Survey Responses Wanted

The town of Sebago mailed out surveys to the residents of Sebago this past week. This survey is made possible by a federal Community Development Block Grant distributed by Cumberland County. No local tax dollars are being used to conduct the survey.

Every senior or disabled adult is encouraged to complete their own individual survey. Names are not required, so you may complete it anonymously. Those who would like to share their names will then receive follow-up with useful information.

The town is hoping to learn about the kinds of programs and services that would help enhance the quality of living for those citizens over age 65, or adults with disabilities. What kinds of services would be required, if not in place, to keep them living in Sebago as long as possible?

Included in the survey are questions about their living situation, size of family, their future living prospects, hobbies, for example. Also, a section is devoted to assistance programs, where you can check off resources that you would care to learn more about such as: Adult Day Care, Regional Transportation Network, and People’s Regional Opportunity Program heating oil assistance, to name a few.

The last page of the survey asks if you would like to have someone contact you with follow up information? May someone contact you in the event of a disaster or emergency? For more information about the survey or to request a visit, or to volunteer to help in this community-wide planning effort, please contact Robert Nicholson, Sebago town manager at 787-2002 or e-mail him at TownManager@townofsebago.org.

These surveys each come with an envelope addressed to: Town of Sebago, 406 Bridgton Road, Sebago, ME 04029-3114. You may return your survey in the envelope provided via mail, or drop it off at the Sebago Town Office by Friday March 28. If you need assistance, please call the town office at 787-2457, they will come to your door to pick it up.

EMS Trains Sebago Staff

Four Sebago Emergency Medical Service members volunteered their time, to teach a four-hour cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator class to some of the staff at Sebago Elementary School.

Tim Smith wrote the grant for the free automated external defibrillator for the elementary school. Smith, along with Jason Schoolcraft, Anita Chadborn and Kathy Johnson trained staff members in January. Trainings were completed after school, with emergency personnel and school staff doing it all on their own time. In all now, 13 Sebago Elementary staff members are now trained to use the automated external defibrillator and administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Author to Visit Sebago

Chris Van Dusen, popular children’s author and illustrator is coming to Sebago April 9. Some of his books are “A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee,” “If I Built a Car,” and “Mercy Watson to the Rescue.” His books are geared towards children in grades kindergarten through third-grade.

Van Dusen will be talking with students about writing and illustrating children’s books. If you would like to purchase one of his books, order forms are available at the Sebago Elementary School library.

The author will be signing books, you may bring in one you already own, which he will gladly sign, or order one in advance. If you have any questions, contact Evelyn Abrams, the school librarian. The books range in price from $5.56-$12.76.

Hoops Heights

Tiana Carter, a sixth-grader at Sebago Elementary School, was a member of the Lake Region Gold girls sixth-grade travel basketball team. Her team had a perfect season of 11-0. The girls were scheduled to head to Livermore Falls this weekend for the playoffs. I will post playoff results once I have them. Way to go Tiana.

Sebago Students Honored

Ryan Quincy, a senior at Lake Region High School, was selected as the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club’s “Citizen of the Month” for January. Quincy was honored at a breakfast, and presented with a savings bond. His mother Diane Gosselin, has a stained glass shop in Bridgton. Quincy enjoys outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, camping and snowboarding. His favorite and also toughest class is automotives, as he says it allows him to challenge himself. Quincy has applied to Northern Maine Community College, Kennebec Valley Community College, and UTI.

Lake Region senior Renee Nicholas, also of Sebago, was chosen as the area Lion’s Club’s “Student of the Month” for January. Nicholas was honored at a Lion’s dinner meeting and was also presented with a savings bond. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Varsity Club and plays varsity soccer, basketball and is on the track team. Nicholas’s favorite class is anatomy, and she feels all of her classes this year are easy. Among schools she has applied to are the University of Maine, Orono; the University of Connecticut; and Syracuse. She is a counselor at youth summer basketball camps.

Sixth-Graders On the Move

One outcome from the school consolidation will involve a big change for Sebago sixth-graders. They will be attending Lake Region Middle School along with sixth-graders from Casco, Naples and Bridgton.

Logistical details have been worked out in a plan developed by administrators, but staff remain concerned over the move. There is a Parent Discussion Night being held at Lake Region Middle School for middle and elementary school parents and staff taking place on Monday, Feb. 11. I will be follow up with anything I learn from that meeting.

Honor Roll and Dean’s List

The honor roll for Lake Region High School had many Sebago students listed this quarter. Those who received merit recognition were sophomores Betsy Balchunas and Stella O’ Sullivan ; junior Sarah Cutting; and seniors Edward Black, Jesse Hutchins, Meghan Maguire, Ryan Quincy, Jessica Stewlow .

Students who received honors were freshmen Colton Abrams and Erin Maguire; junior Macgregor White; and seniors Cassie Audet, Monica Cooper, Kaitlyn Gregory and Scott Olsen.

Achieving high honors were freshman Olivia Goodwin and junior Nathan Polhemus.

Kayla Olsen, a 2007 Lake Region High School graduate, made the dean’s list at Saint Joseph’s College in Standish by maintaining a 3.5-4.0 average. Way to go Sebago scholars, we are very proud of you all and your efforts.