Music lives on

In a tragic fire a few months ago, Zach Smith lost his life at 19. Needless to say, his family and the entire community were devastated. Losing their son so suddenly and prematurely was a horrific loss for the Smiths, and they have been searching for a way to keep his memory alive.

Zach was known for his passion for music. He started playing alto saxophone in the fifth-grade and played for several years. He then learned to play the guitar. He was self-taught and a magnificent guitar player. He played both acoustic and electric guitars, and he carried his guitar everywhere he went. He had a wonderful ear for music and enjoyed all types and eras of music. He was planning to study music in college.

With this in mind, the Smiths have formed the Zach Smith Memorial Music Scholarship. During the upcoming summer months, Jordan Small Middle School music teacher Morgan Riley will purchase several instruments for the middle school to have on hand. There will be some loaner instruments available to students who wish to participate in band but may not be able to afford the monthly rental fees.

In addition to supplementing the middle school band with instruments, a $500 scholarship will be awarded annually, beginning this year, to a Raymond resident who will be pursuing a higher education in music. Information and applications can be obtained by contacting guidance counselor Lynn Davis at [email protected].

It is the desire of the Smiths to offer this scholarship for several years. Should you wish to donate to this fund, please send your contributions to the Zach Smith Music Memorial Scholarship care of Key Bank, 1278 Roosevelt Trail, PO Box 487, Raymond, ME 04071. All past and future donations are greatly appreciated.

Helping other students continue their pursuit of music is a rewarding way to keep Zach’s memory and his own love of music alive.

Oceans of books

The Raymond Village Library is getting ready to kick off its annual summer reading program for elementary school aged children. Oceans, beaches and salt water creatures are the topics of this year’s program, beginning July 6. Young readers will receive a new packet each week which will include fun projects, crafts, puzzles and games.

The program will run for six weeks and is limited to 50 children, so be sure to sign up at the library immediately. Once the program begins, simply stop by the library once a week to pick up your materials and begin discovering the wonders of ocean life. Past summer reading programs have always been very popular and are a fantastic way to keep your children reading during their time off from school.

Summer is here and with it, a more relaxed reading atmosphere will be had at the library. Baby time, toddler time and preschool time programs will not be held during July and August but parents are encouraged to stop by the library and enjoy some time reading and browsing through the many books, videos and audios available to help make your summer memorable. Story time programs will resume Sept. 8.

Seek the high point

The Raymond Conservation Commission will be hosting a hike up Pismire Mountain Saturday, June 28, at 1 p.m. With the threat of continued development on top of Pismire Mountain, the commission is interested in preserving the land since it is the highest point in Raymond and the only pristine, undeveloped view site remaining.

Come join commission members and experience breath-taking views of Crescent Lake, Rattlesnake Mountain, Panther Pond, and Sebago Lake. The hiking difficulty is medium easy and the pace will be relatively slow to better appreciate some rare plant species and the pristine scenery.

Children are welcome, and all hikers are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and bring water, snacks, cameras, bug spray and sun protection. The group will meet at 1 p.m. on Mountain Road, half a mile up from the intersection of Spiller and Raymond Hill Roads. Hikers are asked to park between the cemetery on the right and the white wood shed. Additional parking is available in the field.

In the event of inclement weather, the hike will take place on Sunday, June 29, at 1 p.m. Please call Kimberley at 221-3477 with any questions.

Trying again

Since the school budget referendum on June 10 was defeated, a special town meeting will be held Friday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Jordan Small Middle School to review a revised budget. A special referendum vote will be held Monday, July 7, from 7 a.m.-8 p.m., also at the Jordan-Small Middle School.

Absentee ballots will be available for the referendum beginning Tuesday, July 1, at the town office. If you would like a ballot mailed to you, you must call or stop by the town office before July 2.