Under the stars

Have you been looking for a fun way to spend an evening with your family and friends? If so, come join the members of the Raymond Village Community Church as they celebrate family fun with an outdoors film night Friday, Aug. 22.

The outdoor theater showing “Ratatouille” on the big screen will open at 7 p.m., so bring your own blankets and lawn chairs and sit back and enjoy the show. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the magical creativity found in Pixar films while watching Remy, a French rat with a cultivated palate, rise from his humble beginnings to become head chef at a Paris restaurant. This unique event is free and all are welcome to attend.

The Raymond Village Community Church is located on Main Street just off Route 302. Plenty of parking is available down the road at the Raymond Village Library. Please note, this is a family event and alcohol is prohibited. The rain date is Saturday, Aug. 23.

Fishing for milfoil

Sixth-grade student and avid fisherman Jared Jordan has been working with the Raymond Waterways Protective Association to help remove milfoil from our lakes. In an effort to educate more people on the affects of milfoil and to have fun doing what he loves to do, he is conducting a fundraiser that is sure to be enjoyable for all.

On Aug. 23, Jared invites all kids and their parents to join him for a Kids Fishing Derby. The registration fee is only $5 and all proceeds will benefit the Raymond Waterways Protective Association. Prizes, donated by local businesses, will be awarded to those who catch the first, second and third largest fish.

To participate, please register by contacting Jared at madmadfisherman@yahoo.com. Then, after fishing during the day, meet at 3 p.m. at the Raymond Veterans Memorial Park on Route 302 for prizes, raffle drawings and a milfoil drive demonstration. Bring your fish or a photo of your catch with measurements and weight.

This is a perfect way to experience a day of fishing with your children while supporting the association and learning more about their efforts. Raymond Waterways Protective Association is a nonprofit committee working to keep our lakes, ponds and rivers free of invasive milfoil.

A free look

There is no doubt that we have been inundated with rain lately. The weather is putting a damper on those who had visions of vacationing in the sun. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun things to do while spending the summer in Maine that do not require sunshine. Should you be searching for an interesting way to spend a rainy day, consider a trip to the Portland Museum of Art.

The museum is currently featuring a special exhibit of Georgia O’Keefe’s work entitled “The Art of Identity” which will last until Sept. 7. Due to the generosity of a patron, free passes to the museum are available to the patrons of the Raymond Village Library. Just stop by the library and reserve the pass for the date you would like to go then enjoy the exhibit.

Be aware

Statistics of the number of women who are assaulted each day in this country are staggering. It is mortifying to think that women can be unsafe even in warm, friendly communities such as ours. However, it does happen and we all need to be able to protect ourselves.

On Sunday, Aug. 24, a free women’s self defense seminar will be held focusing on awareness, assessment, and avoidance. This two-hour seminar will be presented by sensei Sal Costanza of Tiger Spirit Martial Arts and will be held at the Center Stage for Performing Arts on Main Street in Raymond.

Do not miss this opportunity to learn how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. This is the time of year when our daughters may be starting school, college or a new job. Treat yourself and them by joining in on exercise, real self defense, fun and refreshments.

For more information, please call 627-7161 or e-mail tigerspirit@maine.rr.com. Again, there is no charge for this seminar. All are welcome and space is not limited so call or simply walk in on the day of the seminar and better prepare yourself to be safe.

A chance to clean up

Do not forget to participate in the household hazardous waste collection day being held at the Gray Public Works facility Saturday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This is a very important opportunity for you to dispose of your waste responsibly. Proof of residency is required so please be prepared.

Household items accepted include cleaners such as abrasive, upholstery, carpet, toilet and floor cleaners as well as pool chemicals. Garden products, fertilizers, and pesticides are acceptable as are auto products such as antifreeze brake fluid, gasoline, and used or unused motor oil.

Commercial waste items are not accepted, nor are latex paints, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, computer monitors, televisions, ammunition, explosive or fireworks.

Please do not mix waste together. Use sealed original containers whenever possible and place the containers in a cardboard box. Once arriving at the facility, the staff will unload your waste while you are asked to stay inside your vehicle.

Those with questions or in need of a more detailed list of items accepted can contact Louise Lester at the town office at 655-4742, ext. 21.