Welcome to the Sebago community column

Greetings to my fellow Sebago residents. Hello, also, to those of you who may be interested in what’s going on in our fair community. I have spent many happy summers in Naples, on the shores of Trickey Pond. My family and I were lucky to find a house in Sebago, with the help of Barabara Cutting, in the fall of 1999. In this column, I hope to be able to share with you how gratifying it is to be a member of this small, close-knit community, plus keep you informed of current events, maybe evoke some memories, and make some new friends.

First day of school:

Sebago Elementary School opened its doors for the new school year on Aug. 29. At the helm is Kathleen Beecher as principal, replacing Andrea Lane. Ms. Beecher will continue her duties as assistant superintendent, part-time. This will be her second time as our principal so it will be nice to see her familliar face in our hallways again.

An open house was held on Wednesday, Sept. 5. The Transportation Department had a welcome table set up outside the school with its “talking school bus,” much to the delight of the younger attendees. Many useful pamphlets on bus safety and transportation were available for all.

Coach and teacher Michael Cain has returned, and many students have signed up for the fall soccer season. New or returning coaches and players will find a large selection of soccer videos available at Spaulding Memorial Library, and books as well. I will bring you more information once I have the schedule.

Planting seeds

Vanessa Wallace had a lovely table for the Sebago Kids Growing Gardens! Seed packets prepared by students, jewelry, and I especially admired the lovely bouquets of flowers arranged in glass vases for only $5 each! All the money raised goes to the garden project. (See the photo of the beautiful bouquet that was given to me after open house.) Thanks to: Ann Batchelder, Helen Ernest, Heather Grass, Lauren Holston, Corrie Lewis, Betsy Maher, Karen Wiles and of course, Jeff and Vanessa Wallace for your commitment to the Growing Gardens and our Community. I will write more in the future about how this great project first came about. Those wishing to join or help in any way may contact Vanessa Wallace through the school at 787-3701.

I have just been informed that Pauline Lyons, our sixth grade teacher, and the Sebago Kids Growing Gardens will be working in conjuction with the Portland Water District to rebuild the nature trail that borders the Sebago Elementary School and Northwest River. They are meeting this Thursday.

Mike Foyee, a former principal, some former students and hopefully a good number of volunteers will help rebuild this wonderful addition to our community. As well as many volunteers, supplies will also be needed beyond what the Portland water District is donating.

Trout project

Pauline Lyons and her sixth-graders will share their trout project with other schools this year through a web cam. She was chosen as she has done the project for so long and done a fabulous job with it! My own son, Chris, being one of her students in 2000, found the salmon release project that year a good learning experience.

Karen Wiles is the volunteer coodinator for Box Tops for Education. This year’s goal is $750, to help pay for school field trips. For those interested in helping, join the Box Tops for Education Booster Club at www.boxtops4education.com. You get money-saving coupons, menus, book recommendations, etc.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

I have been a member of the Sebago PTC almost as long as I’ve lived in Sebago. The meetings are usually held once a month on average. I will give dates and times once I have that information. Meetings are held in the elementary school library rotating 3:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., to accommodate busy work schedules.

School consolidation

I am sure everyone is wondering how the reorganization will affect SAD 61, as well as the surrounding communities. The school board authorized a letter be sent to the Maine Department of Education, stating that SAD 61 was submitting an alternate plan and requesting to remain independent.

The commissioner is reviewing the request at this time. We are lucky having Ms. Beecher at our school, as she will keep us all informed. Thanks, Ms. Beecher.

On that note, on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. there will be a community meeting at the Sebago Town Office. Community members will be able to meet informally with the superintendent of schools, school community and leadership team.

Library happenings

• Need a good read? Need to research? Need WIFI? Go visit Eileen Russo and Sue Newton at Spaulding Memorial Library, located on Route 114, across the street from Sebago Elementary School. Spaulding’s Book Discussion Group meetings are held the third Monday each month, starting Sept. 17.

This month’s book is “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Wall. Pick up your copy at the library. Fall hours are Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to noon; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.spaulding.lib.me.us or call 787-2321.

• Toddler Storytime will resume this Friday, Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. with the topic being butterflies. Every month the library features an artist of the month.

September finds multiple artists with a “Parade of Pillows” by Lynda Fisher, Eileen Russo, Norma Sicotte, Carol Tidd and Tom Vickerson. Starting bid on each pillow is $5. Come on in and see finely crafted pillows, and place a bid. You just might win. All money raised goes to the library.

• Like to sew? Or maybe just appreciate the fine art of quilting? Then The Sebago Seam Rippers is just your ticket. It is a small group of local quilters who meet together and quilt and share their art for the benefit of several worthy charitable local groups, such as Sebago EMS, Book Challenge for Linus Project, and the Sebago Kids Growing Garden to name a few. For more information, contact Eileen Russo at Spaulding Memorial Library.

Dance school moves

Wanda Plummer’s dance school, after 25 years of using the old town hall (Potter Academy), has moved. The school will now be using the North Sebago United Methodist Church, on Route 114. I am so happy for this fact as I know both the dance school and church very well. They will be a great combination.

Food pantry

The Sebago Area Food Pantry was established by the Sebago area churches and is now sponsored by other local organizations to help out in emergency

situations. If the pantry is not stocked with items that those in need are requesting, a voucher system has been established with Hannaford and Shaw’s to cover items not available at the pantry. The pantry is open the fourth Tuesday of the month from 9-11 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. For help at other times call: 787-3021. Names of recipients will be kept confidential within the committee.