Public Hearing

There will be a public hearing on April 28 at Raymond Elementary School beginning at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss whether Raymond should continue to discuss if research should continue about staying within RSU 14.

Dancing Finale

The fifth annual Dancing with the Staff to support the class of 2015’s Project Graduation was a great success with approximately $10,000 raised.

A new addition this year to the event was having students dance against the staff. Six student couples and six teacher/community couples entered the event, which was held on two separate evenings. The first night was 1980s themed and the final evening was a freestyle/music choice. Raymond residents and Windham High School seniors Emily Gagne and Emma Gresh won first place for the students in the “People’s Choice Awards.” This award was given to the couple that raised the most monetary donations the night of the event. Donations were put into buckets labeled with each couple’s name. Emily and Emma also were voted second place by the audience for the students.

Daniel Burin and Mike Martin, Title I teachers at Manchester School in Windham, won first place by audience vote for the teachers with their ’80s dance to “Walk this Way” and their freestyle choice to “Shake it Off.” As director of CenterStage in Raymond, I was their choreographer and also worked with the Project Grad Committee to coordinate other choreographers. I would like to extend a thank you to Dinah Aldrich at Vibe in Windham, Viki Lloyd of Centre of Movement, Michelle at DM, Danielle Drouin of Drouin Dance Center and John Miele of Maine State Ballet for the donation of their time and rehearsal spaces.

Important Dates for Jordan-Small

As the students near the end of the school year Principal Randy Crockett would like to share the following important dates for Jordan-Small Middle School students:

May 1: Dance for grades 7 & 8, 7-9 p.m.

May 6: ACES activity for all grades in the gym 9:40 a.m. Early release day.

May 7: District Art Show visit on May 7. Evening hours for parents May 4-7.

May 8: Progress reports printed.

May 20: Grade 7 field trip to Bangor to the Challenger Learning Center and Cole Museum.

May 25: Memorial Day – no school.

May 29: Grades 6, 7 8 band, chorus and orchestra members travel to Big East Festival at Six Flags.

June 2: Chorus Concert at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

June 4: Instrumental Concert at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

June 10: Grade 6 field trip to Boston

June 12: Career Day.

June 16: Class of 2015 Completion Ceremony at 7 p.m.

June 17: Grade 8 Class Trip and Grades 5, 6, 7 Field Day.

June 18: Last Day of school with release at 10 a.m.

Volunteers Wanted

The Raymond Revitalization Committee and Celebration Committee will be holding a joint meeting on May 6 at 8 a.m. at the Raymond Donut Shop to continue plans for the first annual 4th of July celebration in Raymond. Calling all businesses, civic groups, crafters and residents to help plan this fun event. Wanted are sponsors, volunteers, crafters, food vendors, parade floats and new ideas! For more information, contact Carrie Colby at 232-5497 or Danielle Loring at 655-4742, ext. 133.

Raymond Village Library News

A reminder the Raymond Village Library will be hosting a basket weaving program on April 26 from 1-4 p.m. Not interested in basket weaving? Come that day from 1-3 p.m. and knit or crochet a scarf for breast cancer. Yarn and patterns available at the library. Bring your own needles if you have them.

U Can 5K

It is that time of year again for the U Can 5K race. A race to tribute Raymond Resident Candace Woolston. The race will be held at the Sheri Gagnon Park on Mill Street in Raymond on June 13. The course is a scenic, flat course and can be run, walked or jogged!

Entry fee is $25 before June 1 or $30 after June 1 up to the day of the event. A free T-shirt is awarded to those who register before May 20 but can also be purchased for $10 if registration is done after May 20. Online registration is available at www.active.com/raymond-me/running/races/u-can-5k-2015.

Prizes are awarded for top female and male and all category winners. Age groups are 13 and under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70-plus, as well as to the youngest and oldest Raymond residents. There will be prizes and raffles but winner must be present. All proceeds will be donated to locally to a charity close to Candace’s heart.

Free Energy Workshop for Businesses

Raymond is sponsoring its first Energy Workshop for Businesses led by Greater Portland Council of Governments. This will give companies of all sizes an opportunity to learn about all of the programs, initiatives and options are available for energy and cost savings.

The event will be held on Tuesday, April 28, at 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Raymond Broadcast Studio (423 Webbs Mills Road). Visit www.raymondmaine.org to get link to a PDF file which includes itinerary and a list of speakers/topics as well as a link to RSVP. This event is free and open to businesses from all communities so please share this information with anyone who may be interested.

For more information feel free to contact Danielle Loring at 655-4742, ext. 133.

The winning team at the recent Dancing with the Staff at Windham High School was, from left, Danielle Burin, choreographer and coach Beth Gaudet, and Mike Martin.Photo courtesy of Mike Martin