Windham Parks and Rec hosts first 'Light Up the Night Dance'

By Jolene Bailey

The glow party sensation sweeping America arrived in Windham on March 14 as the Windham Parks and Recreation Department hosted a “Light Up the Night Dance” for local families.

Windham Parks and Recreation hosted a 'Light Up the 
Night Dance' in a partnership with Windham PTA. 
The popular event used blacklights to create a
glowing effect for participants. COURTESY PHOTO   

Glow parties are vibrant celebrations where neon colors and decorations are used extensively and everything glows under the glare of UV black lights, creating a fun environment. Black lights work by emitting ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is invisible to the human eye, but some substances called phosphors absorb them and then re-emit it as visible light, causing them to glow eerily.

Participants wearing neon colors stood out in the Light Up the Night dance along with those wearing fluorescent orange, green, yellow and pink.

“This was our first glow dance through Windham Parks & Recreation, and all families in the community were invited, so I was really excited to see all the families come together and have a fun time at the dance,” said Kelsey Crowe, Windham Parks & Recs deputy director.

Windham Parks and Recreation conducts many events for everyone with children who are interested in attending. In the past they have hosted similar events to the Light Up the Night dance such as the February Formal and the Gym Jamboree.

However, this dance was much different from those offered previously because it was a glow dance, and all the lights and blacklights had transformed the experience with even more fun for the families attending. It was a solid turn-out and a packed gym at Windham Middle School.

“As the Deputy Director, my role was to plan and organize the whole event, but I could not do it alone,” Crowe said. “For Light Up the Night, Windham Parks & Recreation partnered with Windham PTA to put on the dance. We also had support from Windham Social Services, RSU 14, the Windham Lions Club, Deep DJ Entertainment, and Windham High School student volunteers.”

Crowe has been working for the Windham Parks & Recreation Department for about eight years. She has been overseeing larger family and community events for about six years shortly after becoming the Deputy Director for the organization.

As the Light Up the Night dance went on, there were several opportunities for even more fun throughout the evening.

People could stop by the photo booth in the gym and take photographs with fun accessories or also dance in the gym or play a round of cornhole, a game of giant Jenga, Connect Four or Tic Tac Toe.

For most of the night, children enjoyed dancing with a DJ spinning popular tunes. They were able to request songs and sing and dance all through the night.

Another popular activity was the Light Up Limbo competition for kids and their parents.

Refreshments and snacks were served in the cafeteria, along with face painting and temporary tattoos that glowed in the blacklights during the dance in the gym.

Families were able to also register for door prizes. There were about 10 big prizes where families could receive tickets when they entered and choose what prizes they wanted to try to win. Prizes were then drawn and announced throughout the night.

“This was our first glow dance, so not knowing if the event will take off, or if families were actually going to register, is always a worry, but I think the night was a success. We had a great turnout, and I can't wait to make it bigger and better for next year,” said Crowe.

For more details about activities offered by Windham Parks and Recreation, visit https://www.windhammaine.us/155/Parks-Recreation <

Camaraderie of quilting motivates Nimble Thimbles members

By Ed Pierce

For members of Windham’s Nimble Thimbles Quilting Chapter, creating a new quilt is like a microcosm of life in stitching together a beautiful patchwork of memories.

Cynthia Junco of the Nimble
Thimbles Quilting Chapter of
Windham displays quilts that
were made and donated by
chapter members to the Windham
Food Pantry, the Windham
Police Department and the
Windham Fire and Rescue
Department last December.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The Nimble Thimbles chapter is part of the Pine Tree Quilters Guild of Maine and currently has 23 participants from throughout the Lakes Region.

The Pine Tree Quilters Guild was founded in 197 and has more than 1,800 members in 67 chapters in Maine. It is a guild of quilters who are passionate about everything about quilting who share and help others learn more about their art.

According to Nimble Thimbles member Cynthia Junco of Windham, being part of the group allows her to spend time with others who enjoy quilting and promotes a unique and special camaraderie among members who understand the work needed to put together a new quilt.

She said the length of time required to create a quilt depends upon the design and pattern, size, and the number of members participating but it usually involves hours of work to complete one.

“Some members will work on quilt tops in the convenience of their own home and then when our group meets, we may layer and tie the quilts prior to binding them,” Junco said. “We also have a couple of members who have donated their time to machine quilt the layers, and then a member will take a quilt and add the binding. It can be quite a process by the time one quilt is completed.”

The Nimble Thimbles chapter meets twice a month in Windham to work on quilts.

This past holiday season, Nimble Thimbles members decided to donate quilts created last fall to the Windham Food Pantry to be included with holiday baskets being distributed to those in need.

“It's my understanding that this year the quilts would be used in some holiday baskets that the food pantry provided to some individuals as well as some going to the Windham Police and Windham Fire and Rescue to provide to an individual when emergency situations arise. Quilts can be very comforting to one in a difficult situation.”

Each year the organization makes a holiday donation based upon suggestions from its members.

“In the past we've made and donated quilts to Quilts of Valor, the Ronald McDonald House, Hospice, as well as Project Linus,” Junco said.

Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children in the United States who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.

In November, the Nimble Thimbles Quilt Chapter of Windham donated 46 different quilts of various sizes to the Windham Food Pantry for distribution in some of their holiday baskets as well as the Windham Police and Fire Departments.

“The quilts were well received, and we were happy to be able to provide the support,” Junco said. “Our group creates and donates quilts for different charities and social service groups which fluctuates from year to year.”

Junco says that the best part of being a member of the Nimble Thimbles Quilting Chapter is more than just the camaraderie of being with other quilters.

“It enables us to share our creativity, teach others various techniques used in quilting as well as doing for others,” she said. “Generally, we hire a quilt instructor from outside of our group once or twice a year for a teaching/learning workshop to learn new or advanced methods of quilting.”

For anyone interested in joining the Nimble Thimble, brochures with contact information are available at various quilt shops in the area, including at the Calico Basket Quilt Shop, 31 Page Road in Windham. <

Windham Chamber Singers preparing for 2025 tour dates

By Elle Curtis

The highly anticipated Windham Chamber Singers 2025 tour will kick off next month with a concert in Windham allowing the community to come together and make lasting memories.

The Windham Chamber Singers will their 2025 Tour with a
performance at the North Windham Union Church, 723
Roosevelt Trail in Windham, on April 5.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

After the unfortunate cancellation of last year’s tour due to a freak snowstorm in April, this year’s tour experience will allow members of the Windham Chamber Singers to show off their work throughout the year and to leave their lasting mark on the community.

A local performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 5 at the North Windham Union Church, 723 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The length of the performance is estimated to run for an hour and a half with general seating available.

Donations will be accepted by the church and put toward the RSU 14 Backpack Program and Maine Needs which strives to provide essentials for individuals and families.

Members of the Windham Chamber Singers say they enjoy giving back to the community as well as performing.

Molly Plati, Windham Chamber Singers president and a senior at Windham High School, says there’s not just pressure on their singing ability but on continuing the legacy they are upholding.

“Our group has a reputation, and with that comes the responsibility to be our very best,” Plati said. “Not just as singers, but as people and community members.”

Preparing for each performance takes hard work and dedication. Hours of practice are spent working on pieces that range from entertaining to more serious while telling a story to the audience.

“The theme of our repertoire is mostly centered around togetherness. Each song carries a message of hope, resilience, and unity,” said Windham Chamber Singers assistant conductor and WHS senior Bella Bragdon.

Seniors could choose and put together a piece for the treble and bass voices when deciding on this year’s music selections.

“Being part of the process was very exciting, and we got to learn how to select a piece of music to make our voice part sound great,” said Plati. “All of our pieces carry a deeper meaning that the singers can connect to, and they sound outstanding.”

This year’s tour will mark the return to travel and the full-tour experience, which was previously impacted due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions.

The tour will see the Windham Chamber Singers traveling to Canada and performing at Laval University in Québec City and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.

“This is an amazing experience for everyone in the group,” said Windham Chamber Singers vice president and WHS junior Rowan Cummings.

“As a choir, we bond and learn new things about each other, making unforgettable memories,” he said.

Whether it is pushing to be their best, or finding community, Windham Chamber Singers offer members a safe and supportive place to do that. Participants have gained real-life skills that go beyond music and singing that will continue to aid them in future endeavors.

“Balancing schoolwork, rehearsals, and other commitments has taught me how to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively. I’ve also developed strong teamwork and leadership skills,” Bragdon said. “Working closely together with others requires good communication and the ability to listen and adapt. These skills are valuable in any group setting such as school and work.”

Tickets for the North Windham Union Church performance are by donation. Seating is first-come first-serve. <

WHS Spanish Honor Society hosts Salsa Night Class

By Jolene Bailey

The Spanish Honor Society of Windham High School will host a Salsa class night from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Manchester School in Windham.

“I wanted to do a salsa night because when we have taken kids to Costa Rica, there is always a salsa lesson and other Latin dances, and the kids really love it, said Elizabeth Bubier, Windham High SHS advisor.

“Salsa isn’t a difficult dance, and we can use something in March to brighten our days.”

March is often the longest month of the year for students as the school year comes to an end and the long breaks are over. Clubs and extracurricular activities often use this time to re-engage with students.

The Spanish Honor Society is for students who have taken as least two years of Spanish and have succeeded academically. They go through an induction ceremony for their commitment to learning the Spanish language.

“Most students continue in Spanish after inductions because they love the language and culture. A Salsa Night fits right in with some of the things we do” said Bubier.

Salsa originally came from Latin America but is large in Spanish cultures. This dance is practiced worldwide typically with a partner yet containing solo footwork as well.

“This is the first time I will have done an event like this. I am hoping it goes well, and we can make it an annual event,” said Bubier.

For this event, Monica Sandifer will help instruct participants in the Salsa dance. She is a former dancer from the National Ballet of Bolivia.

“I really just want people to enjoy the event,” Bubier said. “Mónica Sandifer is the nicest, she has so much positive energy and is a gifted dancer.”

A big portion of being a Spanish Honor Society member is to help ambitious students in Spanish to reach their educational goals during and outside of high school. It is a recognized achievement that takes great care and hours.

Often members of SHS get the opportunity to help tutor or teach Spanish in the RSU 14 district. They also plan fundraising drives, help with sales, and other volunteer opportunities for students to be able to fund the expenses for the club.

“I think my favorite memory as the SHS advisor is when we had to do our induction ceremony outdoors because of COVID,” Bubier said. “In order to make it more memorable for the students because they had missed out on a lot in the previous months, I invited a few local alpacas to join the ceremony. The kids have been asking for the alpacas to return every year since then.”

Students in the Spanish Honor Society at WHS have the opportunity to visit Costa Rica to put their Spanish skills into an extraordinary environment to which most have not been exposed.

This salsa class event is open to anyone, but space is limited to ensure that everyone gets the instructions and attention from the teacher participating that night.

For details, call Bubier at 207-892-1810. <

Oldies Dance Group raises $8,750 for Ronald McDonald House

By Ed Pierce

Never let it be said that those who appreciate Rock n’ Roll music could care less about others. As evidence of that, the Oldies Dance Group’s Benefit Dance last fall set records once again in raising money for the Ronald McDonald House of Portland.

The dance raised $8,750 to donate to the Ronald McDonald House and sold 356 tickets in just 10 days leading up to the event at the Eagle’s Hall in Biddeford last October.

Members of the Oldies Dance Group donate proceeds from 
last fall's dance to the Ronald McDonald House of Portland.
From eft are Debora Berry; Gail Cole; Diane Dubois; Bruce 
Martin, Elvis Presley; Ronald McDonald House Chief
Executive Officer Julie Mulkern; Ray Gagnon; Ian Tovell;
Katherine Russo; and Janet Sparkowich. Not shown are
Old Dance Group members Roger and Bonnie Ouellette;
Michelle Mondor; Connie O'Rourke; Ed and Nancy Pierce;
Ernie Mills; and Helen Vadnais.  SUBMITTED PHOTO  

This was the 24th Rock n’ Roll Oldies Benefit Dance and to date, the Oldies Dance Group has raised $124,498 on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House, which provides comfort for the families of pediatric patients 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.

“Our organizing committee is simply blown away by the generosity of those who attend our dances every year,” said Bruce Martin, Oldies Dance Group organizer. “We have been doing this for 17 years and are so grateful to be the biggest community fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Portland during that time. We cannot thank everyone who has attended the dances through the years and to all of those individuals and businesses who have shown their commitment to assisting sick children and their families served by this wonderful facility.”

Martin said many come out to the dances to listen to Rock n’ Roll music, dance, socialize with their friends and a side benefit is that the dances support the fundraising mission of the Oldies Dance Group.

“We’ve said this for years and it’s true. People love rock n’ roll music and dancing,” he said. “And the amount of money that we’ve raised demonstrates how much people in our community value and care about their community and their neighbors.”
More than 71 businesses and individuals made donations for the October dance and Martin said it shows their commitment to the mission of Ronald McDonald House of Portland.

He said that the Oldies Dance Group also thanks Coach Kaitlyn Cadorette and a contingent of high school cheerleaders for their invaluable assistance in setting up tables and chairs ahead of last fall’s dance.

Martin said that the Rock n’ Roll Oldies Dances remain wildly popular because Rock n’ Roll continues to connect generations of music fans and the dance playlist includes songs that everybody knows and loves from the 1950s through the 1980s and a few other popular tunes.

“We say that it’s a great night out to have fun, listen to songs you know the words to by heart and at the same time you’re doing something to support a great cause,” Martin said. “We are always looking for committee members who want to help.”

The next Rock n’ Roll Oldies Benefit Dance will be the 25th dance hosted by the Oldies Dance Group and will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, April 19 at the Eagle’s Hall, 57 Birch St., Biddeford. Tickets are just $10 and sell out quickly as seating is limited.

For further details, or to purchase tickets or to volunteer, please call Bruce Martin at 207-284-4692. <