Now is the time to get your Valentine’s houseplant

By Kendra Raymond

Just as in many things, the availably of certain plants can be seasonal, temporary, or just plain difficult. Of course, everyone knows that you can’t buy bedding annuals in December, nor can you find many Norfolk pine during the summer. This is just how the greenhouse industry works – and consumers seem satisfied with this model.

A variegated Hoya Kerii, also known as the 
heart hoya or Valentine plant, takes in the
morning sun on a Raymond windowsill.
PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND

The heart hoya, officially known as Hoya Kerrii is one of those plants. When you see one, you can’t miss it – the waxy leaves are notably heart-shaped – a perfect gift for someone special during the Valentine’s season.

If you are lucky enough to encounter a heart hoya, it will likely be offered as a single heart-shaped leaf cutting planted in a pot. While this is perfectly viable, this is all that you will likely ever see.

A better choice might be the vine form of the plant, rooted as a stem cutting. This means that there is more than one leaf present, the plant is starting to vine, and there are the infamous “nodes.” If you want to have the plant grow and vine, you must have the nodes. Furthermore, the presence of the nodes allows you to take cuttings from your heart hoya to root and create new plants and Voila – Valentine’s gifts for all your family and friends.

Native to southeast Asia, the Hoya Kerrii is a succulent plant, so it thrives on neglect, especially infrequent watering. Let’s look at the culture of this easy-to-grow plant.

Light

The hoya thrives in bright direct sunlight for several hours a day in a south or west facing window. If you don’t have that kind of lighting available, perhaps consider purchasing a grow light.

Soil and Water

Your hoya will be happiest in a custom mixed soil that is light and fluffy. A mixture of potting soil, a bit of sand, and even some wood chips or vermiculite will help lighten up the growing medium. The plant will do best if it is allowed to dry out between waterings. In fact, it is best to wait for the leaves to appear less plump and even wrinkly. High humidity is favorable for your hoya, so placing the plant near a humidifier or spritzing it occasionally can be beneficial.

Propagation

The spruce.com website offers the following steps to grow additional plants:

Hoya Kerrii can be propagated using stem cuttings. You can either propagate Hoya Kerrii in water or in sphagnum moss. Both methods can be successful, but some people have more success with one medium over another.

Here is how you can propagate your Hoya Kerrii using water or sphagnum moss.

Take a stem cutting from a mature hoya kerrii using a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors. Each cutting should have at least three nodes along the stem. The nodes are where the leaves and roots will grow from.

Remove the bottom one to two leaves from each cutting, so those nodes are left exposed. Ensure that each cutting has at least one leaf left at the top of the stem.

If you are using water, fill a small container with water and place the bottom of the cutting in the water, ensuring that the leaves on the stem remain above the surface. If you are using sphagnum moss, soak the moss in water for 10 minutes and then squeeze out the excess water. Add the moss into a container and gently pack it around the base of the cutting, ensuring the moss covers the nodes, but the leaves remain uncovered.

Place the cutting(s) in a location that receives bright, indirect light.

If you are using water, the water should be refreshed once a week. If you are using sphagnum moss, ensure that the moss remains moist and does not dry out

After a couple of weeks, small roots should begin to form. Wait until the roots are at least 1 to 2 inches long before planting the cuttings.

Pot the rooted cuttings in a well-draining potting mixture and water well. Keep the soil moist for the first couple of weeks to help the new roots acclimate to the soil. Return the potted cuttings to their previous location. They can be moved into a brighter spot to encourage more vigorous growth now that they are established but do so gradually to avoid burning the leaves.

Where can I get one?

Acquiring a Hoya Kerrii may be your greatest challenge. As a horticulturist myself, I am always on the lookout for this precious cargo. Oftentimes, single-leaf cuttings can be found at the local grocery or big box stores. This is probably not the best option, unless they happen to have one with a stem and multiple leaves.

Your best bet can be a local greenhouse that is open during the winter. Just make sure to call ahead to see if they are available. You may be to do some calling around to find one with the leaves and vine.

Another option is online shopping. There are several options available but keep an eye on whether you are buying a leaf or vine, reviews, and shipping costs.

Whichever way you choose to go, keep in mind that a healthy heart hoya vine will be a bit of an investment, with the average price ranging from $20 to $30 dollars. The investment though is well worth it considering the numerous plants you can eventually grow to sell or share with others. <

WHS students engage in dialogue during Yarmouth High School’s Civil Tea Club meeting

By Lorraine Glowczak

Five Windham High School students tackled complex and thought-provoking conversations with peers from five area high schools during a special event at Yarmouth High School on Friday, Jan. 31. Through open discussions, they embraced diverse perspectives, honed their listening skills, and felt inspired to take meaningful action based on their experiences.

Windham High senior Abigail Dumont, center, listens to
two students from other schools as they share thoughts
about hard topics at the Yarmouth High School Civil 
Tea gathering. Dumont and four other WHS students
who attended the event say they were inspired by the 
experience and plan to invite the Yarmouth High club
to WHS in the future.
PHOTO BY LORRAINE GLOWCZAK  

The students were invited by YHS’s Civil Tea Club, which extended the opportunity to schools involved in the Can We? Project. The Can We? initiative encourages civil dialogue, fosters empathy, and empowers young people to create positive change in their communities. By utilizing storytelling and compassionate communication, the project equips students with the skills needed to navigate challenging discussions and ensure that all voices are heard.

WHS students voluntarily participated in the Can We? Project, which has been running for three years.

When the invitation arrived from YHS, five dedicated WHS Can We? participants eagerly accepted, ready to engage in a respectful exchange of ideas and broaden their understanding of important social issues.

“I have been involved with the Can We? Project since it first came to Windham,” WHS junior Gemma Evans said. “I have always believed in the goal of the project, so seeing another extension of the project was an opportunity I couldn't miss.”

Evans said that the Civil Tea Club kept the general mood of the Can We? Project, but made it more intimate.

Jen Dumont, WHS Teacher and JMG Specialist, is the school’s Can We? Project Liaison. She said that the students share a passion for social justice and a strong desire to contribute to their communities. She is proud of her students' abilities to be respectful among any differing opinions.

“I wasn't concerned at all about challenges, such as strong disagreements or emotional reactions because over the past few years, facilitating the Can We? Project, I have consistently witnessed students come together and successfully navigate complex conversations with differing perspectives,” she said.

The students agreed, saying it was good to hear different opinions and to gain different perspectives.

“When one of my group members had a different opinion than I did, I listened intently, I did not get angry or interrupt, I just listened,” WHS Senior, Abigail Dumont said. “As the conversation went on, I circled back around to the topic and let him know why I felt the way that I did. I did not try to change his opinion.”

WHS junior Kendra Eubanks agreed, saying that she has never felt so respected from both sides of the political spectrum as she did at Yarmouth’s Civil Tea Club.

“It made me feel heard and accepted,” she said. “I wish America could come together and talk about their different point of views respectfully and hear the other side and not make it turn into an argument. I feel that all political sides were heard at the Civil Tea.”

Jen Dumont said that the intent is never to have anyone's perspective change, but rather to facilitate a deeper understanding of the topic, relying on active listening, candid and vulnerable sharing of personal story, and empathy.

WHS senior Brooklyn Boucher said she enjoys having tough conversations and explained how she does that.

“Instead of listening to respond, it's very important to just listen,” Boucher said. “Not everything needs a response. It was at first hard to hear people with different opinions than mine, but this experience has truly changed my way of thinking about politics, in the way of not always looking for a right or wrong but understanding that everyone has a reason to believe the things they do, and to hear that instead of belittling others. It can open your knowledge to both ends of issues. I really emphasize the saying “I hear you” because a simple agreement like “oh yea” or a head nod can be just brushed over, and sometimes it’s just nice to be told that every word you said was heard by someone in the group.”

Jen Dumont says that she couldn’t be prouder of her students for their participation.

“Every student reflected that the experience was tremendously powerful and impactful. As an educator, any opportunity I can provide students to engage in authentic, solution-oriented dialogue is critical for their personal growth and self-confidence. Seeing the students so inspired after an event is truly edifying, and it provides much hope and faith in regard to this next generation of leaders.” <

Snowshoeing remains a favorite activity for Mainers during winter

By Abby Wilson

If you’re looking to get outside this winter but the pace of the ski slopes is not for you, you might consider snowshoeing, a favorite activity of Mainers for generations.

Snowshoeing is a favorite winter 
activity for many in the Lakes Region
of Maine with plentiful trails and
local places to explore.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

In fact, Norway Maine was once known as the “The Snowshoe Town of America.” According to the Western Foothills Land Trust (WFLT) website, “Norway was home to four major snowshoe industries between 1850 and 1980: Snocraft, Tubbs, H.H.Hosmer and Dunham.” WFLT celebrates the sport with an annual Snowshoe Festival featuring snowshoe games, races, a fashion show, and more. This year’s festival is scheduled for Feb. 14 and Feb. 15.

Further south, the Lakes Region of Maine boasts generous opportunities to continue the snowshoeing tradition.

“My favorite time to snowshoe is late season in early March when the deep snow firms up at night and softens in the warming sun,” said Jon Evans, Stewardship Manager of Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT).

Evans said that once the snow flies, grab your snowshoes and check out the 40 miles that LELT has to offer including a variety of trails with a range of difficulty for any ability or age. He suggests Crooked River Preserve in Harrison.

“There’s plenty of parking with about 3 miles of flat trails. Some are groomed for snowmobiles and it’s a vibrant forest full of white and red pine, spruce and hemlock,” Evans said. “Good birding opportunities here too. The cold valley holds snow and may provide snowshoeing opportunities while other preserves may not. I find this place magical, full of life and spirit.”

If you don’t have snowshoes, you can rent or borrow them. Snowshoes are available from LELT and if conditions allow the land trust will also offer guided snowshoe hikes so you can learn from the professionals.

At Windham Parks and Recreation, you can borrow snowshoes for free. The loan program features pairs in kids and adult sizes. Residents can pick them up at the parks and at the recreation office at Windham Town Hall.

“You can call ahead to just make sure we have enough for your family or just stop in our office. With no snow right now, we have many pairs available,” says Kelsey Crowe, Deputy Director of Windham Parks and Recreation.

You can also pick up a brochure at the town hall with information about local trails.

“I would suggest Mountain Division, Lowell and Lippman. Or if you want a challenging trail, the East Windham Conservation Area which is new to Windham,” says Crowe.

Will Sedlack, Executive Director of Presumpscot Regional Land Trust (PRLT) agrees that the East Windham Conservation area is a fun spot for snowshoeing. PRLT also manages several other trails that make winter recreation easy and accessible.

“With plowed and accessible trailheads all season long, it's easy to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature during the colder months. From the flat and family-friendly paths at Frazier Preserve to the more adventurous climbs at the East Windham Conservation Area and Mill Brook Preserve, there's a trail waiting for you this winter,” says Sedlack.

While snowshoeing is a fun way to get outside, it is also strenuous exercise. This increases the importance of having the right gear and easing into snowshoeing.

“I enjoy many types of outdoor sports but to me, snowshoeing is a great way to stay fit and enjoy the wonders of nature,” Evans said. “Poles are very handy to have, and I recommend them. A small backpack is also great to store the layers of clothing that will come off as you get warmed up. Drink water, you can dehydrate in winter too.”

If you’re looking to jump right in and purchase your own pair of snowshoes, there are a few things to consider.

Using your weight and shoe size, you can select a snowshoe model, which are usually sized as length in inches. Every snowshoe has a weight capacity listed in the specifications. Remember to consider the weight of your gear as well.

Once you’ve selected your size, then you should consider where you are snowshoeing.

In Maine, conditions vary based on the year and the region. If you are mostly snowshoeing in the Lakes Region which receives a low to moderate amount of snow, you might select an average length.

If you decide to head north to Sugarloaf or other snowier parts of the Northeast, you can purchase a flotation tail. This is an extension that connects to the back of the snowshoe, giving the user the ability to accommodate for changing conditions.

While there is a lot to consider and to plan for, snowshoeing is a great hobby and a fun way to get outside in the winter.

“Grab your snowshoes, snow permitting, pack your sense of adventure, and come discover the magic of the winter season on our PRLT preserves," Sedlack said.

Beginners should be excited to embark on their snowshoeing journey and are invited to explore miles of free and accessible trails here this winter. <

Chess Club aims to develop analytical skills among children

By Kaysa Jalbert

As a method to create a space for “low-stress socialization” among children and adults in the community, Roger Bannon of Windham, a retired Occupational Therapist, has organized a weekly Chess Club with the primary goal to teach children the strategic game, while doubling as an opportunity to meet other kids that have shared interests.

Some members of the Chess Club play games during a
gathering at the Windham Public Library on Jan. 4. The
group welcomes all ages and skill levels to participate.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

The Chess Club meets from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Windham Public Library. Bannon says that in middle school, it’s common for children that don’t participate in sports or other social after-school activities to be marginalized, making it more difficult for shy children to feel confident enough to make friends.

“They may feel like they don’t belong, and they miss out on the best things groups have to offer; being part of a group or team has proven benefits,” said Bannon, who described himself as one of those shy kids during his middle school days. “This is where chess comes in. Chess clubs in schools have the opportunity to compete, just like the football team. Chess is a game; it’s also a sport.”

Bannon says the club draws a “soft line” in saying the children who participate should be about 10 years old but is open for any child looking for a new, out-of-school activity to make friends and learn a skillful game.

According to Bannon, the biggest challenge the club has faced so far is finding a way to make the club more coeducational. The club had its first girl participate in games last week and he says it would be great to get more girls involved in the game.

“Chess should be considered a conduit to develop friendships, and overcome shyness,” said Bannon. “Boys and girls are equal when it comes to chess.”

Participation is free but the club does not participate in tournaments because most of the players are learning to play the game for the first time, making all levels welcome.

The purpose of the club is not to compete, but to bring as many children together to form new friendships while learning a mind-boosting game, Bannon said.

“Roger and the other guys down there are really good at helping the kids learn. You see kids who come in who have never played before and get walked through it and by the end of the session they are playing independently,” said Oisin O’Searcoid, the parent of a young chess club member. O’Searcoid, former educator at Windham Public Schools and Bonny Eagle Public Schools, began attending Windham’s Chess Club with his son and they have become regulars. O’Searcoid’s son is homeschooled, making the chess club a great opportunity for him to meet other kids.

O’Searcoid taught math for 10 years and started the chess club at Bonny Eagle that is still active today. The former educator and father has played chess since he was a kid and became involved with the Maine Chess Association during his time at Bonny Eagle, serving on the board for two years. O’Searcoid said “there’s a vibrant chess scene in Maine” that has been overlooked by Maine public schools and the Maine Principals Association.

“Chess exercises parts of the brain that you don’t typically use, and it transitions into other aspects of using. You develop the skill of analyzing and anticipating, and logical reasoning, it’s one of those skills that aren’t existent in school subjects anymore,” said O’Searcoid. “Teaching kids to be able to logically reason and doing it, by gamifying it is huge and it’s such a valuable skill because it applies itself to everyday life. I think Chess Club is essential to a school and community.”

Both Bannon and O’Searcoid see noticeable changes in behavior for children with ADHD when playing the game of chess. Bannon says last Saturday, an 11-year-old boy with ADHD participated, and was calm and focused for the entirety of the game. Bannon calls it an example of therapeutic activity.

O’Searcoid says he started the chess program at Bonny Eagle because he was responsible for a group of special education students, and two particularly had a hard time. He said that they always had problems settling down in the classroom. But by setting them down in front of a chess board, it completely changed their mindset and calmed them down. Both of those students ended up graduating, despite concerns for their learning levels just a few years before graduation.

Athletics and activities in Maine schools are generally run by the Maine Principals Association. The MPA recognizes interscholastic activities and committees for sports such as baseball, soccer, ice hockey and as groups like student council, drama and national honors society. Chess Club, however, is not recognized by MPA and it is up to a teacher and a few students to start a group on their own. This means finding their own ways of funding for supplies and transportation to tournaments if the school board is unwilling to help cover the costs.

While the commonly recognized sports and clubs are important and can help students when it comes to scholarships and acceptance to prestigious colleges, the advantages that chess has on the developing brain is far overlooked and can hugely benefit overall academic performance, O’Searcoid said. <

Raymond launches beginner pickleball program

By Kendra Raymond

With the winter doldrums kicking into high gear, what could be better than a bit of physical activity, making acquaintances, and a chance to learn a new skill? Raymond Parks and Recreation Department might have the perfect solution to boost your spirits.

Raymond Parks and Recreation is now offering pickleball
five night a week with games for players beginner to
advanced. Visit raymond.reddesk.com for more details.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Pickleball Intro and Skills & Drills program provides a great opportunity to escape the house and get active. Maybe you’re a beginner or just curious about pickleball. If you’re even a little interested in pickleball, but don’t know where to start, this program is for you.

Meeting once a week, the program aims to teach the basics of pickleball, helps improve your skills, plus you can meet other players and make some social connections. Participants can learn the rules and strategies, and work on some drills to develop skills.

Raymond Parks and Recreation Director Joseph Crocker said that the beginners’ program was developed to cater to people who have never played pickleball before.

“The addition of Skills & Drills into our pickleball program focuses on a different type of player who wants to work up to playing games with a partner,” he said. “It is a more leisurely pace where they can build the skills needed for intermediate and advanced levels. It is less competitive and allows people to learn comfortably.”

So what is all this pickleball hype, you might ask?

The Just Paddles website gives a concise explanation:

“Pickleball is a paddle sport that takes aspects from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played with a pickleball paddle, a hard plastic pickleball with holes, and a net. Various rules for the game help make it so that all ages and genders can be competitive against one another. People love pickleball because it is great physical exercise, requires strategy, and is very social. The game is fairly inexpensive compared to other sports, as you can find pickleball paddles under $100 and most courts are free to play on.”

Raymond Parks and Rec follows these rules of play listed on their website:

"On the first game, losers sit and winners stay for one more game; After that players rotate out after 2 games. Play to 11 points unless there are people waiting to come into play, then play will be to 9 points. Any ball that hits the basketball nets/backboards, that was clearly going to be in play otherwise, is a replay. Any ball that hits the rafters or ceiling is out of bounds. Players may step over the service line on all serves. On nights that are full there will be a separate winners and losers group after play. 4 new players from these groups will rotate in alternatively.”

Raymond Rec pickleball is taught by Crocker, and Donna Morton. The Intro Skills & Drills program is coordinated by Roger Bennett.

The Raymond pickleball scene has grown to become incredibly popular with events running five nights a week.

“We’ve just been so inundated with participants. We are hoping this new level will help with organization in the program,” said Crocker.

The Raymond Parks and Rec website lists the following schedule for pickleball:

Mondays: Intermediate/Advanced Play

Tuesdays: Beginner/Intermediate Play

Wednesdays: Beginner/Leisurely Play

Thursday: Intermediate/Advanced Play

Friday: Pickleball Intro & Skills

Beginner Pickleball Intro Skills & Drills will be held at the Raymond Elementary School gym from 6 to 8 p.m. on Fridays. Sessions are limited to adult players 25 and over.

To learn more, check out Raymond Parks and Recreation on Facebook or Instagram. You can also visit the website at:

https://raymond.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=178

Register through Raymond Parks and RecDesk here:

https://raymond.recdesk.com/Community/Program

Through the sign-up process, you will also sign up for the TeamReach app which keeps the group up to date and assists with scheduling.

To learn more about the sport of pickleball, visit the US Pickleball website at: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/ <

New Year’s is a great time to refresh house plants

By Kendra Raymond

The start of a new year traditionally brings about resolutions, diets, fitness regimes, and plans for vacations. Just visit any local store immediately after the holidays and you will notice workout wear and luggage galore.

A simple tube-style propagation station for
houseplants is easy to obtain and the simple
device can be used to support rooting several
plants at the same time.
PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND  

For those of us who tend to be a bit more “jaded” and less likely to fall prey to the pressures of societal marketing tactics, it can be refreshing to find a new cause that could be more rewarding.

During a recent cleaning project, my daughter realized that she had a lot more plants in her bedroom that she could care for or fit comfortably. Rather than discarding them, she took some cuttings from each to propagate some smaller plants. We then tapped into social media to rehome the large healthy plants.

After posting on a local plant swap and sell Facebook page, we promptly received a message from an individual who helps rehome people who have experienced domestic abuse. Only known to us as “Jane,” she told us that she was looking for things to make the new apartment feel cozy and homey for the survivor. “You are some of my earth angels,” she said as she loaded the wrapped plants into her vehicle. “I’m glad I found you – this is a good thing!” she exclaimed out her open window as she drove away. It seemed like the perfect fit for us: we had too many plants and we could help someone in need rebuild their life. It was only a small gesture and little effort for us, but somehow we knew that we had done something pretty important.

High school junior Kris Raymond said that sharing her beloved plants felt incredibly rewarding.

“It was really nice to bring some brightness to someone else’s home. Plants make a living space feel warmer. I had grown those plants for years and knew that they would be appreciated. Plus, it was great to declutter my space,” she said.

There are many other options to explore if you have too many plants, or some that have overgrown and are taking up more space than you’d like. As a horticulturist, I have discovered lots of tricks of the trade, some more successful than others.

Repotting plants

If your house plants have outgrown their current receptacle, it is probably time to move up in size. Choose a planter that is one-third larger than the current one. Tip the plant on its side and ease it out, trying not to disturb the root system. Place a layer of fresh potting soil below and around the roots and gently pack into place. Water the soil until saturated and consider fertilizing the next time the soil dries out.

Dividing and taking cuttings

Many house plants can be divided into several smaller plants. Gently separate the roots and place the new plants into their own separate pots. This method works well for many tropical plants as well as pothos and spider plants. Monstera, hoya, and peperomia respond well to pruning. This is actually healthy for the plant, promoting new dense growth. Cuttings removed from the plants can be rooted and potentially create new plants. The rooted cuttings can also be planted back into the original planter to bulk up the appearance of the plant. Plant propagation tubes or stations are available online for an affordable price. A simple glass jar will also suffice and promotes recycling.

Donations and gifts

If you simply have too many plants in your space, why not consider gifting extras to willing co-workers, family and friends? Often those without a “green thumb” will appreciate the contribution of a well-established plant to add to their home. There are several houseplant groups to discover on social media, and members are often eager to make trades, purchase or receive a new plant for free. My daughter was the recipient of such a bargain. She obtained a small jade plant cutting from the mother plant, “Midge”, at no cost. The lady was even nice enough to give her growing recommendations and tips. The new plant has flourished over the past year, and is now a healthy plant of its own.

The Apartment Therapy website offers several bits of advice for those of us overrun by houseplants, “Don’t be afraid to prune houseplants, propagate first before buying new plants, and be more intentional about houseplants as décor.”

The Wall Street Journal has offers some handy advice here: https://www.wsj.com/style/design/too-many-houseplants-yes-its-possible-how-to-declutter-and-display-them-with-style-9385b363 <

Windham in the '60s: Winter comes to Field-Allen

By Max Millard
Special to The Windham Eagle

From 1961 to 1963, when I attended Field-Allen Junior High in Windham Center, the winter always brought some mornings of drama. That was when we woke up in the midst of a snowstorm or just afterward. My sisters and brother and I gathered in the kitchen, all bundled up and ready for school, ears fine-tuned to the radio, eagerly awaiting the magic words.

The cover of the 1962 yearbook
at Field -Allen School is
shown. The U.S. flag was
raised and lowered at the
school every day, usually
by Stephen 'King Turk'
Turkington.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
  

“No school in Portland, no school in Westbrook, no school in Raymond, no school in Gorham, no school in … Windham!”

Yay! We cheered and laughed as if we'd just won the lottery, then went back to bed for a few more hours. I didn't learn until years later that for every day missed in winter, we got an extra day of school in June.

We loved the snow, especially when it was as fresh and soft as cotton candy. We dug tunnels big enough to crawl in, just under the surface of the snow so that a faint blue light would seep through, and we could keep digging. When the snow was especially thick, we'd go up on the roof of the house and jump off. Sometimes we'd be buried up to our necks, but we never got hurt.

My best friend in the neighborhood was Lloyd Bennett, who lived just up the road. One of his tricks was to bury himself in the snow so that only his face was exposed. Then other boys copied him, so he brought a straw to school and had himself buried completely and breathed through the straw.

Just beyond Lloyd's house was a sharp cliff next to the road which we called the ledge. To get on top, you had to walk way around it, so it was the ideal spot for Lloyd and me to throw snowballs at cars. Even if the driver stopped and chased after us, we could escape in the woods.

Our favorite target was the Windham school bus. We had ridden it for years, so we knew the schedule. We'd stockpile a lot of snowballs in advance, and as soon as the bus approached, we'd pelt it with several direct hits.

The driver was an old man named Arthur Tyler, who was not known for his patience. After a heavy bombardment, he sometimes got so mad that he'd stop the bus and shake his fist at our hiding place. We never threw directly at him because he could have called the police. So, we let him stand there heroically to impress the kids, and he never reported us.

Windham then had fewer than 5000 people, and for most of the year, it had only two places of entertainment – a drive-in movie theater and a bowling alley. In the winter the drive-in was replaced by the high school and junior high basketball teams, which played other schools in the area.

Basketball was by far the most popular sport in Windham. Boys practiced at every recess during the school year. The school furnished the balls, and sometimes a boy would throw one up on the roof, claiming it was an accident. No one was allowed on the roof. But Field-Allen was a squat one-story building, and by standing on another boy's shoulders and shimmying up a pole, a wiry boy could get up there at night and keep the ball.

Our basketball team was captained by my classmate Steve Turkington, the big man on campus. Everyone called him Turk. Once a week, he'd come to school wearing his Boy Scout uniform, which displayed so many merit badges that he resembled a Christmas tree.

The school raised the American flag every morning and pulled it down every afternoon. Turk often was chosen for flag duty because he knew exactly how to fold it. When a teacher showed a movie in class, Turk got to run the projector. He and his girlfriend, Cheryl Gagnon, served on the student council, and were the unquestioned king and queen of the class.

King Turk, as some kids called him, was the absolute master on the basketball court. The school bleachers were always filled with cheering fans. and he was practically a god to them. Turk was so lithe and quick that he could cut through the defenders as if they were frozen in place. Then there was the jubilant and energetic cheerleading squad featuring Cheryl. The girls were all pompoms and short skirts, dancing up a storm and chanting:

“Sitting in a grandstand, beating on a tin can.
Who can? We can, nobody else can.
Fight! Fight! Fight team fight!”

Turk and I were never buddies. In our yearbook, he signed his photo: “To Mike, the big lip.” But like most of my classmates, I was a bit in awe of him for his popularity, his leadership and his self-confidence.

The last time I saw Turk was at the Windham High School's 10-year reunion in 1977. He was still looking trim and vigorous. I asked him, “How's your basketball?” He responded, “I still have the moves, but I don't have the speed.”

Turk died of a heart attack in 1995 at the age of 46. I was shocked by the news, because he always seemed to be indestructible.

Nowadays, living far from Windham, I sometimes pass by a pickup basketball game of adolescent boys, in which one player is clearly outshining the rest. And it takes me back to watching King Turk when he was on top of the world, putting on a show and bringing much-needed entertainment to those cold Maine winters so long ago. <