Hello Raymond readers!

My first visit to Raymond was quite unintentional. I was riding my bike, pedaling up Route 85 and…very lost.

Having already pedaled 25 miles, I had missed my turn and found myself climbing a hill that led to a beautiful view of the White Mountains. Happy to have left the busy roads of Portland and Windham, I felt like I was in another world. I asked someone where I was and despite my astonishment at how far off my route I had gone, I was pleased with my mistake. I knew this would be the first of many visits to Raymond and four months later, I was living here.

That was 15 years ago and I never tire of the views from the top of the very same Route 85 I literally stumbled upon. I love Raymond; where else can you experience deep woods, lakes around every corner and a breathtaking view of the mountains. I love all our dirt roads and the trails on which one can bike, walk, run or snowshoe. I love leaving my house with skis strapped to my feet and skiing across the frozen lake. I love listening to the loons while I fall asleep.

When asked to write a weekly column about Raymond and all that’s happening here, I jumped at the opportunity. I am passionate about this town, its schools, library, many organizations, landscape and mostly, its people. I will provide information on what is coming up as well as report on interesting events. I hope to spread my enthusiasm for living in a town where, despite its beautiful landscape, the people are its best attribute.

Should you have something interesting to share, or simply wish to comment about something I’ve written, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to include everything I can and cover all spectrums of Raymond.

JSMS Cross Country team bigger than ever

Should you find yourself at the Jordan Small Middle School on any weekday afternoon, you will likely notice nearly 50 kids stretching, running on the trails, sweating, and laughing. You are watching the JSMS Cross Country Team.

Sporting more members than ever before in its history, the team is comprised of both boys and girls with new kids joining each day. Under the leadership of Coach John Dionne and Assistant Coach John Keller, these kids are fortunate to be learning from the best. Both men are avid runners and obvious advocates of passing this life-long passion to the students. This is not a duty for them or even a hobby. They are emotionally involved with these kids and rewarded by their protagas’ struggles, improvements and victories.

I had the benefit of joining a practice this week and was impressed with what I saw. These kids wanted to be there, were very enthusiastic and clearly respected their coaches. After an extensive stretching session, the coaches instructed the kids to run the course on which they will be racing next week. Veteran runners embarked on their practice run first while new team members learned more about the course and the context of a cross country meet. No one complained about running the minimum two miles on a very hot day. In fact, many runners were clearly working on surpassing their own previous runs by a mile or two.

Running is a lifelong skill, second only to walking as the most popular form of exercise among adults. Several physical benefits come from running including weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, improved bone health, lowering blood pressure, and slowing down the aging process. However, the more important benefits are psychological. Running improves self-confidence, helps control stress and lowers depression. Runners are generally happier people.

The JSMS team consists of all types of runners, very fit and fast runners and those who had never run any measurable distance before joining the team. However, all team members will experience improved self-confidence, feelings of accomplishment and success. And this is the reason coaches Dionne and Keller spend so much of their time introducing running to these kids.

A season of six competitions, the first home meet was held on Thursday, Sept. 20 at JSMS. Surrounding schools from the Pine Tree League will compete on the Raymond course, and our runners are definitely ready for the challenge. Upcoming meets will be held at surrounding towns and I encourage you to attend one (schedules can be obtained by contacting the school). I promise what you watch will warm your heart. As Coach Dionne stated, “Watching them progress throughout the season, and watching their faces as they cross the finish line, literally brings tears to my eyes.”

Raymond Village Library welcomes new storyteller

Longtime youth service coordinator for the Raymond Village Library, Sue Ellen Gendron, has accepted the school librarian position at the Raymond Elementary School.

Gendron will be a wonderful asset to the school, and the children whose lives she touched at a younger age are excited to see her again. Although she will be missed at Raymond Village Library, Director Barb Thorpe has announced that Chrissy Zidle has joined the staff and will be conducting baby, toddler and pre-school story times on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Chrissy, a wonderful storyteller, also has a beautiful voice and can be heard singing to the children during her programs. Although she has big shoes to fill, her programs are already being enjoyed by many of our youngest readers and listeners.

A visit to the library during story time hours will remind you how wonderfully innocent and playful our children are. Although not always a quiet group, the children are vivacious and attentive, future readers and creators. Welcome Chrissy!