Scholarship Winner

CenterStage dancer Emma Dyer recently attended Groove Dance Convention in Randolph, Mass. Classes were held all day for three age categories: Junior/Teen and Senior. There were approximately 200 students in each age division. Emma took five classes in five separate disciplines of Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and Hip Hop.

Each age division awarded three scholarships based on teacher recommendations. Emma won the second place scholarship for the teen division. She was awarded a free entry for her solo at upcoming Groove Dance Competitions, which she will be attending in March. She was also invited to attend the Hollywood Summer Tour in Los Angeles with a $500 scholarship to apply toward that. The Hollywood Summer Tour is an invitation-only dance career intensive intended for advanced dancers who are serious about learning about the commercial dance industry in Hollywood. ?It is the ideal program that will provide each dancer with all the tools needed to get started and be successful in this cut-throat dance industry. Organizers only take on a select group of elite dancers from all over the world to participate in this prestigious program. Students will be mentored by top industry professionals who are actively working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. Congratulations, Emma!

Southern Maine Gearbots

Is your child interested in building, exploring and solving problems? Are they intrigued with robotics or engineering or want to learn some programming basics?

Southern Maine Gearbots is a locally hosted program designed to build excitement for science, engineering and technology related problem solving in a team-based environment. The program will run from January through March and will culminate in a robotics expo and competition on Saturday, April 4, at Saint Joseph’s College. Interactive robotic displays will be featured. Winning participants in the competition can continue to Maine state robotic challenges. Participation is only $55 per child for 10 weeks. This program is open to all students in grades 1-8. Coaching and mentors are also needed. Training is provided. To register, visit www.smgearbotics.org.

Holiday Fair

The Raymond Village Community Church located in Raymond Village, will hold its annual Christmas Fair on Dec. 6 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wreaths, knitted and crocheted items, crafts, maple syrup, woodworked items, jewelry, baked goods and a cookie walk will be available. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Come kick off the holiday season at this fun event!

Annual Tree Lighting

The Annual Tree Lighting will take place on the Raymond Village Library’s lawn Sunday, Nov. 30, at 5 p.m. This community event is sponsored by the Raymond Lions Club in conjunction with the Raymond Village Library and begins the holiday season each year in Raymond. All are invited to attend. Carolers will entertain and refreshments are available. There will be a special story time beginning in the library at 4:30 p.m., conducted by Lisa Davison, youth services assistant.

Pet Food Drive

Dog Gone Grooming and Emily’s place located at 1311 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond is hosting a pet food drive. They are in need of dog and cat food and treats. All donations will be donated to local food pantries so those less fortunate can also make sure their loving companions are well taken care of.

Got Talent?

Lake Region Community Theatre presents its second Annual Lake Region’s Got Talent Competition in coming months. There will be more than $1,000 in cash and prizes. They are looking for talented performers: singers, dancers, musicians, magicians, comedians, improv groups, actors, jugglers, whatever!

The competition is open to all ages, individuals, groups, amateurs or anyone who is not primarily a professional performer. Performers will be judged by professionals, receive helpful advice, and be voted on by judges and a live audience. Shows will be taped and shown on LRTV. Auditions will be held at CenterStage Dance Studio, Raymond located at 1233 Roosevelt Trail (the Family Dollar Plaza). Open audition times are Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3-5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1-3 p.m. Auditions are mandatory and you must provide all necessary accompaniments. A sound system will be available for CDs, MP3 player, iPod or phone. One-time audition fee of $15. Performance dates are as follows: Quarterfinals on Jan. 11 and 18, semifinals on Jan. 25, and the finals Feb. 8. All performances are at 1 p.m. at the Magic Lantern Theater in Bridgton. For more information, contact Peter Allen at 518-0481.

Seeking Withdrawal Committee Members

On Nov. 4, the referendum question regarding whether to withdraw from the RSU 14 passed. Per Step 6 of state law regarding withdrawing froma school district, the Board of Selectmen will be directed to appoint a Withdrawal Committee to develop a Withdrawal Agreement.

The four-member Withdrawal Committee shall include: One member from the municipal officers, one member from the general public, one member from the group filing the petition and one member of the RSU 14 board who represents Raymond.

The town of Raymond is seeking a Raymond citizen to serve as the member from the “general public.” Applications for the Committee Appointment must be postmarked by Tuesday, Dec. 2, to be considered by the Board of Selectmen for appointment. The town is also seeking a volunteer group of nine to 15 concerned Raymond citizens to work on the RSU Withdrawal Study Subcommittee. This group will be the driving force in the investigation process and supporting the Withdrawal Committee as it proceeds forward with the RSU Withdrawal Process. Any and all are encouraged to participate, and background in accounting, school administration and budgets are a plus.

Applications for the above can be picked up at the Town Office during normal business hours. Please return completed forms to Sue Look, Town Clerk, Town of Raymond, 401 Webbs Mills Road, Raymond, Maine 04071.

Emma Dyer has recently won a scholarship to study dance in Hollywood.