Honoring our heroes

November is a busy month filled with Election Day, Thanksgiving and the kick off to the holiday season. Unfortunately, the all-too-important Veterans Day often gets overlooked and I wanted to take this opportunity to remember and thank each and every one of our veterans who have risked, or given, their lives for us.

Last year, I had the privilege of working with Marilee Dunklee, eighth grade English teacher at Jordan-Small Middle School, who conducted a service learning project in which her students interviewed veterans of foreign wars who live in the Raymond community and then wrote a book titled “Honoring our Heroes,” which consisted of student-written stories about the veterans’ experiences. The eighth-graders then invited the veterans to the school and presented a slide show depicting the experience, sang patriotic songs, and gave a copy of the book to each veteran. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room and it was so pleasing to observe the students interacting with the veterans. This was an incredibly rewarding experience for all involved and an excellent reminder of how important it is to honor our heroes.

Copies of this book, which includes photographs of all those interviewed, were also given to the school libraries, the Raymond Village Library, and the Raymond Historical Society and I encourage you to stop by and read it. Also, please remember that Veterans Day is not just a day off from work or school. It is a time to reflect and remember those who serve our country. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to you all.

Teachers receive mugs and kisses

Kathy Gillis and Kirsten Hackett of Raymond Elementary School were recently awarded the Horace Mann Mugs and Kisses Award. According to Assistant Principal Deborah Hutchinson, Gillis, the school’s standards based teacher, “was specifically recognized for creating a new position at the school and doing so with intelligence, compassion and a positive attitude throughout the process.” Hackett, an art teacher, was recognized for going above and beyond in creating a flag project the whole school took part in. Both teachers were presented their award by local Horace Mann agent Lisa Bussiere who said, “Our namesake, 19th Century statesman Horace Mann, wrote ‘Teaching is the most difficult of all arts and the profoundest of all sciences.’ With that thought in mind, it’s my honor to sponsor this program for Raymond Elementary School.” Congratulations to these two fine teachers.

Pajama story time

With the shorter days and colder temperatures, the comfort provided by a favorite pair of pajamas is unmatched. And how often do you get to wear your most comfortable pajamas out in public, sit back and be entertained? It is time for the Raymond Village Library’s annual Pajama Story Time, and you are invited. Once again, Jody Fein, storyteller extraordinaire, will entertain us with her exciting and intriguing method of tale telling. Come to the library on Monday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m.; and remember, pajamas are the accepted dress code for kids and adults alike. This popular program is free and made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Raymond PTO.

PTO holiday fair

To kick off the season and get you into the holiday spirit, the 9th annual PTO Holiday Fair will be held on Friday, Nov. 19, from 6-8 p.m. at the Raymond Elementary School. This event will feature the ever-popular cake walk, festive storytelling, free make-and-take craft tables, raffles and small gifts to purchase. In addition, the Scholastic book sale which is happening all week will be open during the fair, giving you the opportunity to purchase your favorite books at reasonable prices. There will be something for everyone, so please support the PTO by bringing the whole family for a fun evening.

‘Bye Bye Birdie’

I have had the thrill of being involved with the Windham High School fall musical, working behind the scenes with the very dedicated team of volunteers and directors. The cast is stacked with talented students from both Raymond and Windham and you won’t want to miss seeing your favorite stars in action. Come treat yourself to their performance of the Broadway style production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” Performances will be held at the Windham High School Performing Arts Center on Nov. 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 14 and 21 at 4 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 893-1742.

Singing for joy

Hannah Brackett, sixth grade student at Jordan-Small Middle School, has a lot to sing about. She recently competed in the Maine National Association of Teachers of Singing Inc. singing competition held at Bates College and won the coveted second place award. You may also remember me reporting that Hannah was chosen as one of the few elite singers in PORTopera’s performance of “Hansel and Gretel” held at the Merrill last summer. She is also performing in “A Christmas Carol” in December at City Theater in Biddeford playing the part of Fan (age 10) and has a sweet duet with young Scrooge. Hannah has been taking voice lessons with Sara Sturdivant of Fiddlehead Center for the Arts in Gray and is clearly a talented vocalist. Congratulations to her on her recent accomplishment.

PHK offers parent meet-ups

Parents Helping Kids will hold their next meeting on Thursday, Nov. 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Raymond Public Safety Building. Chanda Sinclair, drug free communities project manager from the Communities Promoting Health Coalition, will be discussing Parent Meet-Ups. The goal of Parent Meet-Ups is to provide a comfortable opportunity for parents to communicate openly with each other about underage drinking and how to prevent it. The public is invited to attend PHK meetings. For more information, please contact Kathleen Tolman at [email protected].

Holiday fair

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in North Windham is having its annual holiday fair on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be something for everyone including theme gift baskets, knitted hats, mittens, scarves, jewelry, wreaths, quilts, candy, pastries, lots of raffles and much more. There will also be a breakfast and lunch menu available, so please stop by.