Aroma Joes partners with Raymond Parks and Rec for winter pop-up event

By Kendra Raymond

When it comes to winter fun, Raymond Parks and Recreation Department has it covered. After a recent snowstorm caused the cancellation of a field trip, Parks and Rec staff members jumped into action to save the day.

Eager sledders Emerson Crocker and Acadia Carroll took
part in the recent pop-up sledding event during the Camp
Raymond After School Program. PHOTO BY RILEY SILVIA 

Camp Raymond After School is a program designed to keep children active and occupied following school hours. Activities take place in Raymond, but occasionally special trips are planned. The recent surprise storm derailed the group’s trip to the Children’s Museum in Portland, which was planned during a scheduled half-day at school.

Raymond’s Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Riley Silvia said that the partnered event just sort of evolved.

“This event was part of our after-school program, which provides kids with fun, enriching activities after school. We had originally planned a field trip that day, but when the snowfall made travel difficult, we turned the day into a winter adventure instead,” she said. Parks and Recreation Director Joe Crocker went out and got sleds, and we transformed the afternoon into a classic snow day experience right at Camp Raymond After School.”

Silvia recalls that “snow day” feeling from her childhood. She said she thinks that it is important to encourage wholesome traditions while spending some time outdoors with friends.

“Many kids look forward to snow days and all the traditions that come with them, sledding, hot chocolate, and cozy movies, so we wanted to recreate that special feeling,” she said. “Since they only had a two-hour delay, we made sure they still got to enjoy the winter fun.”

The fun didn’t stop there. Quick thinkers Crocker and Silvia figured that the chilly sledders would want a way to warm up and get some refreshment after all the excitement. Enter: Aroma Joe’s, home of delicious beverages right in Raymond.

“After flying down the slopes, we warmed up with delicious hot chocolate from Aroma Joe’s in Raymond,” Silvia said. “They have been a longtime supporter of our programs and always find ways to give back to the community. When we told them about our impromptu snow day and asked if they’d be interested in helping, they didn’t hesitate to step up,” she said. "They generously provided hot chocolate for all the kids, making the day even more special. It’s partners like Aroma Joe’s that make our community so great, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support. We finished the day with a bracket-style movie vote, letting the kids decide on the perfect film to wrap up their snow day adventure.”

The Raymond Parks & Recreation Department Facebook page posted, “Today was SNOW much fun! Shout out to @aromajoescoffee for providing us with hot cocoa for this snowy day.” The gratitude didn’t stop there, as Aroma Joe’s was featured as the Raymond Parks and Recreation Sponsor Saturday highlight posting, “This week we’re shining the spotlight on Aroma Joe’s Coffee, a fantastic supporter of our programs! Not only do they sponsor teams in our leagues, but they also go the extra mile by providing hot cocoa and snacks to their team at the end of the season. Plus, their generosity extends beyond sports - Aroma Joe’s donates hot cocoa to our community events, helping to keep everyone warm and smiling. Be sure to stop by and support them, just like they support us!”

Silvia is dedicated to keeping things exciting for the youngsters.

“The kids get out at 12:10 every Wednesday, so we try to be creative with activities and trips,” she said. “We started this program in September, and I have been the director.”

With the rapid growth of the Raymond Park and Rec Department, Silvia said that her responsibilities are increasing.

“My tasks in the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director position are growing as our department is growing, so I have dropped down to working Wednesdays and Fridays,” she said. “Jill Lambert has become our Program Leader, covering the other three days."

Silvia says she’s happy to get so much positive feedback on the recent pop-up sledding event and hopes to keep the momentum going with more engaging activities this year.

“I never thought the kids would be excited when I told them a field trip was canceled, but they were absolutely thrilled to have a sledding day instead,” she said. “They were laughing and soaking up every moment of fun in the snow. Parents have told us how much they appreciated that we turned an unexpected change into such a fun opportunity.” <