Academic scholar

Congratulations to Emma Laprise for being named a Sarah and James Bowdoin Scholar during a November Bowdoin College awards ceremony. The award is given to the top 20 percent of students with the highest GPA at Bowdoin College. Emma was unable to attend the ceremony as she was studying abroad in Grenada, Spain. Emma is a junior at Bowdoin studying biochemistry and Spanish with a current 3.85 GPA. Congratulations Emma and family!

New health and wellness business

Phoenix Whole Health is a new business specializing in working with individuals of all ages who have or are at risk for developing chronic health conditions, obesity and high cholesterol, for example. Phoenix will be joining the ranks of health and wellness professionals at Sedona Wellness on Route 302 in Raymond. The new studio will offer small group exercise classes (no more than four people), personal training, nutrition education and life coaching. Staff credentials include bachelor of science in physical education, National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer certification and fitness nutrition specialist certification.

Phoenix will be starting training and classes mid-February. Currently Phoenix offers a weight loss support group on Monday nights at 6 p.m. The cost is by donation. ($8 suggested donation)

Phoenix recognizes everyone is an individual and all have different learning styles, circumstances and needs. Getting healthy, for most, requires attention to more than just the physical side. Phoenix takes a body, mind and spirit approach to health and fitness. Through one-on-one consultation, Phoenix will develop for each client a fitness team and individual fitness plan. Set up your free consultation today.

For more information go to www.phoenixwholehealth.com, call 893-8644, or email info@phoenixwholehealth.com.

Project Graduation fundraising events

• Buck’s Bucks…Eat lunch or dinner at Buck’s Naked Barbecue in Windham on any or all Tuesdays in February and help raise “bucks” for WHS Project Graduation 2016. Buck’s will donate 10 percent of food and beverage purchased (before tax and gratuity). All you need to do is mention that you are there to support WHS PG16 and they will do the rest. Happy Hour and “To Go” items included. For more information contact whsprojectgrad2016@yahoo.com.

RSU 14 Special Olympics bottle collection drive

Want an easy way to help the community? Patman’s Redemption Center will be accepting your returnable bottles and cans to benefit the RSU 14 Special Olympics. Dropoffs will be taken through the end of May 2016. All of the collected funds will go toward the RSU 14 Special Olympic team to help raise money for participation in the state-level Summer Games at the University of Maine.

The Windham Chamber Singers are also seeking donations for its annual New York City trip where they will perform at Carnegie Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The group has almost reached their goal and needs your help. To donate visit the group’s page on Gofundme.com.

Library news

• Presidents’ Day

The library will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15, in celebration of Presidents’ Day. It will reopen on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

• Craft-making

The make-and-take craft program continues on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 12:30 p.m. This is an easy craft for children to create and take home with them. For more information, call the library at 655-4283.

• Kids Paint Class

The Sedona Wellness and Creativity Center, in collaboration with the Raymond Village Library, will be presenting a Kids Paint Class on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Raymond Village Library on 3 Meadow Road, Raymond. The cost is $25 per youngster and $20 each sibling. Adult supervision is required for those under 12. Please dress appropriately for a fun, messy time. There is space for just 20, so sign up early at the library, by calling the library at 655-4283 or emailing sally.holt@raymondvillagelibrary.org.

• Lawyer at the library

Attorney Pongratz will be at the Raymond Village Library on Thursday, Feb. 18, to meet with people on a drop-in basis to answer legal questions and provide pro-bono advice from 6-7 p.m.

• Book group

“The Sleepy Hollow Family Almanac” by Kris D’Agostino is the book chosen for February. This is a novel about Calvin Moretti, a disillusioned young man whose fledgling leap into adulthood lands him back in an already, overburdened family nest. He is a film school dropout, working as an assistant teacher at a preschool for autistic children. His obnoxious, highly motivated older brother is also living at home, as is his sister. To add to this, Calvin’s father, a pilot, is temporarily grounded and his mother is falling apart under the pressure. As always, all those interested are invited to join other readers on Feb. 25, at the library.

• Tea Time for Knitters and Crocheters

Winter can seem so long and we often get cabin fever by the end of February. The Raymond Village Library has a fun and helpful solution. There will be a Tea on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 1-3 p.m. with accompanying refreshments and even prizes. Please join us for tea, fun, prizes and to learn about our knitting/crocheting lending library.

Emma Laprise of Raymond recently earned academic distinction at Bowdoin College.