Best Buddies program to conduct Thanksgiving ‘Turkey Trot’ fundraiser

By Matt Pascarella

Last year, Windham High School started their section of the Best Buddies program which pairs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a peer buddy without a disability to help foster genuine friendships, reduce social isolation, and promote inclusion. The program will hold a two-mile walk, run or relay fundraiser, the Turkey Trot, on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26 at Windham High School’s stadium and the course will take participants around the campus.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day with the race starting at 8 a.m.

“I have always wanted to participate in a Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot, and I thought this would be a great way to bring our town together while supporting a cause that means so much to me,” said event organizer and Windham senior Bailey Ward. “Our goal is to bring the community together for a morning of fun, friendship, and inclusion while raising awareness and funds for Windham High School’s Best Buddies program.”

The money raised will directly support the growth of the Windham Best Buddies chapter and allow us to provide more opportunities for our members. It will help them purchase supplies for meetings and activities ... that encourage students to connect and build friendships.

The Turkey Trot will not just be a race. There will be raffles featuring gift card baskets and other fun prizes, donation opportunities, face painting, activities for children and adults, and free food and beverages at the stadium. The hope is that people will stay, connect with others, and enjoy the morning even if they are not participating in the race.

When Ward began the Best Buddies program at WHS last year, it was an immediate success and this year the membership has more than doubled. This shows how much interest there is in building a more inclusive school community.

During our meetings, it is incredible to see how excited our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are to connect with other students their age, participate in activities, and develop friendships,” said Ward. “At the same time, the other students genuinely enjoy coming to meetings and getting to know their buddies. Everyone has the opportunity to learn from one another. We have also started seeing these connections extend beyond our meetings, whether it is students interacting in the hallways or sitting together at lunch. Those moments are especially meaningful because they show that inclusion is becoming part of everyday life at our school. I have also seen a significant increase in participation in Unified Sports, which has been another exciting development.”

Whether you live in Windham or outside of the community, all are welcome. Registration is $30 a person with a discounted rate of $20 for Windham students. Children 8 and under can participate for free. Payment can be made through the online registration link or at the race. They welcome cash, checks, and online payments.

The event has been posted on Facebook and the Windham community board, and registration information has also been sent to parents throughout RSU 14. You can view the Google Form through the Best Buddies Instagram page, @windhambestbuddiess. 

“I think this helps to make the community more aware of this program, its impact, and provides an opportunity for more people to help support the program,” said Peter Small, Assistant to the Race Coordinator. “And one of the biggest missions of this run is to bring community together. The opportunities, initiated by students, have provided experiences that students might otherwise not have. Being a part of this group and supporting this group has an immediate impact on the experiences of all students involved.”

If anyone has questions you can reach out to Ward at [email protected]

Everyone is welcome to run, cheer, participate in activities and support Windham’s Best Buddies program.

“Along with awareness, the run has the opportunity to bring the community together to start the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Small. “I am excited to have the town of Windham and people from neighboring communities to come together to start the day and to support an amazing cause.” <

Southern Maine Agency on Aging changes name to AgeMaine

By Ed Pierce

Since 1973, one of the most well-known nonprofit organizations serving older adults and caregivers in Cumberland and York counties has been the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. But the organization’s leadership has determined that a new name, AgeMaine, better reflects who they are today and the future that they’re helping build for Maine.

From delivering meals to helping a neighbor find housing, the work of AgeMaine brings together practical support and opportunities to stay connected with care for the people and places that make Maine home. It provides Adult Day Care Programs; Meals and Nutrition overseeing the Meals on Wheels Program, Community Resources; Medicare Counseling, Caregiver Support, and Social Connection for older adults and volunteers to engage in friendly conversations, giving both people time to share, listen, and get to know each other and so much more.

Founded in 1973 under the federal Older Americans Act, AgeMaine is a nonprofit organization that plans and provides services for adults age 60 and older. It prioritizes people with the greatest economic and social needs, including people with limited incomes, minorities, and other people of color, and people living in rural communities.

Alongside its direct services, AgeMaine brings its neighbors’ experiences into statewide conversations about aging.

“Working with staff, volunteers, community partners, and supporters, we advocate for policies and resources that help people find support, stay connected, and have choices about how they age,” a note on the AgeMaine website says. “Maine has the highest percentage of older adults in the nation.”

The announcement of the name change was made on Oct. 5, as guests gathered in Portland. Organization President and CEO Megan Walton revealed the new name and identity to the community.

The unveiling connected the history of Southern Maine Agency on Aging with its hopes for Maine’s future.

“After more than 50 years as Southern Maine Agency on Aging, we’re building on relationships with generations of older adults, caregivers, volunteers, and community partners,” a note on the AgeMaine website said. “Those relationships will continue to guide us as AgeMaine.”

Under its new name, Walton has outlined how AgeMaine’s values will be put into practice going forward:

Community-Centered

AgeMaine will work with community partners, use resources responsibly, and remain transparent.

Innovation

AgeMaine listens, learns, and adapts as people’s needs and communities change.

Belonging

AgeMaine welcomes different experiences, challenges ageism, and makes room for other voices.

Client-Centered

AgeMaine works alongside the people it serves, supporting their choices and communities.

Impact-Driven

AgeMaine strives for excellence and measures the difference its work makes. 

Team-Oriented

AgeMaine staff help one another, communicate openly, and make time for fun in a safe, respectful workplace.

Future priorities

According to Walton, looking ahead to the future, AgeMaine’s priorities will include:

* Expanding community hubs.

* Strengthening social care coordination.

* Developing new approaches with and for volunteers.

* Advancing their work with diverse communities.

Age Maine will continue to be the focal point in Cumberland and York counties for valuable resources, services and information to empower older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to live to their fullest potential, she said.

To learn more about AgeMaine and services that it offers to the community, visit agemaine.org/ <

Parents organizing dance for homeschooled students

By Erin Rose

Children who are homeschooled in the Windham area will soon have a chance to join the fun of going to a dance.

Homeschooled sixth grader Malachi Russell
of Windham displays a flyer that he is
distributing in the community promoting a
dance for kids in grade 5 through 8 to be held
from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 at Fire and
Ice in Windham. SUBMITTED PHOTO   

Local parent Julia Russell is working with other homeschool families to put together a dance for kids in grades 5 through 8 who are learning at home, to be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 at Fire and Ice in Windham.

“With homecoming season approaching, I started thinking about how I didn’t want homeschoolers to miss out on experiences like dances and other social events,” Russell explained. “My goal with this dance is to bring new families together, give our kids an opportunity to meet others their age, and help build a supportive homeschool community as we navigate this new journey.”

Russell began homeschooling her 11-year-old son, Malachi, this year, and doesn’t want him to miss out on social opportunities available to his peers.

“I think that just because kids are homeschooled doesn't mean they should miss out on having fun, letting loose with kids their own age, making new friends, and having experiences that feel like they're just for them,” she said. “These are the kinds of memories they'll look back on when they're older. Homeschooling may look different from traditional school, but I don't want our kids to feel like they're missing out on the fun parts of growing up.”

The dance will also help families who homeschool their children build connections and find new friends.

“Once I started talking with a few other moms, we realized there were other families who wanted the same thing, and the idea just kind of grew from there,” Russell said. “I also wanted him to have the chance to get to know more families within the homeschool community.”

With the venue now finalized, some local businesses have stepped forward to provide donations for both the event and a raffle will be held to raise funds.

Fire & Ice Maine generously donated the space for the event. Pat’s Pizza and Domino’s will be providing food and Root’s Café in Westbook will be donating chocolate chip cookies, in addition to homemade baked good prepared by some of the homeschool parents. Studio Flora Designs and Farmhouse Flowers have also offered flowers for the dance.

“The response has honestly been incredible,” Russell said. “I had high hopes that our community would come through, and they absolutely have.”

Russell is also organizing a raffle of 14 different prizes, donated from local businesses, including a gift card to Mow’s Munchies, a deep clean by Kimmie’s Cleaning & Organization, admission to the Pride’s Corner Drive In, services at Studio Aerie and Spruce Salon, and baked goods from Hailey’s Kitchen, Kneedful Things, and Four Chickens Farm Stand. The Maine Dance Center is also offering a free month of lessons. The prizes could expand as more businesses come forward and become involved.

Tickets for the raffle are $5 each or five tickets for $20 and may be purchased through Russell’s Venmo account. The winner of the raffle for each item will be pulled on Sunday, Nov. 15. The funds raised will be used to help offset costs for the event, and any remaining money will be spent on future events.

“The money raised will help cover things like the venue and DJ, if needed, drinks, paper products, and hopefully a photo booth or some type of photo setup where the kids can take pictures and have them sent to their phones,” Russell detailed. “If we have money left over after the dance, we'll put it toward our next homeschool event, which will probably happen toward the end of the school year. We're really hoping this can become an annual tradition for the kids.”

“As the entries come in, I keep track of each person's name and the item they entered for,” she added. “So far, we've already had $75 worth of raffle entries, which is really exciting.”

Parents are welcome to attend the event with their children, and Russell invites any parents who are open to volunteering to help the dance run smoothly.

“Parents are welcome to stay for the dance or drop their kids off, whatever they are most comfortable with,” she said. “We have a great group of moms who have been involved from the beginning, tossing around ideas, helping with planning, and sharing their opinions. I think we are in a really good place when it comes to volunteers for setup and chaperoning, but we are always grateful for anyone who wants to help make the night special for the kids.”

The excitement for the event is growing, as the kids are looking forward to the chance to have fun with their peers.

“My son lit up when I mentioned wanting to put together a dance,” Russell said. “I also had a few moms reach out to let me know that their kids are already excited about the dance, which has been really fun to hear.”

Russell lives in Windham with her husband Joe, who volunteers to coach Malachi’s football team, and has four children.

For more details about the dance or raffle, Russell recommends searching the Windham Maine Community Board Facebook page for her updated posts, or by calling 207-754-0011. <

American Legion welcomes new members in October

By David Tanguay
Special to The Windham Eagle

Attention All Veterans! Claim your Golden Ticket as American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 offers an annual month of October free new member opportunity to join the American Legion that runs through Veterans Day in November.

If you served at least one day of active service and hold an Honorable Discharge, you are eligible for one of the Golden Tickets for a no-cost first year membership to the largest, the most influential veteran's organization in the country, the American Legion.

As the nation celebrates its 250th Anniversary in 2026, the American Legion also celebrated 107 years of service to veterans; our youth programs; the Legion’s unfailing support for the nation’s national security and under the Americanism program, a dedicated support for our national symbol, the American Flag. These are the four pillars of the American Legion.

Why Join the American Legion?

Since its inception in France after World War I in 1919, the American Legion has been the largest service support and advocate organization for all veterans. The American Legion is the most inclusive of all Veteran Service Organizations and was formed to ensure that World War I veterans received their pensions.

It later drafted the first GI Bill of Rights in 1944 for all veterans, not just those who were forward deployed and has been at the vanguard of all significant veteran’s legislation since then including the more recent Blue Water Navy Bill and Burn Pits legislation (PACT Act) encouraging all vets from recent conflicts to get screened for exposure to toxins and is providing needed service and support to member and veterans who have exposures to a wide range of toxins.

Today more than ever, the Legion is working for and with veterans to reduce the mental health issues associated with veteran’s suicide. The BE THE ONE Program is now one of the most proactive suicide prevention services in the nation with its 988 +1 call program. It is the veteran's voice in Congress.

Need help with your VA Benefits or just need questions answered? Field-Allen Post 148 in Windham provides for a regularly scheduled VA Service Officer to answer questions, discuss benefits, and assist with claims. Resources and other benefits are available at the Veterans Coffee held each Wednesday at the Windham Veterans Center (WVC) from 9 to 11 a.m. and is open to all veterans. Stop by for coffee on Wednesday and meet fellow vets and get responses to your concerns.

The Field-Allen Post provides dedicated programs in all Four Pillars of the American Legion. The Post provides recognition and scholarships for our youth, promotes a highly visible oratorical program based on the U.S. Constitution and runs week-long emersion programs in government. It honors our veterans in ceremony as well as in practical support for those who had heating, medical, and food insecurities.

The post sponsor monthly Red Cross blood drives as well as monthly dinners. It also hosts the town's Memorial Day events including the parade, ceremony and open house; Veterans Resources Fairs; Veterans Fishing events: 9/11 tributes; a Four Chaplain’s ceremony each February, as well as providing an honor guard and services for our fallen veterans. 

If this last item is an area of interest, the Post 148 Honor Guard has recently lost several members due to health issues and retirement. If you really want to make a difference, join the Field-Allen Post and then become an Honor Guard member. It is a truly rewarding experience and the satisfaction of a job well done is thanks enough. There is support for the purchase of the Honor Guard uniform and training is conducted bi-monthly.

For additional Information, please contact the Post 148 Adjutant at 207-892-1306 or send an email to [email protected] <

Windham Trails Passport encourages residents to explore outdoors

Fall is one of the best times to explore the outdoors in Maine, and Windham Parks and Recreation is giving residents an added incentive to hit the trails throughout October.

Windham's Parks and Recreation's Trails
Passport Challenge encourages residents
to explore six local parks, trails and 
preserves throughout October while 
enjoying fresh air, exercise, fall foliage
and a chance to win prizes.
COURTESY PHOTO   

The department's Windham Trails Passport, running from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, challenges participants to visit six parks, trails and preserves around town while enjoying some exercise, fresh air and fall foliage. The program offers a fun way for individuals and families to discover outdoor spaces they may not have visited before while working toward a prize.

Passport stations have been conveniently placed at Donnabeth Lippman Park, Lowell Farm Trailhead, Mountain Division Trail, Windham Community Park, Atherton Hill Trailhead and Black Brook Preserve.

Participants can download a Trails Passport or pick one up at the Windham Parks and Recreation office at Windham Town Hall. While visiting each location, hikers search for the passport station and use the stamp provided to mark the corresponding space in their passport. If the stamp cannot be located, participants can draw the image displayed on the passport station sign instead.

The six destinations provide a variety of ways to experience Windham's outdoor spaces.

Donnabeth Lippman Park, located at 18 Chaffin Pond Road, encompasses 123 acres in the heart of North Windham. Lowell Farm, at 47 Falmouth Road in East Windham, offers more than 300 acres of wooded land to explore.

The Mountain Division Trail provides a different experience with a paved route suitable for walking and bicycling that connects Windham with Gorham and Standish. Parking is available off Gambo Road.

Windham Community Park, at 373 Gray Road, offers additional recreational opportunities with basketball and volleyball courts, a skate park and picnic pavilion.

Participants can also explore the Windham Community Forest, originally two separate but adjoining preserves, Lowell Preserve (now Lowell Farm Trailhead) and East Windham Conservation Area (now Atherton Hill Trailhead) which are owned by the town and managed by Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. The community forest contains 10+ miles of trails and is part of an over 2,000-acre conservation corridor - larger than any state park in Southern Maine.

Rounding out the challenge is Black Brook Preserve, a 105-acre property on Windham Center Road owned by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust.

The Trails Passport can be completed over several outings during October, allowing participants to explore the locations at their own pace. That also provides an opportunity to watch the landscape change as fall progresses and peak foliage colors arrive throughout the month.

Windham Parks and Recreation is encouraging participants to take photos during their adventures as well. Trail selfies and other photos can be shared on social media using the hashtag #wprtrailpassport, with the possibility of being featured on the department's social media pages.

Those who complete the entire passport can submit it to the Windham Parks and Recreation office at Windham Town Hall to receive a prize.

The challenge is part of the department's ongoing effort to encourage residents to take advantage of Windham's parks, trails and conservation areas. With destinations ranging from paved trails to wooded preserves, the passport also provides an introduction to the variety of recreational resources that are available without having to travel far from home.

The Windham Trails Passport runs from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, giving residents the entire month to complete the challenge. Whether the goal is to get some exercise, spend time together as a family, enjoy Maine's fall foliage or simply discover a new favorite trail, the program offers plenty of reasons to lace up a pair of walking shoes and see more of Windham this October.

No registration is required. All passports must be submitted by 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Visit the events page at windhamrecreation.com to download your trail passport. <

Raymond Parks and Recreation offers a variety of fall programs for young and old

By Masha Yurkevich

Raymond Parks and Recreation is offering a variety of programs and activities this fall for residents of all ages, from youth sports and adult recreation to outdoor activities, family events and community outings.

According to Raymond Parks and Recreation Director Riley Silvia, the department aims to provide opportunities for residents with a wide range of interests and experience levels.

“Our goal is to make sure Parks and Recreation truly has something for everyone,” Silvia said.

Youth soccer is currently under way, and registration is open for the upcoming youth basketball season. Adult offerings include basketball at Jordan-Small Middle School, pickleball at Raymond Elementary School and futsal at Jordan-Small Middle School.

The department is also offering several outdoor recreation opportunities. The “Fall in Love with Yoga” program, offered in partnership with Sebago Cycle, allows participants to practice yoga at Tassel Top Park. The “Together on the Trail” hiking group meets weekly and explores trails in Raymond and surrounding communities with Registered Maine Guide Elena Glidden.

For younger children, Raymond Play & Grow provides a relaxed weekly play group at Sheri Gagnon Memorial Park. The program gives young children an opportunity to play while their parents and caregivers connect with others.

While there are no brand-new programs being introduced this fall, Silvia said the department is continually looking for ways to expand its offerings.

“One of our biggest challenges right now is access to indoor recreation space,” Silvia said. “As we head into the colder months, we are trying to get creative with the spaces and resources available to us.”

Youth sports continue to be among the most popular programs. Soccer and basketball provide local children with opportunities to participate close to home, develop skills and become part of a team.

Pickleball has also become popular among adult participants. The department offers different nights for different levels of play, from beginner and leisurely play to intermediate and advanced, allowing people with varying levels of experience to participate.

Silvia said the department determines its programming by listening to residents, monitoring which programs fill up and considering feedback from participants. Staff members also look at how existing community spaces can be used in new ways. One example is Raymond Play & Grow, which was created around the existing amenities at Sheri Gagnon Memorial Park, including its playground and walking path.

Among the events Silvia is particularly looking forward to this fall is Pumpkins in the Park and Outdoor Movie Night at Tassel Top Park. The family-friendly event will give families the opportunity to decorate pumpkins together before watching an outdoor movie. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 in partnership with the Raymond Schools PTO. Families will receive a pumpkin and decorating supplies, with the movie beginning at approximately 6:15 p.m. Popcorn and a drink will be included, and families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The decorated pumpkins will also be displayed for the community to enjoy on Halloween night. Parks and Recreation will additionally have a photo booth available during Halloween trick-or-treating for families and children to take pictures in their costumes.

The department is also organizing “Night Out with Raymond Parks & Recreation” trips to Maine Celtics and Maine Mariners games, giving residents an opportunity to attend professional sporting events together. 

For Silvia, the importance of the department extends beyond the individual activities it offers.

“Recreation is about much more than the activity itself,” Silvia said. “These programs create opportunities for people to meet their neighbors, make friends, spend time with their families, and feel connected to their community.”

Residents can find information about current programs and register through the Raymond Parks and Recreation RecDesk page at Raymond.recdesk.com. Program updates, registration openings and special events are also shared through the Town of Raymond Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Silvia encourages residents who have never participated in a Parks and Recreation program to give one a try.

“You do not have to know anyone, be an experienced athlete, or have participated in Parks and Recreation before,” Silvia said.

Whether through a sports program, hiking group, family event or community outing, the department hopes residents will find an opportunity to get involved this fall.

“More than anything, I hope they leave feeling a little more connected to their neighbors, their family, the outdoors, or the Raymond community as a whole,” Silvia said. <

New volunteers sought to help others through traumatic events

By Erin Rose

The Traumatic Intervention Program of Greater Portland (“TIP”) is searching for new volunteers, and Windham resident and current TIP volunteer Richard MacLaughlin can attest to how rewarding it is to help people going through dark times.

Windham resident Richard MacLaughlin
is a volunteer for the Traumatic
Intervention Program of Greater Portland 
which is hosting a training session for
new volunteers at the Westbrook Public
Safety Building from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, Oct. 14.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

“Every time there is a call, I know I am going to help someone through something difficult,” MacLaughlin said of his year with the organization. “It helps me keep my problems in perspective.”

The group will be hosting a training session for new volunteers at the Westbook Public Safety Building from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The session will be the first of seven required trainings that are scheduled before volunteers are able to start taking calls and helping members of the community.

“The training is five weekday evenings, one full weekend day and two half weekend days,” MacLaughlin said. “It’s excellent training. I felt competent to volunteer on my own after completing the training. The trainers are local and awesome. I am a better person for having attended this training.”

TIP ‘s volunteers are available 24 hours a day to help provide support and resources to people impacted by traumatic events, including fires, accidents or severe injury, suicide, overdose or sexual assault. The group’s team of 25 volunteers serve nine local communities, including Windham, Gorham, Westbrook and Falmouth.

“In the towns we serve, we meet with the first responders and make our services known,” MacLaughlin said. “Anytime one of the first responders, or sometimes a nurse from MaineMed, sees the need for a volunteer because someone is in distress, they contact our dispatch and we go to where they are. You can’t always tell how someone is doing until you get a chance to really check in with them.”

Pam Grant, the Director of TIP, said the organization covers 62 shifts a month.

“We are called in by the 911 system to support the survivors of a tragedy, as well as the first responders,” she said.

The volunteers provide four main areas of support. Emotional first aid helps provide a “calm, caring presence when it matters most,” MacLaughlin said. TIP volunteers also provide clear information, to help the impacted families “understand what’s happening and what comes next,” he continued.

They also provide access to and information about resources that are available to victims and survivors, including cleanup services and community support, MacLaughlin said, adding that the fourth includes helping protect the victims and their families from harm and hurtful comments, even if they are well-meaning.

The support is not limited to just the direct victims of the trauma, but also to those who may be in the background as emergency services personnel work to assist their loved one.

“We prevent what is called a second injury, the feeling of being abandoned by the system that is caring for their loved one,” MacLaughlin said. “A simple example of what I’m describing would be if someone and their spouse were in an automobile accident and one of them was severely injured or died. While the police, EMTs, firefighters and the first responders work on the injured one, the other may be left alone and without support. That’s where we come in.”

Sometimes, it can be difficult for those who provide care to people during traumatic events to separate themselves from the incident, but the group provides opportunities for supporting each other.

“We have monthly required meetings and part of that is speaking about difficult calls, sharing with the group and making sure members get whatever support they need,” MacLaughlin said. “I have a mantra – ‘This is to be with and help, not to carry.’”

A dedicated volunteer, MacLaughlin gives his focus to a single group at a time, having previously been on the Board of Directors for the Windham Youth Soccer Association and a member of the Sebago Lake Rotary Club.

“I saw a story on a morning news program about TIP and thought ‘I could probably do that,’” he said. “Within a week, I began the training.”

MacLaughlin has lived in Windham since 2005 with his wife Sarah and son Josh and works as a local building contractor.

To learn more information about TIPS or to get more details about the upcoming trainings, visit https://www.tipgreaterportland.org/. <