Snowshoeing remains a favorite activity for Mainers during winter

By Abby Wilson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chess Club aims to develop analytical skills among children

By Kaysa Jalbert

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raymond launches beginner pickleball program

By Kendra Raymond

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Just Paddles website gives a concise explanation:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mondays: Intermediate/Advanced Play

Tuesdays: Beginner/Intermediate Play

Wednesdays: Beginner/Leisurely Play

Thursday: Intermediate/Advanced Play

Friday: Pickleball Intro & Skills

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

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

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

Register through Raymond Parks and RecDesk here:

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

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

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

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

By Kendra Raymond

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repotting plants

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

Dividing and taking cuttings

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

Donations and gifts

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

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

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