Windham Police help Santa bring Christmas cheer - By Michelle Libby

Six police cruisers pulled up to the doors at Windham Walmart on Tuesday, drawing concerned looks from shoppers. They gathered out front to form their plan and scattered into the store. This wasn’t a typical operation for the police department, officers took time from their schedules to shop for Windham Social Services. With money raised at various fundraisers, they brought $2,000 to buy toys for over 30 children in Windham. 

From learning toys for toddlers to make up for teens, the officers worked with one another to find the best gifts for the children they were shopping for. In past years, the officers were given a dollar amount and they picked out items for a variety of children. This year, administrative assistant Sue Rogers, gave each officer a sheet of paper with an age and suggestions for gifts that child would love to see under their tree. So as the officers were shopping, they had a specific child in mind. 

“The best reason we do this is that we are giving back to the community. We receive a lot of public support in town and it’s nice to give some of that back,” said officer Jason Burke. 

The fundraising for their programs come from solicitation calls in the beginning of the year and a show they put on. This year on February 25, Windham Police Department will introduce the community to Audio Body, a musical performance duo similar to the Blue Man Group. With the money raised, the officers as a whole are able to donate to local charities, sports teams and sponsor officers or someone with a connection to the department as they participate in walks like the Dempsey Challenge and cancer walks. 

“We donate to different veteran groups, team like little league who went to Nationals and special circumstances like cancer diagnosis or a kid who needs a physical to play sports. It’s all done quietly,” said officer Jim Cook. 

While the officers scoured the toy department for Christmas gems, shoppers stopped them and gave them donations to put toward the purchases. They received $270 in donations while shopping. Another woman gave them $100 in gift cards that were already paid for. 

“The best part is when people come up to give you money,” said officer Gene Gallant. 

“One man who had a long negative history with the police, came up to us and gave us cash one year,” said Cook. 

This was the fourth year the police department has shopped for less fortunate children in Windham. They also added some gifts and toiletries for seniors. 

Good will breeds good will. Dunkin Donuts in Walmart offered to give each officer a free coffee for the good work they were doing. Although few took them up on the offer, it was the thought that counted.

Outdoor photo – (L to R) Justin Hudnor, Seth Fornier, Jason Burke, Eric Quatrano, Sue Rogers, Sherma Moody (Manager of Walmart), Matt Cyr, Jason Andrews, Gene Gallant, Jim Cook and Bill Andrew.

Motorcycle club spreads joy, peace, honor and respect - By Lorraine Glowczak

Local motorcycle club, Brothers Crew MC of Maine, was recently recognized by Portland’s Channel 13 for feeding over 900 families in Maine on Thanksgiving Day. Based in Windham with a focus on honoring all fallen brothers, military or otherwise, Brothers Crew MC not only feeds the hungry at Thanksgiving and provides gifts to families in need at Christmas that include substantial donations to Preble Street Resource Center, they also offer help and provide necessities to children with disabilities, homeless families, military families as well as providing assistance to abused women and children. Additionally, the organization delivers backpacks filled with needed school supplies for students to local elementary schools. 

Bayside Learning Community in Portland is one of the local schools that has been and is a recipient of the goodwill provided by the club. “They put so much effort in gift giving,” stated Jen Searway, the school’s director. “When they provided the backpacks filled with school supplies, the bags did not contain generic items. Instead, they took the time to ask what was needed most by individual students and that is what they supplied. Brothers Crew MC truly gives unconditionally and for the right reasons.” Searway also stated that this motorcycle club is a prime example of paying it forward. 

Obviously, one should not be fooled by this group of leather wearing, tattooed, bike riding brotherhood of rugged and hardworking men. Underneath what might seem a rough and intimidating exterior beats huge hearts of tenderness that spread love, kindness, respect, honor and peace in one small part of the world that has rippling and everlasting effects. 

Steven Huntington of Windham, president and founder of Brothers Crew MC, never set out to create a motorcycle club. It definitely was not his intention to create an organization with the mission to relieve a little suffering for others. It all began because he, himself, was suffering from the depths of grief after losing someone he deeply loved. Huntington’s brother, Charles “Chucky” Huntington, died at the age of 42 on November 12, 2012. “He was everything to me,” Huntington explained as he told his brother’s story and the “accidental” creation of Brothers Crew MC. 

Chucky was a survivor despite all odds. Fifteen years ago in an unfortunate circumstance, Chucky was shot in between the eyes and the bullet’s shrapnel scattered throughout the brain. He was immediately taken to Maine Medical Center where the family was told the odds of survival were slim. The surgeon explained he would do his best to remove as much of the shrapnel as possible but if Chucky did survive the surgery, he would never walk or talk again and most likely remain in a vegetative state. 

After surgery, Chucky was placed on life support for four weeks, at which time, the ventilator was disconnected. Miraculously, not only did Chucky survive but he lived a full and productive life. However, as he grew older, the shrapnel that could not be removed from his brain during surgery began to shift. As it did, Chucky slowly reverted back to the young mind of an eighteen-year-old. Chucky loved motorcycles and it was his dream to be a part of a brotherhood. However, due to his disabilities, driving a motorcycle and thus being a part of a motorcycle club would never be a dream realized. Unfortunately, Chucky’s life came to an abrupt end when he choked and aspirated while eating.

“I cried every day for months after his death,” Huntington said, recalling the moment his grief hit an all-time low. However, it was within that deep grief of death that Brothers Crew MC was unknowingly given birth. “One day I decided to honor my brother and his wish to become a part of a brotherhood by simply drawing a sketch of a patch that I would put on the back of my leather jacket. That’s all I wanted to do was to honor my brother and his dream. I spent a lot of time working on that sketch trying to get it just right, eventually working with a tattoo artist to assist me in perfecting it.”

Within a month, Huntington had his patch and it was time for him to ride. Huntington asked two of his friends to join him and the three rode together on a warm spring day in 2013. “Then, the word got around,” Huntington expressed with amazement, “Before I knew it, other friends wanted to join in memory of my brother. Quickly, two friends became four, four friends became eight and eight became twelve. It just kept growing without any effort from me.” Within six months after that original ride, there were approximately 20 men who wanted to be a part of this unofficial motorcycle club. 

“As it continued to grow, we decided to become an official club with the intention to honor all brothers who have passed and, in doing so, relieve a little suffering in the world,” Huntington explained. That fall, approximately six months later and about a year after his brother’s death, Brothers Crew MC was born and became an official organization.

Membership requires a series of steps to include 1. Contacting the President, 2. Invitation to “hang out” with the group 3. Becoming a prospect 4. Full acceptance that includes the patch. All members must pass a background check as well as a drug free test and be non-violent members of society.

Members come from all walks of life and join for various reasons. “I have known Steve all my life and I had been following him and his new motorcycle club on Facebook,” Joe Mulkern of Westbrook explained. “I saw all the good they were doing and thought to myself, ‘What a feeling that must be to help others. I want to be a part of that,’” Mulkern continued. “If I would have known how this group would have grown and become what they are today, I would have joined in the beginning.”

Others join for the structure. “I was looking for a traditional and regimented motorcycle group, where you earn your role as a member,” Matt LaBranche stated. LaBranche’s need for structure most likely came from being a veteran in the armed services, serving in Iraq in 2003-2004. “I know the US entering into the Iraq War was controversial, but I believe we were there doing God’s work, eliminating a dictator who was killing women and children.” 

LaBranche’s preference for structure is what led him to Brothers Crew MC. His reflective nature also indicates that he still gets to do “God’s work.”

Brothers Crew MC is gearing up for the holiday season. For those who wish to spread some joy and relieve a little suffering in a sometimes challenging world, contact Huntington at brothercrewmc.com/author/brotherscrewmc to make a donation. Not only will one honor those who live in our memory but those who still live. For Huntington, he does his work “in memory of my Brother 42 and our Brother Alex Paradis Chubs 22*.”

*This article is dedicated with honor to the recent passing of a Brothers Crew MC member, 22- year -old Alex Paradis. His loyalty and enthusiasm toward the goodwill of the club was outstanding and his passion and commitment for life will be missed.

American Family Holiday concert sparkles with cheer - By Michelle Libby

The Windham Chamber Singers have done it again. They ushered in the holiday season with upbeat holiday numbers, spiritual Christmas music, original compositions and a jazzy special guest performer. 

 

For two shows last Saturday, the chamber singers entertained packed houses with locals and those from outside the district to spread their traditional holiday cheer. This year’s headliner was Broadway performer Lindsay Mendez. With her jazz roots, she gave the audience new Christmas music to savor and toe tapping excitement. Her version of “Sleigh Ride” demonstrated her vocal range and style, unlike anything the audience had heard in recent memory. It was no surprise that she was cast as Elphaba in the Broadway musical Wicked. She was animated and entertaining, drawing even people in the back row into her magical sounds. 

In addition of Mendez, Windham High School graduate and talented pianist Daniel Strange returned to his alma mater to rule the stage from the newly reprised opening number “The Best Day of the Year!” to his tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis and all of the background music, he rocked the stage. 

“They sound awesome,” said former chamber singer David Pride. “I like the old chamber music where you can hear the tone. It brings back a lot of memories.”

His wife, Erin, agreed. “I like seeing the talent every year, year after year.” To have the consistent talent is a testament to the director, Dr. Richard Nickerson. 

The chamber singers had three costume changes, adding in period clothing for the more traditional songs, before changing into their red and green sweaters and scarves.

Noticeably absent was Strange’s wife, violinist Ashley Liberty, who couldn’t attend this year after the birth of her second child.

“Let’s get this out of the way?” Strange said addressing the audience. “You want to know where the blond violinist is.” Before he flew to Maine from Florida where he is a professor, Liberty asked him 

“What are you going to do without me?” His answer was, “Honey, this was my town before it was yours.”

 

Strange brought the audience to its feet with his amazing rendition of Jingle Bells that kept his fingers flying over the keys. One audience member said, “He deserves a hand massage after that performance.” This was the perfect opportunity to show off his skills and talent, which sometimes is hidden behind other performers. Not that night.

The Am Fam family, as the performers are known, extends into the audience. Year after year the community supports the concert and becomes a part of the musicians’ lives. The bass player and drummer were also alumni of Windham High School class of 1999s Adam Frederick and class of 2000s Any Robbins.

Sheriff Kevin Joyce attended the concert for the first time with his wife. “Every year it comes and goes and we miss it. It’s wonderful. We’ll come back,” he said.

Kim Block from Channel 13 returned for the 13^th year as master of ceremonies. She also did the traditional reading of “Charlie Brown’s Christmas.”

Who wouldn’t want Kim Block to read to them? Dr. Nickerson pointed out that there are very few places that you can hear the live soundtrack to “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” complements of Daniel Strange.

Back for the third year, Mervin and Barbara Weimer from South Portland were excited about the quality of the performance. Every year they rush to get tickets as soon as they are on sale.

One more surprise was that WHS 2014 graduate Matthew Scala returned to do a duet with Mendez. The upbeat song “I Got All I Need (This Christmas)” which is destined to be a new favorite on Christmas playlists all over the region.

 

“It’s a wonderful concert. I think Dr. Nickerson is fantastic with those kids. You can tell they love him. He’s so enthusiastic,” said Elaine Spiller from Standish. “They’re almost like professionals.” She said she has attended many performances at Merrill Auditorium and this one is just as good.

This year’s concert is over, but don’t miss out on the Windham Christmas tradition when tickets go on sale at the beginning of October 2017.

Katahdin School opens - By Michelle Libby

Last week, the Katahdin School at Camp William Hinds in Raymond, opened its doors for family and friends at its first open house. 

The Katahdin School is an off shoot of the REAL School on Mackworth Island. The district  brought the 21 students from Windham and Raymond who were attending the REAL School to the newly created Katahdin School.

The new location is a partnership with the Boy Scouts of the Pine Tree Council and RSU14. The school is located in the finished walkout basement of the new dining hall on Plains Road in Raymond. The dining hall is due to open this summer. Everything the REAL School improves on will be shared, like its hoop house or proposed bike trails, and everything the Scouts have, like the ropes course and kayaks, will be used by the students.

“We’re really lucky to offer something like this to our students,” said principal Rich Meserve.

“To have young people use this as a school really completes the benefit and investment. It also makes our donors especially happy,” said Scout executive Eric Tarbox. “This isn’t just a business relationship. It’s outdoor experiential learning and helping kids become more, and be more,” which is the same mission as Scouts. 

The school opened on September 1, but in the old dining hall on Panther Pond, with no heat. Once it got too cold, they bounced around, all the while having experiences like fishing on the first day of school, where one student caught an 18 inch bass. They also went white water rafting, mountain climbing and ziplining. All of the unsettled moving around was considered “building character,” said Meserve. “We feel right at home in this space,” he added. 

“It’s a beautiful area,” said Marie Reidman, who teaches English.  The opportunities are endless. “They can swim, canoe or fish if it’s not going well in the classroom.”

Four students addressed the crowd. Julia, a junior, struggled with depression and anxiety. “I’m very thankful for having this opportunity from the teachers to the students to the van drivers.”

Ellen rarely attended school before the Katahdin School. “I’ve been every day. There are a lot of opportunities,” she said. 

 

Melinda has an anger problem. The school has helped her in school and outside of school. “I get enough attention from the teachers,” she said. “There is a lot of encouragement to go outside of our comfort zones.” 

Tyla was expelled from school as a freshman. Now as a senior, she will be the first person in her family to graduate from high school. “Thank you for making this a possibility,” she said. 

The school is based on a relationship model with experiential learning a key focus. Rod Nadeau holds 14 licenses and certifications in outdoor activities. He mixes his teachings with other educational standards. Paul Field is the STEM teacher, where students experience some science and math through the use of a 3D printer and a 3D pen. 

 

Ben Woodman was one of the first graduates from the REAL School in 1988. As an employee for Lowe’s he was able to help negotiate a great deal for the materials including providing the paint and drywall as well as the crew. “(The REAL School) was the best thing that could ever happen,” Woodman said. 

Work on the dining hall was primarily done by the military and the IRT program. Camp ranger Scott Martin over saw the completion of the interior work by his crew.  

Both Meserve and Tarbox hope that this will be a joint venture far into the future, which will be mutually beneficial.