Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Although it is still officially fall, a look outside reveals winter is anxiously awaiting to treat us to its unique gifts. Much excitement was displayed and fun was had with the first snowstorm of the year. School was canceled and the kids reveled in the snow. Video games and television were quickly abandoned and replaced by sliding, skiing, snowball fights and endless hours of outdoor fun. Consumption of hot chocolate and marshmallows exceeded daily recommended levels, and I was reminded how something so simple could bring so much joy.

The early season snow also contributes to the holiday cheer as we continue to prepare for Christmas by decorating our homes. Whether you keep it simple or are one of those who choose to light up the world, most everyone trims a tree. As my family plodded through the forest selecting and cutting our tree, I was grateful that we had the snow as a backdrop. The snow, along with a bluebird sky and sun shining on our faces, made this event feel like something out of a storybook.

Upon arriving home and bringing the tree inside, I instantly knew this year would be unlike others. Our new cat’s first run up the trunk of our tree was cute and funny. Her repeated climbing expeditions became less so and if her zealous attitude toward having a tree in our home is any indication of what’s to come, it is quite possible trimming a tree will be a daily occurrence for me and my family. She considers the ornaments her play toys and has spent hours thrashing them around. She shows no preference for those store-bought and easy-to-replace ornaments over the very special hand-crafted ornaments from when the children were babies. Treasures that have been in our family for years are no more sacred to her than a plastic Santa from the dollar store. To our kitty experiencing her first Christmas, the tree is nothing more than her very own special playground.

As I leave the house, she watches me with such a mischievous look in her eyes; I wonder what condition the tree will be in when I return. Our Christmas tree, in front of which I enjoy spending time sitting quietly and watching the dazzling lights, may not survive the season. For this reason, I will treasure the early season snow as it is truly my favorite decoration of all. It glitters and sparkles without requiring tangled lights and extension cords. It is free and does not require another storage tote to place inside my basement all year. In fact, it simply disappears when I no longer want it. I am ecstatic that we will have a white Christmas this year. If what has taken place already is any indication of what is ahead, we are in for a very snowy winter and that is a gift I will treasure.

Chamber Brings Festive Look to Route 302

When Mike McClellan of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce offered to donate 10 wreathes to the town of Raymond, Howard and Eileen Stiles quickly accepted the donation on behalf of the Beautification Committee. They instantly chose the poles from which the wreathes would look best, climbed ladders and hung them.

Eileen, known as the Flag Lady due to her relentless work on properly displaying flags throughout the town, as well as her dedication to the improvement of the Route 302 corridor, was excited to see the completion of her work.

Wreathes provide a nice replacement for the flags that typically hang from the lampposts during the warmer months. A special thank-you goes out to the Stiles family and the Chamber of Commerce for their work. I am sure you will enjoy the festive look as you drive through Raymond.

Pack 800 Carolers

In their ongoing effort to give to others, the Pack 800 Cub Scouts will be sharing their holiday cheer with the residents of the Casco Inn on Saturday, Dec. 15. Christmas caroling at the nursing home is an annual event for the Scouts and is a tradition that has taken place for many years. Having participated in the caroling with my sons, I witnessed firsthand the joy on the residents’ faces as they listen to the singing. It pleases me that the Scouts continue with this tradition and take time to enlighten the season for our elderly.

Raymond Village Library Update

Generous patrons of the library have given the gift of Portland Art Museum passes to the library for use by our patrons. The museum has a wonderful permanent collection as well as a rotation of special exhibits. On Sunday mornings, there is a Jazz Brunch which is a great treat and inexpensive if you avail yourself of the passes. Simply request the pass at the library for the date you wish to go and then enjoy your time at the museum. A sincere thank-you goes out to the anonymous donors of this special gift.

Due to the upcoming holidays, there will be no story times on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26. In addition, the library will be closing at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

Winter is well on its way and in the event of inclement weather, call ahead as the library may be closed. If the Raymond schools are delayed or closed, story time will be cancelled for that day; however, the library may still be open. It is always best to call the library at 655-4283, before traveling in snowy weather.

A Busy Week Ahead

Several meetings are being held this week. Please note the following and if possible, attend the meetings to learn how you can help.

• The Zoning Board of Appeals Board will meet at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall on Monday, Dec. 17.

• There will be a selectmen’s meeting at 7 p.m. at the Broadcast Studio on Tuesday, Dec. 18.

• The One Raymond Committee will meet at 7 p.m. at the Broadcast Studio on Thursday, Dec. 20.

• The Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee will meet at 7 p.m. at the Broadcast Studio on Thursday, Dec. 20.