Port Harbor Marine Assists in Milfoil Removal

Nov. 10, a sunny but cold Saturday morning, marked the beginning of an aggressive effort to remove milfoil from the canal at Jordan Bay Marina, the most densely affected body of water in the area. With 50 boats slipped at the marina and many more serviced there, the high traffic increases the likelihood of contracting and spreading this invasive plant. This effort would not be possible without the commitment of Port Harbor Marine owner Robert Soucy.

Raymond Waterways Protective Association began its milfoil removal efforts in 2002, and Cliff Cabral of New England Milfoil was hired to conduct this process. He and his diving team, along with volunteers from Raymond, hand remove the invasive plants then place tarps on the bottom of affected water areas. These tarps act as a barrier preventing photosynthesis and future growth of milfoil. Harvested milfoil is then trucked to the Lakes Region Bulky Waste Facility in Naples where it is composted.

The timing of this particular milfoil removal process was based upon the recent lowering of Sebago Lake. As agreed upon by Sappi, the Department of Conservation and the Portland Water District, once every five years the water level in Sebago Lake is lowered to reverse shoreline erosion caused by higher water levels. Lowering the water level helps rebuild and redistribute sand and beaches that deteriorate by the waves and winds of winter, spring and fall. By taking advantage of this once-in-every-five-year opportunity, divers were able to conduct their work in 4-foot deep water instead of levels of more than 8 feet.

Raymond Waterways completes its work with money donated by taxpayers, fundraising, and contributions by the Department of Environmental Protection. The Jordan Bay project will take a few weeks to complete and will cost an estimated $10,000. This project would not be possible without a generous $6,000 donation from Port Harbor Marine/Jordan Bay Marina. The Portland Water District also donated $2,000, and $500 was received from the Windham Rotary. Raymond resident and ice fishing derby director Tom Noonan, felt it was important to donate money to this worthwhile cause, literally putting money back into the source from which it came. The remaining $1,500 will be funded by the Raymond Waterways Protective Association.

This fall will provide a thorough, but first of a several year, milfoil remediation effort. Jordan Bay Marina has met the challenge and stepped up to the plate with these other partners to address the management of a significant source of this invasive plant, Variable Leaf Milfoil, on Sebago Lake.

Holiday Tree Lighting

To kick off the holiday season, the Raymond Village Library, in conjunction with the Raymond Lions Club, will host the annual holiday tree lighting on the library lawn on Sunday, Nov. 25. One of Santa’s special elves will read a story to the children at 4:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., holiday music will be sung by the Jordan Small Middle School chorus which will be followed by the lighting of the tree. An anticipated appearance from a special guest will also delight the children. As an additional treat, hot chocolate and snacks will be served. As always, this event is free to all.

Unplugging the Christmas Machine

On Monday, Nov. 26, the Raymond Village Library and the Raymond Village Community Church will co-host a community discussion entitled “Unplugging the Christmas Machine: Putting Joy and Love Back into the Season.” The event is free, open to the public and will be held 7-8:30 p.m. at the library. Participants will share ideas and strategies for keeping the holiday simple and fulfilling. Topics for this discussion are loosely based on the book “Unplug the Christmas Machine” by Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli and will include specific ideas for women, men, children, family gatherings and gift giving. Light refreshments will be served. To learn more about the event or to RSVP, contact Shannon Nichols at shannonn@maine.rr.com.

RVCC Annual Christmas Fair

The Raymond Village Community Church is hosting their annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair will include many items from which to choose including wreaths, cookies, baked goods, maple syrup, jewelry, gifts and gently used merchandise. There will also be handmade crafts, a snowflake afghan raffle and a children’s shopping room. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

“An Untraditional Christmas Gift” for Honduras

In August 2008, 16 people from the Raymond Village Community Church will be traveling to Honduras. The purpose of this mission is to construct school rooms for the less privileged. While preparing to help the people of Honduras, church members have also been building upon their own personal strengths and commitment. Ongoing efforts have been made to help raise the $15,000 it will cost to participate in this mission. One of the fundraising ideas was to have youth singers record a CD which could be sold to raise funds for the trip.

This unique CD has been named, “An Untraditional Christmas Gift” as it has both holiday songs as well as songs that could be enjoyed year round. These songs have been beautifully sung by RVCC youth and recorded and produced at RVCC. All those involved in the production of the CD volunteered their time thus allowing 100 percent of the profits to go toward the Honduras Mission Trip fund. By purchasing this CD, you will enjoy great music while supporting a terrific cause.

The CD costs $10 and will be on sale at RVCC every Sunday morning as well as at the Christmas Fair to be held on Dec. 1. Copies of the CD can also be purchased by calling Jeri Keane at 655-2709 or Brenda Stevenson at 655-3450.

Raymond Village Library Children’s Book Sale

In celebration of Children’s Book Week, established in 1919 to acknowledge and promote the value of reading to young people, the Raymond Village Library is currently holding a children’s book sale which will continue through the entire month of November. This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase previously enjoyed books at very inexpensive prices while supporting our library. Book donations are always welcomed and appreciated and may be dropped off during regular library hours.

Men Behaving Like Turkeys

After many years of kicking around the idea of playing a pre-Thanksgiving football game, a group of not-so-young men with a variety of body types got together last year to play. Watching these men run, slip, show aggression, and try to remember it was not about winning was hilarious. Although the format of the game was touch not tackle, contact was frequently made and injuries were not uncommon. Bruised and sore, a fun day was had, memories were made and stories were told for weeks. Enjoyment outweighed pain so it was decided to make this an annual event.

The Second Annual Turkey Bowl was held this week and again, 23 men came out to play. Team Turkey and Team Stuffing were formed and the playing began. It was a beautiful sunny day and although barely reaching 40 degrees, the guys were once again covered in sweat and dirt. Smiles were plentiful as were the grunts, groans and cheers. Team Stuffing won and players were rewarded highly coveted bowls with turkeys on them. Team Turkey players were forced to take home unattractive ceramic turkeys and display them with pride until the highly anticipated Third Annual Turkey Bowl in 2008. More important than winning, friendship and camaraderie were the focus as these Raymond boys gathered and enjoyed their time together.