Taiwan to Windham - the story of how one woman made Windham her home by Lorraine Glowczak

Nini Bennett in the center with husband and mother

Nini Bennett of Windham took a moment of her time a few weeks ago to share her story. A story of her journey to America; leaving her home of Taiwan 10 years ago and becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S. and making the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine her new home.
 

Aspiring to provide her three children with a balanced educational experience, Bennett saw the U.S., and Windham specifically, as the perfect location to put that balance in their lives. 

Briefly, the Country of Taiwan is a densely populated island off the coast of China and is home to an eclectic mix of successful enterprises and hardworking individuals. With a population of approximately 23 million people, doing and being one’s best is necessary to participate and flourish in a highly competitive job market. 

But not only is the market competitive for adults, children of all ages start their scholastic involvement young, studying long hours every day, in preparation for a future that will lead to 70-hour work weeks, if they are lucky.

“The students spend a lot of time studying and testing but little time thinking for themselves,” Bennet said. “There is no such thing as ‘what is your dream and what do you want to do with your life?’”

“Children begin classes at 6:30 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m.,” Bennett continued. “But their studies do not end there. After school, many students go onto an after-school program called a bushiban [pronounced ‘boo-she-bahn’] school and will study for another couple of hours before returning home later in the evening.”

Bennett was the owner and proprietor of a bushiban in Taipei City, offering a variety of afterschool studies that promoted the study of English. Her job involved the hiring of teachers, including an American from Windham, ME. His name was Nate Bennett. 

Obviously, Nini and Nate fell in love and married. Their partnership expanded to include the purchase of a bushiban school, together becoming co-owners of the academic afterschool program. 

They named their new school Katahdin English School, of which they both still own and operate from Windham, with the help of their office manager (and long-time friend) in Taiwan who manages the day to day operations. Together, Nini and Nate focused on teaching English studies in Taiwan for a decade, at levels ranging from kindergarten-aged children to college level programs.

The Bennetts are still actively teaching those students from their home here in Maine. During the summer months, the Bennetts host the students from the Katahdin English School, giving them an opportunity to travel from Taiwan to Windham, with the purpose of continuing their education in fun, hands-on experiential summer camp programs. The Bennetts collaborate with schools such as a Cheverus High School and Waynflete in Portland which both offer summer educational programming. 

“Students [from Katahdin English School] get to explore different subjects and activities while they are in Maine such as drama, computer studies, tennis and basketball,” explained Bennett. “And we always take time to travel to a number of places in New England that include Portland and Boston.”

Despite her busy entrepreneurial schedule, Bennett spends quality time with her two daughters, Eliza and Emma, and son, Jeremy, supporting them in their various educational and extracurricular activities.

“I love Maine and am very happy that I have made my home here in Windham,” Bennett said. “Moving here was a great choice for my children.”

Additionally, she enjoys the kindness she has witnessed since moving to Windham. “People here are very kind and are willing to stop on the road to help you if your car breaks down,” Bennett said. “And I love how the winter makes Mainers strong and tough. I really like their ingenuity.”

When asked if she had any advice she wanted to give to others, she shared a few pieces of wisdom she has learned in her 10 years of living in the U.S. “For immigrants, I would just say they need to be patient in their new homeland, doing their best to be openminded to the new culture they are in.”

For those who were born a U.S. citizen she stated, “You all are really lucky. You have so much freedom here. I think people need to cherish that more.”

For everyone, whether a new citizen or a citizen by birth – young and old, she reminds us, “Take chances and work hard. If you do, you can have everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”

Windham man honored with National American Legion Award by Lorraine Glowczak

Libby on right receiving award

Chuck Libby of Windham was in for a big surprise when he discovered that he was the recipient of the American Legion Scouting Square Knot Award on Saturday, September 30 at the American Legion Thomas W. Cole Post No. 19 in Sanford. The award recognizes the dedication and work of an American Legion member who is actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, fostering leadership among youth.

Libby was presented the national award by American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan, the first woman in 99 years to be Commander of the Legion. She traveled from out of state to participate in the ceremony. “The Commander for the American Legion was coming to Maine and she wanted to present it [the award] because it's not an award they give out often,” stated Michelle Libby, wife of the recipient and American Legion Auxiliary member. 

According to many area Legion members, this was the first award ever to be received by someone in Maine.

To receive this award, the individual must be an American Legion member and exemplify leadership as well as furthering the Scouting program. A few of the long list of requirements also was comprised

of completing a number of scouting courses in leadership including youth protection training, attend and complete a Woodbadge training program, serve a total of three consecutive years in a Scouting leadership as well as assist the local post, district or department to raise funds to support Scouting.

Libby has been with the American Legion for three years and he is a Marine who was deployed during the first Gulf War in 1990. He is also an Eagle Scout from Troop 805 in Windham and has been the Scoutmaster for the last six years, spending over 24 years in Scouting. Libby presently works for the City of Portland.

Libby stated the fact that American Legion and the Scouts encourage good citizenship and love of country is a motivating factor in his active participation in both organizations.

He does his best to share his leadership knowledge and skills with the young members of the local Boy Scouts. “The boys learn about leadership through the various activities they do and the positions they hold within the troop,” said Libby. “From the first days as a Boy Scout they begin to work teaching others​. I try to set a good example and pass on lessons I have learned over the years.”

Libby believes participation in the Scouts plays an important role in shaping young lives. “I believe Scouting is the premier youth organization in the country today. I would encourage any boys between five and 18 and any girls from 14 to 21 and their parents to look into it.” ​

Libby’s substantial support of Windham’s Scouts is worth the recognition he received. The American Legion’s Past National Commander stated it best when he told Libby on Saturday, ​"Know that you have made a significant contribution to the youth of this nation through the programs of the Boy Scouts of America. Thank you for your service."

Third annual color run produced enthusiasm and raised funds for school supplies by Jennifer Davis

It was a warm, fall sunny day on the well-maintained but very colorful soccer field at Raymond Elementary School (RES) on Sunday, September 24 as families and the community gathered together to run the third annual Color Run, a fundraising event to raise money for school supplies.
 

As participants migrated around the soccer field prior to running in the race, they were greeted by staff members of Raymond Elementary and many volunteers to include Kim Weeks, Mindy McKinney, Erin Simoneau, Beth Peavey, Austin Carr and many others.   

There was a silent auction with some amazing items donated by local businesses as part of the event as well.  Susan Brackett, a fourth-grade teacher at Raymond Elementary, was the organizer of this event and has been for the past three years.  “It’s a fun new way to raise money for the school and get students, teachers and the community together,” Brackett states.  “It also promotes wellness.”  

This year's run welcomed an anticipated 200 participants; many of which were students who not only ran and contributed to raise the necessary funds but also brought with them a lot of enthusiasm. “I’m excited about getting squirted,” stated Trevor, a fourth-grade student at RES. “I’m excited about the colors,” stated Leo, a Kindergartner at RES.  

This year’s color run began with the National Anthem, sung by the Raymond Elementary Chorus.  Participants then promptly took their places at 1 p.m.; runners at the front of the line and walkers at the end.  With a count down, the race began.  

Participants followed the perimeter of the soccer field, continuing down Frog Pond Trail where a group of volunteers waited with paint squirters in hand. The run continued around the playground.  

 “This is exciting as this is the first look many will have at the new playground that is currently under construction,” says Brackett.  “An example of what the funds from fundraisers such as this goes towards.” 

The run then wrapped back to the soccer field for the finish line. The top three finishers were; in first place, Garan Laszok, second place, Sean LeBel, and third place, Sydney Brackett.  

Once all participants crossed the finish line, everyone gathered in the middle of the soccer field for the final color throw.  

“My favorite part of the run is throwing the color packets,” states Silvia, first grader at Raymond Elementary.  With a countdown the colors flew marking the end of this year’s color run.

Although this year’s race is over, there is still opportunity to make donations to Raymond Elementary School.  Anyone interested in making a donation should contact Raymond Elementary School by phone at 655-8672 or by mail to 434 Webbs Mills Rd. Raymond

Despite warm weather, Project Graduation Golf Tournament was a hit by Lorraine Glowczak

WHS Seniors Cory Hutchison left and Kyle Herzig

The Windham High School’s Project Graduation 2018 Golf Tournament Fundraiser was a success, with over 50 players who joined in the competition at Point Sebago Golf Course on Sunday, September 24. The extraordinarily, warm, fall day did not deter the participants from competing and raising funds for the class of 2018. Funds raised will provide the graduates a chemical free alternative post-graduation celebration.

“We had a great tournament [on Sunday] with 55 players and raised over $7000 for Project Grad. 2018,” stated Project Graduation 2018 Chair, Elaine Herzig. 

Success was also had by individuals who participated, which included the following winners: First-place team included Mike Coffin, Steve Sargent, Ryan Sargent and Brett Turenne. The second-place team included Jerry Gilbert, Jay Gilbert, Larry King and Chris King. The third-place team consisted of Kevin Savard, Mark Garredy, Joe Richard, and Greg Savard.

The winners in other categories included, Jerry Gilbert who won the Closest to the Pin, Ryan Sargent for winning the Long Drive (male) and Lila Theriault, the Longest Drive (female).

Briefly, Project Graduation is a national program that began in the Oxford Hills Maine area in 1980.
The concept of the organization came to be as a result of 18 students who died due to alcohol and drug related crashes following graduation celebrations in 1979. Since 1980, Project Graduation has grown to include many schools throughout the United Stated to provide fun, chemical free graduation celebrations.

According to the George Washington High School Project Graduation website in Charleston, WV, “The number of fatalities occurring among 15 to 19-year-old Maine residents during the graduation period, that involved teenagers driving under the influence of alcohol, decreased from 12 in 1979 to one in 1984.” www.gwprojectgraduation.com.

In keeping with the mission of Project Graduation, Herzig stated that it is the committee’s goal to send all Windham High School seniors who would like to attend, to their post-graduation and chemical free celebration, free of charge. The golf tournament fundraising event was a big help in meeting that goal.  “We have 248 students in the class of 2018 and the event will cost an estimated $150 per student to attend,” explained Herzig.

1st Place team members included:  Michael Coffin, Stephen Sargent, Ryan Sargent and Brett Turrene photo by Meg Curtis

There were many individuals, organizations and businesses who provided the manpower or monetary support to assist in the accomplishment of this fundraiser. “The golf tournament fundraiser would not have been a success without the generosity of many local businesses and the players who came to play,” Herzig said. “We’d like to extend special thanks to Point Sebago for allowing us to hold the tournament on their beautiful course and to Quinn Allen, Head Golf Professional at Point for directing the players and helping things run so smoothly,” Herzig said. (For the list of sponsors and donors, see end of article.)

Herzig also expressed her appreciation to Michele Farwell, who acted as the Tournament Director.

The golf tournament is one of many Project Graduation 2018 fundraising events that are presently occurring and will occur throughout the year.

“We are sponsoring this year's Homecoming Dance on October 7 which is a fundraiser for us,” stated Herzig.

Other fundraisers include a cash raffle. Tickets are $5 each and three prizes are offered, (1^st/ $250, 2^nd/ $150, 3^rd/ $100) which will be drawn at the Athletic Booster's Holiday Craft Fair on Sunday, November 12, where Project Graduation 2018 will also have its annual pie table and a Windham apparel table.

There is also a 50/50 raffle at home football games as well as running the concession stand on Saturdays during the Windham Youth Soccer's fall season (through the end of October).

The next fundraising event to benefit Project Graduation 2018 is the Project 5K Fun Run Walk which will be on Sunday, October 8 with a start time of 8 a.m. at the Mountain Division Trail, Gambo Field in Windham. The cost is $20 plus $2.75 online pre-registration through  runsignup.com or race day $25 cash only. For more information, contact Brenda Caouette at 207-615-2379 or email at brenda.caouette@gmail.com. 

To donate to Project Graduation 2018, monetary or otherwise: mail to WHS Project Grad 2018, 406 Gray Road, Windham, ME  04062.

Project Graduation 2018 thanks the following donors and sponsors for the Golf Tournament fundraiser:

Maine Orthodontics, Aging Excellence, Hall Implement, Tricia Zwirner of State Farm, Cumberland County Federal Credit Union, Armstrong Advanced Dental Concept, Pear Tree Dentistry, Windham Weaponry, Time4Printing, Raymond RediCare, Pleasant Hill Disc Golf, Symonds Foundations, Center Stage Performing Arts, BettyReeZ WhoopieZ, Homestead Mortgage, The Good Life Market, Lee's Family Trailer Sales & Service, All Med Staffing, Gorham Savings Bank, Tricorp Federal Credit Union, PTG Properties, Windham Automotive, Arbonne, NextHome Northeast Realty, Delano Architecture LLC, Megin Hatch Photography, Pike Industries, Windham Millwork, Perspective Construction Management, Island Cove Building & Development Inc., Michael F. Cook & Associates, Preti Flaherty, CVS, Sebago Lake Automotive, Gray Family Vision Center, Amato’s, Heaven & Earth Day Spa, PTG Properties, Applebee’s, Sebago Trails, Tee’NTee Golfland, Binga’s Windham, Sunset Ridge Golf Course, Smitty’s Cinema, Windham Dairy Queen, Orchard Ridge Farm
& Specialty Food Market, Essentials Gift Shop, Windham Walmart, Point Sebago Golf Resort.

The Amazing Chase - a fun adventure by Michelle Libby

First place went to Gorham Savings Bank’s – Banking Believers

Last Saturday, 11 teams of four raced through the Sebago Lake region as a part of The Amazing Chase organized by Sebago Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. This high tech adventure race had participants racing from Naples to Standish doing tasks, challenges and answering trivia, all loaded on Apple iPads from Smart Hunts, a Massachusetts company that runs races like this all over the country. 
 

The second annual race included golf pong on the Naples Green, zip lining at Camp Hinds, a trip to Songo Locks and biking and setting up tents in Standish, just to name a few of the challenges. 

Second Place winners - The Sloth Ninja's

First place went to Gorham Savings Bank’s – Banking Believers, made up of Katherine Damon, Kim Donnelly, Mike Voisine and Lisa Hughes; all dressed as bees complete with wings. 

“This was so much fun!  No strategy, complete chaos, and mad driving skills behind the wheel. We definitely have to defend our title next year,” said Lisa Hughes, VP Regional Business Banking Officer.

“Our biggest challenge of the day was getting in and out of the vehicle with those wings. One unexpected outcome was the public’s reaction to four people running around town dressed like bees. From honking horns, to cheers, and high fives at the country club, we put a smile on people’s faces and we really felt like a force for good,” said Damon. The team also won best costume.

Second place went to last year’s winners, Sloth Ninja’s. 

“This race is fantastic and so much fun! I think getting a taste for winning last year certainly helped fuel us this year,” said Sandra Woznicki. “I particularly enjoyed the Sky Fall at Seacoast. But I think most of all, I loved that the teams competing are full of people not afraid to be silly and weird, and you need to be to complete a lot of the challenges. Kudos to the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, for putting on an amazing adventure and for such a great cause.”

Third place was Team Headlight, who was also an event lead sponsor. 

Teams also raised money for the chamber initiative Feed the Need, to support the 13 food pantries in the 11 towns in the region. 

“Our second annual Amazing Chase was an overwhelming success. Teams had a fun filled day and couldn’t say enough about their experience tackling challenges all around the region. As the organizer of this event we are so pleased to be showcasing not only the natural resources, scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of this region but also highlighting, in a unique way, the many businesses here,” said chamber executive director Aimee Senatore.

Parents perk up Windham Middle School bathrooms with positive affirmations by Elizabeth Richards

When students arrived back at Windham Middle School after their summer vacation, they found the one space they all use a little brighter, a little more pleasant and a little more inspiring. “This summer, a wonderful group of moms came forward and offered to do some work in both the boys and girls bathrooms to make them more positive and affirming places,” said Kim McBride, Assistant Principal at Windham Middle School. 
 

The school was built in 1977, McBride said, and though it’s been well maintained over the years, as any older building does, it’s starting to show its age. 

Tiffany Flibbert, who had the initial vision for the project and organized the efforts, said she has three children and she’s heard complaints about the bathrooms from all of them. The idea for the painting came, like so many things these days, from social media, she said. After seeing a post by a teacher who had done something similar, she decided to take action. 

Flibbert knows the power of positive words. She belongs to a group, Brave Girls Club, which is all about helping women meet their dreams and pursue their goals, primarily through uplifting words. “Young girls need inspiration. They need to feel good about themselves. There are so many things out there working against them,” Flibbert said. “And boys need it too,” she added.

Once the idea had formed, Flibbert spread the word about the project and a group of parents came together to get it done, she said. 

McBride said the many hours of volunteer work the group put in were very much appreciated by the school. “Anytime we can give more positive messages to students, we want to do it. The bathrooms are an often overlooked place that everyone visits every day,” she said. “It was a wonderful surprise for the students when they came in, and they really appreciated the creativity and the time and attention that went into it.”

St. Ann’s hosts Community Day to welcome new and old friends to church by Michelle Libby

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church at the corner of River Road and Windham Center Road held its third annual Community Day last Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the community at large and the church community were invited to enjoy games, music, visits from firemen and Sparks Ark. 

Mason Marquis from Brunswick

“It’s a nice community church. We’ve been to activities here. We’re so impressed with the church participation,” said Jim Kelley, who lives in Windham, but attends another church. 

“It’s a combination of reaching out to the community and welcoming people back to the church community,” said Rector Fr. Tim Higgins. “We do this as a free offering of grace to the community.” 

Sunday was Welcome Back Sunday and registration for Sunday School. The church held a family breakfast and a barbeque for the congregation after the two services. 

“We’ve seen a lot of new folks from the community, today,” said faith formation director Kate Tompkins. Fr. Higgins called the number of participants “outstanding”. 

The event was planned by Michael Dionne and his committee. “My thought is go big or go home,” he said of the planning. “It’s important. It’s not just a church in the community, but a church for the community.” 

Rye Carpenter from Windham

St. Ann’s opened “Ladybug Playground” to the community once it was built, and it gets a fair amount of use, said Dionne. So many know where the church is. 

The event was not about religion, but about having fun, Dionne said. There was a performance by The Pond Lilies made up of Polly Lawson, Kristin Goodall, Leanne Cooper, Jodee Davidson and Jeanne DiSciullo-Carpenter; also a presentation by Josh Sparks, owner of Sparks Ark, a bounce house, cotton candy, plenty of games and a visit from the ice cream truck. 

Windham Fire and Rescue brought a fire truck and an ambulance for children to explore, as well.

 “It’s a great time to spend time with the St. Ann’s community and the community in general,” said Dionne.

American Legion Auxiliary hosts Naturalization Ceremony funded by grant in honor of National Day of Service and Remembrance by Lorraine Glowczak

*Due to technical layout difficulties, the print version was published in error. This is the correct version. We apologize for the error.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 148 in Windham, received a $1,000 grant through the American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters and funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish a remembrance celebration to commemorate 9/11. 
 

In alignment with and observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance (established in 2009), the Auxiliary hosted a Naturalization Ceremony on Monday, September 11 at 10 a.m. at Windham High School. The ceremony was attended by many members of the community and high school and middle school students, who witnessed 37 immigrants from 22 countries, become American citizens. 

Also in attendance were public figures that included but not limited to, Senator Bill Diamond, Town Manager, Tony Plante and the National Auxiliary President, Diane Duscheck from Wisconsin. 

The success of Monday’s ceremonial event was the result of innovative and creative thinking by members of the Auxiliary and the grant writing abilities of Windham Auxiliary President, Pam Whynot and Vice President, Michelle Libby. 

Anna McGuckin from Russia

The grant was recognized by the National Auxiliary as unique, due to the inclusion of many community members, to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The requirements were to remember 9/11 in a unique way, have a teaching component and have the event during the week of 9/11. 

“Our grant was very unique out of the other grants,” explained Whynot. “The Naturalization Ceremony was a unique idea from us [because] it involved many groups of the community and we had lots of people volunteering their time and service to us. We fit all their [the National Auxiliary’s] requirements into this idea.”

The Naturalization Ceremony not only included many volunteer members of the community but  special guests speakers were selected to share their memories and experiences of that fateful day 16 years ago. The speakers included Steve Hall, a Portland and Windham firefighter, as well as retired Lieutenant Colonel, Wally Clark originally from Calais, but now resides in Windham.

Hall, who lost many of his firefighting friends in the fallen World Trade Center, was called to New York a week after the tragedy. “I was asked to attend the funerals of my fellow firefighters,” Hall began, choking back tears. “I was asked to attend because the NYC firefighters who were still alive were working the pile. Sometimes I attended three or four funerals in a day. After a month, I lost count of how many funerals I attended.”

Clark was starting his second day working at the Pentagon away from his office near Arlington Cemetery, when he was notified of the attacks. “During the morning session, we were called out of a briefing and told that the pentagon had been hit and we were on lock down,” Clark said. “We were finally released to go home late in the afternoon. As I drove home, I could see smoking coming out of the Pentagon. It was a mess.”

There were 125 pentagon staff that died that day. 

Nidhal Alshammaa from Iraq

Keynote speaker, the Honorable Charles Cragin, who served as under-secretary of the Department of Defense during the time of the attack, spoke to the celebration of citizenship, noting that when tragedy occurs the best of American social responsibility takes place; also noting the community efforts of service in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, as a result of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. 

The stories shared by these men honored firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, military members and veterans of the armed forces; while sharing ideals of good citizenship, peace and security to all, especially to the high school students and new citizens alike.

Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, that ended with the presentation of certificates to the new Americans, the song “God Bless the USA” sung by the Windham Chamber Singers and the closing remarks by Kurt Pelletier, Immigration Services Officer, happiness, joy and celebration filled the auditorium as the new Americans embraced their citizenship.

“I am so moved by how the new citizens want to be a citizen of America and how hard they work to make this happen,” stated Whynot. “When their families and friends come to cheer them on, you know that this is the most important day of their lives. It makes me very happy to be a part of this day for them.” 

This special and unique Naturalization Ceremony presented the bravery involved in being an American, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice 16 years ago. And as Christopher Howell, Windham High School Principal added in his welcoming remarks to the new Americans, “Everyone has a story. One day, you will share your story of bravery that it took to become an American. You too, will leave a legacy with the generations that come after you.”