ground, 21st Century Family Fitness, Planet Fitness and PNF, or The Windham Eagle office, then use whatever means necessary to get in shape. One does not have to use one of these deals to be a part of the challenge, said Kelly Mank, organizer of the challenge. But, a $50 membership card is necessary to win the prizes.

WMS students give books to Bush Children's Hospital by Michelle Libby

Photo by Michelle Libby

The Windham Middle School cafeteria was packed with second-graders, seventh-graders and grandparents on Tuesday morning as Pam Mallard and Lisa Hodge’s seventh grade class celebrated their collaboration to collect books for the library at The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital with students in Gail Small and Elaine Hawthorne’s classes.

Abby Snyder, a teacher for children in the children’s hospital, attended the celebration and received 148 books. “I can’t stress how important it is to have good books for the kids to read. It’s great to get lost in a great story. There’s nothing I like more than looking through a story with a kid and letting them get lost in their story.”

Snyder then told the students about a girl who was in a skiing accident a few weeks ago and is still unresponsive, except when someone reads her a book.
“You should be really, really proud of your hard work,” Snyder told the students.
In addition to the presentation of the books collected in the year-long project, and seventh-grader Annie Denbow, sang “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera a cappella, the students interviewed the grandparents in the crowd asking them questions like “When you were in second grade, what kinds of books did you read? What happened when you were naughty? Did you have TVs in your home?”  Finally, a large group of students co-read a poem to honor the grandparents.

In past years, the middle school students have collected cans for the Windham Food Pantry and sent Christmas cards to the troops overseas. This year they followed the journey of a pre-schooler who was waiting for a heart transplant and the students decided to collect books for the hospital library. The project was spearheaded by Darren Emerson and Skylyn Vokey, according to Mallard. 

Third grade chorus sings at State Legislature by Elizabeth Richards

Photo by Angela White

Windham Primary School third grade chorus members from JanWillem Musters’ and Lila Cancelarich’s classes sang the Star Spangled Banner at the opening of the State Legislature on Tuesday. “The singers did a fabulous job,” said chorus director Nancy Cash-Cobb. The students were met by State Senator Gary Plummer and State Representative Jane Pringle, both of whom live in Windham. They explained about state government and the legislative chamber.  The students visited the Maine State Museum and attended sessions on relief rubbings, wool carding and life under a log.

Implants allow sixth-grader to hear by Elizabeth Richards

Madison Mooradian is a lot like any other sixth grader, with one key exception – she was born profoundly deaf.  With the help of cochlear implants, Madison can hear and speak clearly.  She is an honor roll student and on the student council at Windham Middle School.
 
Born deaf due to a genetic disorder, Madison wore hearing aids until she was approximately 12 months old.  When her parents realized there was no benefit to the aids, they began to explore other options.  After visiting an auditory oral school, and hearing the deaf children speaking, they learned of cochlear implants, and decided it was the right choice for their family. “We are a verbal family.  We don’t have any other deafness in our family, so we thought cochlear implants were the best way to go,” said Madison’s mother, Robbyn Mooradian.
  
At the time, in 2001, cochlear implants were in clinical trials.  When Madison was implanted at 13 months, she was one of the youngest cochlear implant candidates in the United States.  She was activated at 14 months, and began the long trek towards spoken language, which included a 140-mile round- trip drive three times a week for essential follow up speech and language therapy. 

When the Mooradians moved to Maine in 2006, they continued Madison’s services through hear ME now, a Falmouth based auditory oral education center.  Maddison has attended Windham schools since Kindergarten and is mainstreamed. The only services she currently receives are two hours per week  with her auditory-oral teacher of the deaf, Katelyn Driscoll, M.E.D., provided through hear ME now.  

Madison said she’s had very few issues around her deafness in school.  Her parents say she has a strong personality, and her confidence shines through as she talks about what she likes to do – including fishing, spending time with her family and playing with her pets.  

Madison and her family volunteer their time to raise awareness on hearing loss.  Madison is a patient advocate for MED-EL, the company that makes the implants she has.  About twice a year, she is flown to national conferences to sit on a patient panel.  When asked how she feels about speaking in public, Maddie said, “I feel comfortable with it because I’ve done it before, and I feel like people should know about it. It’s important.”

Robbyn added that the parents of newly identified deaf infants are often delighted to meet Madison.  “When they meet Madison and see that she’s a normal functioning kid, and has beautiful spoken language - she doesn’t really sound deaf because she had her implants so young - I think it gives families hope and I think they like that,” Robbyn said.

They also represent MED-EL in their booths at the Hearing Loss Association of America  (HLAA) Walk for Hearing events.   Robbyn said that everything they do can make it a little easier for someone behind them dealing with similar issues.

Last year, Maddie went to the State House to speak when funding for hear ME now was in jeopardy, and the bill she was speaking in favor of passed.  “She doesn’t ever stop fighting for things she believes in – and I don’t think she ever will,” Robbyn said.

Visitors flock to North Star Sheep Farm by Leah Hoenen

Noah Hallward-Rough, 9, of Saco helps bottle feed a lamb at North Star Sheep Farm in Windham. On Saturday, March 30, farm owners Phil and Lisa Webster opened their doors to visitors, welcoming them to tour several barns and to take part in question-and-answer sessions, covering all aspects of raising sheep on both large and small scales. Many of the visitors who took advantage of the open house are participants in Emerging Maine Sheep Entrepreneurs program, an effort of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Sheep Breeders Association, offering 30 months of educational opportunities to those who want to become shepherds or expand their sheep-farming businesses. Farm visitors who own or plan to develop their own flocks took advantage of the time to tour North Star’s facilities and quiz the experts on good husbandry. Learn more about the Websters’ farm online at www.nsfarms.com. Cooperative Extension is online at extension.umaine.edu or umaine.edu/cumberland.

Adult education director elected to national board by Elizabeth Richards

Tom Nash, Director of Windham Raymond Adult Education, has been elected President-Elect to the Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE) board of directors, to start in July 2013.  This position represents a six-year commitment, two years each as president-elect, president and immediate past president.  The commission, which provides leadership, communication, professional development and advocacy for adult education and literacy practitioners, has close to 12,000 members.

Nash began his career as a fourth grade teacher, but quickly moved into the adult education field.  He earned a Masters of Science in Adult Education from the University of Southern Maine in 1992.  He has worked in four adult education programs in Maine, landing at RSU 14 nine years ago. Nash said that one thing he appreciates about RSU 14 is that he has been part of the administrative team right from the beginning. “I’ve really worked hard promoting a K to adult system, rather than just K-12,” he said.

Nash said he’s had tremendous support from both the Windham and Raymond communities.  He has also established a positive relationship with the business community, including working with the chamber of commerce and the Rotary club.  

Nash has been involved in the Maine Adult Education Association for many years, including being past conference chair and past president.  “I feel, for both myself and my staff, it’s important to be involved beyond the four walls of our learning center.  I think we have a lot to share with others in terms of the quality of work we do, the types of programming and the creativity we bring to adult education.”  

After attending COABE conferences for years, Nash ran for the position of Region One (New England and New York) Representative as a write in candidate, and won.  In that position, he found himself sometimes stepping up to ask the tough questions.  “I’m not afraid to ask anyone, regardless of who they are on the board, to provide more facts, provide more information, to challenge their thinking so it moves us forward,” he said.  

The president-elect position will be all about learning the ropes, supporting the president, and serving on the executive committee which sets the tone and agenda for the board.  Nash said he wants to get input from everyone – not just the board, but members as well.  “I think that’s an asset I bring to the position is that I’m very inclusive in my decision making.”

Nash expects to be challenged over the next few years, particularly with federal funding issues, including sequestration and possible immigration reform.  One challenge will be to ensure that people understand what the needs of adult learners around the country are, and make sure appropriate services can be provided.  He believes that his current involvement with COABE as well as his presidency will help the local program and Maine.  “I can bring a very different small program, rural perspective and a small state perspective to that discussion.”

Nash was recognized last year with the Maine Adult Education Gerald LeVasseur Award, given to a citizen of Maine who has performed outstanding work in the field of Adult and Community Education.  While it’s nice to be recognized, he said, that isn’t why he does the job.  “I love the work, I love the students,” he said.  “It’s just wonderful seeing people come back because they want to be there.”  

He ran for COABE president because he thinks he can make a difference in how the organization is run and perceived.  “I have a genuine interest in people and I have an ability to engage people in meaningful conversation, and they know that I’m interested,” he said. 

Maple Weekend draws crowds by Leah Hoenen

A long line of maple sugar enthusiasts led to the sugar house at Cooper’s Maple Products in Windham. At the end of the wait: ice cream with maple syrup, maple cotton candy and other tasty treats made from the sparkling amber liquid.

Scenes like this played out across the state as Maine sugar houses opened their doors for the 30th anniversary of Maine Maple Sunday, a long-standing family tradition. People gathered around plates of pancakes doused with syrup before exploring the ins-and-outs of maple syrup production and grabbing treats to take home, from jugs of syrup to candy and baked-bean mixes.

Dewey Lloy, co-owner of Balsam Ridge Farm in Raymond, stood in front of a steaming vat of maple sap that bubbled away on a bright, brisk morning as people walked through, asking him about the production of syrup before tasting and buying it.

Bob Leger, of Scarborough, started the day with his family at Merrifield Farm on North Gorham Road before heading to Balsam Ridge. “We love Maine Maple Sunday. I’m really glad they extended it to Saturday and Sunday,” he said.
Lloy agreed. “We’ve always done Saturday and Sunday,” he said. The Lloy family began tapping trees as a hobby 15 years ago and opened their sugar house to the public eight years ago. A two-day event gives people the option to pick the better weekend day, or the chance to participate even if they have to work one weekend day, he said.

Cassie, Mark and Regan Johnson of Lewiston started their first-ever maple weekend at Balsam Ridge on Saturday, March 23. “This is our only one today; we’ll go to some tomorrow. This is our first year and its fun so far,” said Cassie Johnson.

Lloy said it can take anywhere between 40 and 50 gallons of raw sap to make a gallon of syrup, depending on the sugar content of the sap. Measured by a hydrometer, the sugar content of sap decreases throughout the season, which normally runs about six weeks. As the amount of sugar decreases and it takes longer to boil away the water, the end product darkens.

Lloy said he expects this year to be a good one for syrup production. Ideal weather is freezing nights followed by thawing days, which increases the pressure inside the tree, he said.

The Lloys use a vacuum pump to help create that pressure change. “The pump does not suck out the sap, it just causes the tree to have a differential in pressure to cause the sap to flow,” he said.

As an average tree can produce 1,000 gallons of sap each year, and syrup makers take 20 gallons to 30 gallons from each tree, the process is harmless, he said. “It’s like giving a pint of blood a year. There’s a tiny hole that heals the same way and leaves a small scar,” Lloy explained.

Lloy pauses and points to a heavy, rusted chain used for oxen teams to pull sap from the woods. Harvesting maple sap in the spring is an old rite here; Lloy has found sites on his property where people built huts to boil sap in the woods, he said.

Plastic tubing connected to vacuum pumps and stainless steel pans for evaporating may seem a far cry from boiling syrup in the woods, but in many ways, production of this early-season commodity is quite the same as it was when sap was boiled in the woods, or pulled from the woods in tubs by teams of oxen. People still gather each year early in the spring to boil the water out of sap to create sweet, golden syrup.

“This is a traditional thing people have a connection to,” Lloy said. “Anything with agriculture that can garner interest and get people out is a great thing.”

At Smitty's almost time for curtains up by Michelle Libby

Smitty’s has never claimed to be an ordinary theater. They have popcorn, slushies and screens, but they also have pizza, fries, beer and comfortable chairs…and they’re coming to Windham.

“Most is done. We have to wrap up the details and clean up,” said Smitty’s partner and manager Tucker Smith about the progress at the Windham Mall location.

Beginning April 9, Smitty’s will have a soft opening. By April vacation the theater will be running at full capacity, ready for their grand opening celebration.

This isn’t Smitty’s first time in Windham. In 2005, Smitty’s also known as Chunky’s left town when 5 Star Cinema moved into the Windham Mall. The Smith’s now have signed a 10-year lease for the vacated cinema. Tucker and his uncle, Milton Smith, have been working on the $1.5 million renovations, including updating all seven theaters to digital picture and sound, redesigning the theaters so each has four platforms each one higher than the one in front. Patrons can choose to sit at a bar table facing the screen or at a smaller table with a group. Seating varies by theater, but they seat between 50 and 115 people. 

A new kitchen was added to the adjacent storefront for their pub-style menu and they are using a new computer system for taking orders. They are considering building a new larger theater when the lease on part of the Big Lots store comes up for renewal in the next few months.

Smith said they had hired between 50 and 60 people. They are still considering applications for experienced servers, but there are only a few openings. Some of the staff they have hired are training at the Biddeford store so they’ll be ready to open, Tucker said. “Most of the (Chunky’s) waitstaff is coming back seven years later. They waited seven years for us,” said Tucker.

Having digital film allows one manager to run all of the theaters. “They play according to schedule,” said Tucker. Everything is set, no need for feeding film or worrying about hotspots, he added.

Smitty’s does more than show movies. All Patriots football games are shown on the big screen with free admission and free popcorn. There are also daily specials during the week. Mondays are $2 margaritas. Tuesday is two for Tuesdays. Guests can buy one appetizer and two entrees for $20. Wednesday is family night where for $25 movie-goers can get a large pizza, wings, soda and fries. Thursday is $2 domestic drafts and a wing special. Friday nights are for the new releases. College students get a discount for showing their college ID. Smitty’s will also have birthday parties. Their first one is already scheduled.

This will be Smitty’s fourth store. Other locations are in Sanford, Biddeford and Tilton, NH.
The Windham theater expects to open on April 9. “Whatever is new that week we’ll have,” said Tucker. “The summer looks good (for movies),” he added.  For more information, visit Smitty’s Cinema on Facebook or www.smittyscinema.com. 

RSU 14 seeks volunteers to ease school crowding by Leah Hoenen

Windham Primary School is at capacity, while its sister school in Raymond is about half-full. District officials have reached out to Windham parents, asking if they would volunteer to send their children to Raymond Elementary School to ease crowding at Windham Primary.

So far, the district has not seen much interest in the plan.

Superintendent Sandy Prince sent a letter to parents in mid-March, suggesting the district could create consolidated stops, possibly along Route 302 in Windham or on the Windham/Raymond town line, where students could catch the bus to Raymond Elementary School.

“The challenge is that it’s not on the way to Portland, so parents could drop off on their way to work,” he said.

Windham Primary School now houses 130 students more than it was intended to hold when it was built 20 years ago, Prince said. “We know on paper we are over capacity – there is no more additional space to use,” he said. There are enough classrooms now, but the district has made office space out of closets.

“We are watching enrollment carefully. We have another school that can take more students, so we are looking at creative ways to get them up there,” he said.

The plan was briefly discussed at the Board of Directors workshop meeting Wednesday, March 20. Board Chairman Catriona Sangster and Transportation Director Mike Kelly confirmed the students would be transported from Windham to Raymond by an existing bus on its regular route.

Kelly said he and Prince discussed the cost of the proposal, which would range from $25,000 for a van to $35,000 for a bus.

“The existing fleet that I have today cannot accommodate this,” he said. The district has no wiggle room on buses, he said.

Kelly said there is no transportation plan in place yet, because the district is still trying to measure community interest. Cost would vary depending on the level of participation, he said.

Prince said if enough families decide to have their children attend school in Raymond, the district would ask the board for funding.

But, he said, “At this point, we are not seeing interest.”

Windham Summerfest, BACK IN BUSINESS by Michelle Libby

Summerfest is back on. For six years, the Windham community has come together in conjunction with the town to put on Summerfest. Events taking place from the parade in the morning to fireworks at night and everything in between have been a draw for residents. When Summerfest was called off due to lack of volunteers, many in Windham cried foul.

With the help of Ron Eby and Kelly Mank (the publisher of The Windham Eagle), a committee has been organized to spear head Summerfest, but with a few substantial changes. 

The new Summerfest committee will be Kathy Varney in charge of booths including food and businesses. Robert York will head up fundraising. Julie Arsenault will organize entertainment for the center stage. Kelly Mank will run marketing. The parade will continue to be organized by Clarence Wisecup and the “Duane Clark” Memorial car show will be run by Stan and Cheryl Page.  

“I’m thrilled to death that you guys are doing this. I was down in the dumps (when it was cancelled),” said Wisecup, who has coordinated the parade for six years. 

Organizing the committee isn’t the only key to Summerfest. Volunteers are needed to work on each of these committees and on the day of. There will be a call for high school students to volunteer time to walk the parade route and help with set up and take down of the venue at the school complex on Route 202.

The biggest change being proposed by the new committee is to change the hours of Summerfest from an all-day event to one that begins at 3 p.m. with the parade and continues through the 25^th anniversary concert by the Windham Chamber Singers and ending with the fireworks, which have been donated this year by Central Maine Pyrotechnics. This donation will save Summerfest thousands of dollars. 

Fundraising efforts are being coordinated and may include a stuff-the-truck bottle drive, a donation only method and other events. The idea is to raise enough money to continue to bring citizens the parts of Summerfest they have come to know and love, said Mank.   

One of the goals is to keep the event local and not pay a lot of money to have groups come from outside the area. 

“We have to share the workload,” said Tom Bartell, head of the Windham Economic Development Committee. 

A top priority is finding someone to update and retool the Summerfest website and the Facebook page to get the word out and allow organizations to sign up for booths and volunteering. 

Planning is still underway and fluid, according to Mank. 

But have no doubt, “We are back in business,” said Wisecup.

There will be a Summerfest volunteer meeting at Time4Printing, 588 Roosevelt Trail, on Tuesday, March 26 at 6 p.m. Everyone interested in contributing and hearing more should attend. 

REAL School Principal Receives Top Honor by Elizabeth Richards

Pender Makin began her career in alternative education by default, unable to find a job teaching English.  ”About three quarters of the way through that first year it occurred to me that I could do no other kind of education,” she said.  “I fell into it by chance, and by default, and I stuck with it because of absolute passion and love for working with these kids.”  After seven years at a program in Westbrook, she came to RSU 14’s REAL school as principal in 2003.  In 2013, she has been named the Maine Secondary Principal of the year by the Maine Principals’ Association. 

“It’s a really big honor,” Makin said, adding that she’s also humbled by the experience.  “I can’t emphasize strongly enough all of the credit goes to our students and staff.  They make me look great and now I’m just riding their coattails and collecting accolades for what’s really done by these amazing people.”  She added that she’s pleased to see the MPA recognizing an alternative program for the prestigious honor.  

The REAL School, an alternative public school program of the Windham/Raymond School Department serving students from seventh to 12th grades, is close to 30 years old.  The school has tuition students from all over Southern Maine, who are referred by their school systems.  “Many of our kids are gifted and talented, and are just disaffected, or haven’t been effectively reached by other traditional educational programs,” Makin said.  “All of them are gifted in some important way.”

Some goals of the school are similar to that of any high school, such as students achieving the common core learning standards, earning diplomas, and moving on to college or other post-secondary educational options.  At the same time, there are some key differences in the goals and mission of the REAL School.  “The one thing (the students) do have in common, as different as they are, is that they have had long histories of failure to thrive in a traditional setting,” Makin said.  “Our number one goal is to break that negative cycle and to help them reinvest in themselves as humans, and as learners, and as individuals who are infinitely capable of great things.”  

 On a Friday afternoon, the school was buzzing with activity.  Makin explained that it was the culmination of a service learning project that students had done in conjunction with Maine College of Art (MECA) students and their instructors.  They created a school improvement plan, including a new outdoor sign, painting inside, and display boards for student work.  Students were involved in all aspects of the project, from planning to color palette design to prepping, priming and painting. 

Other students that afternoon were across the state on hikes, stocking shelves at the Preble Street Resource Center and helping the Portland Water District with a project to raise a submerged hiking trail back up for use as an educational center.  While this isn’t the scenario every day, the REAL school is founded on project-based, service learning educational practices, Makin said, and every day students work on planning these projects.  

“We try to take whatever (students) would be doing in the classroom and find a way to make it useful and real, and as student directed as possible,” Makin said.  This includes programs like their farm to table school lunch program, in which students grow and harvest local ingredients to include in their meals, then plan, prepare and serve all the meals.  Other projects have included taking students to Florida to save sea turtles or to Washington D.C. to deliver a story students had recorded and edited about a veteran to the Library of Congress.  “Our students are creating things that go out and have a greater impact in the world, which for them is important,” Makin said.

Dancing with the Staff Returns by Elizabeth Richards

On Thursday, March 14, teachers and staff of RSU 14 presented round one of the third annual Dancing with the Staff to a packed auditorium to raise money to benefit the class of 2013 Project Graduation.

The show opened with introductions of the ten couples – some returning from past years, others making their stage debut. As they played to the huge crowd, energy in the auditorium was high. Master of Ceremonies Bill Ellis and the panel of judges offered witty, unscripted banter throughout the evening. The show moved smoothly between dances, each lively and unique, spanning a wide range of styles. Dancers participate for a variety of reasons, but it all comes back to teachers and staff being invested in the students, said director Mary Wassick.

Wassick created Dancing With The Staff three years ago, when she had a child in the graduating class. The idea, she said frankly, was “stolen” from a senior in high school in Westbrook, who was planning a similar event in her community.
Dancer recruitment wasn’t as difficult as it was the first year, said Wassick. “There was still an amount of begging and bribery involved, but I really did have couples come to me this year.” She began with a first meeting for dancers in September. Many participants met with their volunteer choreographers and began practicing as early as November, while others started just a few weeks prior to the event. 

Dancing with the Staff has made over $10,000 each year, which remains the target. “This year I think we’ll probably blow that one out of the water,” said Wassick, “only because of local business advertising with us.” This year, ad sales were close to $4000, and ticket sales are slated to go over $10,000.
While that may seem like a huge amount of money, Wassick said that the bills for Project Graduation are extremely high – in the $30,000 range. “I’m not sure people realize how much work goes into Project Graduation,” she said. Project Graduation, an after-graduation event for all seniors, is not part of the school budget. Instead, parents spend the whole year fundraising and working on the event. This year, the Project Graduation committee has just six members, including highly dedicated co-chairs Mary Anne MacArthur and Linda Nielsen, said Wassick.

The first year, Dancing With The Staff had an elimination component, which didn’t feel quite right Wassick said. This year, all ten couples will return for another dance at the March 28th finale. The top three on the 14th were Rebecca Cole & Travis Guerette; Andrea Lavigne & Adam Beal and Kelly Bragdon & Ted Becker. Although there is a panel of judges, the winner is decided entirely by the audience. The ballots from the 28th will be combined with those from the 14th, and the popular vote wins. Fans can also “like” their favorite act on the event’s Facebook page, and the one with the most likes will receive 10 extra votes.

“You can tell by just being there, the event itself is such a community event,” said Wassick. “It really brings together our staff and our parents in a really fun way.” The biggest issue that arose at the show on the 14th was last minute scrambling to find places for people to sit, a good problem to have, Wassick said. For the finale on the 28th, she suggests buying tickets in advance at any RSU 14 school, and then arriving early to get a great seat.

Making Summerfest Happen by Michelle Libby

A call for local businesses to step forward to keep the Windham tradition afloat.
 
After last week’s news that Windham’s Summerfest was cancelled a concerned group of citizens began exploring the options of having Summerfest, but in a way that can help grow the event in future years.
 

“Summerfest can happen and should happen,” said owner of Windham Automotive Ron Eby, who was heavily involved in the planning of Summerfest for five of the last six years. “It’s going to take a dedicated group of people,” he said.
 
Summerfest is an annual event that is run by the community for the community. It has never made a profit for the town and isn’t designed to be a money making event. The challenge for the 2013 Summerfest, scheduled on June 22, came when very few people stepped forward to volunteer their time and talents to bring the event to fruition. In past years, it has cost between $17,000 and $18,000 to hold the event and that is with many items being donated outright. The Windham Police Department doesn’t charge for the additional patrols needed the day of the event, RSU 14 donates the location, power and the clean-up crew, others donate their time. The previous year’s volunteers deserve thanks and praise for the work they have contributed to keep it going for six years, said Eby.
 
“There are a lot of underlying costs that people don’t see,” said Eby.
 
“No one wants to see Summerfest go away but its continued presence cannot rely on town staff and a handful of volunteers. Summerfest belongs to the community; broader participation, commitment and investment of time and money are needed to ensure its future,” said Town Manager Tony Plante.
A small group of business owners Eby, Kelly Mank (owner of The Windham Eagle), Director of Windham Parks and Recreation Brian Ross and Windham officials, are planning to meet to discuss scope and options for this year’s event. The most important part, Eby said, was that the community realizes that the town government is not running the event – the community is.
 
Eby believes that with dedicated, goal-oriented people who do not want to reinvent the wheel, a committee can bond and successfully bring back Summerfest from the brink. “Anyone who is going to participate needs to be treated with respect,” said Eby.
 
The Summerfest parade has its own committee and budget of approximately $3,000 headed by Clarence Wisecup. The car show is run by Stan and Cheryl Page. The rest of the event, from food booths and entertainment to the business fair and fireworks, is coordinated by a committee, but at this time it is in need of more volunteers.
 
“The goal of the committee is to create a community event that brings a great cross-section of community businesses, civic groups, community groups and church groups together to share in the pride of our community. It’s a partnership,” said Eby.
 
There is a website for Summerfest, but it is not being used to its full potential, according to Eby.
 
“I’m a huge advocate as well as I believe other businesses are in offering or donating our local services or products free or at cost in exchange for sponsorship to help our local community,” said Mank.
“It’s tough because everybody is stretched so thin. Businesses have to see the value,” said Eby.

One of the events that scheduled to take place on June 22 is the 25th anniversary of the Windham Chamber Singers. It was suggested that Summerfest be used this year to help promote the concert and possibly capping the night off with a fireworks display.

One of the reasons the event was called off this year was, according to Plante, “we didn’t have the volunteers – especially for the parade – to organize it, control traffic and ensure both participant and observer safety. This is in no way a reflection on those that have volunteered and are still hanging in there, but we have to be realistic about our ability to have the event in a manner that is safe, fun, and reflects well on the community.”

That being said, in order for a group to save Summerfest, volunteers are needed for fundraising, organization, entertainment, publicity and more. “It needs to happen soon,” Ross said. He feels there needs to be one person to “lead the charge”, and a group of 10 to 15 people running everything.
“There is a lot to handle,” said Ross. The most iconic parts of the event are the entertainment and the fireworks. Even in a scaled down model, Ross believes these are some of the important facets.

“We put a lot of effort into it the last six years. We want to see it happen and see it happen correctly,” said Ross.

There will be a Summerfest meeting Monday, March 26 at 6 p.m. in the Time4Printing offices, 588 Roosevelt Trail. All interested businesses, individuals and organizations are encouraged to attend.

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“It’s a great event. It should not go away. It’s going to take a dedicated group of people to continue the tradition of Summerfest into the future,” said Eby.

Manchester School Holds Annual Health Fair by Elizabeth Richards

On Thursday, March 7th, the Manchester School offered students an opportunity to learn about health and wellness that goes beyond simply eating right at their annual health fair day.
 
Jamie Pappalardo, a fourth grade teacher at the Manchester School and one of four health fair committee members, said, “During  health fair day, we provided opportunities for the students to learn about various lifestyle choices that promote healthy living.”  While healthy eating is certainly a part of that, students also had the chance to learn about personal hygiene, exercise, team building and goal setting, all of which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
 
There has been a health fair day at the Manchester school for many years, and the goals of the event have remained unchanged, said Pappalardo.  These goals include teaching students to use decision making and communication skills to enhance health and reduce health risks, to use goal-setting skills to build better emotional, social and physical health, and to work cooperatively in order to achieve a goal.
 
The day provided a balance of activities and presentations for students.  Eliza Adams and Kate Thomas presented a segment about personal hygiene.  A discussion on the food pyramid and healthy breakfast choices was presented by Stephanie Joyce and Jeanne Reilly.  DARE Officer Matt Cyr offered a presentation on canoe and kayak safety, and Todd Wing presented a team building session.  Classroom teachers were active participants in the day, speaking with students about the importance of goal setting, and then guiding students through the goal setting process.
 
There were plenty of active events throughout the day as well.  With the recent snowfall, students were able to get outside and take advantage of healthy winter exercise options with snowshoeing and ice sculpting.  “It was exciting to see the teachers building forts and sculptures with students in the snow,” said Pappalardo.
 
A healthy lunch of tuna or turkey wraps, a fruit and veggie bar, a yogurt parfait and milk options was provided as well, to promote healthy eating.
 
“Manchester School recognizes that student wellness and good nutrition are related to physical and psychological well-being and readiness to learn,” said Pappalardo.  In addition, the school also recognizes that these students need access to healthful food and the opportunity to be physically active in order to grow, ideas which coincide with the wellness policy of RSU 14, she said.  With events like the health fair day, the school is able to guide students through various activities and lessons that provide students with important base knowledge in these concepts.
 
“Health fair day is a unique experience for the students and teachers,” Pappalardo said.  “Many times, students do not understand that health is more than just eating the right foods.  Health includes the mind and the body, and the students learn this throughout the day.”
 
The health fair committee for this year was Pappalardo, along with fifth grade teacher Andrea Lavigne and special education teachers Jeanne Watts and Kate Thomas.

RSU 14 begins budget deliberations

The Windham-Raymond School District Board of Directors opened budget deliberations Wednesday, when district Superintendent Sandy Prince presented a proposed fiscal year 2014 budget of $39.8 million, an increase of 2.26 percent over the fiscal year 2013 budget.
 
Prince said continued budget challenges facing schools across New England provide the district with opportunities to prioritize and become more efficient, while fostering a commitment to innovation in the classroom. “I think we are a highly efficient and highly performing school system. I think people get an incredibly high value for what they pay,” Prince said.
 
Salaries account for 74.51 percent of the proposed budget, while 17.51 percent will go to services, supplies and equipment and the remainder to debt service and other commitments.
 
The first of the district’s cost-center presentations will be at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20 at the Windham Council chambers.