The Refuge Church finds a niche among Windham worshippers

The founders of The Refuge Church gather for a
group photo last week in Windham. Clockwise from left
are Tanay Herald, Rev. Adam Herald, Graham
Herald and Anna Herald.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Ed Pierce

It takes more than faith to launch a successful new church and for the Herald Family, their determination, desire to help others and a bit of divine inspiration has led to the creation of The Refuge Church in Windham.

The church was originally conceived by the Rev. Adam Herald and his wife, Tanay, who first met while attending a class in bible college in Massachusetts. After serving as a youth pastor in Illinois for a number of years, the Heralds moved to Windham in June 2016 and began realizing their dream of founding a church in town.

“While I was a youth pastor at Orchardville Church in Centralia, Illinois, our pastor got cancer and passed away,” Rev. Herald said. “When he did, we felt God stirring our hearts saying that it was time to head back to New England to plant a life-giving church.” 

He said this was something that the couple had been praying about throughout their ministry because it was undeniable that there were more churches in the Midwest where Adam is originally from than in New England, where Tanay grew up.

“We decided to partner with the Association of Related Churches of Birmingham, Alabama,” Rev. Herald said. “ARC is one of the leading church-planting organizations in America planting over 900 churches since 2000.”

The Refuge became the very first ARC church in the state of Maine and the couple say that they chose Windham as the location of their new church because they loved the rural feel of Maine as it reminded them of the parts of the Midwest that they loved.

“As we searched for a house, we prayed that God would give us a town that he felt needed a life-giving church,” Rev. Herald said. “While searching for a house, we met a realtor named Carol Kline that told us about a house she owned in Windham that she would be willing to rent to us. That was the only sign we needed, and the rest is history.”

The Refuge church was launched on March 5, 2017 and a little more than three years later, about 150 people typically attend its 10 a.m. Sunday non-denominational services conducted at the Windham High School Auditorium.

According to Rev. Herald, The Refuge strives to create five cultural values among its congregants. Those include being dreamers and risk takers not settling for their dreams to remain dreams; they will be in the town, for the town, fiercely loving people they haven't even met yet; they will be known for what they are for and not what they are against; they will laugh as much as they breathe, as hard they we can stand, and a little louder than normal; and they will be excellent in all things, because excellence honors God, and inspires people. 

Like every other church across America during the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus has presented some formidable challenges for The Refuge this year.

“It's been challenging to gauge metrics of growth in this season. Where normally we count attendance, we are now looking at views and engagement online,” Rev. Herald said. “Now we are able to be involved in small groups or what we call "micro-gatherings" where we meet in houses to watch the service together. I believe God works through relationships because ultimately that is what he desires for us, a relationship with him. Relationships can be challenging in a season of social distance."

Despite the obstacles that COVID-19 has posed for the young church and its congregants, Rev. Herald says that The Refuge has risen to the occasion.

“Our church has responded tremendously to the financial needs in this COVID season,” he said. “We were able to donate $6,000 to the Lunch4Kids Windham Raymond Nutrition Program, as well as raise a fund of $5,700 to be able to give to people that are financially struggling in this time. We've sent money to Pakistan, the Dominican Republic and Nepal, as well as given to local families that were in need.”

The success that the Heralds have found with The Refuge Church has prompted ARC to plant a second church in Maine to be called The Pines Church in Bangor which is scheduled to open in March 2021 and led by Rev. Matt Gioia.

The entire Herald Family is involved with The Refuge Church including the couple’s daughter, Anna, 14, who will be a freshman at Windham High School, and their son, Graham is 12, who will be in seventh grade at Windham Middle School this fall.

Because of the pandemic, The Refuge has been streaming services online at www.refugemaine.church or on The Refuge Maine Facebook page. 

Rev. Herald said The Refuge is deeply honored to be included among the other churches in Windham.

“We want to come in standing on the shoulders of those who have done it before us,” he said.

And his message for those looking for a place to worship is simple.

“If you are searching for belonging, we believe that The Refuge is a place where all people can belong because sometimes you have to belong, before you believe,” Rev. Herald said. “Know that our goal at The Refuge is to move everyone, regardless of where they are to one step closer to Jesus. We want people to be where God wants them. If that is at The Refuge, then come on” <

Public Access cable channels moving to easier-to-find positions

By Elizabeth Richards

Spectrum cable television subscribers in Windham and Raymond will soon notice a change in where public access channels are located.

A Maine law has been upheld by a federal judge, requiring cable TV providers to relocate these channels to their previous, lower channel number positions to make them easier for the public to find.

In 2017, Spectrum moved their community channels in Maine to the 1300s, a move that created a stir among critics.  One called these high channel numbers “digital Siberia” in a Portland Press Herald article in March 2019.

Community channels, often referred to as “PEG” stations (Public, Education and Government), are negotiated by municipalities in franchise agreements with local cable providers.  These channels provide viewers the opportunity to watch events such as town meetings, public hearings, school-related programming, and other community produced programs.

In March 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Torresen upheld the Maine law that was passed in response to the changes in a lawsuit filed by NCTA – The Internet and Television Association.

In a statement responding to the decision, NCTA said they were disappointed with the decision. 

“We continue to believe that Maine’s burdensome network build-out and PEG requirements conflict with federal law and should be preempted, and that the PEG mandates independently violate cable operators’ First Amendment rights. We are reviewing the ruling and considering next steps.”

In her decision, Torresen ruled that the plaintiff had not met the burden of showing that the State’s PEG provision infringe on cable operators’ First Amendment rights, saying that the State wanted to put PEG channels on equal footing with other channels and return them to channel placements they held previously.

Historically, these channels had been placed on lower channel numbers near local broadcast channels, making them easier for people clicking through channels to find.

The law also requires cable companies to offer service to lower-density areas of the state, broadcast content produced locally in the same format it is provided and provide programming information on a channel guide.

“Charter Communications, locally known as Spectrum, will be making changes to our channel lineup for customers in the Cumberland County channel lineup,” said Heidi Vandenbrouck, Senior Communications Manager, New England for Charter Communications.  “On or around July 31, 2020, Public Access channels 1301 will be dual illuminated on channel 2, channel 1302 will be dual illuminated on channel 3 and Community Access channel 1303 will be dual illuminated on channel 5,” she said. 

The changes apply to cable channel listings in both Windham and Raymond.<

Excitement abounds for Eagle Choice Awards

For the sixth consecutive year, the Windham Eagle newspaper is sponsoring the Eagle Choice Awards and the popularity of the annual competition continues to soar.

Launched in 2015 by Melissa Carter, account manager for the newspaper, the Eagle Choice Awards recognize local businesses in the area and is evidence that residents do take notice when they receive outstanding service and find superior products offered by local merchants.

Carter said that the awards remain popular and last year set a record with close to 10,000 recorded votes. The hope is that through word of mouth and sharing on social media that this year will be a record breaker.

“There truly are so many fantastic businesses in our area of Maine,” Carter said. “These awards are intended to salute those who exceed all expectations and the votes are cast directly from those who use the goods and services provided by these local businesses.”

Kelly Mank, the publisher of The Windham Eagle newspaper, said that the Eagle Choice Awards also may introduce area residents to a variety of local businesses they may not have heard of previously and to discover a range of trusted services, food and products available in this area.

“The Eagle Choice Awards are a great way to connect the community and local families to options they might not have known were here,” she said. “It’s a form of introduction in a sense and a great way to discover so many opportunities that can be found right here in Windham and Raymond.”

Mank said that much of the popularity of the Eagle Choice Awards can be attributed to the support and encouragement of area business owners, who live and work in this community, have raised their
families here and have so many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Carter said that as the awards have grown over the years, the number of categories has now reached just under 90 and is a testament to how much the community appreciates the service and value they receive when using a local business. A few new categories added for 2020 include computer service, generator sales and service, heat pumps, maple farm, and a separation of our senior services into assisted living and in-home care. These new categories came about after suggestions from readers. If you have a suggestion for something we are missing feel free to drop an email to office@thewindhameagle.com and we will do our best to accommodate.

“While we’ve tried to include as many businesses as we can, not all businesses are covered by the Eagle Choice Awards because of a lack of competition,” she said. “If you don’t find a business listed, we encourage you to write them in under the ‘other’ category. Once their vote total reaches five, they will be included in the pre-written lineup under that category.”

According to Carter, a portion of the proceeds from pages 12 to 16 of the Eagle Choice Awards special section in this week’s edition will benefit this year’s nonprofit award recipient.

“The special section for all of the winners will be included in the Aug. 28 newspaper,” she said. “That special section can be saved and used all year-long to find the area businesses that have been singled out for recognition as being the ‘best of the best’ by local residents of Windham and Raymond.”

Throughout the year, residents and customers can recognize Eagle Choice Award winners by the decals on doors and vehicles and plaques on display at their business.

“That decal has really taken off as a symbol of trust and top-notch service for everyone who lives in this community,” Mank said.

Although businesses will not be able to enjoy the annual awards presentation event due to the pandemic, they will still receive plaques and decals and have an opportunity to stop by the office for their photo-op to be used for their own publicity.

Voters must vote in at least 10 categories or more and must also include their email address when casting a ballot to be valid to ensure that only one vote is cast by an individual. Email addresses collected during the 2020 Eagle Choice Awards competition will not be sold or distributed to a third party.

Deadline for voting is in-person July 31 at 5 p.m. or midnight on Aug. 2 online.

To cast a ballot in this year’s Eagle Choice Awards, visit www.TheWindhamEagle.com/awards, follow the link posted on The Windham Eagle’s Facebook page or fill out a form in person at The Windham Eagle, 588 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. <  

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Raymond couple receives Spirit of America Award for their lifelong dedication to giving

Dick and Cleo Sanborn of Raymond, Spirit of America
Foundation Awardees. have been steadfast members of the
community for many years and are deeply rooted in family
values and a lifetime of helping others in need.
PHOTO BY LORRAINE GLOWCZAK

By Lorraine Glowczak

For the past three years, the Town of Raymond has presented the Spirit of America Foundation Award to individuals in the community who have demonstrated a strong sense of civic responsibility and volunteerism. This year’s award was presented to Richard (Dick) and Cleo Sanborn early last month.

“We were very surprised and, to be quite honest, we have no clue why we were chosen for this award,” Dick Sanborn said. “We just do what we do and give what we give because that is how we enjoy living life. We are Christians. This is simply what we do.”

Briefly, the Spirit of America Foundation was the concept of Maine Governor John McKernan and became incorporated on Oct. 16, 1990 to promote volunteerism in Maine.

According to the foundation’s website, the Spirit of America Foundation Tribute is presented to and in honor of those who have volunteered extensively – and is announced at annual town meetings. However, due to the current COVID restrictions, Raymond’s Annual Town Meeting was cancelled. As a result, it was Raymond Select Board Member Marshall Bullock who delivered the news to the Sanborns at their home recently.

The official Town of Raymond proclamation cited that Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn have been steadfast members of the community for many years and are deeply rooted in family values and a lifetime of helping others in need.

“Mr. Sanborn, a longtime contractor with the town, has been on the cemetery committee and is very attentive to the groundskeeping of not only the town’s cemeteries but other town properties as well,” said Raymond Town Manager, Don Willard. “Due to their Christian values, the Sanborns have been active and concerned citizens who are always there for others, no matter the circumstances.”

Steeped in the Maine farming tradition where they rely on the land for much of their sustenance and income, their contributions include giving to those who are less fortunate. Examples include giving wood away to those who need heat for the winter months, giving eggs to a local food pantry and when others are facing physical or health challenges, a Sanborn will be there to help – whether it is something as simple as raking leaves, planting flowers or mowing lawns. They do it for those individuals at no cost. They seem to do this with genuine happiness in their hearts.

“They have always displayed a positive approach and a sense of humor even when managing personal hardships,” the proclamation read.

The Sanborns have, in fact, endured their share of adversities. Both once married to other partners prior to meeting one another, Cleo was raising three children on her own while Dick was raising eight as a single father when they chanced upon one another for the first time.

“We met as a result of eggs and goats,” Cleo said.

Cleo, who has worked at Valle’s Steakhouse in Portland or K-Mart in Falmouth (both no longer in existence), was raising French Alpine goats to provide not only milk and cheese for her family but to financially support them as well. Dick, who was working at Nissen Bakery in Portland, had his own farming adventure that included raising chickens and selling eggs. She purchased eggs from him, he bought goats from her. And that is when the spark of true love began.

The Sanborns married on April 4, 1975 and gave birth to another child, a daughter in 1976, making a total of 12 children between them. From there they led a very happy existence as a new and extended family.

“I know people don’t believe me when I say this, but we have never had a fight,” Cleo Sanborn said. “It’s true we don’t always agree with one another, but life is too short to argue about insignificant things. More importantly, we chose to put God in the middle of our marriage and have never took him out.”

Their happiness has been challenged in a variety of ways, but perhaps the most profound loss was the death of five adult children to cancer and other health related issues. They put their grieving into giving to others and their community. The do so in a humble manner.

“You can’t out give God,” Dick Sanborn said. “Just try it. The bible says, ‘Give and it shall be given’ and we know for a fact that it is true. We have never gone without. We put our total faith in God and as a result, we have had a very good life.”

Dick and Cleo Sanborn are both 85 years old and, although they have slowed down a bit, are still working their farm that comes with chickens, gardening and French Alpine Goats (they once were the only commercial goat farm in Maine – and to top it off – the goats were award winning French Alpines). Cleo Sanborn continues to sell goat’s milk, home-made ricotta cheese and Kefir. Dick Sanborn continues to sell eggs and works with his grandson in the excavating business digging graves in the Greater Raymond and Windham areas.

“The Sanborns are an example of what living in a small-town like Raymond is all about,” Willard said. “When someone is in need – you are always there to help. We are lucky to have Cleo and Dick as a part of our community.”

It is for this reason, whether they know it or not, the Sanborns were awarded the Spirit of America Foundation Award. <

Voters approve RSU 14 school budget, establish candidate field for general election

Judy Vance, Windham's Registrar of Voters and Deputy Town
Clerk, reviews voter rolls during the Maine State Primary election
conducted at the Windham High School Gymnasium on Tuesday.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

By Ed Pierce

In-person turnout was light for the Maine State Primary in both Windham and Raymond, but nevertheless, important and significant issues were decided at the polls by voters Tuesday.  

Linda Morell, Windham Town Clerk, oversaw voting in Windham’s District 24 and District 25 at Windham High School and the counting of absentee ballots, which saw a record number requested this election cycle because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Morell said that during a typical election, about 500 absentee ballots are requested from the town’s Registrar of Voters, but more than 2,700 voters chose to vote by the absentee option this time. Storms and heavy rain in the area may have also kept some voters away from the polling place Tuesday.

“Voting has been light here at Windham High School, but we always strive to handle each election with the utmost integrity for all voters,” Morrell said.

Both Morrell and Raymond Town Clerk Sue Look spent weeks leading up to the primary making sure that voting machines were operational and that every voter that requested an absentee ballot received one in a timely fashion.     

 

On the Raymond ballot, incumbent Select Board members Samuel Gifford and Lawrence A. Taylor III ran unopposed for reelection Tuesday for the three-year terms. Gilford received 799 votes and Taylor tallied 757 votes.

Voters in Raymond also were asked to select individuals by write-in for two different three-year seats on the town’s Budget-Finance Committee. Two incumbent serving on that board, Dana Desjardins and Crystal Rogers did not choose to run for reelection and no other candidates filed at the deadline to run for those positions.

Look said that Joe Bruno, who already is a member of the Budget-Finance Committee, received the highest number of write-in votes with six. Kaela Gonzalez, who is already a town employee received four write-in votes.

According to Look, Laurie Forbes and Leigh Walker also tied with Gonzalez for four write-in votes and they will each by asked by the town if they are interested in serving on this committee.

Raymond voters also approved the Town Meeting Warrant articles which included the town’s 2020-2021 $5 million proposed budget and they also approved RSU 14’s $50.8 million proposed budget, with $10.73 million of that amount to be paid by taxpayers in Raymond.

All voting in Raymond was conducted at the Jordan Small Middle School gymnasium with polls remaining open there from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Windham voters resoundingly approved the RSU 14 school budget by a margin of 2,496 to 1,120.

The proposed $15 million bond to invest in high-speed internet was OK’d by Windham voters, 2,729 to 968. That bond proposal also was approved statewide by Maine voters by a margin of 75 percent to 25 percent opposed.

RSU 14’s Adult Education funding was approved, 2,441 to 1,216, as was the district’s School Capital Reserve Fund transfer of unexpended balances, 2,750 to 671.  Voters also granted RSU 14 the authority to issue bonds through the State of Maine’s zero interest rate/loan forgiveness School Renovation Fund Program, with 2,693 voters in favor and 736 opposed.   

"I would like to thank the communities of Raymond and Windham for the support of our staff through the budget process," said RSU 14 Superintendent of Schools Christopher Howell. "This is especially comforting as we plan for the uncertainty of opening schools in the fall."  

The state Transportation Infrastructure Bond issue also was approved by Windham voters with 2,876 voting for the measure and 849 opposed. That followed a statewide trend which saw voters OK the transportation bond by an overall margin of 78 percent to 23 percent.

The transportation bond authorizes $105 million for the improvement of Maine highways and bridges statewide and accompanies $275 million in federal funding for designated projects in the state. 

The primary results also confirmed opponents for November’s general election for state representative in District 24 and District 25.

As a result of voting Tuesday, Windham Democrat incumbent Mark Bryant will face Republican challenger Nicole Deschambault, also of Windham, for the right to represent District 24 as state representative on Nov. 3, while District 25 will feature a race between Republican incumbent Patrick Corey of Windham and Democrat challenger Jane Pringle.

Pringle, a Windham resident, formerly served as a state representative for House District 111 from 2012 to 2014, but the district was redrawn in 2013 by the Maine Legislature.  

In Windham, the U.S. Senate Democratic Primary voting saw Sara Gideon of Freeport receive 1,429 votes, followed by Betsy Sweet with 381 and Bre Kidman picking up 109 votes. Gideon, who is currently serving as the Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, won the nomination statewide Tuesday and will face incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins on Nov. 3.

Raymond’s Democratic Senate Primary results mirrored those of voters in Windham with Gideon receiving 397 votes, Sweet 110 votes and Kidman tallying 34 votes.

Democrat Susan Accardi of Raymond received 111 votes Tuesday and now advances to the Nov. 3 general election to face incumbent Republican Susan Austin of Gray for the Maine House District 67 seat, which includes parts of Raymond, Caso and Gray.

Incumbent State Senator Bill Diamond received 528 votes in Raymond on Tuesday and advances to a Nov. 3 showdown for the Maine Senate District 26 seat against Republican Karen Lockwood of Raymond.

State Representative Jessica Fay of Raymond, a Democrat, received 429 votes in Raymond on Tuesday and will now meet Republican challenger Gregory Foster of Raymond for the Maine House District 66 seat in a rematch of the 2016 election. 

Voters in Raymond also elected Anna Keeney with 316 votes to serve a three-year term representing Raymond on the RSU 14 school board. <

Windham families join Maine Backyard Campout event

More than 35 families from Windham will participate in the
first Maine Backyard Campout event on July 10 and July 11.
The event is intended to get families together outdoors during
the pandemic. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

By Ed Pierce  

    

For many families in Maine, summertime is meant to be spent camping. There’s nothing quite like sleeping under the stars after an evening of storytelling and roasting marshmallows around a campfire surrounded by nature and wilderness.

Yet as a result of COVID-19, many local families have curtailed camping plans for this summer. But a new statewide effort to preserve the love of camping is coming to Windham this weekend.

Sarah Davenport, a programmer for Windham’s Parks and Recreation Department, said that on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11, Windham families are encouraged to participate in the first Maine Backyard Campout, an initiative celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month where families camp out in their own yards, living rooms, or whatever other home space might be most appropriate for such an activity.

“We’re providing the first 20 families who registered with a ‘campout box’ including s’mores ingredients, and everyone will get camping checklists, s’mores recipe suggestions, campfire safety tips, glowsticks, games and activity ideas, and more,” Davenport said. “So far we have 35 families signed up to participate and even if families don’t sign up, our goal is to encourage people to get outside, even if it’s in their own yards.”

The ‘campout boxes’ were donated to Windham Parks and Recreation by event sponsors Shaw’s of North Windham and BJs of Portland.  

She the activity is a great way to enjoy the summer weather and spend time as a family while social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Families can camp out in their living room or on the porch under the stars,” she said. “They can sleep in a hammock, it’s pretty much open-ended. In years past we used to have a family campout at Dundee Park, but this is something entirely new that anybody can do on their own.”

Participants will be able to submit entries in a local photo contest and for a statewide photo contest, Davenport said.

The history of recreational camping can be traced back to an Englishman by the name of Thomas Hiram Holding. He was a tailor by profession who traveled the English countryside from town to town in the mid-19^th century and wherever he traveled, Holding was known to pitch a tent and set up shop.

By the late 1800s, “camping” as Holding was known to call his overland journeys, was growing in popularity in Great Britain on the River Thames and connected with pleasure boating activities. 

Because early camping materials and equipment were very bulky and heavy, they were often transported by boat, but soon wagons were used to transport camping materials and equipment and using boats as shelters evolved into tents.

The first-known mention of “camping” in the press was in an 1869 publication called “Camp-Life in the Adirondacks” by William Henry Harrison Murray, and it was connected to the late Victorian craze for pleasure boating. 

Like in Great Britain, early campout equipment in America was heavy and soon transformed to using tents like their counterparts across the Atlantic Ocean. 

Today camping is enjoyed by all ages all year long and has spread to nearly every nation on Earth. Maine is typically a prime destination for campers because its vast wilderness areas and a generous state park system.

Statewide, the first Maine Backyard Campout event is hosted by the Maine Parks and Recreation Association and is intended as a way for families to enjoy the outdoors together during the pandemic.

In all, more than 30 communities across the state are participating in this inaugural camping event in Maine, Davenport said.

“It’s just an idea that we are trying to continue to have fun and to do recreational activities in this new era we find ourselves in,” she said.

For more information or to register to participate in the Maine Backyard Campout, call 207-892-1905 or online at https://windhamrecreation.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30167 <

Enthusiastic response greets ‘Operation Summer Snacks’ in Windham

The annual “Operation Summer Snacks,” an initiative of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Windham, collects food for children in need who receive bags of food from the “Backpackers” program during the school year but, in many cases, do not have the snacks during the summer.

It is an initiative that hits home for recipients, and this year, it’s starting there, too, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My family is running it out of our house this summer,” said Jill Russell-Morey, a parish catechetical leader who helped create the initiative in 2016. “We weren’t sure how we were going to be able to swing it with the pandemic situation.”

But where there is a will, there is a way, and “Operation Summer Snacks” has never been a program to shy away from long odds. In just a few years, an idea of finding a way to help local families in need during the summer months turned into an initiative supported by parishioners and community members that totaled more than 2,500 individual snack items and 226 bags of snacks in 2019.

Through the program, each child receives various individual-sized snacks like raisins, crackers, fruit cups, granola bars, and other items.

This year, despite the many challenges, the initiative is off to its best start ever.

“I’ve had a bunch of people contact me to learn where to send donations. Between checks, cash, Venmo donations, as well as stuff being dropped at our house, my daughters and I delivered 1,616 snacks to the Windham Pantry last week alone!” said Russell-Morey. “That next day I received another $210 in checks from parishioners in the mail! It’s been incredible!”

Even with the pandemic, the response to the program has been astounding.

“It’s amazing. One generous lady had a large box of snacks sent directly to my house from Sam’s Club,” Russell-Morey said.

“Operation Summer Snacks” will continue buying and donating through the beginning of August.

“We work with the Windham Food Pantry and they really need our help, especially this summer,” Russell-Morey said. “One big change is that the pantry has requested that we not break the original packaging up this year and bag everything ourselves. They want all original packages which allows for less handling of the packages and easier storage.”

Those who can assist are invited to contact Russell-Morey directly at jill.russellmorey@portlanddiocese.org.

“The community we live in is amazing and the parishioners and supporters always help when needed,” she said. “The Holy Spirit continues to touch and work through people which provides great hope during these difficult times.” <

American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 hosting Don Rogers Scholarship benefit, bean supper

The late Don Rogers of Windham served the
American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 for
61 years. A new scholarship to benefit area
students has been set up in his honor.
FILE PHOTO

By Dave Tanguay

Special to The Windham Eagle

It is not summer without bean suppers, so the adage goes.

The American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 was looking at a way to remember the work of our recently passed Post Commander and much loved, Donald F. Rogers of Windham.

Don followed in the family footsteps of his father Maurice Rogers, A founder of the post, Don and his brother Wayne became Legion members shortly after World War II. His wife Norma is an honorary member of the Unity Auxiliary as well and during his 61-year association with the Field-Allen Post, Don was commander on multiple occasions and kept the post going when membership was in decline in the 1990s.

He loved the bean suppers and rarely missed one even into his 90s and anyone who knew Don can't help but remember his warmth and great smile.

In the current COVID-19 climate, it was suggested that the post hold a bean supper on Saturday, July 18 as a curbside event and make it free to the public in honor of Don Rogers. 

It has been proposed to make this an annual event in support of the post’s scholarship program and name the annual scholarships, one for a male and another for a female Windham High School graduate, in honor of Don and to be named the Donald F. Rogers Scholarships.

So, 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18 until the beans run out, the Field-Allen Legion family will host a curbside bean supper pick up, open to the community at the Windham Veterans Center, 35 Veterans Memorial Drive, Windham. 

The menu will be short and features two types of beans (kidney or navy), brown bread or corn bread, coleslaw, red hot dogs and cookies for dessert. 

Those interested in joining the post for a free bean event can drive up to the order desk in the WVC parking lot, place your order, park, and remain in your vehicle while a runner fills your order. 

Those wishing to donate to the Donald F. Rogers Scholarship fund may do so then or by sending their donation to: Field-Allen Post 148 Scholarship, PO Box 1776, Windham, Maine 04062.

For additional information, call 207-892-1306. <

Voters head to polls Tuesday in Windham, Raymond

Windham Deputy Town Clerk Pam Cleaves, left, and
Windham Town Clerk Linda Morrell prepare to collect
absentee ballots filed at a new secure dropbox near the
front door of the Windham Town Hall. The dropbox has
been in place since April and was installed as a
convenient way for voters to file their absentee ballots
during the COVID-19 crisis. Morrell and her staff will also
oversee Tuesday's state primary election in Windham.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

By Ed Pierce

Casting a ballot during an election is a right that residents of Windham and Raymond do not take for granted and voting has taken on added significance this summer thanks to COVID-19 restrictions in Maine.

With Maine’s Primary vote pushed from its original date of June 9 to Tuesday, July 14 because of coronavirus concerns, a few local positions will be decided at the ballot box and voters also will approve or reject the proposed RSU 14 budget for the coming year.

Windham Town Clerk Linda Morrell has watched many local elections come and go during her 26 years working for the town, with the last 19 spent supervising the counting of votes here.

Morrell will be back at it again on Tuesday, leading a staff of 24 workers working at the polls on Election Day.

“We’ve been doing a lot of training preparing our staff for this,” Morrell said. “We have two districts in Windham, District 24 and District 25, and with this being a primary, some workers will be assigned to work the Democrat District 24 and others the Democrat District 25, and the Republican District 24 and Republican District 25.”

All told, Windham has about 13,350 registered voters, Morrell said, but not all of them will be casting ballots at the Windham High School polling place on Election Day.

“The number of those requesting absentee ballots is up significantly because of COVID-19,” Morrell said. “In the past about a little less than a week away from an election we would typically have about 500 requests to vote absentee. As of this past Tuesday, we’ve had about 2,700 voters request absentee ballots.”

To help voters using absentee ballots submit their votes easily during the COVID-19 crisis, a secure dropbox for absentee ballots was installed outside the front doors to the Windham Town Hall in April. 

Along with the task of verifying and counting thousands of absentee ballots, Morrell and Windham Deputy Town Clerk Pam Cleaves will oversee poll workers working that day helping check in voters at Windham High School.

Morrell said that polls open there at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Poll workers are paid $12 per hour and some will work in shifts. Meals will be served to poll workers and Morrell said a few poll workers will be there the entire day from start to finish.

According to Morrell, her greatest nightmare on Election Day would be for voting machines to fail. If that happens Morrell said a repairman will be standing by to resolve any issues that occur Tuesday.

The best thing about working at the polling place on Election Day for Morrell is simple.

“You get to see a lot of people you don’t normally see otherwise,” she said. “I graduated from Windham High School in 1978 and sometimes I see people I knew in school who are there to vote.”

Morrell said preliminary election results are expected to be announced by 9 or 9 :30 p.m. Tuesday.

“We are going to try and handle this election with the utmost integrity and want all of our voters to have a great experience whether they are voting absentee or at the polls on Election Day,” she said.

Raymond Town Clerk Sue Look was busy preparing for Tuesday’s election and unavailable for comment.

On the Raymond ballot though, there are two open seats for the town’s Board of Selectmen to be filled following Tuesday’s voting.

Also on the ballot in Raymond, incumbent board members Samuel Gifford and Lawrence A. Taylor III are running for reelection unopposed for the three-year terms.

Voters in Raymond also will write-in possible candidates for two different three-year seats on the town’s Budget-Finance Committee. Incumbents serving on that board, Dana Desjardins and Crystal Rogers, did not choose to run for reelection and no other candidates filed at the deadline to run for those positions.

Incumbent Anna Keeney is seeking reelection to a three-year term on the Windham-Raymond Schools Board of Directors.

Raymond residents also will cast ballots to approve or reject the town’s proposed $5 million 2020-2021 budget, and vote to approve or reject  RSU 14’s $50.8 million proposed budget, with $10.73 million of that amount to be paid by taxpayers in Raymond.

All voting in Raymond will be conducted at the Jordan Small Middle School gymnasium, 423 Webbs Mills Road.

Like in Windham, polls in Raymond are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

As far as the ballot goes in Windham, voters will be asked to approve or reject RSU 14’s proposed $50.8 million budget and $626,443 for the annual Adult Education budget, with $23.15 million to be paid by Windham taxpayers.

Windham voters also will approve or reject a $2.6 million zero-interest capital bond referendum loan from the Maine Department of Education to renovate five RSU 14 schools bringing them into state health and safety compliance and funding other district facility improvements.

Windham’s polling place for residents of District 24 and District 25

Is at Windham High School at 406 Gray Road with voting scheduled between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.<