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. <

A Matter of Historical Record: Shocking accident on July 4, 1908 holiday claims lives of four popular and promising Windham youth and plunges community into overwhelming grief

By Walter Lunt

Saturday, July 4, 1908 began with games and merriment as young church goers celebrated the nation’s birthday with a fun-filled picnic and sailing excursion on Sebago Lake. The day would end with a horrific tragedy that would grip the Windham community in unimaginable grief.

From left, Benjamin Larrabee, 29, Gertrude Lowell, 19,
Margaret Hawkes, 21, and Harvey Jaquis, 19, all from
Windham, were bright, popular and highly respected. They
drowned tragically in Sebago Lake while celebrating
the July 4 holiday in 1908.
COURTESY OF WINDHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Among those attending the outing at Whites Bridge, sponsored by the Friends Church of Windham, were Popeville residents Gertrude Lowell, 19, and Benjamin Larrabee, 29. Also, Margaret Louise Hawkes, 21 and Harvey Jaquis, 19, both of Windham Center – all four had been close friends since childhood.

The decision to sail was a spontaneous idea; George Moses, known to be an expert boatman, agreed to take the four in his 21-foot boat that had one sail. The plan was to sail three-to-four miles from White’s Bridge to Moses’ cottage on the east shore near the Images (Frye’s Leap). The lake was free of heavy waves and in some spots described as dead calm, so the trip until just before arriving at Moses’ landing was uneventful.

The first sign of distress occurred when the vessel was about 10 feet from the landing at Moses’ cottage; speculation was that one of the boat’s occupants may have reached or leaned in to grab the landing causing the single sail to jibe, capsizing the boat, and throwing all five occupants into the water. Only two, Moses and Larrabee, could swim. Moses managed to right the boat and climb back in; he then attempted to pull one of the girls back into the craft, but the effort only caused the boat to again overturn, throwing them both back into the water. Moses tried several more times to save his four young passengers as they splashed about helplessly; their watery scuffle becoming an agonizing and futile attempt to save themselves. Ultimately, Moses made his way to shore, breathless and exhausted.

Larrabee also tried in vain to save the others, but according to later speculation it was believed that he suffered a hard bump to the head against the overturned boat, causing him to go under.

The screams and cries for help brought residents from nearby cottages to the scene. Several tried swimming out to help, but all four of the doomed quartet, exhausted from their hapless, panicky attempts to stay afloat and weighted down by the heavy clothing of the day, were now disappearing from the surface.

The whole ordeal occurred within 10 feet of George Moses’ landing, in 6 feet of water. No one, including Moses, could explain the cause of the mishap. There were no eyewitnesses.

All the victims were retrieved from the bottom of the unforgiving lake with the use of boat hooks. Resuscitative efforts began immediately and went on for over an hour, but to no avail.

A steamer (vessel) was summoned to the scene to transport the bodies back to Whites Bridge. Aboard was a Dr. Parker, Rev. Thomas Ingrahm, pastor of the Friends Church and relatives of Miss Lowell. From there, undertakers took the victims to their respective homes where it was reported their families were inconsolable.

Equally distressed, George Moses blamed himself for, in some way, causing the whole incident. His friends, however, would offer him comfort by recalling the respect he earned over his many years of successful sailing.

Margaret Louise Hawkes and Gertrude Lowell had graduated from the Gorham Normal School the previous month. They were said to have been “unusually bright,” respected and well-liked throughout the community and had a great many friends. Their deaths stunned the residents of Windham and neighboring towns and caused a deep malaise to envelop over the entire region. The late Florence Hawkes, a descendant, told The Windham Eagle several years ago that Margaret’s father, Frank N. Hawkes, did not speak of the incident for the rest of his life. And if the subject came up, he would walk away. Margaret was a sister to the well-known Windham Center farmer Alley Hawkes.

Funeral services for the four drowning victims were held in their respective homes; the pastors of Friends Church and Windham Hill Church officiated. Floral tributes swamped each home, including a bouquet of pinks from Margaret and Gertrude’s ’08 classmates of Gorham Normal School, where they were held in high esteem and predicted to be great teachers.

Margaret and Gertrude were buried in Friends Cemetery, Benjamin and Harvey in nearby Smith Cemetery, both located at Windham Center. Longtime Windham residents will recognize the names of the pall bearers at the various services: Leon Hawkes, Lincoln Lamb, Orville Haskell, Fred Lowell, Phillip Allen, William Hawkes, Charles Hall, Harry Philpot, Harry Kennard, Alley Hawkes, Burleigh Loveitt and Phillip Hawkes.

A Portland Press Herald story described the 4th of July outing as “…one of the saddest accidents that has ever occurred on Sebago Lake.” Of the families of the four victims, the newspaper reported that all were “members of well-known and respected families that are among the best in town.”

The tragic event of 1908 dampened 4th of July festivities for decades. Folks acknowledged and celebrated the national holiday, but did not forget the painful event that brought deep anguish to so many. <

Community Connections pilot program launches to enhance access to Age-Friendly resources and support

Windham is celebrating the launch of a new Community Connections project, a local initiative aimed at strengthening the community and promoting well-being for older people.

The project’s primary goal is to build robust connections between local services and older adults, allowing them easier access to essential resources and social opportunities. Erica Bell-Watkins, the dedicated Windham Community Connector, began the project in September and is already working closely with residents and community partners, helping bridge gaps in access to programs and services and creating avenues for participation.

“Age Friendly Windham's project focuses on a disaster preparedness initiative, in partnership with other local organizations,” Bell-Watkins said. “We are looking to work with the community to gather information through a survey, increase preparedness through easy to find and clear information, as well as creating and distributing a bag with helpful tools and supplies that individuals and families can use in the event of a prolonged weather event.”

Key local partners, including the Windham Police Department and the Windham Fire-Rescue Department, and Cumberland County Emergency Management have joined forces in support of this effort.

Bell-Watkins said that these partners provide essential resources and expertise to strengthen the project’s reach, ensuring that vital support and programs are accessible to all who need them.

“By focusing on service navigation, social engagement, and disaster preparedness, the pilot is strengthening Windham’s focus on supporting older residents,” she said.

The Community Connections program, a signature statewide initiative of the Governor's Cabinet on Aging, is made possible by a $2.5 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act and is managed in collaboration with the University of Maine Center on Aging and Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging.

“Maine has long been a national leader in promoting healthy, active, and engaged aging. Partnering together at the community level strengthens our critical work to create inclusive and livable communities where Mainers of all ages can thrive and recognizes the value of these community efforts in accomplishing that goal” says Elizabeth Gattine, Cabinet on Aging Coordinator.

In all there are 12 pilot sites engaged with the Community Connections program across the state, each with goals specific to the unique needs of their community. The statewide goals of the program are to create pathways for assistance, strengthen ties between Age-Friendly Communities and local Area Agencies on Aging, and enhance access to training and technology supports for Age-Friendly initiatives.

For residents of Windham, the pilot program offers further opportunities to engage, seek assistance, and participate in local programs tailored to their needs.

Maine received designation in October 2019 as an AARP Age-Friendly State, the first step in a multiyear process to make Maine more livable for people of every age. It was just the sixth state in the nation to receive the coveted designation, which provided access to critical data, technical advice, best practices and organizing tools to help Maine plan for the future and learn from a global network of partners to better serve older Mainers. Today, more than 100 communities in Maine also have the Age-Friendly designation.

Community members interested in learning more about Community Connections, or looking to get involved or donate items, are encouraged to reach out to Community Connector Erica Bell-Watkins. To learn about events, services, or volunteer opportunities, visit agefriendlywindham.org call 207-892-4649 or send an email to eabellwatkins@windhammaine.us. <

Holiday Light Parade brings Christmas cheer to Windham

By Ed Pierce

As the song says, “it's the most wonderful time of the year” and beginning this Sunday night, families in the Lakes Region will be able to personally welcome in the Christmas season during the Annual Holiday Light Parade in Windham.

Windham's Annual Holiday Light Parade starts at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 1 and travels through the Windham school
campus before ending up at Windham Middle School. 
The public is invited to a Christmas party after the parade
inside WMS to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Hosted by the Windham Fire/Rescue Department, the Windham Police Department, and the Windham Parks and Recreation Department, the immensely popular annual parade will kick off at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. Floats will line up and leave from Stadium Drive and the parade route travels throughout the Windham school campus before ending up at Windham Middle School.

This is the fifth consecutive year that this parade will be held in Windham. In 2020, the parade replaced the long running traditional Windham tree lighting event which was held every year at the Windham Public Safety Building on Gray Road.

The tree lighting ceremony had grown so much since it was first launched in 2016 that it was reaching maximum capacity for an event of its kind, and a decision was made by Windham Parks and Recreation to try a new activity. It turned out that the Holiday Light Parade launched in 2020 proved to be instantly popular with Windham residents and has been able to accommodate more local families and residents looking to participate.

For those seeking the best vantage point to view this year’s parade, it will be from the grounds of the Windham school campus where families will be able to gather and see all the floats and to wave hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus during the parade.

The parade will feature an array of brightly decorated Windham Fire/Rescue Department trucks and vehicles, along with Windham Police Department cars, a Windham Parks and Recreation vehicle, and Windham Public Works vehicles.

Each participating Windham vehicle in the Holiday Light Parade will be lit up with hundreds of brilliant electric Christmas bulbs and will include a wide variety of Christmas décor to usher in the season in style.

Following the parade, participants are invited to gather in the Windham Middle School gymnasium for a Christmas party to enjoy hot chocolate, listen to holiday music, make reindeer food and Snowman soup, work on some Christmas crafts, play some holiday games, and take photographs with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Handicap parking for the parade and the Christmas-themed party afterward will be available in the front Windham Middle School parking lot.

No registration is required to attend the parade, event organizers remind the public that no pets are allowed on the school grounds.

Those looking to attend, can find the parade route and the best spectator locations here: https://windhamme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=3044

For further details about the 2024 Windham Holiday Light Parade, visit Windhamrecreation.com or call 207-892-1905. <

A Super Load of Wood

By Ernest H. Knight

While engaged in the search for information for past local history, the following came to light.

It was of Raymondtown and happened here as our old timers had ingenuity, a sense of humor and a cooperative spirit.

Wood was essential to the early settlers of Raymond and
much of the summer months were spent building wood
piles to heat homes during the colder winter months.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

So, in the 1700s when the preacher had received little monetary pay but a generous share in the produce of his parishioners, a load of slab wood was being hauled by ox cart to his dwelling for fireplace fuel. Another of the men of the town asked why the driver did not haul a real load for the parson, that he had plenty from his mill from which he could take as big a load as he wanted.

Taking the person who offered at his word, he enlisted the aid of friends and neighbors, built a sled of two trees over 30 feet long for runners, a platform between them of equally adequate proportions, and went to the mill for loading.

They pitched into the pile and what they considered to be a reasonable load was the whole pile, some 40 cords, which was hauled to the parsonage with 160 oxen hitched four abreast, a line of pairs of oxen for each runner. Needless to say, the local parson had plenty of fuel for some time, the participants had the satisfaction of a job well done, and the mill owner had room in his yard all over again while contemplating his generosity.

Wood was essential to early settlers and the occupation of “gumming” the spruce forests or “pitching” the pine woodlands for both personal and business quickly arose.

When the bark or cambium layer of a coniferous tree is damaged there is a bleeding of the internal sap, most profuse in the spring of the year when new growth is being fed or stimulated. This is comparable to the sap tapped from deciduous maple trees that provides the makings of delicious maple syrup or sugar as a home-grown substitute for the once expensive and scarce raw or refined sugar imported from the more tropical climates.

Though bitter in taste rather than sweet, spruce or pine products had many medicinal uses that have now been replaced by the multitude of synthetic replacements that make us all so healthy today.

The collection of resin bleeding from these coniferous trees, caused by natural damage or intentional stripping of the bark during timber harvesting, was once a productive enterprise as was the tapping of the maple tree of the north and the rubber tree of the tropics. It was a profitable sideline for the many men who labored in the woods, guided hunters or fishermen, or those who were familiar with the lore of the woodlands when there was slack time in their normal activities.

For this work, little was needed other than the investment of a little time and the property’s ownership was of little importance.

Items made from wood were in great quantities in 1700s-era Raymond. The ax handle was a tool that was in continuous use in every household and occupation. Raymond even had its own ax handle factory, one of which currently remains as a garage on Main Street but was previously located on Panther Run.

But changing times and the development of more sophisticated design or heating materials made residents less dependent upon wood and wood products.

Today more and more of our cleared lands are returning to forest although hardly back to the quality and size once available and important to the growth of Raymond and the country.

This article was written by the late Ernest H. Knight, one of the founders of the Raymond-Casco Historical Society and contained in his book “Historical Gems of Raymond and Casco.” It was submitted by the Raymond-Casco Historical Society and articles about Raymond history from the historical society will appear regularly in The Windham Eagle newspaper. To find out more about the Raymond-Casco Historical Society, call Frank McDermott at 207-310-0340. <

Fall remains a great time to make garden improvements

By Kendra Raymond

Now that the first frost has arrived and fall colors have mostly passed, area gardens are taking on a brownish-yellow hue. Fall cleanup is well underway and property owners are busy raking and trimming expired plant material from their gardens and yards.

Invasive Blue Flag Iris plants are removed
from a Raymond residential gardening
space during a recent fall garden cleanup.
PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND

Aside from the typical garden maintenance, fall can be a great time to work on improvements and projects that are often neglected during summer. Unseasonably warm temperatures provide the perfect conditions to prepare for next spring’s growing season.

As a horticulturist, I recommend tackling a substantial list of projects as part of the fall clean up routine. This practice puts home gardeners ahead of the game.

Let’s explore a few steps home gardeners can take right now to get a head start on spring gardening.

Weeding

Even though weeds are not actively growing or spreading, beware of latent weeds in your garden. A harmless weed can have a large root system or millions of seeds just waiting to spread. It’s simple enough to pull the weeds and dispose of them away from the garden area. For pesky weeds, especially in large areas, you may want to consider laying black plastic or a dark colored tarp. Make sure to secure the material well with landscape pins or rocks. When spring arrives, don’t be too eager to remove the covering. Leaving it on as long as possible will eliminate the chance of regrowth. At my place in Raymond, I am currently trying to smother a very aggressive shrubby area that contains invasives such as Barberry and Bittersweet.

Thinning

Perennials and shrubs can spread rapidly, and you can lose the once-manicured appearance of your garden. While some gardeners appreciate a natural look, keeping the plants under control is most always a good idea. Fall is a great time to neaten up your garden beds and eliminate any overgrown plants that are aggressively spreading. We recently battled several gardens that were being taken over by Blue Flag or Siberian Iris, a native flowering plant that can spread into wetlands. The task was tedious and involved a lot of physical labor cutting the roots and lifting hundreds of pounds of plants out of the area.

Soil testing

Fall is an ideal time to get your soil tested if you suspect any deficiencies, and to make note of the acidity. The University of Maine offers a soil testing service where you simply request a kit, collect the sample, and mail it back in. Within a couple of weeks, you will receive a comprehensive soil analysis complete with recommendations. Once spring draws closer, simply amend the soil with the necessary nutrients, and your garden will be ready for a productive growing season.

Pests and diseases

The late season is the perfect time to reflect on your garden health over the past summer. Did you have any diseases such as powdery mildew, rust or black spot? How about pests? Did you notice a lot of grubs, Japanese beetles, or chewing caterpillars? Now is the time to start thinking about control methods for next season, because they are likely to return. Make note of the pests you encountered and take that with you to a local greenhouse or garden center where experts can help you find the products to protect your plants.

The website of the iconic publication the Old Farmer’s Almanac offers a few additional ideas to supplement your fall garden clean up:

· Before it gets too cold, take care of your garden shed, pots, tools, and equipment.

· Turn off the water to the hose and drain it completely if you’re in an area where leftover water could freeze.

· Pumps and fountains should also be removed, cleaned, and drained before storing.

· If you have a lawn mower or string trimmer, drain out the gas.

· Clean, sand, and oil your garden tools before storing them for the winter.

· Clean out cold frames if you use them for a head start on spring vegetable growing.

· Remove canes and other plant supports; wipe off soil with soapy water, let them dry, and store them in a shed or garage.

· Bring ceramic and clay pots inside, or they may crack in freezing temperatures. Dump the soil on your garden bed and sterilize the pots with a diluted bleach solution.

· Don’t stack pots; it’s hard to get them unstuck in the spring.

The University of Minnesota shares some information on dividing perennials here: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/dividing-perennials while the University of Maine’s Cooperative Extension provides links for home gardening publications at https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/home/garden-and-yard/.

To order a soil test, visit the University of Maine Soil Testing Service at https://umaine.edu/soiltestinglab/ <

Mom Moments: The Unique Perspective Through a Child’s Eyes That Can Open Adult's Eyes

By Melissa Carter

Having children has a lot of ups and downs. Some days are filled with fun and laughter and other days it’s tears over what seems like everything. But one thing that is for sure is there is a special wonder in the extraordinary way they see the world around them. Their perceptions are unfiltered, their curiosity boundless, and their imaginations limitless. They view life with a sense of wonder and excitement that often fades as we grow older. By exploring how children see the world, we can learn to appreciate the simple joys and marvels that surround us every day.

Children have an inspiring way
of finding magic in the simple
things around them, something
many adults forget to do as they
get older. PHOTO BY
MELISSA CARTER 

To a child, everyday life is filled with magic and wonder. Ordinary objects and events take on extraordinary significance. A cardboard box isn’t just a box; it’s a spaceship, a pirate ship, or a secret hideout. A walk in the park is not just exercise; it’s an adventure filled with potential discoveries, like a particularly shiny rock or an oddly shaped cloud.

Children’s imaginations transform the mundane into the magical. They see possibilities where adults see limitations. This ability to find wonder in the simplest things reminds us that joy can be found anywhere if we are willing to look for it.

Through imaginative play, children learn to solve problems, explore different roles, and develop their creativity. They might pretend to be a doctor, a firefighter, or a superhero, experimenting with different scenarios and outcomes. This imaginative play is not only fun but also essential for their cognitive and emotional development.

Children are naturally curious. They are constantly asking questions about the world around them, seeking to understand how things work. This curiosity is driven by a desire to learn and explore. Why is the sky blue? How do birds fly? What makes the wind blow? Their questions may seem endless, but they are a testament to their desire to understand the world they live in.

This boundless curiosity often leads to delightful discoveries. A child might spend hours watching ants march in a line, fascinated by their organization and teamwork. They might be captivated by the way rain forms puddles or how shadows change shape throughout the day. This insatiable curiosity is something that many adults lose over time, but it is a reminder of the joy that comes from learning and exploring.

Children view the world with a sense of innocence and honesty that is both refreshing and profound. They have not yet learned to filter their thoughts and feelings, so they express themselves openly and without reservation. If a child thinks something is funny, they will laugh out loud. If they are sad or upset, they will show it without hesitation.

This unfiltered honesty can lead to some unexpected and often humorous moments. A child might bluntly point out that someone’s hair looks funny or that they don’t like the taste of a particular food. While these comments can be surprising, they are also a reminder of the value of honesty and being true to oneself.

Children have a remarkable ability to see the good in everything and everyone. They are naturally optimistic and tend to focus on the positive aspects of life. A rainy day might be disappointing to an adult, but to a child, it’s an opportunity to splash in puddles and play with umbrellas. A small setback might be quickly forgotten as they move on to the next exciting activity.

This positive outlook extends to their interactions with others. Children are quick to forgive and forget, and they often see the best in people. They form friendships easily and are willing to give others the benefit of the doubt. This ability to see the good in everything is a valuable lesson for adults, reminding us to focus on the positive aspects of life.

For children, joy is simple and unpretentious. It can be found in the smallest things, like a favorite toy, a funny story, or a hug from a loved one. They do not need extravagant experiences or material possessions to be happy. A child can find immense joy in playing with a cardboard box, drawing with crayons, or running through a sprinkler on a hot day.

This simplicity of joy is something that many adults struggle to remember. As we grow older, we often complicate our lives with unnecessary stress and worry. Children remind us that happiness can be found in the simplest moments and that it’s important to appreciate the little things.

Children live in the present moment. They are not burdened by worries about the past or the future; instead, they focus on the here and now. This ability to be fully present allows them to experience life more intensely and enjoy each moment to its fullest.

This focus on the present is something that many adults struggle with. We often find ourselves preoccupied with past regrets or future anxieties, missing out on the beauty of the present moment. Children remind us of the importance of mindfulness and being fully engaged in the present.

Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is a refreshing and enlightening experience. Their sense of wonder, boundless curiosity, unfiltered honesty, and ability to find joy in the simplest things offer valuable lessons for us all. By embracing these childlike qualities, we can learn to appreciate the magic of everyday life, find joy in the present moment, and approach the world with a sense of curiosity and optimism. In doing so, we can reconnect with the simple joys and marvels that make life truly special. <

Fall Festival returning to Windham Primary School

By Masha Yurkevich

Since 2016, Windham Primary School has been hosting the Fall Festival with the intent of having a safe event early into the school year that everyone could participate in. Featuring a fall theme, the annual event aims to involve staff and the community and will be held this year on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Windham Primary School will hold its annual Fall Festival
with fun games and activities for the entire family from
1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the school.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Hours for the WPS Fall Festival are 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 2 on school grounds with parking limited to the front of the Windham Primary School and the A House Playground lot. Many activities are at no cost and the entire family is welcome to attend and participate.

"We received great feedback the first year that we did this, and so we have pretty much stuck with the same formula,” says Dr. Kyle Rhoads, WPS principal. “It has changed a little bit during the COVID years, but most of the activities that we have are ones that we had the first year; activities like face painting, scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, and the dunk bucket, which is $1 for three attempts.”

The Windham PTA plays a big role in organizing and hosting the event. Rhoads said that PTA members offer a bake sale with some items that are free and some that you can purchase for a small price as a donation.

“We have a good core volunteer group that we divvy up the roles and responsibilities of getting ready for the Fall Festival, such as contacting someone for pumpkins, corn stalks, bales of hay, crafts, music, the selfie booth, and much more,” says Rhoads.

One challenge that they have had in previous years is long lines of kids waiting for face painting, he said. To alleviate those long lines this year, event organizers have lined up some Windham High School cheerleaders that are going to help with face painting.

According to Rhoads, there will also be a performance by one of the youth cheerleading squads at the Fall Festival as well as a story time reading offered by the Windham Public Library.

All children and families attending Windham Primary School are encouraged to attend this fun and exciting event, Rhoads said. It remains popular year after year because of its affordability, fun games and activities and great snacks. Because the Fall Festival takes place this year before Halloween, many activities involve pumpkins and are designed to embrace cooler weather that fall brings to Maine.

Students and their families who attend can connect with WPS teachers, staff members, school administrators and volunteers on hand for the event.

One of the annual highlights of the WPS Fall Festival is a dunk tank where current and former students will have an opportunity to watch Principal Rhoads get splashed in the tank.

But the said the underlying significance of the festival is that over the years it remains something that everyone can come out and enjoy in a spirit of togetherness.

“I feel that the original intent of the festival has stayed in the sense that we have kept it low cost and in a way that your entire family can come and both the young and old can have a blast,” Rhoads says. “We invite WPS families to come join us for an afternoon of face painting, pumpkin decorating, scavenger hunting, and connecting with the school staff. It is so fun to watch the children enjoy this event and turn our school cafeteria into a pumpkin patch. I assure you that you will not regret coming and will leave with smiles and many new memories.” <

Land Trust offering free hikes and outdoor activities in Windham and surrounding communities this fall

As the crisp autumn air settles in, the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust is thrilled to announce a variety of community events designed to immerse participants in nature, foster environmental awareness, and celebrate conservation efforts across the region.

Falmouth Land Trust and Presumpscot Regional Land Trust
are teaming up to offer a guided hike and bike tour through
Lowell Preserve in Windham and onto the connecting 
Cross Falmouth Trail. COURTESY PHOTO 

From forest bathing to fall foliage hikes, these events offer something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join representatives of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust in experiencing the beauty of Maine’s fall landscapes.

Here’s a listing of some of the upcoming community events on the schedule:

Guided Hike/Bike with FLT and PRLT

Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lowell Preserve & Hadlock Community Forest

Falmouth Land Trust and Presumpscot Regional Land Trust (PRLT) are teaming up for a guided hike through PRLT’s Lowell Preserve and onto the connecting Cross Falmouth Trail! Greater Portland Northeast Mountain Biking Association will also lead a guided mountain bike ride as well. Choose between a guided hike and a guided mountain bike ride for your morning adventure. The hiking group will go all the way to the parking lot of Hadlock Community Forest for a 7-mile adventure. A shuttle will then take hikers back to the start so everyone can do a fun point-to-point hike. The biking association will lead a medium-paced no-drop 7- to 8-mile ride, as well as a faster-paced (but no-drop) ride of 12 to 14 miles out to Hadlock Community Forest and back.

Four Seasons Walk with Wild Seed Project

Thursday, Oct. 26, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Black Brook Preserve, Windham

Explore native plants and how they change throughout the seasons with Nell Houde, Wild Seed Project’s education lead at PRLT’s Black Brook Preserve in Windham. This leisurely one-mile walk is the third in a four-part series, allowing participants to deepen their knowledge of plant identification and native ecology. This event is free, but registration is required due to limited space.

Around the Hill Hike

Sunday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to noon

East Windham Conservation Area

Led by experienced hike leaders Natalie and Casey Skovran, this 5-mile hike will explore the beautiful East Windham Conservation Area. With views of the White Mountains and Little Duck Pond, this hike offers a challenging climb through the forested and hilly landscape. East Windham Conservation Area is owned by the Town of Windham with a conservation easement held by PRLT.

Wednesday Walk at Little River Preserve

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Little River Preserve, Gorham

Explore the rolling hills and diverse plant life of PRLT’s Little River Preserve on this guided walk. Wednesday Walks are held monthly, focusing on local flora and fauna. Registration is required for this free event.

To learn more or to register for any of these events, visit prlt.org/ <

Before the memory fades: Dundee drawdown – disappointing for some, an experience with history for others

By Walter Lunt

“It’s like a landscape from another world,” exclaimed an early June visitor to the near empty impoundment that was, only days earlier, Dundee Pond. In May, a sluice gate at the Dundee dam stuck in the open position and drained the 200-acre artificial impoundment leaving only a section of the ancient Presumpscot River and the eerie magnificence of a barren terrain.

The flat, barren landscape left by the summer drawdown
at Dundee Pond is shown in Windham. Disappointing
for swimmers but a boon for the citizen historian.
PHOTO BY JASSON WILLIAMS

The list of disappointed entities climbed. Thousands of Dundee Park patrons would miss out on swimming and swimming lessons. Windham Parks and Recreation mourned the loss of revenue gained from its various Dundee programs. Fishing and boating were curtailed. Shorefront camps along the pond would lose access to the water. The conservation group Friends of the Presumpscot became concerned about the ecological impact.

Less disappointed were the naturalists, archaeologists, treasure hunters, curiosity seekers, metal detectorists and history buffs.

Visitors witnessed the geography and culture of an earlier time, most notably the re-emergence of the Presumpscot River, free-flowing again after nearly 125 years and acres of stumpage – old forest land that preceded the flooding of land that made way for construction of Dundee dam in the early 1900s. Nearby was the site of the 1800s Shaw family farm: the home, the barn, and orchards, all showing ample evidence of being burned in preparation of advancing water. Shaw Road, an ancient beaten-down remnant of the horse-and-wagon days, runs parallel with the canal and disappears into a wooded area.

Some parts of the landscape were less obvious to interpret. Craters, approximately 4 feet in diameter and several feet deep, dotted an area near the canal. Leith Smith, archaeologist from the Maine State Historical Commission, theorized they were “prospecting pits,” dug in search of clay deposits for making bricks.

Arguably, the most unique and historic feature of the newly unveiled landscape was the mile-long section of the Cumberland & Oxford Canal, the watery hand dug thoroughfare of the 19th century that transported goods between Long Lake and Portland, and the eroded remains of at least three locks used to raise and lower the barge-like freight boats along the channel’s 20-mile route 150 years ago. The Whitney Locks, located directly across the pond from Dundee Park, is a double system consisting of two concave ditches with vertical tree trunks positioned against the banks to avoid cave-ins (as noted by the archaeologist Smith, “… the quality of construction was not amazing.”)

Here, the canal followed the course of the Presumpscot on the Gorham side of the river – a 5-foot deep ditch stretching from the river to the canal which circumvented the two Whitney locks. Its purpose was to replenish water into the canal.

Visitors were able to walk on the hard-pack surface of the tow path where once young men led horses pulling canal boats loaded with cord wood, lumber, molasses, and countless other goods up and down the channel. Several visitors were observed standing within the confines of the canal and its locks trying to imagine a time long ago when men and boats traversed this course, carrying on the commerce of the 19th century.

Hiking the tow path from the crippled dam to a point opposite Dundee Park, one tramples dead freshwater mussels. In the lazy flow of the Presumpscot, fish could occasionally be observed breaking the surface sending forth concentric circles; a lone heron standing motionless nearby waiting, hoping for a meal near the water’s edge. Off the trail on both sides of the river was a meadow of barren flat land, caked with slimy, cracked sediment accumulated from over a century of river flow becoming arrested by the dam. Sounds in this remote area were confined to Canada geese and crows; an occasional eagle surveyed the landscape overhead. Essentially, the drawdown created nearly 200 acres of sterile, empty land divided by a thin ribbon of water.

Exploring the expansive tract of “blank-gray,” earth, as he called it, was citizen historian and metal detectorist Al Farris.

“It’s a fascinating walk back in time and more than I expected,” he said.

Farris spent days documenting the locations of stone walls, farmhouses, clay pits, old roads, and spots where he found cultural treasures. Operating a drone, he took still pictures and shot video. He compared his discoveries with old maps. In addition to coins, a musket ball, a Civil War era bullet, and bits of hardware, one of his more interesting treasures was a button bearing the image of an Asian warrior riding on top of a carp (a fish). Researching this curious find, Farris learned the image probably depicted a Japanese man named Kintaro, a legendary figure of the 1800s based on a real Samurai warrior. The discovery leads to more questions regarding who would have lost these buttons and what was their purpose in being there.

During this activity, Farris said he spoke with a group of visitors who said they were making plans to produce a documentary.

Farris plans to someday display many of his cultural discoveries at the Windham Historical Society’s Village Green.

Today, as we read this, Dundee has returned almost to full pond, too late for summer recreationists, but leaving behind a season of fascination and discovery. <

Pumpkin season brightens landscape across Lakes Region

By Kendra Raymond

Once the leaves begin to change, pumpkins seem to appear on doorsteps, porches, as table center pieces, and as spooky jack-o-lanterns. The fall harvest is an iconic season filled with coziness and color, and pumpkins can be the most eye-catching part of any fall décor.

Raymond resident Kris Raymond and her dog
Songo look for the perfect pumpkin at a
local patch in the Lakes Region.
PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND  

Cathryn Anderson is the Education Department director at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester. She says that it’s a good year for pumpkins and that demand can vary a lot. The pick-your-own patch yields about 600 pumpkins a year and is popular with the residents.

“We see lots of groups and people coming in as a family. Fall is a busy time and there are a lot of activities related to the season,” she said.

Because pumpkins are so plentiful in the fall, often many go to waste or are discarded after Halloween. Aside from the typical uses of pumpkins, there are many varied uses of the crop, which is technically a fruit, and is not a vegetable. Cucumbers, gourds, melons, and squash are also part of this family.

For those of you interested in finding creative uses of your fall pumpkins, fortunately there are many options.

Cooking

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Bulletin 4176 says, “The deep yellow to deep orange colors of pumpkin and winter squash show that they contain carotene, which your body turns into the antioxidant vitamin A.” Pumpkins are also rich in vitamin A, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and are good source of fiber. Just make sure you use pie pumpkins or sugar pumpkins.

Based on all these health benefits, cooking with pumpkins sounds like a pretty good idea. Bread, pie and pumpkin chip cookies are always considered a classic standby. How about something a little less traditional?

Anderson reminds everyone that pumpkins are loaded with fiber and a healthy component of many recipes.

“A lot of our staff eat pumpkins in pies, puddings, or breads,” she said.

Food.com website suggests “Dinner in a Pumpkin,” a creation that includes cooked ground beef, mushrooms, and a variety of spices, all baked inside a pumpkin. Pumpkin soup can be a delicious addition to a fall meal. Even simply roasting pumpkin sections with a little olive oil, brown sugar, rosemary, and walnuts can make a fall-inspired side dish.

Pumpkin puree can be easily prepared by roasting pumpkin pieces and pureeing it in a food processor. The puree can be used in recipes or frozen.

Pumpkin seeds are easily roasted and can provide a healthy snack for you or your pet.

Pets

Pumpkin is a popular and wholesome component of many pet foods. It supports good gut health and keeps your pets regular. Pumpkin can be used to make homemade dog treats, or the puree can simply be added to your pet’s meal – but make sure to check with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.

According to Anderson, discarded or pumpkin “seconds” can make great livestock feed.

“We work with other farms to share off-grade products to feed to critters,” she said. “Pumpkins can help feed animals after the season.”

Creative uses

The Texas A&M University Today publication “Creative Uses for your Pumpkin Beyond Halloween” lends a multitude of suggestions for anyone looking to think outside of the box. Specialists at the university recommend composting used jack-o-lanterns to provide nutrients for future crops. Other uses include leaving them out for wildlife – remember the beloved children’s book “Mousekin’s Golden House” by Edna Miller? They suggest that a hollowed pumpkin can be used as a planter for a plant or dried flowers. Speaking of animals, how about finding a local farm that has chickens? Evidently, they enjoy eating the pumpkin meat out of the shell, which could provide a green option for the disposal of your pumpkin.

The Lakes Region offers plenty of resources to obtain a fall pumpkin (or more). Just head over to Chipman’s Farm Stand or Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Windy Hill Farm Market in Windham, farmer’s markets, or look for roadside stands. Pumpkins can even be purchased right at local grocery or big box stores.

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers a quick video entitled, “How to Harvest and Store Pumpkins” offers some tips. If harvesting your own, make sure to cleanly cut the stem from the plant with a sharp knife. Pumpkins can be stored in a cool, safe place until ready for use. Green pumpkins can be picked and will ripen off the vine. Pumpkins can last quite a while if harvested correctly.

To learn more about pumpkins from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension visit https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4176e/ <

Hundreds turn out for fun with history. The Windham Historical Society’s harvest festival on the Village Green

By Walter Lunt
Special to The Windham Eagle

It was mostly sunny and the temperature hovered on both sides of 70 degrees – one of those perfect fall days that greeted between 400 and 500 attendees at the Windham Historical Society’s 2nd annual Harvest Festival which featured three music groups, community booths, local vendors, antique autos, relay races, games and tours of the Society’s historical museum buildings, including Windham’s 19th century “Old Grocery” mercantile store, the Windham/Little Falls library, Windham Center Library and the replica of Windham Center’s one-room schoolhouse.

Visitors tour the 2024 Harvest Festival held on the Village
Green and hosted by the Windham Historical Society on
Saturday, Sept. 28. PHOTO BY WALTER LUNT 

A throng of lively ukuleles opened the festival in the Village Green gazebo. The Sebago Lake Ukulele Association played an array of popular and historical tunes that were easily recognizable and set the tone for a fun and interesting day.

Later, the Windham 8th Grade Band kept things upbeat with several numbers, including one by John Phillips Souza.

Throughout the five-hour festival, a multitude of patrons could be seen milling about, talking, and enjoying the dozens of events and booths while reconnecting with friends and neighbors. One family “from away” told a museum docent, “We just moved back (to Maine) and this makes it feel like a real home town.” Another commented, “What an impressive turnout. People (are) casually milling about, coming together, and celebrating their hometown history.”

In addition to the community booths, which included Friends of the Presumpscot River, Maine Insurance Benefits Group, Windham Public Library, Windham Adult Education and Age Friendly Windham, seventeen vendor tables attracted scores of visitors who pored over a vast array of creations including crafts, fabric art, totes, crocheted and needle-felted items, books, photos, paintings, and jewelry. Many folks were observed carrying away bags of treasures from the white elephant sale area.

But make no mistake, one of the most popular spots at the festival was the food booth: hamburgers, hot dogs, cider, and baked goods.

One of the most poignant moments of the day, as relayed by a docent at the South Windham/Little Falls library museum, one patron was brought to tears by the memory of the small library building of her youth – the books, the scent and fond remembrance of a special librarian she loved. “Quite moving,” said the docent. Another reminder of what we do here. And why we do it.

Similar sentiments were heard throughout the day. It was opening day for the Windham Center Library, following years of structural and code issues with the building. It was the town’s first public library and was formerly located across from Corsetti’s Store at Windham Center. Several visitors recalled checking out books there before it closed in the mid-70s. One commented, “Quaint and beautiful, I’m delighted that you saved it.”

Among the busy museum buildings were the Old Grocery and one-room schoolhouse where the docents elaborated on the historical contents and practices of the 1900s. It was observed that those tour guides did not go on break all day.

The musical high note of the day came at the end of the day as the highly entertaining Saco River Jazz Band enthralled festival goers with the music and the history of the late 1800s, followed by the booming big band sounds of the 40s and 50s. Toe-tapping and knee slapping were observed throughout the performance. Said one patron following the band’s rendition of In the Mood, “I could close my eyes and see Glenn Miller leading them.”

As one Windham third grader once said of the historical society’s efforts, “We had fun with history.” <

Staci Warren: Her Mainely Girl Adventures

By Staci Warren

On Sept. 5, 2024, I harvested my first bear in at least two years. I was quite thrilled, and it was an exciting hunt to boot.

Staci Warren harvested her
first bear in at least two
years on Sept. 5 in Maine.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

My husband and I drove an hour and a half to the mountain where we hunt. After getting dressed into my hunting clothes and muting my phone so that it’ll make no noise, I take my four-wheeler up the mountain, about two thirds of the way in and park it on the trail. I then walk the remaining distance on foot while I carry my rifle and my backpack. The walk can get hot, so I dress light, and carry the rest of my gear into my stand.

I entered my stand around 4 p.m. Once in my stand, I put on my hat, my face mask, gloves, and sometimes my coat if it’s not too hot, then I get comfortable for a three hour sit. Based on my experiences, bears don’t usually come into the bait until close to dusk, but you have to be there early enough so that they are not scared off. I keep myself entertained, and most importantly, quiet, for the first two hours by playing a game on my phone that doesn’t require cell service since there is barely a signal.

As I sat there, I listened to red squirrels fight over the bait and chatter incessantly. The birds seemed to be quieter than usual. Then out of nowhere, I heard a huff. Three huffs, which meant that a bear was behind me. I had never heard it come in, which is typical; the small breeze made the leaves rustle just enough to block what little sound you may hear. I sat motionless.

I didn’t hear anything else, so assumed it just smelled me and left. I had been standing since I had swapped out my 45-70 open sighted rifle for my 6.5 Creedmore because I have a scope which works better in low light. The 6.5 Creedmore is longer and I couldn’t get the barrel in my scope unless I stand.

Minutes later, I spotted a bear. It had circled around me and came in downwind on my right. I couldn’t figure if it was a big bear or Little Bear, a cub we saw on our site last year that we decided was too small to hunt. It is usually the first bear to come to the barrel. I stayed motionless. I watched as it approached the barrel. It was very skittish and would not stand still. I watched as it moved to a tree then to the barrel, back and forth, very nervous. I took a picture and sent it to my husband asking, “Little Bear?” Twice the bear made a run for the tree and climbed it.

This time it sat at the bottom of the tree. I had decided it was indeed Little Bear, so I’d just watch him, when all of a sudden, a second bear, a much bigger bear, crossed in the woods and was headed to my left. I watched it and could see its head and ears as it moved toward my stand. I waited and watched it turn and come back to my right. In a flash, the bear charged Little Bear, and drove Little Bear off into the woods. The bigger bear slowly walked toward the barrel.

I readied for the shot. The bear stepped in front of the barrel. It was a good bear based on its height, it stood at the second rung of the barrel. One shot just behind his left shoulder at 25 feet. It made it to my stand and dropped. A clean, quick death is what a hunter wants, and I’m no exception. I made a perfect heart-lung shot.

By the time we field dressed the bear, got it loaded into the truck and headed home, the closest tagging station was closed. Bear needs to be tended to immediately to prevent spoilage. Unlike a deer, you don’t hang it outside, ever, unless you’re caping it. Luckily, it was a cooler day so that helped cool the bear until we got home. Overnight, the bear was stored in our cooler that we built- a room insulated to be a refrigerator of sorts, so that the meat won’t spoil. The following morning, I took it to my local tagging station and paid $5 to tag my bear.

I was happy to use my vacation day to process my bear. I first hung it and caped the fur. All the meat was put into a cooler and was later taken to a butcher who makes bacon and sausage. I saved all the fat from it and it’s now in the freezer waiting to be rendered into lard that I will use to make lotion and lip balm. I have a steady line of customers who rave about how wonderful the lotion and lip balm are to use.

I prepped the hide using a fleshing knife to remove anything left over from the bear so that only the hide remained. I then laid it out so that I could salt the hide to cure it and dry it. My plans are to send it out for tanning and then I’ll make some pillows and mittens with the fur. I saved a few claws to make some jewelry, and the remainder of the bear was placed back in the woods for coyote and any other carrion eating animal. The following day, we checked, and it was gone. I’m ready for some baked beans with my bear bacon!

Staci Warren provides a unique woman’s perspective and column on the outdoors every month. She is a freelance writer whose blog, My Mainely Girl Adventures, is about a woman hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging and living in the Maine outdoors. She also loves camping, star gazing, wildlife watching, and hunting for fossils. She’s an active member and board member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is a monthly columnist and feature writer for The Maine Sportsman Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring women hunters and trappers. <

Windham Raymond Adult Education empowers student to reach her career goals

By Lorraine Glowczak

Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week is celebrated each fall and highlights the achievements of students whose lives have been transformed through adult education programs. AEFL week honors students’ dedication and success, raising awareness about the importance of lifelong learning within local communities.

Patience Deah has been working long hours
at jobs in housekeeping, manufacturing, and
cooking to provide for her family. She
currently works as a dietician at a nursing
home and dreams of expanding her abilities
in the service industry, becoming a chef
at a high-end restaurant with the help of
Windham Raymond Adult Education.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

This year, AEFL week is celebrated from Sept. 16 to 21 and Windham Raymond Adult Education (WRAE) shines a spotlight on WRAE adult learner, Patience Deah of Windham.

Deah was born in Liberia, West Africa until the Civil War broke out in 1989. The war lasted nine years. It was during this time that Deah and her family became refugees in Guinea-Conakry, also in West Africa. Deah lived at the camp for 11 years.

“Patience was in the fifth grade when she was removed from her home,” Cathy Giuffre-Renaud, WRAE Adult Basic Education Coordinator said. “Education was not provided to her while living at the camp, so she had a break in her education. She has been living and working in the world with a fifth-grade education for most of her adult life, until recently.”

Deah eventually moved from West Africa to the U.S., making Maine her new home in September 2001. She and her two daughters moved to Windham in 2015, where she started her journey at WRAE the following year.

Upon arrival in Maine, Deah has been working long hours at jobs in housekeeping, manufacturing, and cooking to provide for her family. She currently works as a dietician at a nursing home and dreams of expanding her abilities in the service industry, becoming a chef at a high-end restaurant.

Her one day off a week is spent at WRAE learning the skills needed to attend a culinary school such as the one offered at Southern Maine Community College. Deah shares that the adult education program has improved her ability to contribute and be a more engaging member of society.

“I can now read, communicate better, pay bills online, write emails, help my children with their homework, and can better explain to my doctor about the health of my family,” she said.

What may seem ironic to some is that Deah’s first language is English.

“Although I come from a country that speaks English, we have different dialects and accents and speak much faster than Americans,” Deah said. “I had to learn to slow down while talking so people could understand me.”

The dialects between the two countries are severe enough that Deah is considered a foreign language speaker and takes English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. She hopes to one day earn her HiSET (high school equivalency tests) so that she can then go to college.

“Patience will soon be tested as a native speaker,” Giuffre-Renaud said. “Together, we are going to keep going until we get there.”

Juggling work, and family commitments with limited time for study along with financial constraints can make continuing education for any adult challenging. WRAE ESOL instructor, Shelley Goad points out that there are additional challenges for immigrants.

“Transportation is always an issue,” she said. “Although some students have a license, most students have to rely on a ride from someone else. Childcare is a problem for mothers who want to come to class. Entering a classroom can make some students nervous. Some have had very little schooling and don't know what to expect.”

Goad explained that the students are tested to be placed in the correct class level so they will be with teachers who can focus on the specific areas they need.

She also pointed out that educated immigrants add to the workforce.

“When immigrants add to the workforce, they add money to the economy, which adds money to the pockets of the people in the community. They also bring new food, new music, and new energy when they bring their families here. They want the same things we do for our families. They want to work and are willing to put in time and effort to make a successful new life.”

Deah, a single mom, wants the life of a chef and she believes she will accomplish this goal with the support of WRAE.

“Adult Ed has been like my second family when I face difficulties and challenges in Maine,” she said, “They have helped me navigate through the challenges of being an immigrant and are preparing me to reach my dream of becoming a chef.” <

Residents cherish local ice cream shops as fall approaches

By Kendra Raymond

I don’t know about you, but for our family, the final days of summertime can only mean one thing: ice cream! Businesses in the Lakes Region are ready, willing, and able to support our habit, offering a profusion of creamy goodness right at our fingertips. This works out great, so no matter in what direction we venture, most any trip can include ice cream.

An official tester samples a cool treat earlier 
this summer at the Ice Cream Dugout
in Windham.
PHOTO BY CHEYANNE GAGNON

So how do we explain this special place held in the hearts of many Mainers? Perhaps it is the sheer joy that winter has ended, or the abundance of dairy farms? Is it part of the local culture to have a locally owned ice cream shop in most every community?

The Visit Maine website says: Ice cream lovers throughout the state are rising to the challenge to make the best, freshest, homemade ice cream. Maine now boasts an abundance of special ice cream, from traditional to innovative.

The answer is obvious – no one knows.

Windham’s Ice Cream Dugout owner Cheyanne Gagnon offers her thoughts on the subject.

“I feel like ice cream is such a big thing in Maine because we wait so long through a cold, awful winter,” she said. “Once we get the first sign of spring, people are excited to get out and try some ice cream.”

Now that we have the “scoop,” let’s debunk a few ice cream semantics mysteries:

Frappe vs. milkshake

So here is a good debate – what is the difference between these equally delicious beverages?

The American Heritage College Dictionary defines a milkshake as a beverage that is made of milk, ice cream, and often flavoring and is blended or whipped until foamy. Also called shake; also called regionally cabinet, frappe, velvet. In New England it is a beverage made of milk and flavored syrup, whipped until foamy.

There we have it – in New England a milkshake has only syrup and milk, and a frappe includes syrup, milk, and ice cream. But everywhere else, a milkshake is a milkshake and there is no frappe. This is as clear as mud!

At her ice cream establishment, Gagnon says that a frappe and a milkshake are one and the same.

“I am not sure about other shops, but people can order one whichever way they’d like,” Gagnon said.

Jimmies vs. Sprinkles

Have you ever traveled outside of New England and ordered “jimmies” on your ice cream, only to be met with a perplexed expression by the server?

Evidently, this is a commonplace source of confusion. The confection was purportedly named after employee and machine operator Jimmy Bartholomew of the Just Born Candy Company in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the 1930s. The term is only recognized in New England and Philadelphia.

Gagnon weighs in again here offering her expert opinion saying, “We call them both names interchangeably.”

Parlor vs. Stand

This one is fairly clear, maybe.

An ice cream parlor is an old-fashioned term referring mostly to a sit-down themed establishment, often served by waitstaff. Conversely, a stand can encompass any sort of takeout, walk up, or drive through ice cream business. With so many options, there is something to fit everyone’s taste.

Gagnon says that she is committed to kids and the community at her business, frequently holding fundraisers where a portion of the day’s proceeds benefit organizations such as local sports teams and scout groups.

The Maine Ice Cream Trail is an online directory featuring over 300 ice cream establishments located all over the state. The website provides an interactive map, trip planning tool, and listings of creameries, farms, and stands and establishments serving fresh Maine-made ice cream.

Like the Peanuts song Happiness says, “Oh, happiness is two kinds of ice cream…”

Why not get out there and get some of the good stuff – all while supporting local business.

Learn more about the Real Maine Ice Cream Trail at: https://www.realmaine.com/seasons/summer/real-maine-ice-cream-trail/<

No shortage of unique signs throughout Lakes Region

By Kendra Raymond

They’re everywhere – those friendly reminders showing us where to go, what rules to follow, and spreading helpful information. There’s even a song about signs, aptly named, ‘Signs” written and performed by Five Man Electrical Band and covered by rock group Tesla. While most signs are mundane and typically just plain boring, what about unique or handmade signs?

Camp signs like these shown in a Raymond
neighborhood are a common sight throughout
Lakes Region lakefront access roads and
other private ways.
PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND 

A ride through the Lakes Region is a bit more likely to display signs with character, given the nature of seasonal camps in the area. Most everyone is familiar with the iconic sign in Lynchville, Maine at the intersection of Routes 5 and 35. It’s fondly called the “Maine World Traveler Signpost,” and “Maine’s Famous Signpost” or the “World Places Sign.” Travelers can find out how much further to travel to Norway, Paris, Denmark, Naples, Sweden, Poland, Mexico, Peru, and China which are all towns in Maine.

Similar appearing signposts can be found on River Road in Windham and in downtown Harrison. The eye-catching Harrison sign leads passers-by to locales such as neighboring towns like Bridgton and Norway, the Deertrees Theater, the VFW hall, businesses, campgrounds, restaurants, and local summer camps. Evidently, the sign changes periodically and is kept up to date with new spots as well as destinations that may no longer be pertinent.

But how about those typical last name signs, usually located at the end of a camp road with a separate sign for each family residing in the area? This phenomenon does not seem to exist in typical year-round neighborhoods.

The Carving Company website says, “Your camp needs a personalized sign!” but why? Perhaps it is the opportunity to express your own creativity, choosing various fonts, images, and sizes to share your vibe with the world or at least your camp road. Or maybe, no one really knows why.

“It’s a contagious idea. We have a name sign at the end of the road because everyone else does it. The signs are part of camp culture – it’s how things have always been done,” said Raymond resident Neily Raymond. “Maybe the signs served a purpose years ago, but now they’re just for fun,” she said. “We just replaced our sign last year, so it should last quite a while.”

Raymond property owner Dennis Frappier is an Airbnb host and real estate investor.

“I see signs as an aid so family and guests can find their vacation destination,” he said while emphasizing that he has no additional insight into the camp signs culture.

At a different Raymond neighborhood with a large population of seasonal residents, another camp owner said that he believes old-fashioned camp signs to be from a bygone era. He has never had a name sign and doesn’t plan to, ever, saying that if he wants to be found, he will tell people where to go.

Maine Sign Company’s website has a post claiming that often signs are left to mass-production, and they believe artisan skills making signs by hand by craftsmen creates signs “the way they used to be.”

Going a step further is a more personalized family crest sign. Raymond residents Tom and Ann Ewig proudly display their family crest on a signpost in front of their Raymond home and even on a vehicle.

“Ann and I constructed the sign incorporating the Ewig family crest with two oak leaves with the Sheldrake family crest, the drake,” said Tom Ewig.

He explained that the sheldrake crest was an old crest from the Franklin side of the family, which is his wife’s maiden name. The combined crest holds a lot of significance for the Ewigs.

“We have used this combined crest for over 40 years symbolizing our union. We designed the crest together,” he said.

He emphasized that they have been married for 56 years, much longer than the development of their combined crest.

Alex Gaskarth’s quote says, “Our street corners keep secrets, and our road signs only suggest, never deciding for us, never knowing if the destination to which they lead, is where we truly belong. Life’s greatest tragedy is not that it will someday end, but that most of us just live to follow directions, and many times we end up totally lost.” Well, maybe that’s a bit too deep for our purposes here, but it is food for thought.

To learn more about the iconic Maine World Traveler Signpost, visit: https://visitmaine.com>arts-culture <

Staci Warren: Her Mainely Girl Adventures

By Staci Warren

Bear baiting season kicked off the last week in July and the season begins on Aug. 26. I’m excited to report that we’ve had several bears, a few large, a couple medium and some small ones, visiting our baits.

Staci Warren

While I would target a single dry sow, I don’t even consider sows with cubs as an option. I watch them and hope that the sow doesn’t get too aggressive. Their noses know when I’m there, but their eyesight prevents them from easily spotting me covered in camouflage. I usually give my foot a good stomp on the treestand, if I think that she is getting too close. It usually sends them all scattering. This year there has been a sow with one cub, and a sow with two cubs, so far. The cubs are cute as can be, and they love to try to climb into our barrels.

As we learn to identify potential targeted bears, we name them simply for ease in figuring out which one is which. I don’t name the sows or cubs; I only name single bears. Little Bear, a small boar that showed up late in the season last year, is back visiting the baits during the day. I’m happy to report that it is much bigger and looks healthy, but he’s still too small to consider a target bear. “Scar” is the bear that interests me the most due to the large scar down its backside. Scar is an older boar that’s been on my bait since at least 2020, and apparently a very smart one since he’s still around. A few years ago, I had another bear that was a fighter; its name was Scrapper. Its ears were all torn up and it had a big scar across its neck. Scrapper came into my stand right at dusk while I was hunting. It was right behind me and by the time it made it where I could take a shot, it was too dark. My simple move to look through my scope to see if I could get a shot from my blind was enough to send the bear scrambling, and it never came back. You can find the entire story in my blog. That encounter is one of the reasons I love bear hunting. It’s not easy, and even when everything falls into place, it’s not a guarantee.

After baiting, we spend a considerable amount of time working on the road for the landowner. We cut brush and haul it to keep the mile long road from growing in. To keep up with the work, we bought a brush cutter this year, and have spent our weekends mowing down brush and plants that have already begun to grow. We’ll be working on a large washout that the spring storms created so that the owner and hikers can make it to the vista, a remarkable view on the mountain that is the Bigelow range and Flagstaff Lake. We love this mountain and treat it as if it were our own.

August also means I’m busy picking black trumpet mushrooms. If we’re lucky, these episodes of rain will continue to produce trumpet mushrooms right into the fall freeze. I’ve picked trumpets while walking out of my hunting stand in November. These are my favorite mushrooms to forage and this recipe makes for a remarkable soup, to either eat with some added cream, or to add to a crockpot roast in place of the dry mushroom/onion soup mixes. I use this soup in my bear roasts and any venison or moose roast that I make in the crockpot. I can’t take credit for it; my friend Alicia shared it with me years ago. I’ve tweaked it a bit, but here it is.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
3 pounds of fresh black trumpets
1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
1 tablespoon of ground sage
1 tablespoon of coarse black pepper
1 tablespoon of ground thyme
1 tablespoons of minced garlic (dry or fresh)
48 ounces of chicken stock (not broth)
1/2 cup of cream sherry (find it in the wine section)
1 stick of salted butter
½ pint heavy cream

Coarsely chop mushrooms in food processor. Small batches work best to prevent pâté. Using a large stock pot, sprinkle salt over mushrooms to release water. Add olive oil, onion, sage, thyme, pepper and garlic-mix well. Sauté over medium heat stirring with wooden spoon until mushrooms start to stick on the bottom of the pan. Add chicken stock and sherry. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer until soup is thick. Puree soup with hand blender or countertop blender but allow soup to cool before using later. Add butter.

Soup is now ready to be eaten by adding cream to taste or omit the cream and ladle into clean half pint or pint canning jars. Wipe rims, add lids and cook in pressure cooker on high for 25 minutes. Label and store on shelf until ready to use. Save a couple pints for my next recipe: Trumpet Jelly.

Wish me luck bear hunting! Hopefully the right one will appear, and I’ll have bear roast and bear bacon for the winter.

Staci Warren provides a unique woman’s perspective and column on the outdoors every month. She is a freelance writer whose blog, My Mainely Girl Adventures, is about a woman hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging and living in the Maine outdoors. She also loves camping, star gazing, wildlife watching, and hunting for fossils. She’s an active member and board member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is a monthly columnist and feature writer for The Maine Sportsman Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring women hunters and trappers. <