Rattlesnake Mountain Offers Generous Views

Although I enjoy hiking during all four seasons, I especially weaken to the desire to be on the trails during the month of October. The temperatures are falling but remain plenty warm, there are no bugs to deal with and the views are spectacular no matter where you go.

I love the smell of the woods during October, and I love the sound of the dry leaves crunching under my feet. When I do not have enough time to enjoy an all-day hike in the White Mountains or in western or northern Maine, I’m grateful to live in Raymond where Rattlesnake Mountain sits waiting just a few miles down the road.

The land of the most popular trail is owned by the Huntress Family of Poland, and shared with all responsible hikers. Just slightly over 1,000 feet high, Rattlesnake is very small but offers big views. Entering the Bri-Mar trailhead across from the greenhouse on Route 85, the trail is flat and easy at the bottom gradually picking up to a steeper ascent and reminding you that you are indeed on a mountain.

The mile-long path to the top with an elevation gain of 600 feet makes an inviting hike for families with children. Upon completing the ascent, there are two outlooks which provide rewarding views of the Lakes Region. Should you continue on several yards past the second outlook, you will notice a newer trail to the right which leads to a splendid view of the White Mountains. Although most follow the Bri-Mar Trail which is an out and back, hikers can also go over the top and follow the trail down the opposite side of the mountain where you will stumble upon the very isolated Nubble Pond, a beauty worth seeing. This side of the trail, also accessible on Plains Road, is property of Kingsley Pines, more overgrown, not as well-marked and requires knowing where you are going. Pristine and quiet, it is worth the slightly scratched legs you may get! Regardless of which trail you hike, treat yourself to a walk up this lovely mountain soon. You won’t regret it.

Tax Rate Remains Steady

Raymond taxpayers were greeted with excellent news when receiving their property tax bills last week. The tax rate was held at its prior year’s rate of $10.20 per $1,000 of valuation. Mike Reynolds, vice chairman of the board of selectmen, said he was pleased to announce that through a genuine team effort of town and school staff, working closely together with the selectmen, school committee and budget finance committee, this significant accomplishment was made possible.

Holding the tax rate steady did not require compromises that would jeopardize the town’s long-term financial position. In that regard it would have actually been possible to lower the tax rate slightly. It is important to note that lowering taxes would have resulted in a lower-than-acceptable overlay and provide little relief to individual taxpayers. The selectmen elected to continue their ongoing program of responsible day-to-day financial management while at the same time planning for and ensuring the long-term stability of the town.

A Night of Laughs

For those of you who have not yet purchased tickets to Friday’s comedy show, you still have time. The Raymond Fire and Rescue Association is conducting a fundraiser to raise money for scholarships, safety equipment for the recently acquired Lakes Region public safety boat and their annual popular Halloween haunted house. By contributing to this fundraiser, you will receive tickets to A Night of Laughs comedy show being held at the Jordan Small Middle School tonight, Friday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. A Night of Laughs will feature three, hilarious, stand-up comics from the Boston area. Please support our local firefighters and EMS by donating today. Please note, this show is not recommended for children under the age of 13. For more information, call 655-1044.

Helping Honduras

Please join me on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Raymond Village Community Church for a bean supper featuring hot dogs, baked beans, salad, biscuits, dessert, beverages and, most importantly, great people. The supper will take place from 4:30-6 p.m. and costs $6 for adults and $4 for children. Not only will you enjoy a delicious, inexpensively priced meal while chatting with friends, but you will be helping the church as it continues to raise money for a mission trip to Honduras.

In August 2008, 15 people from the church will be undertaking a construction project in Honduras. The group includes men, women and teens and is part of a mission partnership that exists between the Maine United Church of Christ and The Evangelical and Reformed Church of Honduras. About 25 mission trips are undertaken over a two-year planning cycle. Needless to say, it is costly to go and church members need to raise $15,000 to support the trip.

The partnership also includes 15 Honduran students coming to Maine each summer and being hosted by local churches. This past summer, Raymond Village Community Church hosted one of the students for a week. She was welcomed with a special cookout, took part in the worship service, and had a chance to make some new friends in Maine and learn more about the United States. In addition, local Maine churches also support students at the CEVER School in Honduras, a vocational school designed to help elevate young adults out of poverty experienced in many parts of Honduras.

The bean supper is just one of many fund-raising activities that the Mission Team is conducting to raise money. It has already had a special collection at the summer flea market; there is a jug called Change for Change in which people are urged to drop their spare change each week at church; and the team is collecting bottles and cans through the Hannaford Clynk program (pre-labeled bags will be available at the bean supper). With the belief that small steps make a big difference, the Mission Team is working very hard to chip away slowly at a very big fund-raising goal. Please support this wonderful cause!

This Week’s Meetings

Selectmen will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Broadcast Studio.

The One Raymond Committee will meet on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Broadcast Studio.

The Comprehensive Plan Committee will meet Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 7-9 p.m. in the Town Office.