A show of unity

It was with great sadness and shock that we wrote this week’s front-page story on the cruel vandalism at Schoolhouse Arts Center in Standish.

The extent of the damage dwarfs any other act of intentional destruction in recent memory in the Lakes Region. Among the vile and costly acts: Paint strewn on floors, seats and walls; numerous antique windowpanes destroyed; a spotlight hurled from a balcony, foam from fire extinguishers sprayed over everything; a couch set on fire.

Police have leads, but no one has been brought into custody. When they do, the vandals should receive severe punishment for damaging what Schoolhouse volunteers have been putting together for the last 20 years.

Schoolhouse Arts Center, located in Sebago Lake Village, has become an after-school destination for youngsters interested in learning about music and performing arts. It’s also a haven for thespians of all ages including The Daytime Players, a senior citizen troupe.

While there are many reasons to be sad about the vandalism, there are several bright spots. First, the vandalism won’t prevent this weekend’s “Little Women” from opening on time. Judging from the photographs taken of the damage, that in itself is a miracle. Another bright spot is the outpouring of support the Schoolhouse has received. More than 100 people, including Boy Scouts, neighbors and many who have been or are active in the playhouse, have lent a helping hand this week.

The vandalism has ironically been a wake-up call for many who now realize that the little hometown theater is actually a big deal and that to lose it would be a blow for the whole community. Furthest from the vandals’ intent, this may be the legacy from Saturday’s rampage. The Schoolhouse is indeed a true gem, one that will take more than punk vandals to destroy.

Welcome home, corporal

Earlier this week, Windham was able to joyously celebrate the return of one its own, U.S. Army Reserve Corporal Toby Pennels, who was coming home after serving for a year in Iraq.

Like all who serve in the military, Pennels’ efforts on our behalf separate him as a man of conviction and bravery. Pennels used his talents as a diplomat while in Iraq working with locals to find enemy combatants. In doing so, Pennels laid his life on the line.

His bravery is a beacon for those who know him. Family and friends swarmed Pennels at the airport, and again at the official welcome-home party at the Windham Veterans Center on Monday. When not serving in fatigues, Pennels is an especially active community member as part of the Sebago Lake Rotary Club and Windham School Committee. He has kids in the schools and is a successful stockbroker. More importantly, he’s a regular guy who people can relate to. He gives back to his community and country, it seems, endlessly.

Pennels is a hero. We need heroes. Men and women who might die in duty to their country are the real heroes. Each time one comes home, let’s hope they’re received with open arms, as Pennels was. Because they have – and he has – earned it.

-John Balentine, editor