Talented Winners

Lakes Region’s Got Talent declared their winners on Feb. 6. The competition consisted of four rounds – a preliminary, two weeks of semifinals and the finals. A panel of judges provided feedback to each of the acts but competitors were moved forward in the event based on audience voting.

Two dance acts from CenterStage made it to the final round. Bailey Nassa and McKenzie Gifford performed a lyrical piece and a jazz/contemporary piece was performed by Kristen Farwell, Liza Collins and Laura Taylor. The jazz/contemporary piece was voted third place by the audience. The girls received some nice prizes including flowers donated by Raymond Village Florist, Pat’s Pizza and Dunkin Donuts Gift Cards, a monetary prize and a winner’s plaque.

Last year CenterStage Dancers came in second place with their acrobatic performance of “Hard Knock Life.” During the voting those girls performed their new acrobatic routine, “Wild Things.” This was their debut of this performance and included not only acrobatic tricks but intricate costuming and a huge prop representing Pride Rock from “The Lion King.” The girls used the rock to perform intricate tricks off of. The dancers will be presenting their pieces at upcoming competitions beginning in March.

Acting for the Singer

Due to weather, the Acting for the Singer Workshop has been rescheduled for Feb. 15. There are still a few spots available. Former Windham Chamber Singer Janelle LoSciuto in collaboration with Raymond resident Dr. Pamela Chabora will be offering an “Acting for the Singer” workshop on Feb. 15 from 5-7 p.m. at CenterStage Performing Arts located in the Raymond Plaza.

Dr. Chabora is an equity actress, master teacher in acting and certified lessac voice specialist. The cost is $15 per student with any age welcome (adults encouraged to attend). This is a rare opportunity to train with Dr. Chabora when she is local as she spends most of her time traveling to perform. Janelle LoSciuto owns a local voice studio and is also part of the board at Schoolhouse Arts in Standish. For more information, contact Janelle at [email protected].

Dance for Autism

A benefit dance performance will be held to support the Autism Society of Maine on Feb. 28 at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. This is the event’s 10th year and 10 area dance studios, including CenterStage Performing Arts of Raymond, will be participating. The event, hosted by Studio for the Living Arts in Gray, has raised more than $15,000 for the Autism Society of Maine. Tickets may be purchased at the door or pre-sale at www.danceforautism.brownpapertickets.com.

Ash Wednesday Service

Ash Wednesday Service will be held at the Raymond Village Community Church in the village on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.

Everyone is invited to a unique Ash Wednesday service patterned after services at the 900-year-old Abbey Church of the Iona Community in Scotland. The service will consist of readings and songs done in procession around the church’s sanctuary. Ashes will be distributed and communion will be served. The Senior Choir will be singing. There will be no sermon or collection.

For more information about the service contact the Church Office at 655-7749.

Raymond Village Library News

• Knit or Crochet: On Sunday, Feb. 22, from 1-3 p.m. you are invited to the Raymond Village Library to knit or crochet a scarf to donate for breast cancer. Come and enjoy the company of others in this worthy group effort. If you wish you may bring a favorite pattern to share. Organizers will have pink yarn and some knitting needles and crochet hooks or you may bring your own. You may bring your project home in order to finish it. If you need more information, call the library at 655-4283.

• President’s Day: Please note that the Raymond Village Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of President’s Day.

• Book Group: The book chosen for February is Wallace Stegner’s novel, “Crossing to Safety.” Considered Stegner’s best novel, it is about a close friendship between two couples spanning 40 years, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do them part. The novel deals with the passage of time and inevitable loss, but also what one holds onto – memories and love. All interested readers are invited to join for a lively discussion at the library on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. The book will be available at the library upon request. For more information, call the library at 655-4283.

• Dr. Suess Night Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are needed to help with the annual Dr. Suess Night to be held at the Raymond Elementary School on Feb. 6. Volunteers are needed at 5 p.m. Teens are encourage to volunteer and will earn hours for their required school community service. Signups can be done at the library. For more information, contact Lisa Davison at [email protected].

Boston Post Cane Candidates Wanted

The town is interested in finding the oldest resident of Raymond in order to award the Boston Post Cane certificate.

In 1909, the Boston Post Cane was donated by the Boston, Mass., newspaper the Boston Post to any New England town that qualified for and requested a cane to be held by the town’s oldest citizen. Originally, there were 431 canes throughout New England. The cane is ebony with a 14-carat gold head inscribed thusly: “Presented by The Boston Post to the Oldest Citizen of Raymond, Maine, to be transmitted.” Today the cane remains in the Town Hall for its protection and the recipients receive a certificate of recognition.

If you are a candidate or know someone who might be, please fill out and submit a nomination form to the Raymond Town Office by 7 p.m. on April 7, 2015. Nomination Forms are available at www.raymondmaine.org or at the town office. Questions, please contact Town Clerk Sue Look at 655-4742, ext. 121, or [email protected]. Proof of birth will be requested.

From left, Kristen Farwell, Liza Collins Schrader and Laura Taylor, who have Raymond ties, won third place in the recent Lake Region’s Got Talent contest.Courtesy photo by Pam Collins Stahle