Dancing in ‘The Nutcracker’

Many young ballerinas dream of dancing in “The Nutcracker” each holiday season and three Raymond dancers are about to realize that dream. Eight-year-olds Emily Beisel-Bolen and Alex Markonish and 11-year-old Maia Tangen auditioned and were chosen to perform in Portland Ballet’s annual “Victorian Nutcracker” and after several weeks of rehearsals, they are excited to perform. They will be showcasing their talents at this year’s performances which will be held at Kennett High School in North Conway on Dec. 18 and 19 and at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Dec. 23. For ticket information, visit portlandballet.org.

Community tree lighting

It is time to start enjoying the holidays and to help kick off the season, the annual Christmas tree lighting will take place on the library lawn this Sunday, Nov. 28. The event will begin with a special story time held at 4:30 p.m. inside the library followed by carols performed by the Raymond Elementary School chorus. The tree will then be lit as the community stays warm feasting on cookies and hot chocolate while a special visitor is sure to delight the younger children. This fun night is sponsored by the Raymond Lions Club in conjunction with the Raymond Village Library and is sure to get you in the holiday mood.

Christmas fairs

I love this time of year and especially enjoy attending the local craft fairs. The Raymond Village Community Church on Main Street will host its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and promises to offer something for everyone. To satisfy your sweet tooth, choose a plate of cookies at the cookie walk or select holiday treats from the baked goods table. Pick up some unique treasures at the table full of handmade, knitted craft items or bath and gift items. Breakfast and lunch will also be available throughout the day.

Casco Village Church is hosting its annual Christmas in the Village fair on Saturday, Nov. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. which will include a lobster and corn chowder luncheon served from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This festive fair will include used books, grandma’s attic, “Christmas Recycled,” raffles, clothes closet and jewels. Come support our local churches while picking up some nice holiday treasures and enjoying good food.

Swimming in citrus

The Raymond Recreation Association is holding its 17th annual citrus fruit sale and what better way to stay healthy than stocking up on Vitamin C. Small and large cases of delicious oranges, grapefruit and a combination of both are available at prices from $19 to $28.

All the proceeds from this sale will go to “Every Child a Swimmer,” the program that teaches our kids to swim each summer. Help support this program by treating yourself to some delicious fresh fruit or purchase a case to donate to the holiday food basket programs.

Please call Pat Smith at 655-4657 or 329-3614 to place an order. Sales from neighboring communities are also welcomed and delivery will be arranged. The fruit will be available for pick up on Dec. 10.

Lions selling trees

It’s time to deck the halls and the Raymond Lions Club will be selling Christmas trees this year. They will be located on Route 302 on Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19 and all the profits will be donated back to the Raymond community. The Lions provide services to many groups including offering college scholarships, stocking the food pantry, supporting the Raymond Village Library, providing eye glasses and diabetes assistance and many others. There will be a limited supply of trees and if you would like to pre-order or have other questions, call Bob Wallace at 655-2222.

Community garden

You may have just put your garden to bed for the winter, but the folks who manage the Raymond Community Garden are already planning for next year’s crop. The garden’s inaugural year was extremely successful and reservations are now being taken for garden space for the 2011 season. Every gardener regardless of their skill level is invited to participate. The garden is located at the intersection of Main Street and Route 121, bordered by the Raymond Village Library and the MOFGA-certified Echo Lodge organic garden. A new option for next year will be an area of the garden designated for the Raymond Food Pantry and you may wish to help in that area in addition to or instead of having your own plot. Space is going fast so please contact Leigh Walker at [email protected] immediately to reserve your plot.

Free community meal

Christ Chapel on Northern Pines Road is hosting its monthly community meal on Saturday, Nov. 27, from 4:30-6 p.m. The menu will consist of baked beans, hotdogs, kielbasa, and macaroni and cheese. This meal is free of charge and is open to the surrounding communities. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Tammy Gisel at 655-5058.

Dancing in ‘The Nutcracker’

Many young ballerinas dream of dancing in “The Nutcracker” each holiday season and three Raymond dancers are about to realize that dream. Eight-year-olds Emily Beisel-Bolen and Alex Markonish and 11-year-old Maia Tangen auditioned and were chosen to perform in Portland Ballet’s annual “Victorian Nutcracker” and after several weeks of rehearsals, they are excited to perform. They will be showcasing their talents at this year’s performances which will be held at Kennett High School in North Conway on Dec. 18 and 19 and at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Dec. 23. For ticket information, visit portlandballet.org.

Community tree lighting

It is time to start enjoying the holidays and to help kick off the season, the annual Christmas tree lighting will take place on the library lawn this Sunday, Nov. 28. The event will begin with a special story time held at 4:30 p.m. inside the library followed by carols performed by the Raymond Elementary School chorus. The tree will then be lit as the community stays warm feasting on cookies and hot chocolate while a special visitor is sure to delight the younger children. This fun night is sponsored by the Raymond Lions Club in conjunction with the Raymond Village Library and is sure to get you in the holiday mood.

Christmas fairs

I love this time of year and especially enjoy attending the local craft fairs. The Raymond Village Community Church on Main Street will host its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and promises to offer something for everyone. To satisfy your sweet tooth, choose a plate of cookies at the cookie walk or select holiday treats from the baked goods table. Pick up some unique treasures at the table full of handmade, knitted craft items or bath and gift items. Breakfast and lunch will also be available throughout the day.

Casco Village Church is hosting its annual Christmas in the Village fair on Saturday, Nov. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. which will include a lobster and corn chowder luncheon served from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This festive fair will include used books, grandma’s attic, “Christmas Recycled,” raffles, clothes closet and jewels. Come support our local churches while picking up some nice holiday treasures and enjoying good food.

Swimming in citrus

The Raymond Recreation Association is holding its 17th annual citrus fruit sale and what better way to stay healthy than stocking up on Vitamin C. Small and large cases of delicious oranges, grapefruit and a combination of both are available at prices from $19 to $28.

All the proceeds from this sale will go to “Every Child a Swimmer,” the program that teaches our kids to swim each summer. Help support this program by treating yourself to some delicious fresh fruit or purchase a case to donate to the holiday food basket programs.

Please call Pat Smith at 655-4657 or 329-3614 to place an order. Sales from neighboring communities are also welcomed and delivery will be arranged. The fruit will be available for pick up on Dec. 10.

Lions selling trees

It’s time to deck the halls and the Raymond Lions Club will be selling Christmas trees this year. They will be located on Route 302 on Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19 and all the profits will be donated back to the Raymond community. The Lions provide services to many groups including offering college scholarships, stocking the food pantry, supporting the Raymond Village Library, providing eye glasses and diabetes assistance and many others. There will be a limited supply of trees and if you would like to pre-order or have other questions, call Bob Wallace at 655-2222.

Community garden

You may have just put your garden to bed for the winter, but the folks who manage the Raymond Community Garden are already planning for next year’s crop. The garden’s inaugural year was extremely successful and reservations are now being taken for garden space for the 2011 season. Every gardener regardless of their skill level is invited to participate. The garden is located at the intersection of Main Street and Route 121, bordered by the Raymond Village Library and the MOFGA-certified Echo Lodge organic garden. A new option for next year will be an area of the garden designated for the Raymond Food Pantry and you may wish to help in that area in addition to or instead of having your own plot. Space is going fast so please contact Leigh Walker at [email protected] immediately to reserve your plot.

Free community meal

Christ Chapel on Northern Pines Road is hosting its monthly community meal on Saturday, Nov. 27, from 4:30-6 p.m. The menu will consist of baked beans, hotdogs, kielbasa, and macaroni and cheese. This meal is free of charge and is open to the surrounding communities. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Tammy Gisel at 655-5058.