To the Rescue

Are you looking for a wonderful and meaningful way to contribute to our town? The Raymond Fire-Rescue Association is looking to increase its membership. You do not need to be a member of the Raymond Fire-Rescue Department to be a member of the association. The purpose of the association is to support the activities of the Raymond Fire-Rescue Department for the benefit of the community. To mention a few, the association raises funds for the department as well as community service efforts including their annual giving tree at Christmas, the incredibly popular spooky Halloween Hauntings haunted house, and providing traffic control on Main Street during that evening. Your contribution is appreciated, so please consider joining. For more information, email [email protected] or call 655-1187.

Christmas in July

The Raymond Village Community Church will be hosting a Christmas in July church fair on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the church. This will be an inside/outside church fair with a Christmas theme. Christmas white elephant tables, craft vendors, face painting, cookie walk, food table, beautiful faux flower arrangements, and raffle and silent auctions will all be part of this fair. In addition, breakfast including muffins, breads, and coffee, and lunch consisting of lobster rolls or egg salad sandwiches and strawberry shortcake will be available. For more information, contact Polly Dyer at 892-4301 or [email protected].

Burgers, Brats,

and Dogs

What is better than a barbecue on a warm summer evening especially when you don’t have to cook? The Raymond Village Community Church’s infamous fourth annual Burgers, Brats, and Dogs Barbeque is back and will be held on Saturday, July 20, from 4:30-6 p.m. at the church. There will be char-broiled burgers and brats, fresh from the Raymond Meat Market and complete with all the fixings, hot dogs grilled just the way the kids like them, fresh tangy coleslaw, spicy baked beans, sodas and bottled water, and dessert. Sit under the cool, comfortable picnic awning next to the church and listen to 40s, 50s, and 60s music while you eat. Take-out orders welcome. The cost of the barbecue is unbeatable with only $4 burgers, $5 bratwurst, $2 hotdogs, $1 side dishes, $2 desserts and $1 drinks. Why not take a break from cooking, join some friends and enjoy a good meal. For more information, contact Andy Morrison at [email protected] or 627-2200.

One Amazing Thing

The Raymond Village Library’s book group will meet at the library on Wednesday, July 31, at 7 p.m. to discuss the novel, “One Amazing Thing,” written by Chitra Banerjee Divakuruni. The story takes place in the passport and visa office of an American city. An earthquake traps nine people together who are of various ages, cultures and ethnicities. There is a collective struggle to survive since there is little food and the office begins to flood. When the stress seems too much to bear, one survivor suggests that each tell a personal tale that they have never told anyone. This sounds like an intriguing story and if it appeals to you please join the group for an interesting evening of discussion. Copies of the book are available at the library. For more information, call the library at 655-4283

Planning Ahead

The town of Raymond is seeking a member to serve on the Planning Board, which meets on the second Wednesday of the month as needed, and an alternate to serve of the Zoning Board of Appeals, which meets on the last Monday of the month as needed. This is an excellent way to contribute to our community. If you can step up, contact Louise Lester, Town Clerk at 655-4742 for more information or to apply.

Legally Blonde

I love entertainment in the summer and am excited about Windham Center State Theater’s summer production, “Legally Blonde the Musical.” Elle, Bruiser and friends will make their WCST debut on Friday July 26 and play on weekends through Sunday, August 4.

Based on the hit movie, Legally Blonde the Musical is a fresh and effervescent evening of musical fun, stylishly wrapped up in a smart pink bow. Elle Woods is the college sweetheart and homecoming queen who doesn’t take no for an answer, so when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit cards, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

As always, this show is stacked with excellent talent including many from Raymond and is directed by my favorite director, Rob Juergens. The creative team includes musical director, Robert Chabora, also of Raymond, choreographer Vanessa Beyland, costume designer, Kim Washburn, producer Diana Clarke, and Assistant Director Laurie Shepard.

Tickets are only $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. on the weekends of July 26-August 4. To purchase tickets or for more information, email [email protected].

Sunsets at Hacker’s Hill

You know I’m passionate about the efforts of Loon Echo Land Trust and specifically our treasured Hacker’s Hill, so I’m thrilled to invite you to the second annual Acoustic Sunset at Hacker’s Hill on Wednesday, July 31. This year, folk musician Andre Villoch will perform a one-hour set of acoustic music on top of Hacker’s Hill while the sun sets beyond the White Mountains. There is a $10 per person suggested donation at the “door” to benefit the Hacker’s Hill Campaign. Bring a picnic and a lawn chair. Music begins at 7 p.m. and will offer the best sunset in the area. Should it rain, this event will be held the next night, Thursday, Aug. 1.

And speaking of fun events to benefit Hacker’s Hill, mark your calendars for the second annual Hacker’s Hill Climb. This 4-mile hilly run/walk will be held on Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m. and is not your everyday 5K. The course will have participants striding uphill on Quaker Ridge Road and ending atop Hacker’s Hill with stunning views of the mountains and lakes. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for youth. As always, the businesses in our community have been so supportive and have generously donated many prizes, and everyone has a chance to win. All proceeds from this event will go to the protection and stewardship of Hacker’s Hill. For more information or to register, visit loonecholandtrust.org.