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Friday, June 10, 2016
Barry Jordan takes his love of little league to the top - By Michelle Libby
When Barry Jordan posed for a picture for the 1967
Windham Little League team, he didn’t realize that he was starting something
that would keep him involved with baseball long into the future. The first
baseman, catcher and pitcher, hasn’t played for 30 plus years, but now he has
been elected to serve as the New England Regional Commissioner and a member of
the International Board of Directors of Babe Ruth League, Inc.
Baseball has been part of many boys’ lives over the
years. Jordan has an impressive resume when it comes to the league.
Jordan has umpired four World Series for teams in the Cal
Ripkin Babe Ruth league and has been umpire chief for two 13-year-old series,
he said. He will be the tournament director for 16-year-old softball World
Series at the end of July in Florida. He has also been the press box
coordinator for softball tournaments, which includes working with the media,
coordinating schedules, stats, trophies and coordinating the choosing of player
of the tournament. When the details are for a 15-team tournament, it takes
skill to be in charge and Jordan has it.
In 1999, Jordan was named the State Commissioner of Maine
for the Cal Ripkin Division for 5-to 12-year-olds. In 2005, he added on
becoming the State Commissioner for all of softball and in 2010 he pulled a hat
trick and became the assistant regional commissioner for Babe Ruth softball for
all ages. He did all of these jobs at once.
He also was a volunteer. He did not get paid for any of
the work he did. They did help him cover his expenses when traveling.
“It’s my fulltime volunteer job,” he said with a chuckle.
His new position is the New England Regional Commissioner
for all of Babe Ruth, boys and girls. He was voted in by the 17 member
International Board of Directors, which he is now a part of. He is also on the
National Rules Committee, he said.
The road to the new position has been a big adventure.
Getting to know others and networking has helped him grow from umpiring
regional and state tournaments to being asked to move up.
“Of all the guys in Maine, he asked me,” he said,
describing himself as a big advocate for the kids. “We’ve grown every year
since we’ve been doing it.”
He doesn’t have to do all of the work alone. He has three
assistant regional commissioners and 20 state commissioners all across New
England.
“I use the chain of command very appropriately and 90
percent is taken care of before it gets to me. It’s not a job you can do by
yourself,” Jordan said. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of an organization. You
have to listen to them,” he added.
Recently Jordan helped to run a coaches clinic at Fenway
Park in Boston. “I was standing on the first base dugout addressing the coaches
at a clinic,” he said. That was one of the perks of being in his position.
July will be the busiest month for him with five regional
softball, six Cal Ripkin regional and four Babe Ruth regional tournaments.
Maine will host the 14-year-old regional softball tournament in Harrison and
the boys 14-year-old Babe Ruth New England tournament will be in Skowhegan.
Baseball builds teamwork and an overall positive attitude
like all sports do. Players learn respect and knowledge of the game, said
Jordan. He added that “coaches have a lot of do with a good experience.”
“You’ve got to love the kid when he’s successful and love
the kid when he fails. Batting .400 you’re failing 60 percent of the time,” he
said.
Jordan’s fulltime job is as a mortgage loan officer for a
bank. He travels to Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Florida, New Hampshire
and Massachusetts, but calls Sebago home.
Babe Ruth President/CEO Steve Tellefsen said in an
interview in February, “Babe Ruth volunteer board members serve countless hours
working to make sure our participants are provided with the very best
educational, sports experience possible. They develop policies and ensure that
all decisions made help our youth develop into successful and productive
adults. We are proud to have Barry Jordan join our board. His actions alone
have taught many people, young and old the value and importance of hard work,
community pride, honor and integrity.”
Local artist and author publishes fiction book - By Michelle Libby
Author Vincent Bruni is an eclectic mix of artist, author and animal lover. The 75-year-old penned his first book while he was losing Panda, his beloved dog. Combining the love of his dog and his love for carousel horses, he wrote a book “that offers hope to every man, woman, and child who share their life with a cherished animal.”
“The TearDrop Garden” is a labor of love for Bruni. “I’m not a writer, I’m a storyteller,” he said.
In January of 1992 he began carving StarDuster out of
wood. The project was finished in 1999 at Christmas. The detail in the carousel
horse makes one think he has been carving wood his whole life, but this is only
his second horse project. The wing on the face of the horse took six months to
carve, Bruni said. “[StarDuster] inspired the book. I always liked carousel
horses. I wanted to do wall art. The head, neck and shoulders are the best part
of the horse,” he said.
“In The TearDrop Garden, “with the assistance of an old
man, a carousel and a little boy and his dog, the angels are finally able to
put a plan into motion - a plan by which man and his devoted animal friends
will never again be separated, even by death.” The main character is modeled
after his grandson and Panda, the dog.
In January of 1997, Bruni began writing the book. He
worked Panda into the book to give him solace while Panda was getting close to
his time.
“I want to awaken
the child in every adult,”Bruni said. Although is book is geared toward adults,
it would be a good story to share with children as well. “Children believe in
fairy tales.”
Bruni describes the story as fantasy based on reality.
“The horse gives it more authenticity,” he said. “It brings solace to people
who have lost their animals that they will see them again.” The book is
approximately 100 pages with a few pictures that relate to the story. There is
a picture of Panda in the first few pages and pictures of the whole body of StarDuster.
“It’s not just
some book about hiking, it appeals to everyone who has an animal,” he said. “I’m
trying to get people to get emotionally involved with it,” he said.
The foreword of the book was written by Marilyn Goodreau
and Meris Bickford from Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals.
“The TearDrop Garden is an instant classic that
generations of parents will share with their children and grandchildren. It
will comfort those who have experienced the death of a loved one and intrigue
those who do not fully appreciate the strength of the bond between human being
and those they love,” they wrote.
An animal rights activist, Bruni has seen how the
movement has changed from the 1950s, when there were not a lot of veterinarians
and if animals got sick, they died. Now, “people are more aware of animal
rights,” he said. He has clipping of animal stories that go back decades.
Bruni has always loved carousels. As a boy he used to go
to Old Orchard Beach to listen to the carousel music. The structure burned down
around 1968. “To me it was devastating,” he said. “As a kid I would sit and
watch and listen to the organ music. It just took you somewhere else.” At one
time there were 2,500 wooden carousels in the country, not only 100 are left,
he said.
Bruni carved another horse, an armored horse, before he
attempted StarDuster. He had replicas made out of resin and he painted them to
sell at various art galleries. He hopes to do the same with StarDuster,
although for this horse, which takes a week to paint and do the gold and silver
leaf, he expects there to be a limited number. He does plan to sell posters of
the cover, and replicas of the bust of StarDuster, he said. The book will also
be available as a hardcover and paperback book later in the year.
“This is a book to read again and again. Kids will love
it, too,” he said.
Bruni has been a musician for 50 years. The High Ryder
Golden Oldies Show plays a handful of gigs a year. Bruni started in the band in
1966 and is the drummer and lead vocalist.
The TearDrop Garden is available from Cobble Hollow
Publishing at www.cobblehollowpublishing.com,
on Amazon and iBooks.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Naturalization Ceremony welcomes 22 new citizens - By Michelle Libby
On Friday morning, 22 people from 17 countries recited an
oath and became US citizens at the Windham Veterans Center in a ceremony that
was described as very personal by attendees. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit
148 hosted the event bringing Immigration Services Officer from United States
Customs and Immigration Services Kurt Pelletier, Senator Susan Collins and the
ceremony to Windham.
“She likes to be an American. It’s a peaceful place.
She’s a victim of war and that’s why she fears it,” said Hassan Adan, a friend
and community member of new citizen Saadio Alikaf from Somalia.
Nothing beat listening to the stories of the new
citizens, Whynot said. The ceremony began at 10 a.m., but all of the candidates
were there by 9:10 a.m. giving plenty of time for socialization and pictures.
“To see them come so early because they’re so excited is amazing,” she added.
Kurt’s son Devin was given an appointment to the Air
Force Academy by Sen. Collins, who was speaking and Kurt was flying out the
following morning to Devin’s graduation. When he told the story, there were
very few dry eyes in the building.
Anne Libby also read an essay she wrote as a part of the
VFW Voice of Democracy contest. She spoke about how one little action can
affect someone’s life profoundly and that it is the citizens who will band
together to create change and that it’s not country of birth that binds us, but
by the country we call home.
“She likes to be an American. It’s a peaceful place.
She’s a victim of war and that’s why she fears it,” said Hassan Adan, a friend
and community member of new citizen Saadio Alikaf from Somalia.
Aileen Pelletier, a member of the auxiliary and Kurt’s
wife, suggested that the young auxiliary unit host a Naturalization Ceremony. President
Pam Whynot worked tirelessly to coordinate with Sen. Collins office and Kurt as
well as the other speakers to make the event special for the candidates.
“I always wanted to live here. It was just a matter of
time,” said Irina Sullivan from Kazakhstan. The first thing she will do with
her citizenship is vote in November, she said.
Nothing beat listening to the stories of the new
citizens, Whynot said. The ceremony began at 10 a.m., but all of the candidates
were there by 9:10 a.m. giving plenty of time for socialization and pictures.
“To see them come so early because they’re so excited is amazing,” she added.
Yong Lu from China wants to live here. “My family is
here,” he said. He also can’t wait to vote in the next election.
The day was about connections, which helped to make the
event so special. Each candidate brought
Kurt’s son Devin was given an appointment to the Air
Force Academy by Sen. Collins, who was speaking and Kurt was flying out the
following morning to Devin’s graduation. When he told the story, there were
very few dry eyes in the building.
“If it wasn’t for Senator Collins, my son wouldn’t be
where he is today,” Kurt said.
Colonel Bob Atkins, USMC. Ret. gave the welcoming
remarks. The new citizens can now “practice the religion you want, have a free
press and write a letter to the editor. You have the right to send a grievance
to Senator Collins, right to bear arms and the right to refuse the military
from taking up residence in your home. These freedoms are not free,” he said. He
read a poem by Kelly Strong titled “Freedom is not Free” written when she was a
senior in high school.
“I
thought, how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many Pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, Freedom is not free.”
Poem affected everyone.
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many Pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, Freedom is not free.”
Poem affected everyone.
“Pick out something that you can do to make this a better
place. Congratulations and welcome home,” he told the group gathered.
Senator Collins, who received a standing ovation when she
entered the veteran’s center, gave a passionate speech about how precious
citizenship is.
“For those who yearn to breathe free, our freedom has
been purchased at the greatest possible cost,” she said. She told the audience
that they need to know how precious our birthright is. She also encouraged
volunteerism and to do “great acts of selflessness.” The gathering was kept
spellbound by her words.
“It is this philosophy of self-governance that has stood
the test of time,” Sen. Collins said. “To be an American by birth or by choice,
be proud of your heritage and of your future.”
Anne Libby also read an essay she wrote as a part of the
VFW Voice of Democracy contest. She spoke about how one little action can
affect someone’s life profoundly and that it is the citizens who will band
together to create change and that it’s not country of birth that binds us, but
by the country we call home.
The Windham Primary School third grade chorus sang four
selections including God Bless the USA.
“This is the best part of my job,” said Kurt. He told the
group that “America is your adopted country,” and that each candidate met the
requirements to be citizens and was found to have good moral character.
The new citizens were from all over the world, Egypt,
Estonia, Jamaica, Congo, New Zealand, Turkey and many more.
“They were so excited to be a citizen,” said Whynot.
The auxiliary unit is looking forward to hosting another
Naturalization Ceremony.
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze
A young Marine saluted it, and then
He stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought, how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many Pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, Freedom is not free.
I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin
of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
at the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, Freedom isn't free!!
It fluttered in the breeze
A young Marine saluted it, and then
He stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought, how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many Pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, Freedom is not free.
I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin
of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
at the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, Freedom isn't free!!
Copyright 1981 by Kelly Strong
Veterans honored at Memorial Day ceremony in Windham despite call for rain - By Michelle Libby
Despite
the cancellation of the parade and ceremony at Windham High School, ceremonies,
both solemn and uplifting, were put on by members of Windham Veterans Center
and special guests, who paid tribute to the men and women of the five military
services who have served the country.
In
opening remarks on Memorial Day, former state senator Gary Plummer discussed
conflicts throughout American’s history, quoting Maine’s Joshua Chamberlain in
words spoken 150 years ago, “We have come here, friends, not for things that
die, but for things that cannot die.”
The
Field-Allen Post 148 recognized Norma Rogers for supporting the veteran center
programs, Brenda Pennels, who will be stepping down from her leadership role at
the post, Charlie Tufts for his organization for Red Cross blood drives, and
John Hill for his dedication and support for Girls and Boys State.
Jeff
Riddle, teacher at Windham High School, was selected as the American Legion
Post 148 Educator of the Year and at the ceremony to recognize him, he was told
he was also being recognized as the American Legion Department of Maine
Educator of the Year for his “unfaltering support of veterans and the Toby
Pennels 5K for the second year,” said Post Commander Mel Greenier. He will be
honored at the state level on Saturday, June 18th at 10:45 a.m.
“It’s
challenging to receive an award that distinguishes me above my colleagues. I’m
humbly honored to receive this recognition today,” Riddle said, emotionally.
The
guest speaker was Mark Franklin from Washington, who is part of The United
States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. The Windham post was one of 10,000
around the country to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam
conflict. During the conflict the United States lost approximately 380 Vietnam
veterans a day.
After
the indoor ceremony, which included the reading of Windham and post veterans
who have passed in the past year, concluded, Rod Voisine lead the crowd outside
in the sunshine to dedicate the new 50th anniversary pavers
installed at the Vietnam War memorial. Then veteran commemorative pavers were
dedicated.
Representatives
from the Southern Maine Detachment of the Marine Corps League did a 21-gun
salute and Dean Preston from Troop 805 played taps on the bugle. In all 169
commemorative pavers were placed to honor living, passed and soldiers killed in
action.
Family
members took pictures and honored their loved ones service.
Friday, May 27, 2016
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Local News - Business - Sports - Entertainment - Lifestyles - Real Estate - Editorial
Toby's Dream continues this year with a memorial race event and a raffle - By Michelle Libby
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Stuart
“Toby” Pennels passed away after a motorcycle accident in 2014. At the time he
was running for political office, sat on the RSU14 school board and had served
his country.
This
year the committee will honor Toby by splitting the money between three places.
All money raised at the races and through a raffle for a paddle board,
flotation device and paddle donated by Kittery Trading Post will go to help
programs that mean so much to Toby. The first place the money will go is toward
the Toby Pennels Memorial Scholarship Fund, then the remaining money will be
split between the veterans center and the Windham High School cross country
team, who have given so much for this event,” according to Brenda Pennels,
Toby’s widow. “We want to make it something Toby would have wanted.” Two of
Toby and Brenda’s children ran cross country and cross country coach Jeff Riddle
has spent countless hours working on the races.
At
the race on Saturday there will be a 5K and a 1 mile walk, run or wheel and
also a kids’ fun run with ice cream cones donated by The Ice Cream Dugout as a
reward. Registration can be done online at the website or on Saturday. There
will be Blue Mile markers to honor those who have passed on.
“We
are very happy to continue to partner with Brian Berkemeyer, Run In A Race,
LLC., to help with online race registrations and online donations and also
officially time our races and collect all race results,” said Riddle.
This
year there will be a meet a veteran portion of the event and a station for
writing to soldiers. Colonel Scott Venable will fly in from Chicago to talk
about what it means to serve and what it was like serving in Iraq with Toby in
2007. There will be “a lot of things going on on race day to honor vets,” said
Brenda. That includes a non-perishable food drive. People are asked to bring an
item or two for the Windham Food Pantry. The items are collected by the
American Legion Post 148. They will also be collecting food in North
Windham.
“All
of this happens effectively because RSU14 has again sanctioned this race event
in respect and honor of Toby and all that he gave over his years of service to
RSU14. It is important to also mention that the Town of Windham and Raymond
have been overly supportive of this event and we look forward to continuing those
partnerships as well,” said Riddle.
This
year the organizers cut out the breakfast and made the whole event shorter.
It’s more organized, said Brenda.
“Last
year, year one, Brenda Pennels, Taylor Pennels, Don Swander and I worked with a
few other volunteers to make the event a very successful one, all within a very
short timeline to respectfully pull it all off,” said Riddle. “In this second
year of the race event,…we have increased our event coordination committee with
some amazing community members from the towns of Windham and Raymond.”
The
team effort includes Taylor Pennels as web designer/sponsorship
coordinator/Facebook marketer and Don Swander liaison with the Windham Veterans
Center and fundraising. Others added are Jennifer and Nelson Breton, Suzie
Brockelbank, Abbi Brockelbank, Kristy Appleebee, and Nini and Nate Bennett.
Molly
Cobb received the Toby Pennels Memorial Scholarship last year and will be given
out again at the senior recognition night before graduation this year. The
raffle for the paddle board will be drawn on Memorial Day after the community
luncheon event and paver dedication that starts at noon on Monday.
For
more information and to register, visit www.tobysdreamproject.org or Facebook. Donations for the
scholarship can be made to The Toby Pennels Scholarship Fund, http://www.tobysdreamproject.org/#!toby-pennels-scholarship/m4oon.
The
event in Summary:
1.
We have a guest speaker coming in from Chicago: Colonel Scott Venable
2.
A kids choir coming to sing
3.
Veterans on-site to story tell and answer questions
4.
A collection-site to support the Veterans
centers canned food drive initiative.
5.
We hope to have a 'write a letter to a soldier’ station
6.
A 1 mile race, run, walk, wheel (see the course map online)
7.
A 5K race (see the course map online)
8.
A kids race. (See the course map online)
9.
We will have a 'Blue Mile' within the 5K course out on 202 where we will
celebrate military members who lost their lives for our country.
10.
We will have cash prizes and other prizes for our top runners.
11.
Along with that we have sponsors and raffle items, including a grand
raffle of a paddle board, from Kittery Trading Post.
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