Comedy for Good: Local comedians raise funds to help others

By Erin Rose

A Portland-based comedy troupe hosted a comedy benefit show, Giving from the Art, Volume 1 – United We Stand, to raise funds for the United Way of Southern Maine (UWSM) at the Portland Conservatory of Music on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Improv-A-Ganza members Tom Aimi, Scott Oliver, David
Shuster and Michelle Violette trade lines with comedians
Adam Groppman and Amanda Eaton at the Giving from
the Art fundraiser PHOTO BY LAUREN  KEELING  

Improv-A-Ganza, which includes Windham resident Michelle Violette and former Windham resident David Shuster, raised several hundred dollars for the organization and gathered food and coats for the charity through the event. The donations will go to help the organization fund warming shelters and local food pantries.

“Given the reduction of funding for warming shelters in the area, we wanted to do our part in helping raise money for that,” said Tom Aimi, the troupe’s founder and host. “For those most in need in our community, the winter is the toughest season of the year. We wanted to give back to our community and do what we could to try and make a difference for those without shelter this winter.”

The UWSM was selected to benefit from the event, as one member of the troupe formerly worked with the organization and knew it would be a great choice to work with.

“One of our improv performers, Scott Oliver, used to work at United Way,” Aimi said. “He was very aware of all of the great work that they do for our local community, so it was a no-brainer for us.”

The UWSM provides support and assistance to Mainers in the southern part of the state, including helping with access to healthy foods, and housing, employment and financial planning assistance.

“Events like Giving from the Art are instrumental in helping us serve our neighbors,” said Lucia Rico, Senior Manager for Individual Engagement for the UWSM. “The funds and items raised will directly support warming shelters, clothing distribution, and food security efforts, making a real impact for people facing hardship this winter.”

“The holiday season should offer warmth and stability for everyone,” Elliott Greene, Director of Volunteer Engagement for UWSM said. “We deeply appreciate the creativity and commitment shown by Tom and the entire Improv-A-Ganza team.”

This is just the first of what Aimi is hoping will become a series of events to help benefit the community.

“We plan on doing bi-annual benefit shows from here on out. And, if all the things line up like we hope that they will, our next benefit show around late spring/early summer will be a big one with a very well-known headliner,” he said.

The group invited several comedians to join them and played a series of games similar to the TV show “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” during the event, providing the participants the chance to create quick, funny scenes based on a prompt.

“I think that my favorite moment of the show was at the end where our group, Improv-A-Ganza did the famous “Whose Line” game ‘Scenes From a Hat,’ because we invited up to the stage previous performers from the show to join us in delivering hilarious one-off quick scenes,” Aimi said.

Improv comedy is based on spontaneous creativity and playing off what others are doing in the moment, making it particularly challenging in front of a waiting audience.

“The fact that people could have such quick wit and come up with hilarious things off the top of their head without knowing what was going to come at them always impressed me,” he added. “It’s very difficult and it always keeps you on your toes. It forces you to be present in the moment and be attentive to all of the moving parts of the scene. You never know what thing will spark another great idea and give the scene a whole new spin.”

Improv-A-Ganza was founded by Aimi in June of 2024 after years of hoping for the opportunity to start such a group, when a friend who runs a restaurant in Westbrook was looking for new acts for their establishment.

“It dawned on me then that it was time to actually put it all together and make it happen,” Aimi said. “I’m incredibly proud of where the show has come from and where it is now, and so are the other performers in our group.”

Originally a competitive environment, with performers needing to win a monthly show to remain on stage, Aimi shifted to a core group of performers who formed the comedy troupe as it stands today.

“After the turn of the year though, I decided it was time to solidify a team so that we could collectively develop the show to be better and better with every rendition,” he said. “I’m very glad that we made that change because with our current group of the five of us, we come together and work together in such an awesome way that the show does in fact get tighter and better every single time that we perform.”

The comedy troupe also performs monthly at Batson River Brewing and Distilling on Hanover Street in Portland. <

Christmas Lights Contest to dazzle Raymond neighborhoods

By Dina Mendros

Several years ago, Raymond resident Jackie Sawyer wanted a way to connect the community together more during the holidays. Borrowing an idea from nearby Harrison, the Raymond Christmas Light Contest was born.

See and vote for the most festive house in Raymond during
the Raymond Christmas Lights Contest running from
Dec. 12 to Dec. 14. COURTESY PHOTO JACKIE SAWYER

This year marks the fourth year of the annual contest and about a dozen or so homes will compete for bragging rights of having the most festive home in town next weekend. Those who want a say in the matter can visit and view the participating homes in the contest and vote for their top three choices from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12 to Dec. 14.

Sawyer, a real estate agent with Meservier & Associates, said she proposed the idea for holding a Christmas lights contest,

“I reached out to the town and our rec department and some of the local businesses and shared with them the idea and everybody seemed to support it,” she said. “I think we had about nine houses the first year and we had probably over 100 people that drove around and saw the houses, and we got really good feedback.”

Last year, Sawyer said more than 200 people submitted votes and about 12 houses in town participated.

Sawyer said she wanted to create a fun, free, and family-friendly event that the whole community could enjoy.

“There’s enough going on this time of year that cost people a lot of money, but this is just a nice, family friendly event,” she said. “One of the houses runs a hot cocoa stand and this year The Good Life Market is going to be giving out cookies. So people can make a couple of stops along the way and get little goodies as they go.”

But the highlight, of course, will be viewing the houses in Raymond and seeing how they’re decked out for the holidays.

Last year one of the houses had their lights synced up to music, Sawyer said, and in some years several neighboring houses in Raymond participate in the contest together.

According to Sawyer, one house on Pond Road goes all out in particular and has won the contest a couple of times.

“I really appreciate the vastness of the decorations that they put out,” she said. “It’s really impressive what people will do for their displays.”

There’s a variety of reasons people participate in the contest, she said. Some are just competition “and they try to be the best. Sometimes they just want to be part of this fun holiday event. I’ve heard from others that that their grandkids came and helped decorate and they had so much much fun putting up the lights.”

There is still time for those interested in having their home in the contest to participate. The deadline to sign up to participate is Dec. 6.

For those who participate, winning doesn’t just include bragging rights but also prizes, which have ranged from cash to gift certificates. This year, Sawyer said, she wants to show appreciation to all participants so everyone in the contest will get something.

For those who are on the fence about whether to participate, Sawyer said, “People shouldn’t feel like they have to go above and beyond to decorate their house. Everybody likes something different for displays, and sometimes a good classic display with simple lights can be just as beautiful and impactful as somebody that goes all out. There’s no display that is too big or too small. We welcome whatever anybody feels like doing. I just want it to be something that’s fun and festive and not ultra-competitive that somebody feels intimidated to do.”

The more we can get people involved in the community and make this an event that is sustainable and is really something that brings the community together the better, Sawyer said.

“I’d love for it to be something that people look forward to every year,” she said.

To sign up to compete in the contest, contact Jackie Sawyer at jackie@meservier.com on or before Dec. 6. Maps for participating homes can be found at The Good Life Market at 1297 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond.

For more detailed information go to the Raymond Light Contest Facebook page at tinyurl.com/5a28k3af. <

Windham holiday celebration event nearing at Windham Middle School

By Ed Pierce

The holidays are upon us once again and that means soon town residents will be able to attend one of the most popular seasonal events, when the annual Windham Holiday Celebration makes its return.

A decorated Windham Fire and Rescue
Department truck and a contingent of Windham
police officers will being Santa and Mrs. Claus
to the Windham Middle School Holiday
Celebration event at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec, 7
at Windham Middle School.  FILE PHOTO   

This year’s celebration will take place from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at Windham Middle School. The event is hosted by the Windham Fire & Rescue Department, the Windham Police Department, RSU 14 and the Windham Parks & Recreation Department.

The Town of Windham invites everyone to join them for an afternoon of spectacular holiday fun and cheer.

Families will gather outside the middle school at 3:30 p.m. for activities, refreshments and music and then at 4 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be picked up in North Windham by Windham Fire/Rescue, Windham Police Department and Windham Parks & Recreation and escorted to Windham Middle School for the celebration.

Between 4:30 and 6 p.m., participants will make their way into the Middle School, entering through the front door, for more holiday activities, games, door prizes and a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

There will not be a holiday parade this year, but participants will be able to see Windham Fire/Rescue and Windham Police escorting Santa and Mrs. Claus to the celebration.

Windham Parks & Recreation asks that in lieu of an admission fee, please bring a donation for Age Friendly Windham. Cash, new socks, new blankets or gift cards are perfect as gifts for Age Friendly Windham volunteer drivers. Go to agefriendlywindham.org for more details about this community organization.

Participants do not have to be present to win the door prizes at the holiday celebration at Windham Middle School.

No pets are allowed on school grounds, and no advance registration is required to attend the event. <

A game of strategy brings together Windham residents

By Erin Rose

The Windham Public Library is now hosting regular meetings of residents who enjoy Cribbage, a game of strategy and numbers at noon on every first and third Tuesdays.

Members of the Windham Cribbage Cub meet at noon every
first and third Tuesday of the month at the Windham Public
Library. The strategy game continues to grow in popularity
among local residents. SUBMITTED PHOTO

“There is no cost and no need for equipment,” said the group’s founder, Windham resident Marie Bishop. “If you want to play cribbage, come play cribbage.”

Cribbage is a game played with both cards and a board. The board is used to track points, as players build to the winning score of 121 points. Those points are gained by finding different combinations of cards, including pairs, runs of numerically adjacent cards, and flushes.

To start the game, the players are each dealt a hand of six cards, two of which are added to the “crib,” an extra hand for the dealer to score extra points at the end of the round. The players take turns playing cards and building points until their hands total 31. At that time, they count their points, move their pegs along the board, and reshuffle the cards before starting another round. Once a player reaches 121 points, the game is over.

Boards can range from simple, with just two pegs and sets of holes for each player, to those with ornate designs or even travel boards that hold the pegs and cards secure for on-the-go gaming. Bishop brings many different boards to each meeting, and other players bring their own, making for an eclectic mix of playing surfaces.

“I like that it makes me keep adding up the numbers, it keeps my brain sharp, finding the combinations of 15,” said Brad Schoonard, one of the players from the group. “It’s a very relaxed atmosphere, and no pressure to figure it out the first time you’re here. We’ll teach you how to do it.”

Bishop was searching to find like-minded Cribbage players to seek out more opportunities to play when she decided to establish the club.

“I’ve been playing cribbage since I was a kid with my father. And I figured I wasn’t the only one who liked cribbage, but I couldn’t find a group to play. So, I went to the library to start one,” she said.

“We’re not a club,” Bishop said, explaining that “it’s a community of people who simply like to gather to play and enjoy each other’s company.”

The group is “mostly retired people, but kids join when they’re able, especially over the summer,” Bishop said. “Anybody going by, sees us and wants to drop in, they’re welcome.”

Sylvia Smith is another longtime Cribbage player, who also plays at other gatherings in local communities, including a “cutthroat” game in Portland where your opponent is your competitor as opposed to a friend.

“When someone misses a point, we might not mention it” at a more competitive game, she said, noting that this community is as far from that as possible.

“It’s these people,” she noted when asked about what makes this group particularly welcoming. “I like being around them and really miss them when they don’t come. We help each other. When someone doesn’t have all their points, we point out the ones that they haven’t seen. Because when you’ve been playing a lifetime, you know exactly what the points are,” Smith said. “Everybody here is a great player, but it’s all about the cards.”

Typically, about 16 people attend each gathering in Windham, with nearly double that number on the group’s mailing list. Bishop sends out regular reminders about the meetings, and she also posts on the local community Facebook page to encourage more people to join.

If interested, attend an upcoming Cribbage Club meeting or reach out to the Windham Public Library for additional information. <

New talent allows Windham High to bring ‘Grease’ to life

By Erin Rose

Students at Windham High School are working to perfect the musical “Grease” before presenting it to audiences next month at the WHS Performing Arts Center.

Student cast and crew members rehearse for the upcoming 
Windham High School musical production of the Broadway
and movie smash hit 'Grease" after school at the WHS
Performing Arts Center last week. More than 60 students
tried out to land parts in the show, which opens in November.
PHOTO BY ERIN ROSE
   

Set in 1959, the show follows a group of teenagers as they make their way through their senior year of high school, including navigating social groups, teen romance, and the pressures of school. It’s seen long runs on Broadway and London’s West End and was popularized by the 1978 film version featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the lead roles of Danny and Sandy.

“The last couple of shows we did, we’re asking them to be ogres and fairy tale creatures,” Director Rob Juergens said, remembering last year’s “Shrek” and 2023’s “Spamalot” performances. “What they need to do is a show where they can be high school kids.”

Grease is Juergens’ 15th show for the district and he’s especially excited by a sudden explosion in participation, thanks to the efforts of Windham Middle School. Cast for previous shows was between 30 to 40 students. This year, 60 students turned out for the musical.

“The middle school has been building a really nice following for their musicals,” Juergens said. “We had a huge freshman group come up.”

“I didn’t have enough knights for Spamalot, so we had a lot of girl knights. We’ve had the luck to have a lot of guys this year,” the director said.

Sticking to the original musical, the huge cast presents the opportunity to include the Burger Palace Boys (known as the “T-Birds” in the 1978 movie version), along with a full cast of supporting characters.

WHS Senior Joshua Macloughlin will be playing one of the leaders of the Burger Palace Boys, Kenickie, and is excited to see how many kids turned out to join the show this year.

“It’s cool to see such a diverse group of kids coming together to do this. You have kids who play sports, who have only done theater, who are major academic types. Everyone can come together, regardless of what your background is, and we have a really fun community here,” he said.

Fellow Senior Kaitlyn Dickson shares Macloughlin’s excitement at seeing such a huge cast.

“It’s a little overwhelming at big rehearsals, but I do appreciate it for a musical like Grease because it’s so fun having big dance numbers with a lot of people, and I know the costumes are going to be amazing,” Dickson said.

In addition, more than 15 students will run and operate the show from behind the scenes.

“During the show, I get up, I give my little introductory speech, and I sit down,” Juergens said. “The students run the show.”

While the show may be based in the 1950s, there are elements that continue to resonate with today’s teens.

“Friends and community are the things that stick around,” Macloughlin said.

Reaching into his own communities has helped him form a connection with his character as a love for cars is something he shares with his character Kenickie.

“I find myself in car communities, new and old. It’s like I’m in that time, buying an old beater, having a job over the summer to pay for a car,” he said. “Imagining I want something fun to ride around in and take your girlfriend out for drives in. I can really see that today.”

His love of cars will be on display as the students bring one of the show’s most popular songs to life, “Greased Lightnin’” alive.

“I can’t wait to drive on in that car,” he noted excitedly.

Dickson shares the love for the signature song.

“It’s a funky, good song,” she said. “Hopefully we can capture the visuals from the movie for that scene.”

Dickson will be playing Rizzo and is looking forward to playing another diva character after her past roles as the Dragon in “Shrek” and as the Lady Of The Lake in “Spamalot.”

“I’ve loved ‘Grease’ since I was younger, but I have always had a soft spot for my character,” she said. “Rizzo is a little complicated and very misunderstood.”

One of the songs that shows off her character’s history is “There Are Worse Things I Can Do,” and Dickson is looking forward to showing audiences a different angle of Rizzo.

“The movie showed it one way,” as relating to the movie’s reference to teen pregnancy, “while the play shows the character going through different struggles,” she said. “It’s her big moment.”

Performances of this year’s WHS musical “Grease” will be offered Nov. 14 through Nov. 16 and Nov. 21 to Nov. 23. <

‘The Sevee Experiment’ set to perform at Hawthorne House

By Kendra Raymond

Who doesn’t like a good cover band? Furthermore, how about an immensely entertaining evening of musical classics? You can experience all of this and more at the upcoming “The Sevee Experiment” show at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Hawthorne House, located at 40 Hawthorne Road in Raymond.

Husband and wife musical duo Pete and
Deb Sevee are The Sevee Experiment, 
who will perform in concert at 7 p.m. 
Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Hawthorne
House in Raymond.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Margaret Myatt is a Board of Directors member of the Hawthorne Community Association. She thinks the concert will be a great time for all ages and promises to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

“It should be a highly entertaining concert by a local family band in Cumberland County, Yarmouth, Portland, and the Sebago Region,” she said.

Continuing a wildly successful season of jam-packed community events, the Hawthorne Community Association recently announced their latest concert performance in a brochure that is available around town.

“The Sevee Experiment – a fun concert with your favorite music,” the brochure reads.

Dynamic husband and wife duo Pete and Deb Sevee are The Sevee Experiment. Deb Sevee says that they are excited about the show and are looking forward to being part of the community.

Collectively, Pete and Deb Sevee bring 33 years of marriage and music to the stage. Growing up in musical families, they met while performing for different bands. Through the years, they have created several successful bands together and they also enjoy working in musical theater.

They have performed at weddings, New Year’s Eve events, farmer’s markets, parks and recreation family-focused shows from Somersworth Children’s Festival to Waterville. Additionally, they have performed at the Yarmouth Clam Festival, as well as private parties and church events.

Deb Sevee says that the partnership has evolved over the years, morphing from a cover-rock band performing songs by artists such as Sound City, The Keep, and Band Overboard..

“The Sevee Experiment has been a duo, a trio, and a full band, hence the ‘Experiment’ portion of our name,” she said. “The playlist includes a variety of alternative, rock, pop, folk, country, R&B, and children’s music as well. Some of our favorites for this vocal, guitar, and percussion duo are the Beatles, Eagles, Jewel, Cheryl Crowe, Melissa Etheridge, Martina McBride, Linda Ronstadt, CCR, Jason Mraz and many more.”

She also says that Pete’s father John will be joining them at this concert in playing guitar, mandolin, and helping with vocals, making it a true family event.

During the 2000s, the group shifted to running sound for musical theater, offering their talents to shows including Footloose, Godspell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat, and Pippin. They have also directed more than 20 plays at Yarmouth Middle School. Deb also teaches family music, gives voice lessons and both Deb and Pete serve as professional chorus members.

Hawthorne Community Association President Mary Ann Moeri is the organizer of the evening’s festivities. She said that the concert is the culmination of a record season of popular community events at the Hawthorne House this year.

“This will be our last music event of the year,” Moeri said. “We are grateful to the Raymond Windham community for supporting the mission of Hawthorne House and we look forward to hosting many more community events in 2026,” she said.

Reserved tickets for “The Sevee Experiment” show are recommended but not required. However, Moeri says that space is limited. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by scanning the provided QR code.

The Hawthorne House will offer adult beverages and snacks at the concert. Donations are requested to help defray the cost.

To learn more about this exciting evening, send an email to info@hawthorneassoc.com or call Moeri at 603-494-3246.

For more details about The Sevee Experiment, check them out their page on Facebook. <

Cumberland Fair honors legacy of Lyle Merrifield

The Cumberland County Fair will return for its 153rd year this month, bringing with it a full week of agricultural traditions, family fun, and a heartfelt tribute to one of its most dedicated leaders. From Sunday, Sept. 21 through Saturday, Sept. 27, the Cumberland fairgrounds will once again be filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors that have made this event a cornerstone of Maine’s fall season. But this year, fair organizers and community members alike will pause to honor the late Lyle Merrifield, owner of Merrifield Farm in Gorham, whose vision and leadership helped shape the fair into what it is today.

The Cumberland County Fair runs this year
from Sunday, Sept 21 through Saturday,
Sept. 27 and will honor the memory of the
late Lyle Merrifield of Merrifield Farm in
Gorham, who led the fair and helped make it
the success it is today. COURTESY PHOTO 

Merrifield, who passed away in September 2024, served as the Cumberland Farmers Club president and was widely known as a tireless advocate for agriculture and rural traditions. His contributions to the fair are visible throughout the grounds, from the arenas and barns to the working exhibits that continue to draw families year after year. Organizers say Merrifield’s fingerprints can be seen on nearly every corner of the fair, whether in the Blue Seal Show Arena, the Sugar House, or the pulling arenas that showcase the region’s strongest draft horses and oxen.

“Lyle was more than just a leader of the fair,” one longtime volunteer reflected. “He was a builder, a mentor, and a friend to everyone here. He dreamed big and he worked hard to make those dreams happen.”

Those dreams often became tangible improvements. During his tenure, Merrifield oversaw the creation of new exhibition spaces, the addition of antique power displays, and the revitalization of working heritage demonstrations such as the sawmill and blacksmith shop. These additions not only preserved Maine’s agricultural history but also gave visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the skills and traditions that shaped rural life.

For fairgoers in 2025, those demonstrations will take on new meaning. The blacksmiths hammering iron, the sugar house boiling down maple syrup, and the historic sawmill cutting fresh timber will serve not only as entertainment but also as a living tribute to Merrifield’s passion for education and preservation. Organizers say that while Merrifield is deeply missed, his presence will continue to be felt in these traditions carried forward.

This year’s fair promises to be a packed schedule of events that reflect both old and new. Each day will bring a mix of livestock shows, 4-H competitions, and pulling contests, alongside the midway rides and carnival games that younger visitors look forward to all year. The fan-favorite All-American Rodeo as well as the International Pulls return on Wednesday and Thursday nights, harness racing continues to be a staple attraction, while motorized events, live entertainment, and contests ranging from pie-baking to poutine-eating will keep crowds engaged throughout the week. For families, the popular “Bracelet Days” will once again offer unlimited rides for a single price on select weekdays, making the fair both affordable and accessible.

Yet amid the fried dough, Ferris Wheels, and grandstand cheering, there will be a quieter undercurrent of remembrance. Merrifield’s leadership is remembered not only for the projects he championed but also for the way he brought people together. Those who worked alongside him recall his humor, generosity, and the way he encouraged others to take pride in their community and its traditions.

The Cumberland Fair has always been more than an agricultural showcase. It is a gathering place, a reunion of sorts for friends and neighbors, and a reminder of the importance of heritage. This year, as visitors stroll the grounds and take in the exhibits, many will do so with gratitude for the man whose steady hand helped guide the fair through decades of growth.

As the gates open Sept. 21, the community will celebrate not only the bounty of the harvest but also the enduring legacy of Lyle Merrifield. His vision lives on in the fair he helped shape, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy one of Maine’s most cherished traditions.

For complete information about the Cumberland Fair, and to review the full schedule, visit cumberlandfair.com <

Windham mother and daughter-in-law collaborate to write family relationship book

By Ed Pierce

Through the years, jokes have perpetuated the stereotype that mothers-in-law can be overbearing and cause marriage friction, but two Windham women are disproving that notion and have written a new book for navigating this complex family relationship.

Wendy Satin Rapaport, left, and her 
daughter-in-law Teri Rapaport, both of
Windham, have co-authored a new book
called 'Advice From My Mother-In-Law
That I Actually WANT,' which contains
real-life stories, psychological insight,
and laugh-out-loud humor. The book
is available on Amazon, at Sherman's
Maine Coast Book Shop in Windham
and at On the Docks Gift Shop in
Windham, COURTESY PHOTO

Teri Rapaport and her mother-in-law Wendy Satin Rapaport came up with the idea for the book “Advice From My Mother-In-Law That I Actually WANT,” which is filled with real-life stories, psychological insight, and laugh-out-loud humor. Part conversation, part therapy, and all heart, the book tackles common challenges of family dynamics, including setting boundaries with empathy, communicating without judgment or resentment, bridging generational differences, creating connection through shared experiences, and healing old wounds and preventing new ones.

Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport is a clinical psychologist, and Teri Rapaport works in the dental field in Portland.

They collaborated on the book to show that even with the challenges facing mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships and with associated inherent obstacles that connection, laughter, forgiveness, and empathy is possible in such relationships.

“We have had a happy relationship for 30 years,” said Wendy Satin Rapaport. “I have always enjoyed Teri and every time we had a conversation where she changed my mind, and I changed hers. We kept saying, oh we should write this up to inspire others.”

Teri Rapaport says her objective in writing the book was to show that having a great relationship with an in-law is possible.

“Not outlaw in-laws,” she said. “We honor each other’s differences.”

They said that they have worked on their relationship so that their family can benefit and grow with love and support.

“We joke that it is Pest Control. We are persistent and empathy, self-control, and tolerance are our themes that we want to share,” said Wendy Satin Rapaport. “It came to us naturally, but we do appreciate how hard it can be.”

Having taught at the University of Maine graduate school and performed social work for 30 years, Wendy Satin Rapaport and her husband have rented a home for the last five years at Little Sebago Lake in Windham. Teri and her husband Bruce have lived in Windham for 15 years on the opposite side of Little Sebago Lake and visit Wendy and her husband by boat.

It took them a complete year – summer to summer – to write the book while relaxing on the water of Little Sebago Lake on a pontoon boat, not to mention early mornings and late nights that they worked on copy corrections and wondered how the book would be perceived by readers.

“We know it’s not perfect, but it’s perfect enough for us,” they said. “Once we mastered the computer challenges of writing, we actually enjoyed ourselves and it was wonderful to label what we did naturally and then learn new methods for the things that we saw were bigger differences than we had realized. We became closer, laughed our way through the whole process because that is one of the key skills that we both naturally have and that we do believe can be learned by everybody.”

“Advice From My Mother-In-Law That I Actually WANT” is now available at Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop in Windham and at Sherman’s location across the state. On the Docks Gift Shop in Windham is also selling copies of the book with special bracelets featuring locked pinky fingers as a bracelet charm. The book’s cover shows Teri and Wendy Satin Rapaport connecting with pinky fingers while out boating on Little Sebago Lake. It’s also available on Amazon.

“The connecting pinkies shows us as connecting together as mother- and daughter-in-law, but also as friends and women,” Wendy Satin Rapaport said. <

Windham Lions Club offers free 'Touch A Truck' event for families

By Ed Pierce

No matter what age you are, the opportunity to explore vehicles of all types with hands-on interaction fascinates us all and once again the Windham Lions Club will offer a free “Touch A Truck” in North Windham next weekend.

The 6th annual Windham Lions Club 'Touch A Truck' event
runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 in the parking 
lot behind Hannaford's off Route 302 in North Windham.
The event is free and area families are encouraged to attend
and explore large vehicles with their children.
COURTESY PHOTO 

The 6th annual Windham Lions Touch A Truck event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 in the parking lot behind Hannaford’s off Route 302 in North Windham. Although admission is free, donations will be greatly appreciated as proceeds benefit a variety of Windham Lions Club programs year-round in the Windham community.

At this year’s ‘Touch A Truck” event, children and families will be able to climb into the cab of a fire truck, see the inside of a police car, watch a police K-9 demonstration, explore land excavators, bulldozers, dump trucks, snow plows, cement mixers, and much more. There will be many large vehicles on hand from throughout the community for kids to inspect, climb into the driver’s seat, and honk the horn.

Free water will be supplied by Poland Springs to “Touch A Truck participants and snacks will be available. Special ice cream treats will also be sold at the event, and a prize raffle will be conducted.

“As with all events we hold, all profits are returned to our Windham community,” says Bob Simmons of the Windham Lions Club. “One of our local businesses started us off with a gift to raffle off and others joined in. This added feature will hopefully help us to raise more money. Our intentions have always been that our Touch A Truck adds enjoyment to the children and their families that come to our event. However, the raffle could help us raise more funds as we try to help as many families as possible through our Adopt-A-Family program during the holidays as well as other activities throughout the year.”

Simmons said that members of the Windham Lions Club are grateful for the participation of Windham agencies and local businesses that have helped make this event possible.

“The Touch A Truck event provides a hands-on educational community event to see and touch the trucks and machinery used in the community and to meet the men and women who operate these machines,” Simmons said. “Participating vehicles will be displayed in a safe, supervised environment and it’s the perfect venue for exploring the machinery while learning about the people who build, protect and serve Windham.”

The idea for hosting ‘Touch A Truck’ staged by the Windham Lions Club came from an idea that former Windham Lions Club President Evelyn Brissette had a few years ago.

“I had done some research online and it seemed like ‘Touch A Truck’ would be a fun way to interact with kids and people in our community,” she said. “We also want our community to be aware that the Windham Lions Club does exist and with everyone’s help we can make life a lot brighter for those less fortunate.”

Brissette said that the Windham Lions Club staged its first ‘Touch A Truck’ in 2022 and since then, it has exceeded expectations in terms of participation and the Windham community’s willingness to help others.

According to Simmons, the Windham Lions Club works throughout the year to uplift the community, such as providing Christmas gifts for local students and families in need and contributing donations for worthwhile school activities such as Odyssey of the Mind.

When Windham residents take an interest in their own community, and work together for a cause, they can make a significant difference, Simmons said.

All proceeds from this year’s Touch A Truck event, coupled with the annual Windham Lions Club’s Craft Fair in October, and money donated at the club’s annual “Stuff-the-Bus” event in November will go a long ways to helping those in need in Windham, Brissette said.

Since its inception, the Windham Lions Club has played a significant charitable role in the community, supporting a variety of causes and issues affecting the lives of residents.

Some of those include purchasing and manning Windham’s first rescue van in 1968; donations to the Windham Public Library; helping with expenses related to eye exams and eyeglass when they meet the Lions Club criteria; assisting with expenses related to hearing tests and hearing aids when they meet the Lions Club criteria; conducting RSU 14 eye screening with more than 5,000 students screened so far; sponsoring the “Student of the Month” program in local schools; Breakfast with Santa; Stuff-the-Bus with more than 10,000 pounds of food collected for those in need; supporting the Windham Veteran’s Center; and collecting used eye glasses and hearing aids. <

Oldies Dance Group raises $5,316 for Ronald McDonald House

By Ed Pierce

Rock n’ roll music’s abiding popularity is the driving force for the Oldies Dance Group, whose ongoing mission is to support the Ronald McDonald House of Portland.

The 26th Rock n' Roll Oldies Benefit Dance will be held from
7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Eagle's Hall in
Biddeford with proceeds donated to the Ronald McDonald
House of Portland. COURTESY PHOTO    

The organization’s 25th dance on April 19 in Biddeford sold 301 tickets in just seven days and earned $5,316, pushing the total amount that the Oldies Dance Group has raised in 17 years for the Ronald McDonald House to $129,814. The Ronald McDonald House provides comfort for the families of pediatric patients in Maine and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and enables family centered care to ensure that family members are fully supported and actively involved in their child’s care.

“This is really an achievement of everyone who has attended the dances staged by the Oldies Dance Group through the years and to all the individuals and businesses who remain steadfast in their commitment to assisting the sick children and their families of the Ronald McDonald House of Portland,” said Bruce Martin, Oldies Dance Group organizer. “We are grateful to have this support and deeply humbled that through the years, the Oldies Dance Group has shattered the $129,000 donation threshold.”

Martin said the dances are held twice a year in the spring and in the fall and are more than just typical fundraisers.

“For those who grew up with great rock n’ roll tunes as the soundtrack of their lives, these dances are such a wonderful social event,” Martin said. “The music is familiar to everyone, and it energizes people to get up on the dance floor while others just enjoy visiting and socializing with their friends during the evening.”

He said demand for dance tickets is overwhelming and in between the dances in the spring and fall he receives hundreds of phone calls from throughout Maine and nearby states from individuals seeking to purchase tickets.

“I think it’s because rock n’ roll music truly connects people of all ages and walks of life,” Martin said. “The dances are fun and filled with songs that really get people out of their seats and up onto the dance floor.”

Businesses and individuals making donations for the April dance include Bill Dodge; Napa Sanel; Advance Auto; Tractor Supply; Community Pharmacy; Salon Color & Cut; Dickerson's Candy; All About Time; Gorham Sand & Gravel; Copy It; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Also making donations to the April dance were Georges Sandwiches; Bob's & Mikes Mini Mart; Arctic Glacier Ice; Cadorette/HVAC; M/M Beeman; Janet Sparkowich; Chris and Shonna Eisenhower; and Ed's Grove.

The next Rock n’ Roll Oldies Benefit Dance will be the 26th dance hosted by the Oldies Dance Group and will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Eagle’s Hall, 57 Birch St., Biddeford. Tickets are just $15 and sell out quickly as seating is limited.

“I always say to everyone that if you’re thinking about attending the next dance, I encourage you to call soon because these tickets sell out in just a few days,” Martin said. “When the tickets are sold out, they’re gone, and we have a waiting list should something suddenly become available. This is one of the most popular events in Southern Maine and it’s truly telling just how popular these dances are and how much people love rock n’ roll music.”

For further details, to purchase tickets for the upcoming Rock n’ Roll Oldies Benefit Dance, or to volunteer to help, call 207-284-4692. <

Maine’s Primo Cubano band to perform at Hawthorne House in Raymond

Portland's Primo Cubano band will bring son, bolero, salsa, cha cha chá and other Cuban dance music to the Hawthorne House next week.

The primo Cubano band will perform son, bolero, cha cha
chá and other Cuban dance music in Raymond during a 
concert at the Hawthorne House at 7 p.m. Thursday,
Aug. 28.SUBMITTED PHOTO  

The public is invited to come and enjoy authentic Maine-made Cuban Music as presented by the popular Primo Cubano at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28.

Primo Cubano, which means Cuban cousins in Spanish, plays traditional Cuban dance music dating back to the turn of the 20th century. The “Son” style of music is the most popular style to come out of Cuba and is the primary contributor to the blend of Latin styles today known as Salsa. It was first a music of the country people of Cuba and eventually migrated to Havana, where it was urbanized and began to draw a wider audience.

Cuban music is a collection of many cultures including Spanish, European, African, and from the indigenous people of Cuba such as the Arawak, Taíno, and the Ciboney. These unique influences helped to create various musical styles such as Son, Bolero, Danzón and Cha Cha Chá.

Danzón music originated in 1879 and became popular in Cuban dance halls. The style combines classical rondo form, an orchestra-like instrumentation known as Orquesta Típica, and the cinquillo rhythm to add an African element. Cha Cha Chá musical attributes feature simple melodies with an easy-to-remember chorus, simple and repetitive harmonic progressions, and repeated rhythm section parts.

Son music developed in eastern Cuba during the late 1800s and arrived in Havana in the early part of the 20th century as a sextet featuring voice, tres, bass, maracas, clave, and the bongo. Son groups traveled to New York City in the 1920s to perform and record and in the 1940s and 1950s, the smaller Son groups grew into Banda Gigantes (Big Bands) and Conjuntos, which eventually helped influence Salsa and Latin Jazz in America and beyond.

The Primo Cubano band has been practicing and performing traditional Cuban music since 2009 in Maine. Their music is well-received wherever they play and earlier this year, they performed in Cuba at the 40th Annual 2025 Havana Jazz Festival. The experience performing at that prestigious event has inspired the group to keep learning and practicing this music they love and to share it with salsa dancers and those who appreciate Cuban dance music in New England, including at the Hawthorne House.

Admission to their Hawthorne House performance in Raymond is $25. Reservation and payment are required prior to the event.

Space is limited for this concert, and tickets are non-refundable.

To order tickets, please go to www.hawthorneassoc.com and follow the links to Primo Cubano Concert.

You may also send a check to Hawthorne Community Association, PO Box 185, South Casco, ME 04077.

For further details about the upcoming Primo Cubano concert in Raymond, call Dan Grotto at 630-624-4121 or send an email to pagrotts@gmail.com. <

Sebago Lake Rockin’ Raft-Up concert to benefit Camp Sunshine

Boaters and music lovers are asked to come out this Sunday for a fun event for a good cause. The Don Campbell Band and the Andi Fawcett Duo will perform for a very special Rockin’ Raft-Up benefit concert on Sebago Lake, raising funds to support the incredible work of Camp Sunshine in Casco.

Performances by the Don Campbell Band
and the Andi Fawcett Duo will highlight
the 2nd Annual Rockin' Raft-Up, a concert
to benefit Camp Sunshine, starting at noon
on Sunday, Aug. 10 at Boater's Beach
(Rich Memorial Beach) in Standish.
SUBMITTED PHOTO     

With the help of the Sebago Boating Club, the 2nd annual Rockin’ Raft-up concert features the Don Campbell Band performing for free at Boaters Beach, with donations welcome, to benefit Camp Sunshine. The concert will be held starting at noon on Sunday, Aug. 10 at Boater's Beach (Rich Memorial Beach) in Standish.

Donations will benefit Camp Sunshine of Casco, Maine This feel-good concert invites boaters to raft-up, float, and enjoy an afternoon of live music, lake vibes, and giving back — all in support of Camp Sunshine, a special retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

“It’s a chance for the Sebago boating community to come together for a great cause while enjoying what they love most—being on the water, connecting with friends, and great live music!” says organizer Kristen DeQuattro.

Camp Sunshine provides hope, joy and community through unique experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. At its pristine campus on Sebago Lake in Casco, more than 60,000 children, siblings, parents and caregivers from all 50 states and 27 countries have come together for fun-filled, year-round sessions with families just like theirs.

Thanks to the incredible support of donors and volunteers, Camp Sunshine programs are 100 percent free for participants. Camp Sunshine is where families can focus on recharging, together, in a safe space with medical support available and a place where families discover a community who understand, and families find family.

With decades of dedication and expertise, staff and volunteers in each session put families at ease. Families can set their worries aside knowing that there is a physician on site. Camp Sunshine is a place where families can really relax and let staff and volunteers take care of every member of the family.

​Meeting other families who face the same issues, large and small, is a unique benefit of the Camp Sunshine experience. While attending one of the year-round sessions offered at Camp Sunshine, families can enjoy a wide range of activities with up to 40 other families. Whether it’s reaching the top of the climbing wall, swimming in the lake, or enjoying a horse-drawn wagon ride during a winter session, there is fun for every member of the family.

As a musician, Don Campbell’s mandate is to “Always perform for the audience, never at them.” He pleases listeners, venue buyers and event organizers with well-attended and memorable concerts and shows continued strength in music sales.

He is a highly talented multi-instrumentalist and plays acoustic guitar, piano, B3 Organ, bass, electric guitar, nylon string guitar, mandolin and harmonica in recordings. These are all impressively delivered in his latest feature album, The Dust Never Settles, a full-bodied collection of songs about the magnetization of love.

His music has been described as feeling like a friend, a natural extension of the singer-songwriter. Campbell performs nearly 200 shows per year and he resides in Portland.

Andi Fawcett is a seasoned performer and powerhouse vocalist who has been captivating audiences for over two decades. Known for her dynamic stage presence and versatile vocal styling, Andi has fronted a number of beloved acts, including funk-soul favorite Sly Chi, indie-pop outfit Doubting Gravity, and her latest ventures, After Dark – a premier party band that blends cover tunes and soulful originals with a modern edge, and Andi Fawcett Country, which delivers a modern twist on country songs from every decade; rich with harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and dynamic male/female duets.

While she has a deep passion for writing original music, the foundation of her long-standing career lies in her live performances. Her solo act features a wide-ranging set of popular covers—from current hits to timeless classics. Whether it’s an intimate venue or a lively festival, Andi brings fresh energy and connection to every stage.

The Rockin’ Raft-Up concert on Sebago Lake is free to attend by boat and donations are encouraged and will be collected that day or in advance by going to www.campsunshine.org. Every dollar raised goes directly to Camp Sunshine’s programs, providing hope and healing to families when they need it most.

To make a donation, for specific event details, and concert updates, go to https://charity.pledgeit.org/rockin-raftup or visit www.doncampbellmusic.com. <

Blueberries and Community Spirit to Shine at 2025 Gray Wild Blueberry Festival

The small town of Gray, Maine is gearing up for one of its most anticipated summer events: the 9th Annual Gray Wild Blueberry Festival, set for Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.

Participants compete in the Pie Eating
Contest during a previous Annual
Gray Wild Blueberry Festival. This
year's festival will be held from 9:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
at the Henry Pennell Municipal 
Complex in Gray.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Henry Pennell Municipal Complex on Main Street, the festival is expected to draw crowds from all over the state for a full day of family fun, live entertainment, local food, and, of course, plenty of wild blueberries.

The festival, which celebrates Maine’s iconic wild blueberry and the tight-knit community that calls Gray home, has become a hallmark of the summer season. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant lineup of music performances, starting with the Zoot Jumpers at 9:30 a.m., known for their lively swing, jazz, and blues, they’ll be followed by the high-energy ‘80s tribute band Girls Just Want to Have Fun at 11:30 a.m. Closing out the entertainment lineup is Jenny Jumpstart & the Cap Guns, offering a soulful blend of blues and Americana in the mid-afternoon slot.

At the heart of the celebration are the many ways to enjoy blueberries. From pie-eating contests to a competitive dessert bake-off—open to adults and, new for 2025, teens and youth—the event offers multiple chances for attendees to showcase their love for the little blue fruit. These lighthearted competitions are always a crowd favorite, providing laughs and sweet rewards for both participants and spectators.

More than 50 artisans and crafters will set up shop at the festival, offering Maine-made goods ranging from woodcarvings and paintings to handmade jewelry and gourmet food items. A community expo will also take place, featuring local nonprofits, small businesses, and educational displays by groups like the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Master Beekeepers.

For families, the festival offers a full slate of activities. A dedicated kids’ zone will include a 1/4-mile fun run for children ages 3 to 12, a spelling bee for elementary students, and a wide variety of games and attractions such as inflatables, a dunk tank, sprinklers (weather permitting), and face painting. Young artists will enjoy caricature and henna booths, along with a tie-dye T-shirt tent. Additional attractions include a variety of lawn games.

Food is another central attraction, with an expanded food court featuring savory comfort food and sweet treats alike. Blueberry desserts of every variety will be on offer, as well as a local farmer’s market and a fire truck display, adding to the hometown charm.

Organized by the Gray Wild Blueberry Festival Committee, the event is a nonprofit effort that benefits community programs and local school groups. Free to attend and supported by local sponsors and volunteers, the festival has become a staple of Gray’s summer calendar and a symbol of the town’s enduring community spirit.

Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, the contests, or simply a relaxing day in the sunshine, the 2025 Gray Wild Blueberry Festival promises something for everyone. Mark your calendar for August 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and enjoy a day filled with flavor, fun, and a true taste of Maine.

Please note that in the event of severe rain, the festival will be postponed to Sunday, August 10 with same time and schedule.

A handful of offsite parking locations are within walking distance. Please note that no dogs are allowed.

For complete schedule, information, and updates please visit: www.wildblueberries.me/grayfestival. <

Christmas in July Boat Parade lights up Naples Causeway

The 6th annual Naples Christmas in July Boat parade returned to the Naples Causeway on Saturday, July 19 and it made for quite a festive and fun evening for participants and parade viewers.

Holiday decorated boats pass under the Naples Causeway
during the 6th Annual Christmas in July Boat Parade on
Saturday, July 19.  PHOTO BY ED MERCER   

According to event organizer Joanne Jordan, there were 22 boats that registered to participate. The top three decorated boats received a private day with friends and family on Pine Island Retreat on Brandy Pond offered by Randy and Jamie-Lynn Bernard. The first-place winner also received a 4-person float from Sun Sports, and all top three winners received gift certificates from local restaurants.

This year’s first-place winner is a strong competitor who also won first place last year. Jenna and Jerred Newbegin live in Massachusetts but have family in Naples and enjoy the creativity of the event. This year their pontoon boat won by being transformed into the Polar Express, Jordan said.

Second place was won by Phil Audet of Naples with his Searay 40 adorned from bow to stern and a giant Santa climbing up the side.

Third place went to Aliiana Nielson of Harrison with her bowrider depicting a Hawaiian Santa.

The Naples Marine Safety Division and Naples Fire Department were on hand to assure the safety of the participants and the spectators. The Maine Warden Service was also on the water during the event.

The parade started on the west shore of Long Lake and proceeded to the Causeway and under the causeway bridge, following the East Shore of Brandy Pond.

The Christmas in July Boat Parade organizers concentrate the viewing on the causeway because it’s where many people can gather to view the parade and the majority of event sponsors exist.

“Some people who live along the parade route decorate their docks and cheer the parade on,” Jordan said. “There are always requests to be closer to shore or go farther to allow more people who live on the lake to be able to see the parade. There is a balance between safety and how late the participants and the safety departments should be on the water.”

On land, local businesses also supported Christmas in July.

Lakeside Dairy Bar won for the best dressed business with their Christmas decorations and snow maker.

Funds were raised for local charities through the Christmas in July Boat Parade event as well. Glow wands were handed out by volunteers to 400 spectators with a QR code to donate to Raise the Roof initiative looking to build a permanent community center for outreach services.

Parade viewers were also able to make donations for Naples Christmas4Kids in which the Community Resource Council of Naples provides each child with pajamas, socks, underwear, a new toy and a holiday meal for the family.

Some of the sponsors of the event agreed to raise funds for Naples Community Resource Council of Naples Christmas for Kids. Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern made an amazing effort encouraging staff and patrons to get involved and raised $1,470 for the cause.

“This event is unique for this area. There are other boat parades around the country, but the Naples Causeway provides a unique opportunity for this to happen in fresh water with a beautiful viewing area that allows the boats to get up close to the crowds when going under the causeway or visiting one of the waterfront businesses,” Jordan said. “The event is free for boaters to participate and free to watch. It creates a feeling of joy for both groups. We have been lucky to have talented music producers create a fun atmosphere for the crowd while waiting for the boats to arrive and when the boats reach the crowd, everyone is excited, and everyone feels like a kid at Christmas.” <

Raymond-Casco Historical Society to host ‘Night at the Museum’

By Kendra Raymond

How does an evening of free outdoor games and fun sound? What about free admission to a museum campus, with a food truck available if hunger strikes? Well, you are in luck, the Raymond-Casco Historical Society will host a “Night at the Museum” where guests can partake in a variety of games, all while taking in the museum campus for free.

The Raymond-Casco Historical
Society is hosting a 'Night at
the Museum' from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 29 where guests 
can partake in a variety of games
such as croquet, badminton and corn
hole all while taking in the museum
campus for free.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

“We're spreading out on our beautiful campus lawns for a fun night of various lawn games on Tuesday, July 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a rain date of Wednesday, July 30. Croquet, badminton, corn hole, and more. A food cart will be on premises when hunger strikes. No skills required, all ages welcome. No registration fee, donations help support our collections, exhibits, events, and $20,000 balance construction costs for our new kitchen and renovation of the fully accessible handicap bathroom,” according to information posted on the historical society’s website.

Sue Pride is Collection manager for the Raymond-Casco Historical Society.

“We are hosting a family night of fun on our beautiful campus lawns for an evening of outdoor games,” she said. We are looking to repeat this fun night again this summer.”

Pride says that they have been wanting to do this kind of event, sort of like an old-fashioned block party. The concept was originally pitched by RCHS member Greg Plummer. While he’s not hosting the RCHS Early Bird Show on YouTube, Plummer can be found doing a variety of renovations and upkeep at the facility.

Kim Allen of RCHS is helping organize the upcoming event.

“The lawn games evening is the result of several people mentioning that the well-groomed lawns around the RCHS museum would be ideal for lawn games. We quickly chose three popular games – croquet, badminton, and lawn darts,” she said. “We decided to have the whole campus open during the event to keep people engaged. Games are free of charge, geared for all ages with no special skills required. Come to have fun.”

Allen said that Cormier’s Dog House of Windham will be on site with their food truck selling hot dogs and snacks for anyone who gets hungry.

Things are really bustling at RCHS this year. Aside from the Honey Bee Family Celebration, the museum forge is open for demonstrations most weekends, with free admission for everyone.

Pride says she’s pleased with the increased community interest in RCHS, with the recent Canal Boats in Sebago presentation filling the house.

“This summer I have put on various hats including publicity, event coordinator, setting up displays, putting packets together, even caterer for our events,” she said. “With all the board members and volunteers, we get it done. Greg Plummer works tirelessly contributing to RCHS.”

She said that she has even started painting on reclaimed blackboard sections from the Casco Memorial School as a fundraiser.

Pride is excited for the upcoming family event.

Please join us and " let the good times roll,” she said.

Visitors are reminded to arrive early and are welcome to tour the campus to visit the collections and displays.

“Night at the Museum” is open and free to the public. Donations are always welcomed to support collections, exhibits, and programs.

The Raymond-Casco Historical Society Museum is located at 1 Shadow Lane in Casco.

To learn more, visit the RCHS website at: raymondcascohistoricalsociety.org or check them out Raymond Casco Historical Society on Facebook.

Greg Plummer’s Early Bird Show can be viewed on YouTube.

Cormier’s Dog House website is: https://cormiersdoghouseme.com/ <

Hawthorne House to host ‘Evening with Gordon Thomas Ward’

By Kendra Raymond

Events are picking up at Raymond’s Hawthorne House this season and with significant improvements to the facility and regular community activities, there is bound to be something for everyone.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Gordon Thomas Ward
will perform during a benefit concert and dinner for
the Hawthorne House restoration on Friday, July 18.
Admission is $25 per person and includes the show.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

Fans of folk-rock music will be delighted to hear about an upcoming dinner and concert. An Evening with Gordon Thomas Ward will be held on Friday, July 18 with the doors opening at 5 p.m. and the performance from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Hawthorne House recently announced the upcoming and highly anticipated event featuring Gordon Thomas Ward, whom Skope Magazine hails as “setting the gold standard for singer-songwriters for generations to come.”

Ward is an award-winning alternative/folk-rock artist who has created four Grammy-nominated albums in the last six years. What makes Ward unique is his integration of music, folklore, history, and storytelling - creating a truly immersive experience.

Music Mecca says that “Gordon Thomas Ward is the quintessential modern-day folk troubadour.”

His impressive bio is listed on his website:

“Heavily influenced by his rural roots, and the singer-songwriters of the ’70s, Gordon Thomas Ward is one of those rare artists whose multi-instrumental talents, vivid lyrics, mesmerizing stories, and distinctly personal vocal timbre makes one question whether singer-songwriter is an adequate description. His compositions do not follow the usual songwriter patterns or chase trends, and his lyrics cut deep, exploring love, the passage of time, and a search for meaning.

His compelling performances and albums have endeared him to audiences for many years, and he shows no signs of slowing down with four GRAMMY-balloted albums in the last six years. Currently touring his new album Walking on the Wire, this award-winning, solo, multifaceted artist, author and presenter, has produced four #1 charted songs and other compositions that have charted in the U.S. and abroad.

Gordon has worked with notable musicians such as Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul, and Mary), Eric Troyer and Mik Kaminski (Electric Light Orchestra, and The Orchestra), Kevin Barry (Jackson Browne, James Taylor), Abbie Gardner, and Jud Caswell. He's also shared the stage and billing with Natalie Merchant, Christine Lavin, and Bill Staines. Gordon’s songs occupy a space filled with honesty, imagery, and emotion and walk a line between folk rock and soft country – always thoughtful, always heartfelt.

As audiences often remark, “His music touches my heart, and I feel like he’s singing just to me.” Skope Magazine says, “When you think of the phenomenal storytellers of yesteryear like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, or James Taylor, Gordon Thomas Ward would be in that same vein for today [and] is setting the gold standard for singer-songwriters for generations to come.”

Hawthorne House Association President Tom Ewig is the mastermind behind bringing Ward to Raymond this summer.

“Gordon was youth minister at my church in New Jersey, so I have known him a very long time. I started seeing his social media and I thought that this would be ideal for an evening at the Hawthorne House,” he said. “In fact, I have always wanted to do a cabaret style meal at the Hawthorne House and Gordon seemed to fit the entertainment bill.”

The candle lit evening will include a first-class gourmet experience. It features a selection of chicken, haddock, or ham entree with steamed vegetables. Each table will include a bottle of red and white wine, as well as other beverage options such as soft drinks, beer, and coffee. Dessert is included. Admission to the event is $25 per person and includes the show.

Ewig says that trustees of the Hawthorne House will be providing food and beverages.

“I am confident it will be a fun evening,” Ewig said.

Reservations and payment are required prior to the event by visiting hawthorneassoc.com and clicking on the dinner/concert link. Or you can send a check to Hawthorne Community Association, PO Box 185, South Casco, Maine 04077. Make sure to specify the event you’d like to attend, and how many tickets.

For questions, please call Becky at 207-329-0537 or by email at hawthorne@maine.rr..com

Learn more about Gordon Thomas Ward at: www.gordonthomasward.com or check out his music on Spotify.<

Raymond Village Library expands pass program

By Kendra Raymond

Residents of Raymond can now take advantage of some expanded offerings at their local library.

Raymond Village Library is now offering free
passes for One Longfellow Square performances
and general admission tickets to each Portland
Sea Dogs baseball home games. The passes are
on a first-come first-serve basis.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

For several years, Raymond Village Library has offered passes to various parks and museums providing patrons with discounted or free admission. This program is often under-recognized and serves to provide some valuable benefits for library card holders. Now the library has recently upped its game, offering two new passes to residents.

In a Facebook post the library announced, “We have two of the coolest new library passes around. For music lovers we are offering one ticket, allowing entrance for two, to each One Longfellow Square performance. For sports fans we have two free general admission tickets to each Sea Dogs home game. Start reserving your tickets now!”

These new passes provide some hefty perks for residents. In a press release, the library explained further that the passes will accommodate both music lovers and sports fans.

“Raymond Village Library is thrilled to announce the expansion of its popular Library Pass Program with two exciting new additions: free admission for two to performances at One Longfellow Square and two free tickets to every Portland Sea Dogs home game.”

According to the press release, these new offerings join the library’s current lineup of beloved destinations, including the Portland Museum of Art, the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, Tassel Top Park, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Historic New England, Railway Village Museum, Maine Wildlife Park, Maine State Park pass, and Southworth Planetarium.

Library Director Richard Dowe says he is pleased with the recent addition and is committed to improving library programs.

“This expansion makes it easier than ever for Raymond library card holders to explore the best that Maine has to offer, whether you’re taking in a live concert, or enjoying a day at the ballpark,” he said. “We’re always looking for ways to bring the community together and make arts, culture, and recreation more accessible. Adding live music and baseball to the mix brings a whole new energy to the program, and we’re excited to see families and individuals take advantage of these opportunities.”

Dowe said that he initiated the program’s expansion.

“I’ve been looking for new ways to expand the library’s reach and strengthen our role in the community. Part of our mission is to provide access to enriching, entertaining experiences, and I saw an opportunity to do that by offering passes to a wider variety of local venues and organizations,” he said. “By connecting more people to all that Maine has to offer, we hope to encourage greater library use and foster a stronger sense of community.”

So how does the program work, you might ask?

First, you will need to be a resident of Raymond with an active library card, and the passes are free to borrow. Each pass offers its own unique benefits. To reserve a pass, just access the Museum Parks & Passes link on the RVL website or simply call the library. Patrons are encouraged to be proactive to reserve passes, as quantities are limited, especially on popular dates.

Each pass benefit is different, so library officials say it’s important to plan ahead for some of the passes you might be interested in reserving.

For instance, Dow said that the Sea Dogs passes include two general admission tickets while the OLS is one ticket that provides entry for two people. Other tickets may provide free admission or a discount.

What’s more, the library has some even more exciting news to share.

“We just confirmed that we will have tickets to the Maine Mariners! Their season doesn't start until October. We will have a limited number of tickets to provide for patrons who can also request a photo op with players after the game! More details will be available as we get closer to the season,” said Dowe.

According to Dowe, the community feedback has been extremely positive.

“So far people have been surprised and excited to learn we offer these two new passes. We are, from my understanding, the first library in the state to offer tickets to each Sea Dogs home game and one of the first few libraries to offer tickets to One Longfellow Square. We hope to expand to other sports teams in the coming months or years,” he said.

For details or to reserve a pass, visit Museum & Park Passes – Raymond Village Library or call 207-655-4283.

The Portland Sea Dogs schedule can be found here: https://www.milb.com/portland/schedule/2025-06

The One Longfellow Square show schedule is available at https://onelongfellowsquare.com/upcoming-shows-events/

Maine Mariners schedule can be found at https://www.marinersofmaine.com/#schedule <

Hot Fiddle concert assists Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing

By Dina Mendros

If you love good music and want to support a worthwhile cause at the same time, look no further than when Hot Fiddle performs in a concert on Saturday July 12 at the North Windham Union Church. The free concert will benefit the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing which provides housing repairs to seniors, veterans and people with disabilities who live in Raymond, Windham and Standish.

Daniel Strange and Ashley Liberty of the 'Hot 
Fiddle' band will perform at a benefit concert
for the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center
for Housing at the North Windham Union
Church on Saturday, July 12. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Hot Fiddle is made up of Daniel Strange and Ashley Liberty, and sometimes with the accompaniment of their children, son Harrison, 12, and daughter Summer, 9. Both children play the violin, like their mother, and will play at the July 12 concert; Daniel plays jazz keyboard.

While the family lives in Miami they are no strangers to the area. Strange, who teaches music at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, grew up in Windham; Liberty, a performer, grew up in Gray; and the whole family returns for most of the summer every year to visit and reconnect with family and friends.

Hot Fiddle has performed in concerts at North Windham Union Church in the past and proved to be very popular, performing to full or nearly full houses. However, the last time they performed there was in 2019.

It was a “no brainer” to ask them back to for a benefit concert for the Fuller Center, said Jim McBride, the treasurer, board member and co-founder of the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing.

“They’re phenomenal musicians,” he said, “and have been local favorites for many years.”

The Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing was founded in 2019 and it’s mission is “to help aging adults, veterans and people with disabilities to age in place safely,” said Diane Dunton Bruni, a founding member, board chair and president of the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing.

The organization, founded by representatives from Raymond Village Community Church, Faith Lutheran Church, North Windham Union Church, Windham Hill UCC, Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and Saint Joseph’s College “has helped 73 families in Windham, Raymond and Standish,” Dunton Bruni said.

Volunteers have logged more than 4,000 hours replacing decks, flooring, and steps, building ramps, cleaning yards and more in the community.

“The proceeds from the concert will help purchase material for projects,” she said.

Dunton Bruni said she’s looking forward to the Hot Fiddle concert.

There will be “something for everyone really,” said Strange, as they don’t perform one specific genre.

“It was important for us to make sure that there was no genre identifier,” he said. “That everybody who just enjoys a great show is going to be able to hear something that they’ll appreciate and something to be very excited about and recognize.”

Liberty said they started playing together when they were married.

“We began with a lot of classical music and slowly but surely branched off into many styles,” she said. “It’s really fun because they do have Vivaldi on the concert and we also have ‘I’ve Got Rhythm’ on the concert and we have Dan’s original music on the concert.”

When McBride asked them to perform the concert, “we were totally game for it,” Strange said, especially because of “the great work that obviously the Fuller Center does for the community and the North Windham Union Church is special for us. We were married there. I was the minister of music there from 2006 to 2007, so there’s a lot of ties.”

Strange said he and his wife are more than happy to perform in Windham. Over the years, he said, “Maine has continued to support us, and it’s our way of saying thank you. We’re excited to see everybody, and we’re pumped for the show as always.”

Liberty agrees.

“We love playing our music for people because it’s lively and it connects (people),” Liberty said. “It’s just a special thing to be able to share music between audience and performers. It’s what music was made for, making that connection.”

Hot Fiddle will perform at the church starting at 7 p.m. July 12 with the lobby opening at 6 p.m. and doors opening at 6:30 p.m. North Windham Union Church is at 723 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. The cost to attend the concert is free, but the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing asks for a suggested donation of $15; pay by cash, check or PayPal. Seating is general admission.

For more details about the concert, call 207-387-0855 or go to the website sebagofullerhousing.org. <