Successful Family Literacy Fun Day inspires young readers - By Lorraine Glowczak

Exuberance filled the air at the 10th Annual Family Literacy Fun Day held last Saturday, November 5th at the Windham Primary School. Free and open to the public to promote literacy in a fun and engaging way, children of all ages anxiously waited to hear their favorite author and illustrator discuss the various aspects of writing and illustrating children’s books.

“I want kids to realize that books are written by people and they have stories to share beyond what’s written in the book,” Laurel T. Parker, Windham Public Library children’s librarian, stated, explaining one of the missions of the literacy day event. “Also, it is import to note that reading 15 minutes a day can make a great impact on the future lives of children.” Parker continued. “Even if you can read to your children while they are eating breakfast, it will benefit their future educational success.” To meet the mission and goal of family literacy, six authors and illustrators were available for the three-hour event and provided 15 minute presentations giving children the opportunity to ask questions. The authors were also available to sign copies of their books.

Author and illustrator Scott Nash was the first to make his presentation. Reading from the book, “Over the Moon”, Nash had children and adults laughing while he read the comedic rendition of the nursery rhyme. Nash also discussed his new non-profit art organization, Illustration Institute (II). The mission of II is to promote the work of illustrators as well as inspire the hidden artist in everyone. Workshops and lectures will be held at the Portland Public Library throughout the year, beginning with famed illustrator Ashley Bryan from Islesford on Little Cranberry Island. That program was also held on Saturday afternoon at the Portland Public Library and many families in the lakes region were excited to join that event as well. The next II event will be the Portland premiere of Floyd Norman, An Animated Life, a new film about the first African American animator to work at Disney and PIXAR will premier December 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Portland Public Library.

 

The other author/illustrators read from their books as well, sharing the thoughts behind their writing. “I talk to students as writer to writer. I want them to know I am a colleague,” Jennifer Jacobson explained when she began her presentation. It is her goal to let students know that she has to make difficult revisions as she writes her books, much like a student does when they write for an assignment. 

Chris Van Dusen spoke to a crowded room overflowing with fans as he read from a book he wrote and illustrated, The Circus Ship. It was an article about an old ship wreck off the coast of Vinalhaven that was published in Downeast Magazine that inspired Dusen to write and illustrate the story about a ship filled with circus animals that beached off the coast of Maine.

Kevin Hawkes shared the personal story about growing up in a military family, always finding himself in a new neighborhood, a new school with a new teacher. “What remained the same was the library. Libraries became a place of comfort to me,” Hawkes explained. As a result, he writes books to be comfort food for his readers, reminding them that everything is going to be okay. Lynn Plourde made her fans very happy when she announced she had four books published this year including “Maxi’s Secret”. “Maxi’s Secret” is a funny and yet bittersweet story about a deaf dog who meets a blind neighbor, providing important lessons along the way.

Matt Tavares made the last presentation of the day by speaking briefly about his book, “Growing Up Pedro”. “When illustrating a book, I try to write the story with pictures,” Tavares said, explaining that through his images, the reader can comprehend most of the tale. “Having a real person pose in front of me makes my pictures look real” he stated before having one of his fans, Lucas, pose while he drew a picture of him in front of the audience.

The successful morning included not only children, but parents and grandparents as well. Many busy families such as Carrie Chojnowski and her two sons, Evan and Jack, who came to the event in between swim lessons and Saturday errands to see their favorite author, Chris Van Dusen, and to have their books signed by him.

Some families were able to stay for the whole event, participating in the day’s activities that included crafts, door prizes, book swaps, games and resources for families. Adam Miele and his two daughters were there to hear all the authors speak but came specifically to see Kevin Hawkes, who is not only their favorite author but a friend of the family. Young Evelyn Demar was there for all three hours, attending every presentation. “I have read a book by every author who is here today, with the exception of one,” she said. “And, ‘If I Built a House’ by Chris Van Dusen is my favorite book.”

Also present for every authors’ appearance was the young and budding author/illustrator, 3-year-old Anya Andre. When Tavares ended his presentation, giving his quickly and impressively drawn illustration to Lucas, the future author/illustrator made an offer Tavares couldn’t refuse, “How about you draw a picture for me and then I will draw one to give to you.”

The Family Literacy Fun Day, which obviously sparked imaginative learning and the love of reading, writing and illustrating among the young children present, was made possible by the collaborative efforts of The Friends of the Windham Public Library with the author visits courtesy of the Richard Clark Library Fund, Windham/Raymond Adult Education and some past and present teachers of the Windham Primary School. Special thanks to volunteers Pam Whynot and Joyce Greenacre, former kindergarten teachers and Dodie King, current kindergarten teacher at Windham Primary School.  RSU14s Melissa Boire also lent a hand.

The results are in! - By Walter Lunt

THE RESULTS ARE IN!


State Senate District 26

Bill Diamond

Saying he is honored and humbled by the confidence placed in him by voters over opponent Ryan McDonald, Maine Senator Bill Diamond is poised to begin his 21^st year of elective public office. The Eagle spoke with the popular Windham Democrat as he celebrated quietly at his home Tuesday night. Following three terms in the Maine house, several years as secretary of state and seven terms in the senate, the Eagle asked about the likelihood of a run for governor in 2018.

“You know, it all comes down to impact on family. I have eight grandkids and to do that would be a mean a really solid commitment. So right now, I can’t say for sure.” But he did not rule out the possibility.

Diamond said a great many of his constituents “…never got out of the recession and are working multiple jobs.” He promised to work on ways to make the economy stronger.

Diamond serves on the legislature’s transportation and government oversight committees.

Senate District 26 includes the six Cumberland County towns of Windham, Raymond, Casco, Standish, Frye Island and Baldwin.

House District 24

Mark Bryant

Democrat Mark Bryant defeated Republican challenger Benjamin Martin in House District 24 which covers the northern part of Windham. Bryant, who has served five non-consecutive terms in the Maine House, expressed sincere thanks to his constituents Tuesday night and said he looks forward to making a difference in the lives of people in Windham and the State of Maine by working with legislators on both sides of the aisle. He said his constituents have expressed concern over the issue of population growth in Windham, which is taxing resources and impacting land conservation. 

Bryant, who supported a referendum proposal to raise Maine’s minimum wage, said job creation is also at the top of his list this term.

“I’m honored and humbled (by this victory),” said Bryant. “And I want my constituents to know that I don’t take them for granted.”

House District 25

Patrick Corey

First elected in 2014, Patrick Corey has served one term in the Maine House. He ran uncontested in District 25, which covers the southern part of Windham.

Corey said he enjoys working with constituents as bills run their course through the legislature, and strongly urges people to contact him about any issue, any time.

Corey’s work on the legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee included a bill to protect outdoor shooting ranges. He opposed Maine’s ballot initiative to require background checks for privately sold firearms.

He said he hears often from constituents who are concerned about “high taxes, all taxes: Income, sales and property taxes…and the cost of higher education.” Locally, he said people are worried about seemingly uncontrolled growth in Windham and want to preserve the local heritage and rural character. He hears constituents ‘concerns about people working together in Augusta and plans to work in a bipartisan manner to maintain civil discourse.

District 66 which is all of Raymond except southwest corner

Jessica Fay

As small business owner, Fay said she will work for the issues that the voters are passionate about.

“I am honored and excited to be the next representative for Maine House District 66. I had so much support from people with lots of different ideas and that gives me hope for the next two years.”

 

She defeated incumbent Mike McClellan for the seat in the Maine House and plans to work with him to discover some of the things he feels are important to folks in the district, she said. 

“I have had so many important conversations with voters over the last 6 months, and the issues raised are the same ones I talked about during the campaign...good paying jobs, education, rising healthcare costs and property taxes, addiction and access to effective pain management.”  

She thanks her strong supporters. “This campaign was a total team effort. There were lots of people involved and I value the time and energy of each and every one. I am honored to have been elected and I can't wait to get started.”

District 67 (portions of Raymond, Gray, Casco)

Susan M. Wilkinson Austin

Austin defeated challenger Rachel Lyn Rumson for her seat in the state house of representatives. She has served five non-consecutive terms and has been on the business, labor, commerce, research and economic development committee since she first started her political work. It is her hope to continue on that committee. 

“It’s a nice day after,” she said after only having a few hours of sleep. She plans to go back to Augusta with the same can-do attitude. “I’ve always been very collaborative so we can start out on the best foot we can,” she said. “Then we can get good things done for the Maine people.” 

She is waiting to see if she has legislative work to do in Gray with two sections looking to secede from the town. She will also work with Frye Island and its ongoing educational debate with SAD6.

Her goal is to, “Do the very darn best job I can do every day. I’m inclusive, not exclusive.”

Windham Town Council, South District

Donna Chapman

Current chairperson of the Windham Town Council, has served from 2007 to 2010 and then was elected in 2013. Her goal for this term is “to continue the bipartisan working relationships of the council, in order for us to maintain lower taxes and still develop Windham into a Community that respects the opinions of its residents and can work together to make a Windham an even better place to live, work and play.”

She is excited to work with the new council member Jarrod Maxfield. “Jarrod brings a different perspective on how to empower communication to help get information out into the community on agendas and important projects. I am excited to work with Jarrod and his ideas on streetlights and moving forward on some of the 21 Century Downtown Plan.”

The councils’ top priorities moving forward as Chapman sees it are, “We truly need a public works garage, how to keep costs down and yet provide adequate services for the public. To move forward on a sewer that does not cost the taxpayers solely and protects the watersheds in North Windham for future generations.

Windham Town Council, North District

Jarrod Maxfield

Newcomer Jarrod Maxfield ran unopposed for the North District seat on the Windham Town Council, formerly held by Roy Moore who did not seek re-election. It is his first publicly elected position. He owns Necessary Technology in Portland.

Maxfield said the catalyst for his decision to run was when a friend purchased commercial property in Windham.

“It should have been an exciting time for him, but instead he encountered only challenges and obstacles. He wasn’t asking anything from anyone,” Maxfield continued. “Just making an investment in the town. That needs to be encouraged (not discouraged),” he said.

Currently a member of the town’s energy advisory committee, Maxfield supports the 21^st Century Downtown proposal and the town’s new comprehensive plan. Regarding the North Windham shopping district, he said, “we need to do something smart up there: A modern wastewater treatment plan, nicer streets and nicer restaurants. I’d like Windham people to spend money in Windham.”

Windham Town Council, At Large

Bob Muir

Bob Muir was re-elected to his at-large position on the town council. As with all the council candidates, he ran unopposed. Muir has served for four non-consecutive terms on the council. Muir said taxes are a priority,… “especially for the elderly on fixed incomes.” He said it can be “difficult to adjust the town budget to the town’s rising costs.” And he feels he is often the voice of residents who are hesitant to complain or address the town council.

“We’ve got a very good council right now and I’d like to continue our good work for the town.” Muir praised Jarrod Maxfield. “He’s a good addition to the council.

Muir also supports integrating the 21^st Century Downtown proposal into a new comprehensive plan.

“It will improve the looks (of the area), movement of traffic and be pedestrian friendly. Connectivity of neighborhoods in the area could be tricky, he added. “Neighborhoods like to stay self- contained.” But he observed it will be the job of the council to work out these and other problems.

Regional School Unit (RSU)14 Board Director

Eric Colby

Running unopposed, Eric Colby was re-elected to a second term on the RSU14 School Board.

Coming off a “three year learning curve,” Colby said he felt he could contribute more readily to the board during his next term.

Colby, a security sales engineer, said his first years taught him great respect for teachers.

“Anybody who says teachers don’t work hard just don’t know anything about the profession. (Especially considering) everything we throw at them, they are great people and everybody (in RSU14) is doing a great job,” he said.

Regarding the question of capital improvements versus new middle school, Colby said, “Pay me now or pay me later. Considering our growth and the age of our current facilities we’re going to have to accommodate our needs.”

Regional School Unit (RSU)14

Scott McLean

Scott McLean will be the newcomer on the RSU14 School Board. With a 10-year-old in the district, McLean said he hopes to make a positive difference for kids in the district. A production administrator for Lucas Tree, he said he’ll take his new position on the board “day by day.” 

McLean said he is particularly interested in the newly established homework evaluation team. The group will research the efficacy and the amount of homework that should become policy in the district.

Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, District 2

Susan Witonis

Still another uncontested race was for a seat on the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. Susan Witonis will serve a second four year term. She said her focus is on public safety and favors as much practical regionalization as possible, citing the regional dispatch service in Windham and contract deputy services through the sheriff’s office as examples of successful models.

An important part of the job, said Witonis, who represents nine towns including Raymond and Windham, is making sure that rural areas are fairly represented in the funding formula for the county budget.

Work continues, she added, in the search for a sports tenant at the Cross Insurance Center, adding that she is hopeful that could happen within the next year.

WEDC annual meeting honors past, builds future - By Lorraine Glowczak

Innovative and collaborative leadership with a focus on honoring the past and building the future was the highlight at last Wednesday’s Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) annual meeting. Held at the Windham Veteran’s Center, the meeting began with a social hour/buffet dinner served by Rustler’s Steak House and included special guest speaker Charles Lawton, chief economist at the Portland-based Planning Decisions.

Thomas Bartell, executive director of WEDC, opened the annual meeting by greeting the board members and welcoming their guests. “This is the first time that we have attempted an annual meeting with a program and invited guests,” Bartell stated. “We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.” 

“It is truly amazing how much is happening with economic growth in the Windham and Raymond area,” Bartell declared in his welcoming statements. The various economic initiatives and entrepreneurial developments Bartell identified included, but were not limited to, plans such as the community building efforts of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Institute. The plans for the Institute are being created by a chamber committee, but the certifications will be handled through Windham/Raymond Adult Education. 

Also mentioned were opportunities to diversify Windham’s economy through the future Scale Up entrepreneur classes brought to the Sebago region in part through the efforts of Katherine Damon with Gorham Savings Bank and the same chamber committee working on the leadership institute.

Additionally, the successful entrepreneurial endeavors of local resident, Stephanie Lay were highlighted. Lay and her son, both proprietors of the Maine Tex Grilled Salsa business, will soon be expanding in Windham, creating new jobs in the area with a portion of proceeds going to the non-profit organization, The Special Foundation for Autism.

After the welcoming statements, the business meeting was called to order beginning with a review of the treasurer’s report followed by board of director elections. Two seats out of the fourteen WEDC board member positions needed to be renewed/filled. Steve McFarland, a current board member, was nominated and voted unanimously to renew his three-year term. Charlotte Mace, executive director of Biobased Maine, was nominated to replace former board member, Peter Anania who chose to step down from his position. Mace was also voted in unanimously. 

“I am so pleased to be appointed to a 3-year term on the Windham Economic Development Corporation, and I am eager to participate in existing projects and contribute to future economic development in Windham. I am passionate about economic development in Maine, and I want to help ensure that our community prospers through sustainable economic development that benefits our economy and families,” Mace stated.

The election process continued with the voting of the WEDC executive committee. President Dustin Roma, secretary Steve McFarland and treasurer Jeff Vermette all renewed their positions. Beth Schidzig stepped down from her role as vice president. Larry Eliason was voted in to replace her.

Upon the completion of the elections, president Roma reviewed the projects underway that are enhancing economic development in the greater Windham area. “Anglers Road Project is very close to being completed with one lot already sold,” he said. Also mentioned were the collaborative efforts with the towns of Standish, Gray, Raymond as well as with Saint Joseph’s College that include broadband internet and utility infrastructure progress with the intention to support business growth and strengthen existing business.

Roma also took a moment to recognize the hard work and efforts of executive director Thomas Bartell, thanking him for his progressive and cooperative leadership skills. This was met with a round of applause and standing ovation.

Finally, Charles Lawton was introduced as guest speaker. Lawton began his presentation by first praising the successful collective leadership he witnessed that evening, recognizing the sincere efforts to provide a successful economic environment for the people of the greater lakes region. “After all,” Lawton stated, “Economic development is really about people.”

Issues facing Maine’s economic status, Lawton explained, include the challenges of demographic imbalance, the loss of manufacturing jobs, those hurt by globalization, and efforts to provide the much needed skills for economic success. “Our economic challenges can no longer be solved in the traditional way,” Lawton pointed out. “We can no longer simply place an ad in the paper. Those days are long gone.”

Adaptation to new technology and business cooperation are two ways in which Maine people and communities can reach desired economic success, Lawton explained. He ended his presentation recognizing that the Windham and Raymond communities are heading in the right direction.

Before the annual meeting adjourned, a moment of honor took place to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of a past trailblazing leader. Members of the WEDC did so by recognizing former WEDC board member Thomas “Tommy” Gleason, who passed away in May of this year. His “determination to ‘make things happen’ and his drive to make Windham ‘all that it can be’” is noteworthy. As a result, the WEDC board established the Thomas “Tommy” Gleason Economic Development Champion Award. The award went to Martin Lippman for his outstanding vision and devotion to transform the area, and who provided the donation to secure the land and Chaffin Pond that is now Donnabeth Lippman Park named after Martin’s late wife. A plaque was also awarded to Gleason’s widow, Nancy Gleason, as a show of gratitude for Tommy’s service to the community.

Special thanks went to Bomb Diggity Bakery and Café for providing desserts for the evening as well as to Blossoms of Windham for supplying the flower arrangements. Jars of Maine Tex Grilled Salsa were given as gifts to all members and guests upon the completion of the annual meeting.