Book lending resumes at Windham and Raymond libraries

Both the Windham Public Library (shown) and the Raymond Village
Library have reopened and are once again offering checkout
for books and other items after several months of only being
able to provide online/digital services as a result of the
COVI-19 pandemic. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

By Elizabeth Richards

June brings good news for library lovers in Windham and Raymond, as both the Windham Public Library and the Raymond Village Library resume lending physical materials after an extended period of offering online/digital services only.

Library staff were far from idle when their doors were closed to the public, even if traditional library services weren’t available. At the Windham Public Library, some of the things staff worked on included online programming, including story times for all ages, craft activities, discussion groups and book chats; did inventory, removed old materials and ordered new items for the collection; conducted welfare checks on community members; provided phone or email support to patrons; planned the online Summer Reading Program; and instituted curbside service after securing grant funding, and participated in statewide discussions about library services and best practices, said Director Jennifer Alvino.

In Raymond, staff spent a lot of time helping patrons get set up to access digital/online resources.  The library’s book club met via Zoom, and staff provided reference services online or by telephone according to Library Director Allison Griffin.  The Children’s librarian also spent time compiling baby book bundles, which contain three board books, a song or game, and another activity related to the books, and similar Storytime sets for preschoolers that include a related craft and materials.

Both libraries kept patrons updated and engaged through their websites and Facebook pages while closed, including posting recorded story times, craft ideas, resources and announcements.

Currently, the Windham Public Library is open to Windham residents or current Windham Public Library card holders only.  There is a limit of 10 people inside the library at one time, and the first two open hours of the day are only open to vulnerable patrons, including seniors and those with underlying health concerns.  The library will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Their curbside service also continues Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Alvino said that although things look different at the library, and hours have changed, they continue to work hard to provide the best possible service under the current circumstances.

“We will slowly bring back services and hours as it is safe to do so but our main goal is and always remains to provide our patrons with the services and materials that they need from us,” she said.

In Raymond, the library building is still not open to the public, but no-contact parking lot pick up of books, audiobooks, and movies has been available since June 1.  Patrons can use their online account to put items on hold, or call/email the library to request materials, including the baby book bundles and Storytime bundles. 

The Raymond Village Library is also offering limited home deliveries to patrons unable to come to the library. 

Curbside pickup will continue through the month of June, with a goal of opening the building in a limited way in July. 

Because it’s a small library, Griffin said, there’s a need to control how many people are inside at a time. They will either designate someone to ensure that limit is followed, or they will offer “library by appointment,” she said.

Currently, however, they are still trying to get some of the protective barriers in place – and finding plexiglass is proving difficult.

The Raymond Village Library currently has both a book sale and a plant sale taking place. The plant sale had been by appointment only, but this week remaining available plants were placed out front with payment envelopes.  The sale is operating on the honor system, and patrons can place payment envelopes in the book drop.  Anyone wishing to pay via credit card can contact the library to make those arrangements.

A link to a document listing items available in the book sale is posted on the Raymond Village Library Facebook page.  Listings will be updated weekly, and the sale continues for the month of June.  In addition to individual books for adults and children, leveled reading book bundles are available, as are some movies.

The staff at the libraries in Windham and Raymond both remain committed to offering their valuable services to the communities they serve in whatever ways they can.

“As a community gathering place, I think the library’s role has shifted to finding alternative ways to connect with our patrons,” Alvino said.  “For now, since our in-person programming cannot take place, we are continuing online programming utilizing Youtube, Facebook Live, and Zoom.”  Other services, such as access to public computers, will be slowly resumed when alternative ways to offer them safely are found, she added. 

In Raymond, Griffin said they saw a large increase in the use of digital and online resources, particularly ebooks.  She said many people who had not explored these resources before had a chance to learn how to use them.

Griffin said that she believes that the increased use of digital tools will continue, but she said that there were many patrons who were not interested in using those resources.  She said that when the library can safely reopen, digital resources won’t change the way many patrons use the library.  

Both libraries offer a range of online services and resources, which can be explored via their Facebook pages and websites.  One unique resource that Windham library card holders can access is an online database of courses called Universal Class, which offers classes from Excel to Knitting to Cake Decorating, Alvino said.

For more information or to access digital services visit the library websites at  http://www.windham.lib.me.us/ and http://www.raymondvillagelibrary.org/. <

Windham residents approve town budget during annual meeting

By Lorraine Glowczak

The annual Windham town meeting held at the Windham High School Auditorium on June 13 offered residents the opportunity to vote on the fiscal year 2020-2021 municipal budget.

Windham's Gary Plummer was chosen
as moderator of the annual Windham
town meeting held at Windham High
School on June 13. PHOTO BY
LORRAINE GLOWCZAK

Gary Plummer, a retired Windham High School history teacher and former state senator, was elected as this year’s moderator.

A total of 49 residents were in attendance and sat in designated seating to adhere to the social distancing regulations determined by the State Center for Disease Control. Everyone was asked to wear masks.

All articles previously approved by the Windham Town Council were voted on and passed by the Windham residents in attendance. A full description and detail of the articles passed can be  be requested from the Town Manager’s office by calling 207-892-1907 or obtained online at www.windhammaine.us/DocumentCenter/View/5903/Proposed-Budget-Compiled.

The annual town meeting is a form of direct democratic rule, most prevalent in New England, in which members of a community come together to legislate policy and budgets for local government. <

Virtual Summerfest celebrates Windham community and its heroes

By Elizabeth Richards

When it became clear that Summerfest couldn’t be held in the traditional way in Windham this year, the Summerfest committee got to work, converting it to a virtual event intended to unite the community.

“I want to thank those committee members who have stepped forward to manage all of the pieces of this virtual event – in many ways, doing it this way is more challenging, and I greatly appreciate the efforts made to still pull this off,” said Linda Brooks, director of Windham Parks and Recreation. “Saying it was canceled for 2020 was certainly an option that people would have understood, but this committee couldn’t accept that as their answer.”

Dave Bulger, a school bus driver for RSU14, has been honored
with the Modern Woodmen of America's Hometown Hero Award
for this year's Windham Summerfest celebration.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

A virtual event is not without challenges when everything must be managed remotely.

“Even the committee has been meeting via Zoom, and we miss the opportunity for face-to-face collaboration,” Brooks said, acknowledging that it’s a challenge to find “something for everyone” with a virtual event.

Another challenge is getting the word out to everyone in Windham, said Robin Mullins, co-chair of the committee.

“Not everyone has online access and there may be people that might just miss it.”  

The event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/WindhamSummerfest/.

The main goal for this year was to send a message that Summerfest is not gone, it just has a different look this year, Brooks said.

“The committee was still dedicated to the notion of bringing unity to the community at a time when people have not been able to get together in their usual ways,” she said.

Mullins said that even though Windham residents cannot physically be together, they can still have fun together and celebrate the wonderful community we are all so fortunate to be a part of.

“We also want to celebrate the fact that this year represents Maine's Bicentennial,” she said.

The online celebration includes a weekly photo contest, an opportunity to post photos of past Summerfest celebrations, presentation of the Modern Woodmen of America Hometown Hero Award, and a virtual 5K.

The Modern Woodmen of America’s Hometown Hero Award is presented each year to someone in the community that dedicates himself or herself to serving others. This year’s recipient, announced at the June 9 Windham Town Council meeting, is Dave Bulger, a bus driver for RSU14 who “goes above and beyond for his kids,” said Deb Matthews, co-chair of the Summerfest committee.

Bulger said he learned that he’d been named the recipient when a friend tagged him on Facebook saying thank you.  When he asked why, someone else commented that he’d been selected.

“I didn’t even know such a thing existed,” Bulger said. “I was really taken aback,” Bulger said.  “I didn’t really think I did anything special.”

Bulger began driving a van for the REAL school in 2013, where he really connected with the students.  After that program ended, he said, he wanted to stay with the district, so he got his bus driver’s license and took a job driving for RSU14. 

He took a short break a few years ago but missed his co-workers and the kids so returned to the job, “and I haven’t looked back since,” he said.

Bulger said he tries to meet kids where they are.  He also tries to make the bus ride fun, especially for the younger children.  Often, he said, he’ll use his “DJ Dave” voice to act like a tour guide as they travel on Route 302.

Bulger designs silly cards for the students for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and at the end of the school year. For the past couple of years, he said, he has included a card for a free ice cream at the Ice Cream Dugout, which allows him to give the kids a trea,t but also to be sure families have control over the sugar consumption.

“I try to make it special.  This year, I’m really saddened that I can’t do that because I’m not going to see them,” Bulger said.

The response and support from the community around the photo contest has been fun to see, said Barb Maurais, who has coordinated that aspect of Summerfest.

“Some of the themes have lent themselves to more participation, but we definitely are receiving photo entries each week,” she said.

“We are meeting our goal of reaching out to our community ~ our friends, family, and neighbors and we are adding anticipation, excitement, and, of course, weekly prizes,” Maurais said.

Photo Contest winners are determined by which photo receives the most “likes” on the Facebook Page.  The theme for June 13 to June 19 event is Celebrating Maine’s Bicentennial, and from June 18 to June 24 all Summerfest participants – organizations, nonprofits, businesses, community groups, vendors, crafters, parade participants, bands and performers – are invited to share their profile, website, information and services on the Summerfest Facebook Page.

The Virtual Windham Summerfest 5K will round out the celebration and raise money for the Windham Parks & Recreation Department. Rather than gathering in a group for the race, participants will register and then choose their own 5K route and run whenever they like over the weekend of June 20 and June 21.

Rather than a set registration fee, there are suggested donation amounts of $10 per individual or $30 for a family of four.  All are welcome to register, regardless of whether they are able to make a donation, and any donation amount is acceptable.

The first 75 participants to register will receive a T-shirt.  Donations will help the Parks & Recreation Department provide meals for senior citizens, craft kits to include in RSU14 Food4Kids backpacks, virtual family trivia nights, community-wide trail scavenger hunts, and grocery and food pantry delivery to senior citizens. Registration is at www.windhamrecreation.com.

Although fireworks are planned for a later date, it is dependent on the governor’s reopening plan, Mullins said, so no date has been selected. 

“As we wait for guidance from the CDC along with decisions about when these types of large group gatherings will be approved, we have been unable to solidify any plans regarding the fireworks,” Brooks said.

Sponsors for 2020 Summerfest are Hannaford Supermarkets, Landing Real Estate, Legal Leaf LLC, Shaw Brothers, and Walmart.  Summerfest committee members are: Robin Mullins and Deb Matthews (co-chairs). Tom Matthews, Barb Maurais, Liza Libby. Aaron Pieper, Karen Rumo, and Katie Varney. <

Windham resident to share story of surviving heart failure during 2020 Go Red for Women® Luncheon

Shelly Afthim

The 2020 Go Red for Women® Luncheon will be held virtually on Tuesday, June 16 via Zoom and will feature a Windham resident who has fought a personal battle with heart disease.

This 13^th annual American Heart Association event aims to educate attendees about heart disease and stroke in women, and this year especially, on the importance of heart health amid COVID-19 in our community. This year’s Luncheon is being led by Kimberly J. Twitchell, Maine Regional President, NBT Bank. Twitchell and her committee are planning an exciting virtual experience to be emceed by Anchor Kathleen Jordan of Channel 8 WMTW.

Crystal Heart awards will still be presented to this year’s distinguished honorees: Dr. Lucy Liaw, Research Scientist with Maine Medical Center Research Institute, and Michael Bourque, President and CEO of MEMIC.

Shelly Afthim of Windham will share her story about she has survived heart failure issues.

“I would not be alive today to watch my boys grow up if it weren't for the American Heart Association,” said Afthim. “One in three women will die from cardiovascular disease, I am almost certain to be one of them. However, with the research, advocacy and education funded by the Association, I believe there will continue to be advances in medication and treatment for heart failure so that I can live a longer life.”

Those with heart disease and stroke, and risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19.

Special this year, MaineHealth will host an interactive panel discussion with Neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Ecker and Cardiologist Dr. Dafina Pruthi discussing heart and brain health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Open to all attendees, participants will learn science-based facts and ask questions to these experts.

The American Heart Association has established a $2.5 million rapid research fund to fast-track scientific research to better understand COVID-19 and its interaction with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In Maine, the Association is currently funding over $1.1 million in cardiovascular research.

In addition to an exciting online silent auction, Blake Hayes of the Coast 93.1 morning show will conduct a live auction for a unique opportunity for the winner and three guests to meet the Director of Maine’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Nirav Shah, over lunch.

The 2020 Go Red for Women® Executive Leadership Team includes: Samantha Commeau, Bank of America; Steve DeCastro, Gorham Savings; Catherine Desrochers, Acadia Benefits; Joan Fortin, BernstinShur; Pam DiPietro Hale, Norway Savings Bank; Lucie Hannigan, People's United Bank; Gail Hatem, Hannaford Supermarkets; Robin Lin Hodgskin, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Eric Jermyn, Cross Employee Benefits; Janice Latulippe,  BerryDunn; Jack Lufkin, NBT Bank; Joan Smith, Baker Newman Noyes; Melanie Tinto, WEX; and Thomas Whelan, Bath Savings Institute.

The Go Red For Women campaign is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and locally by the statewide Maine Goes Red sponsor, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Additional local sponsors include: Cross Employee Benefits; Gorham Savings; Guardian Life Insurance; Hannaford Supermarkets; NBT Bank; MaineHealth; MEMIC, Spectrum Healthcare Partners; Unum; and WEX.  Media sponsors are Channel 8 WMTW, Mainebiz, and WPOR 101.9

To reserve your virtual seat this event, or to make a lifesaving donation to the AHA to help continue funding local research and education by visiting: mainegoredluncheon.heart.org

For additional questions and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Katie Rooks, Go Red Luncheon Director, at 207-289-2388 or Katie.Rooks@heart.org.

Senior Meals Program a win-win for participants, restaurants

Windham's Senior Meals Program offers seniors ages 65 and
over a free meal-to-go every Friday from participating
restaurants. The program is a partnership between the Windham
Parks and Recreation department and the Sebago Lakes Region
Chamber of Commerce. COURTESY PHOTO

By Ed Pierce

It’s a fact that food truly does bring people together and Windham’s Senior Meals Program is evidence of that.

The popular program launched this spring as a partnership between the Windham Parks and Recreation Department and the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce and offers seniors ages 65 and over a free meal-to-go every Friday from participating restaurants.

“This program really is a win-win for everyone concerned,” said Windham Parks and Recreation Director Linda J. Brooks. “Everybody enjoys a meal out from time to time and that’s what this program is all about.”

With local restaurants closed to indoor dining because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brooks said that the Senior Meals Program is a way for seniors to appreciate someone else’s cooking or to simply try a new dish from one of the participating restaurants.

“Many seniors are just happy to reconnect with our staff and volunteers when they come by to pick up their meals,” Brooks said. “Some are happy just be out of the house driving to pick up the meals. Everyone seems happier because of this program.”

Restaurants that have supplied meals for the Senior Meals Program so far have included the Elbow Room Bistro; Franco’s Bistro; Duck Pond Variety; Starlight Catering, Applebee’s and Rustler’s Steak House.

Sponsoring the program are Hall Implement; Fielding Oil & Propane Co. Inc.; Blue Rock; Windham Parks and Recreation; the Senior Scholarship Fund; Windham Economic Development5 Corporation and Octagon Cleaning.

Feedback about the program and the quality of the meals has been overwhelmingly supportive, Brooks said.

“We have had such a positive response from the seniors. The first week we served 76 meals, the second week was 125 and by the third week we reached our max of 150 meals, which we anticipate meeting each week of this program,” she said.  “Anyone not able to be accommodated one week is put on the list first for the following week.”

Brooks said that sometimes the seniors take the meals home and then eat them and are so happy afterward, they reach back out quickly to say thanks.

“We’ve had emails almost immediately from participants about how wonderful their meal was,” she said. “Some people have even said we can’t wait to go there to that restaurant and enjoy that same meal there when it reopens.”

Program participants receive their meals by curbside service every Friday at the Windham Town Hall.       

To sign up for the program, call 892-1905 or send an email to parksandrecreation@w9ndhammaine.us. Participants should include their name and the names of any other seniors in their household who would like a meal.

The RSVP deadline to request a meal is by noon every Thursday, Brooks said.

Meals can be picked up between 11 and 12:30 every Friday outside the Windham Town Hall gymnasium. <

RSU14 faces challenges in addressing student summer food insecurity

Jeanne Reilly, left, the Director of School Nutrition for RSU14
and David Boger, Windham Middle School kitchen manager,
prepare to give out food to families as part of the district's
last distribution of the school year for its backpack program
at Windham Middle School on June 9.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

By Elizabeth Richards

RSU14 is in a tight spot when it comes to providing summer meals for students who are experiencing food insecurity. 

None of the school sites are eligible to provide free meals for all students, since they do not meet the benchmark of over 50 percent of students qualifying for free or reduced meals.

Since schools closed in March for on-site instruction, the district has been operating as an emergency food pantry through their backpack program said Jeanne Reilly, Director of School Nutrition for RSU14.  Initially, there was a lot of food they needed to be put to use, since school had closed so abruptly because of the COVID-19 crisis. 

“At first, they were fruits and vegetables that we had to either send home or throw away,” Reilly said.

As time went on, she said, funds from the backpack program were used to continue sending families home with a supply of groceries that included produce, milk, cheese and yogurt, as well as some of the traditional shelf stable foods typically provided by the backpack program.

Summer meals, however, pose a considerable challenge, she said.  Dundee Park, which has been a traditional summer meal site in years past, was not a viable option this year, said Reilly.

The district looked for other places, but no locations in Windham or Raymond qualified. 

“Right now, we just don’t have an area where we could feed all families for free,” Reilly said.

Although they can’t provide free meals through a designated site this year, the district is still committed to helping find solutions to food insecurity for students.

An end-of-school year update for families lists open meal sites in other school districts, including Westbrook, MSAD15, and the Lakes Region Schools.

According to Reilly, at an open meal site, children from anywhere can go to get a meal. 

She said that this summer the open meal sites will provide both a lunch and a breakfast to go for families, but the process is a bit different because of COVID-19 protocols and restrictions.

“It used to be that students had to be present and meals had to be consumed on site,” Reilly said. “This year, the parents have to be there to pick up and the meals cannot be consumed on site.”

As additional resources, Reilly said that food pantries in both Windham and Raymond will operate over the summer for families as well.

Windham residents can call the RSU14 food pantry for an appointment at 892-1931 and get food once per week, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Raymond will offer a Summer Backpack Food Program at Jordan Small Middle School on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. where families can pick up a supply of shelf stable food, and possibly some produce.

The program also is working with St. Joseph’s College to potentially get produce from their gardens, Reilly said.

Families should also be made aware of the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefit, Reilly said, which provides additional grocery funds to families who qualify for free and reduced meal prices.

If they previously may have qualified or think they may qualify now as a result of a job loss or an employee furlough, families should fill out the free/reduced meal application, she said.

This application can be filled out and submitted online, or families can contact Reilly by sending an email to jreilly@rsu14.org for assistance. 

Although the P-EBT benefit is scheduled to expire at the end of June, there is legislation currently in front of the Maine Senate that could extend this through the summer when schools are closed, Reilly said.

Districts like RSU14 are in an awkward position, with not enough families eligible for free and reduced meals to qualify for programs that can help those in need, Reilly said.

But with some families in the area still in need of help, the school district has been searching for ways to be of assistance. 

“We’re left struggling with how to provide for those families in the best way possible,” she said.

Food insecurity has often been cited as one of the most important public health problems currently facing children in the United States. Numerous studies and previous surveys conducted from 2013-to 2019 reveal that food insecurity has negative impacts on the health of children.

In data collected in 2016 by the National Health Interview Study, there is a direct correlation between household food insecurity and significantly worse general health in children, including some acute and chronic health problems, and heightened emergency room hospital visits.

The study found that compared to rates in homes that are not food insecure, children in food-insecure households had rates of lifetime asthma diagnosis and depressive symptoms that were 19.1 percent and 27.9 percent higher, with rates of foregone medical care that were 179.8 percent higher, and rates of emergency department use that were 25.9 percent higher.

The organization No Kid Hungry estimates that because of the COVID-19 crisis and pandemic this year, as many as one in four children in the United States could face food insecurity issues.

In April, a national survey of mothers with young children commissioned by The Hamilton Project reported that the pandemic was responsible for significant food insecurity in America.

Survey results showed that 17.4 percent of mothers with children ages 12 and under reported that since the pandemic started, “the children in my household were not eating enough because we just couldn’t afford enough food.”

Of those mothers, 3.4 percent reported that it was often the case that their children were not eating enough due to a lack of resources since the coronavirus pandemic began.

That same survey revealed that food insecurity in households in America with children under the age of 18 has increased about 130 percent from 2018 to 2020. <

MSSPA’ s ‘Feed and Care Bank’ a lifeline for horses, owners in need

Remy, a 6-year-old Tennessee Walker horse living
on a farm in Cumberland County, was helped this spring
by a donation offered by the Maine State Society
for the Protection of Animals. The program assists
equine owners in need with hay, veterinary care and
other essentials on a temporary basis.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Ed Pierce

The fourth year of a unique assistance program offered by the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals has been its most challenging yet, but a growing need is evidence that its value is substantial among those caring for horses.

Founded in 2017, MSSPA’s ‘Feed and Care Bank’ provides temporary, emergency assistance for Maine horses in need and helps equine owners with stop-gap funding that can be used for hay, feed and nutritional supplements, farrier or dental services, routine vaccinations, and veterinary care.

According to Kathy Woodbrey, MSSPA assistant CEO, about 28 applicants have received funding from the ‘Feed and Care Bank’ program in 2020, which she attributes to the effect of the COVID-19 economy on horse owners. 

Woodbrey said applicants for assistance may have lost a job or been furloughed from work, suffered a health issue, or even been challenged by a tough hay growing season.

“And we’re seeing that the pandemic has caused some people not normally in need to seek help,” she said.

The average amount of funds a recipient typically receives from the program is about $250 to $300 per animal and it allows horses to remain in loving, healthy homes and to avoid further interventions.

MSSPA Vice President and CEO Meris Bickford said the “Feed and Care Bank’ program support the organization’s ultimate vision of eliminating equine abuse and neglect.

“We are so moved by circumstances and the applicant’s stories are so compelling when you know they will need a bigger boost,” Bickford said. “The best thing about this assistance is that it prevents horses at risk from coming into the program.

The MSSPA was originally formed in 1872 to protect the horses who pulled Portland’s streetcars and fire engines. It now offers shelter services for equines across Maine with access to veterinary medical care and maintains dozens of equines at its South Windham facility.

Potential applicants for the “Feed and Care Bank’ program can either complete a short application form online or can call the MSSPA to give details by phone. MSSPA staff or volunteers then will visit with applicants, check references, and may conduct on-site visits, as needed.

Once a determination of eligibility has been made, assistance in the form of hay, grain, supplements, farrier services, dental services, and/or routine veterinary well care and vaccines may be provided for recipients.

To qualify, applicants must be Maine residents with horses stabled in Maine.

The MSSPA is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) and receives no federal, state or local funding, but rather is funded by a combination of donations, bequests, grants, and fundraising activities. It uses its resources to provide direct care to equines who have suffered abuse and promotes humane treatment, training, and the use of animals through education and hands-on experiences.

“It is very important for people who need the ‘Feed and Care Bank’ program to know that we’re not judging them, and we encourage them to apply if they need help,” Bickford said. “We want horses to stay out of the system.”

To apply for help from the ‘Feed and Care Bank’ program, visit msspa.org/hay or call 207-892-3040.

Anyone interested in supporti8ng the ‘Feed and Care Bank’; with a donation can do so by visiting msspa.org/give or by calling 207-892-3040. <

Lucky streak: Windham Public Works driver discovers patch of four-leaf clovers

Dave Rampino, a truck driver for Windham's Public
Works Department, discovered four four-leaf clovers and
a five-leaf clover in a patch of ground near the Public
Works truck yard on June 4. He says he's always
looked for four-leaf clovers since he was a child.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

By Ed Pierce

Dave Rampino isn’t much of a betting man, but maybe he should be. On June 4, the Windham Public Works Department truck driver hit the jackpot in finding something many search a lifetime for -- a four-leaf clover.

Rampino, who’s worked for the Town of Windham for 17 years, was moving a snow plow at the Public Works facility when he saw a patch of clover near the curb. Stopping to look through the clover patch, he found not one, two, three, but actually four four-leaf clovers and one five-leaf clover in a span of about five minutes.

“I was doing a walk-around of my plow truck when I saw the clover patch,” Rampino said. “I always looked for four-leaf clovers as a kid and thought I’d look over there too.”

Legend has it that St. Patrick of Ireland once found a four-leaf clover and gave it to his friends telling them that it was put there by God with the first three leaves representing faith, hope and love and the fourth leaf representing luck. St. Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, or three-leaf clover, to his followers to describe God’s Holy Trinity.

Ancient Celtic priests of Ireland believed that by carrying a three-leaf clover or shamrocks, they could ward off evil spirits and in time the shamrock became forever associated as a symbol associated Ireland and the Irish people. Four-leaf clovers were described in Celtic literature as “magical” and capable of producing instantly good fortune if discovered, and finding a five-leaf signified that enormous wealth was coming your way.

The website www.thescienceexploer.com estimates that the odds of finding a four-leaf clover at 10,000 to 1 and lists the odds of finding a five-leaf clover at more than 1 million to 1. Scientists say because clover plants do not naturally produce four-leaf plants genetically, that’s what makes four-leaf clovers a rarity.

According to Rampino, the morning of June 4 was the first time he looked through the patch of clover near the truck yard since the Windham Public Works Department moved into a new 30,000 square-foot facility on Windham Center Road last year.

“I think all this dirt was brought in here and the area was reshaped. I don’t know what they used to seed it with,” he said. “This particular patch might actually be wild clover coming out of the nearby woods, but I’m really not sure about that.”

Looking for lucky four-leaf clover has become a ritual for Rampino over the years, even though he’s not Irish.

“I’m as Italian as you can get,” he said. “In my job, I work on the side of the road a lot and in a lot of ditches. I guess that looking for four-leaf clover has become a second instinct of mine wherever I go.”

He said he plans to give the lucky clovers to younger family members to bring them luck and keep one of them for another idea he had.

“Think I’m going to go out and buy some Powerball tickets,” Rampino said. “Finding these four-leaf and five-leaf clovers is really lucky and you just never know.” <