The Real News

Did you happen to read the story on the back page of last week’s Lakes Region Weekly which celebrated 10 years of Current Publishing and described publisher Lee Hews’ journey into the newspaper business and her desire and commitment to provide a source for stories about the people in our communities instead of focusing on government or current news events? Her vision was one where she could provide a means in which we could all learn more about each other in our communities because frankly, that’s what we all really care about. It has been my privilege and honor to write this column for four years with this philosophy in mind and to share with you the happenings and accomplishments of so many of the wonderful individuals, groups and committees in Raymond. We are an incredibly strong and unique community and people care about each other so please do not hesitate to contact me with your special news. Readers want to hear what is going on with you and yours; this paper has thrived for 10 years because of these stories and I am proud to be a part of that.

Pesticides be gone

I am one of those annoying environmentalists who recycle and compost just about everything. I treasure the Earth, believe that we are at risk and take long strides to do what I can to help. Eileen Stiles is equally passionate and has asked me to share the following about proper disposal of pesticides. The Maine Board of Pesticides Control is organizing a free, safe disposal of old pesticides at four collection sites in October. This program is for homeowner use only and the collected chemicals will go to out of state disposal facilities licensed by the EPA where they are incinerated or reprocessed. “Disposal of obsolete pesticides is expensive for the state,” notes Paul Schlein of the BPC, “but it is clearly much less than the cost of cleaning up contaminated soil or water.” It is worth noting that future funding is not guaranteed so be sure to take advantage of this year’s collection while you can. Pre-registration must be done by Sept. 30. To register, get more details, or learn about the temporary storage and transportation of obsolete pesticides, visit the BPC website at thinkfirstspraylast.org or call 287-2731.

Historical Society

Are you a history buff or perhaps want to be? The Raymond-Casco Historical Society will be presenting a special program on Monday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Penny Loura will give a presentation entitled “Medicine Used in the Civil War.” During those four horrific years, soldiers on both sides of the conflict died not only from gunshot wounds but disease. The field hospitals were just small tents and many troops suffered greatly from lack of medical knowledge and supplies. I doubt many of us can relate to this so it will be beneficial to listen to Penny as she tells stories of our ancestors and their experience during those turbulent times. Refreshments will be served and there will be a brief business meeting following the presentation. The museum is located on the Casco/Raymond line on Route 302. For more information, call 655-2438 or 655-4646.

Hawthorne ?Victorian Teas

As a passionate reader and writer, I still find it exciting that I live in the same town in which Nathaniel Hawthorne lived during his childhood, and I am thrilled that a committed group is working to keep his home alive. The Hawthorne Community Association just held the last of their elegant Victorian Teas for the season which they hosted every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer, and the program was a big success. Over the past two months, more than 100 people attended the afternoon teas hosted by trustee Jana Drummond of Events by Jana, LLC. Attendees were treated to period costumes, hats and jewelry and were served a full luncheon with scones, sandwiches and cakes of the Victorian era. Profits from the teas were donated to the Hawthorne Community Association to assist in refurbishment of his boyhood home which will be 200 years old in 2012. Given the success of this year’s events, plans are being made to hold similar Victorian themed parties next season. For more information on how you can contribute to the Hawthorne Association, please visit hawthorneassoc.com or contact John Manoush at jmanoush@fairpoint.net or 655-7660.

Visiting Sacred Spaces

Hostess Caryl Gilman opened her home to world renowned storyteller Valerie Tutson and lifelong friend Whendi Cook, singer and songwriter, who were here for a weekend program celebrating renewal and the search for sacred and meditative spaces being held at Raymond Village Community Church. The two women came with innovative and creative ideas in a program funded by the Lily Foundation’s grant. A creative workshop was held on Saturday afternoon and was finalized in a colorful and joyful time of sharing during the Sunday service. The vivacious team returned to their home in Connecticut following lunch with their hostess, leaving a trail of new ideas and opening new paths of awareness to the search currently taking place at the church here in Raymond.

A filled room of people enjoy one of the weekly Victorian Teas
held at the Hawthorne House throughout the summer. (Courtesy of
James Hammond)