Brownies stock pantry

It is so wonderful to see people, especially children, helping others and our local Brownies have done just that. Brownie Troop 1741 recently participated in a project called “Food from the Heart,” the purpose of which was to bring awareness to the ongoing need of our food pantries. The girls held a collection for the Raymond Food Pantry and asked Raymond Elementary School families to help by donating paper products such as tissues, paper towels and toilet tissue. The girls were overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and are grateful to all who donated.

While Girl Scouts are required to perform specific criteria to earn patches, this troop also chose to complete the optional criteria and connect with a community organization to help in their efforts. Troop 1741 chose to partner with Raymond Fire Rescue Association Inc. which generously donated a check for $150. Once the collection was complete, the girls visited the pantry to deliver the items personally and were able to learn about its purpose and who it serves. Pastor Elmer Young, who oversees the pantry, was available to talk to the girls about the pantry operations.

Troop 1741 consists of Mya Bolk, Grace Kurtz, Josie Schwieterman, Lindsey MacDonald, Caitlyn Nassa, Emily Beisel-Bolen, Kylie Rhoades, Meghan Williams and Whitney Wilson and is co-lead by Caj MacDonald, Shannon Nassa and Julie Wilson. The girls will earn a special patch for their efforts in this project and more importantly, have learned an incredible lesson about the joys of helping others.

Parents Helping Kids

Parents Helping Kids is holding its next meeting on Thursday, April 8, from 6-8 p.m. at the Public Safety Building. Julie Chandler will be available from 6-6:30 to discuss PERC, Parenting Effectiveness is Resolving Conflict. This seven-week course was developed by a Maine parent for Maine parents. Facilitators use current national research and local experience to facilitate these highly acclaimed classes for parents of adolescents. PHK co-chair Kathleen Tolman said, “I have taken this class and received training to be a co-facilitator. It is an amazing class, and I would love to see parents take it with the enthusiasm that they take Lamaze!”

Following that presentation, Cyndi Amato, executive director, and Leslie LaFrance, education program manager, of Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine will be talking about the effects of sexual abuse and children. This presentation is available to all parents, educators, coaches, and childcare providers.

For more information about PHK, contact Kathleen Tolman at ktolman7@maine.rr.com.

Fire Explorer Program

Do you think you may be interested in becoming a firefighter or EMT? Do you want to find out what type of education, commitment, training, and experience are necessary to become a member of the Raymond Fire/Rescue Department? Perhaps you are looking for an opportunity to build teamwork skills, self assurance, and maybe a little muscle while having fun with your peers. Becoming a Fire Explorer is an excellent way to learn about this exciting career while you are a young adult.

The Raymond Fire/Rescue Department is excited to announce its upcoming Fire Explorer Program and invites all Raymond and Windham residents ages 14-21 to the open house to be held on Sunday, April 11, from 2-5 p.m. at the Public Safety Building. Come by and get more information about the explorer program while enjoying some light refreshments. For more information, contact Doug Kerr at 655-1105 or raymondexplorers@yahoo.com.

Windham High School students who attend the open house will receive one hour of community service for learning how they can help their community.

Books on tape

Recognizing the increasing requests for audio books, the Raymond Village Library became a member of Maine InfoNet, an online audio library. This service allows you to download audio books to your personal computer, transfer them to an MP3 player or iPod, or burn them onto a CD for listening on the go. Not only is this service easy and convenient to use, but it is also completely free. Simply go to download.maineinfonet.org to check out the large and growing number of selections available. Once you have downloaded the free software, simply enter your library number and begin using the service immediately. I have been using it for months and am thrilled with how many titles are available and how easy it is to use. Check it out!

Stay off trail

Spring is here and it is exciting to see people out walking and enjoying the pleasant weather. Although winter certainly was not very harsh this year, the parking lot and trails at Rattlesnake Mountain are still very muddy. In order to preserve trail conditions and prevent more erosion, property owner Fred Huntress has closed the trail until May 15.

It may be tempting to enjoy a spring hike, but it is important to honor this request and stay off the mountain during mud season. The Huntress family wishes to share this special piece of land with the residents of Raymond; however over the past several years, word has spread about our little treasure and it is now used by more out-of-state hikers, runners and those even wishing to go camping. Although a sign clearly states those activities are prohibited, many ignore the rules. Unfortunately, this has resulted in excessive erosion which is causing great concern.

Please join me and respect the wishes of the Huntress family. Stay off Rattlesnake when signs ask you to do so. In just a few weeks, the trail will be open again for all of us to enjoy.

‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

After months of hard work by the directors, aspiring actors and actresses, backstage crew and supportive parents, it is finally here. Do not miss Jordan Small Middle School Drama Club’s presentation of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which will be performed on Friday, April 9, and Saturday, April 10, at 7 p.m. at the school. Each year, the middle school musicals have proven to be very well done and highly entertaining and after witnessing many rehearsals, this show promises to be better than ever. Treat yourself to a wonderful night out and enjoy the show.

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