Go for a Run

When I heard about the incomprehensible bombings and subsequent deaths and injuries that took place at the Boston Marathon last week, I was horrified. I knew several people running and watching, and I was instantly concerned. I was not only filled with rage and sadness, but also hopelessness. As I watched the events unfold, there was nothing I could do to prevent or fix the tragedy. Within no time, however, I received several messages from groups big and small, formal and informal and the thought was the same….let’s run. Group runs were held here in Maine, throughout New England and all over the nation to honor those no longer with us and those forced to embark on the long battle of living life without legs. I wish we could give those victims their lives back, but we cannot. What we can do is run. People have always asked me why I ride, run, ski, hike, etc. and the answer is equally complex and simple…because I can.

Have you been thinking about getting in shape, attempting a 5K, going after a personal best, and supporting local charities? If so, this is the perfect year to go for it. Why not honor those who cannot by participating in a local run? You will support a worthwhile charity while having fun. Here are a few events happening right here in our community over the next few months: Mark your calendars and get ready to make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

The Patriots 5K will be held on May 18 at 9 a.m. This family-friendly race starts at St. Gregory’s Church and loops around Crystal Lake in Gray. All proceeds benefit the MSAD 15’s PTO. For more information, visit patriot5k.org.

UCAN 5K – This inaugural event is being held on June 15 at 8 a.m. at the Sheri Gagnon Park on Mill Street in Raymond. The event is being held to honor Candace Woolston who lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 49. Proceeds from this race will benefit the Sheri Gagnon Park and the Windham Primary School playground fund. Contact [email protected] for more information.

The Longest Day 5K will take place at Libby Hill in Gray on June 21. In its second year, this race offers a scenic run through the trails of Libby Hill and all proceeds will go to trail maintenance and projects. For more information, visit libbyhill.org.

The Casco Days Road Race is a four-miler which attracts hundreds of runners each year and is part of the popular three-day festival. Sponsored by the Casco Fire Association, it is held on July 27 at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit cascodays.com.

The Hackers Hill Climb is in its second year and will be held on Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. This four-mile mostly uphill race was originated as a fundraiser to save Hacker’s Hill. Runners start at the base of Quaker Ridge Road and run to the top of the gorgeous summit of Hackers Hill. Proceeds benefit Loon Echo Land Trust’s preservation projects. Visit loonecholandtrust.org for more information.

Congrats Katie

Congratulations are in order to Katie Allen for her recent initiation into the Mortar Board National Honor Society at the University of Vermont. Katie graduated form Poland Regional High School in 2010 and is in the class of 2014 with a double major in Political Science and English. Among other activities, she currently chairs the Student Coordination Committee for Meals at the Ronald McDonald House in Burlington. Great job, Katie.

A Special Swim Meet

The annual Maine State Special Olympics Swim Meet was held at Bates College last week and six of Raymond’s Special Olympians competed against more than 350 swimmers from 51 teams. The swimmers competed in the freestyle, backstroke and relays, and gave it their all. It was rewarding to see the first-ever Raymond relay team earn bronze medals placing third out of eight teams.

Team Raymond consists of AJ Mains, Connor Diagle, Lucas Maloney-Spiller, Brandon Bearor, Brooke Whitney, and Lee Peet and is coached by John Keller. Coach Keller said, “I was more impressed with the effort and improvements of the Raymond swimmers rather than their place finish.”

The swimmers expressed how much fun they experienced competing in the swim races, earning ribbons and medals, cheering each other on, and enjoying a celebration lunch after the meet. A big thank-you goes out to JSMS Special Education staff Moira Case and Alex Miller for their valuable assistance and to all the families who attended the meet.

Rattlesnake Open

After closing its trails for several weeks this spring to prevent further erosion, the Huntress family will once again open its Bri-Mar trail on Rattlesnake Mountain effective May 1. This family-friendly, one-mile hike provides gorgeous views of Panther Pond, and I highly recommend it. Please be respectful and adhere to the rules posted at the trailhead. It is a privilege to be allowed on the trail and to enjoy this gem in our town.

Scholarships Available

College tuition has skyrocketed and while many high school seniors prepare for their post high school studies, the financial burden plays a huge role in their decision-making. To help with these costs, there are several scholarships available in town. Nearly a dozen scholarships are awarded as memorials of legendary people in Raymond as well as from the Lions Club and PTO. To learn about the available scholarships, the amounts awarded and their criteria, please visit the town website at raymondmaine.org. Most applications must be completed by April 30 so don’t miss this opportunity to apply.

Trash Be Gone

As a runner and cyclist, I get a daily up-close view of our roadsides and am sad to report, they are filled with trash. Do you have a few hours to help get our town cleaned up and ready for the upcoming season? If so, please join us on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. until noon. We will meet at the Raymond Village Community Church and teams will walk the roadways collecting trash and making Raymond a more desirable community. Supplies and lunch will be provided. In the event of rain, the cleanup will take place on Saturday, May 25. Contact Derek Abbott for more information [email protected] or 205-7485 or just meet us at RVCC on the 18th.