Christmas in February

Peter Busque, recently denied in his bid to build a quarry and rock crushing operation on a parcel of land on Nash Road, should be commended for this week’s announcement he is donating 115 acres to the town of Windham for ballfields and trails.

Although Busque won’t make details of the donation known until the Feb. 26 Windham planning board meeting, according to what Busque said this week, a portion of his Nash Road property will be donated.

It is rare that such prime property gets handed over, especially by someone who has just lost a heated land-use battle with the recipient. Some may question Busque’s motives (and it’s hard to fathom Busque’s motivations with this land gift), but we know his generous gift will be gratefully received. The need for open space in town, especially open space with a public easement, is urgently needed in suburban areas where housing and no trespassing signs dominate the landscape. Any space where we can walk dogs, play ball, and enjoy Mother Nature is a gift that is great indeed.

Busque, who has made hefty donations to area charities in the past, should be praised for this very significant gift to Windham townspeople.

Monkey see

Those who say the Lakes Region needs more entertainment to occupy its youth should look around and realize the many opportunities.

There are those lamenting the closure of the popular youth hangout, the Mad Monkey Cafe in Raymond. Yes, the Mad Monkey was a favorite spot for teen socializing, but its closure certainly doesn’t spell doom for local teens.

Teens need to realize they have it good here. For amusement, they have Seacoast Fun Park with its all-season offerings, computer gaming paradise Skyway Games, two movie theaters in Windham and Crossroads Gaming, a role-playing and board-game hangout in Standish.

And outdoor opportunities abound in the Lakes Region. Teens who don’t mind getting off their couch have swimming, fishing and boating opportunities on lakes. They also have beaches, hiking trails and skiing at Shawnee Peak, which offers discounted youth rates. Add to these the skate park in Windham, an outdoor ice rink in Naples, Johnson Field and ice rink in Standish and dozens of school playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts. And don’t forget each town’s recreation department and library offerings.

Teens also have to realize they need to be more proactive and create their own fun. Part of childhood is learning how to be self-sufficient and developing creativity. It’s not the worst thing to occasionally force kids to think up their own entertainment.

So, when the Mad Monkey soon goes out of business in Raymond, it’s not a time to mourn for the future of youth. It’s a time for youth to try other outlets and explore a hobby or two.

-John Balentine, editor