Village Community Church welcomes noteworthy pianist

Raymond Village Community Church is pleased to announce and welcome Michael Bostock as the church’s new pianist. Bostock began leading the spiritual music of the church on Sept. 12.

“We feel he will continue to further advance our music program each and every week,” church moderator Tom Wiley said. “Historically, this church has featured some of the best musicians and we look to continue that tradition.”

Bostock is a highly awarded and recognized musician, having been honored with the following awards for music excellence: Kotzschmar Memorial Trust Scholarship 2021 winner; first place winner, Ocy L. Downs Biennial Piano Competition; honorable mention for both Bagaduce Music Young Composers Competition and Pine Tree Competition Junior Division.

He performs periodically at the Marston-Kotzschmar Music Club and in many ensembles, including Portland Youth Wind Ensemble and Maine Youth Rock Orchestra. Bostock will also be the featured musician at an upcoming Noonday Concert at the Portland Conservatory of Music Nov. 4.

Reading is ‘fun’-damental

Over 60 children participated in Raymond Village Library summer’s reading program. The children set their own individualized reading goals in either number of books, pages, chapters or minutes read over the summer. It added up to 1,335 (and a half) books, 22 chapters, 7,439 pages and 620 minutes! In addition to reading, participants enjoyed special outdoor story times, drawing classes, Zumba and hula hoop sessions, Sparks Ark & Chewonki animal presentations, T-shirt painting, family challenges, outdoor games and weekly crafts.

As we move into the fall, great programs are still continuing at the library. Baby Story Time resumes at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20, featuring short stories, songs and a simple craft. Sessions include lap and cuddle songs and bouncing games for age 2 and under.

Preschool Story Time resumes at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22. This group is designed for children age 3-5 and will feature stories, songs and crafts. Drop-in table activities will be available with a variety of art, crafts, Legos and block-building stations open during library hours. Come enjoy all the library has to offer!

Author talk Sept. 18

Auburn-based author Jack Flowers will be visiting Raymond Village Library to give a presentation on his book “Rat Six” at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. It is the gripping, true-to-life tale of Clifford Price and his astounding venture during the Vietnam War. Based on the author’s own harrowing experiences, the novel brings readers face-to-face with the terrors of fighting the Viet Cong in the tunnels of Cu Chi. Flowers’ potent narrative balances the emotional and psychological struggles that come with the horrors of war and violence. Flowers has been described as “an engaging speaker with a compelling story to tell” who will keep everyone entertained and asking questions throughout the event.

See ratsix.com to find out about the author and his book, which will be available for purchase at the event. Registration required by calling 655-4283 or emailing rachel.holden@raymondvillagelibrary.org.

Cosmic Creation performs

Come to Raymond Village Library Saturday, Sept. 28, for a special outdoor performance by fusion dance group Cosmic Creation (weather permitting). Contact the library to pre-register and time of performance; find out more about the group by going to the Cosmic Creation Facebook page.

Free mental health conference

Windham-Raymond Regional School Unit 14 will be hosting a Mental Health Summit Oct. 7 and 8. It will be a virtual conference for teachers, parents, youth and community members from 8 a.m. to noon both days. Attendees will receive advice from experts in the field of mental health about overcoming stigma, assessing coping skills for resilience, understanding brain science, ways to reduce stress, as well as working with LGBTQ youth peer and adult support services. No registration required; the Zoom link will be posted at rsu14.org.

Last supper of the season

Raymond Village Community Church is hosting its final pot roast supper Oct. 9. The dinner will include a delicious selection of pot roast and gravy, potatoes, green beans, carrots, a roll and a brownie for $12. Payment will be cash or checks only, no credit cards for takeout only. Pickup is between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Order in advance by calling the office at 655-7749 and leaving a message with name, number of meals and time of pickup, or by emailing office@rvccme.org with the same details.

Alissa Messer can be contacted at alissamesser@gmail.com.

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