Photo – Team Stuffing ruffles the feathers of Team Turkey in the Third Annual Turkey Bowl, held last week in Raymond. (Courtesy of Kevin Pittman)

Turkey Bowl

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 two years ago to give it a go. 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. Though the combatants were 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.

After three days of heavy downpours, the clouds were blown away by the gusting wind Sunday and the sky cleared just in time for the Third Annual Turkey Bowl. In what has now become a painful tradition, 20 men came out to play. Team Turkey and Team Stuffing were formed and the playing began. Despite the biting wind and temperatures hovering around 40 degrees, the guys were covered in sweat and dirt.

Smiles were plentiful as were the grunts, groans and cheers.

Team Stuffing won for the third consecutive year, and players were rewarded highly coveted football bowls. Team Turkey players were forced to take home unattractive boxes of tissues, decorate like turkeys and to be used to wipe away their tears. More important than winning, friendship and camaraderie were the focus as these Raymond boys gathered and enjoyed their time together.

Come Ski

For the past several years, I have enjoyed being a chaperone for the Raymond Recreation ski program. Each Wednesday, I meet several smiling skiers and spend the afternoon guiding them down the slopes of Shawnee Peak. These days are some of the most enjoyable of the winter, and I am anxious for the upcoming season. Skiing is an excellent way to spend time outside on a beautiful mountain while learning a lifetime skill and having a blast with your friends.

It is not too late to register your kids for skiing or snowboarding. The elementary and middle school programs are held Wednesday afternoons, and the high school kids ski Friday nights. This is a seven week program that starts Jan. 9 and costs $157, which includes lift tickets and transportation to and from the mountain each week. Students who sign up and pay by Dec. 5 will also receive a bonus voucher that can be used anytime including weekends and holidays.

To register for the elementary school program, please call Beth Clark at 627-8771. To register for the middle school program, please call Brenda Olsen at 655-4670, and to register for the high school program , call Peter Walgreen at 627-4504.

Tree Lighting

To kick off the holiday season, the Raymond Village Library will once again team up with the Raymond Lions Club and host the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on the library lawn on Sunday, Nov. 30. 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, a performance that 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 and sure to get you in the mood for the holidays.

Christmas in the Village

The Casco Village Church United Church of Christ wishes to invite you to their annual “Christmas in the Village” luncheon Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come finish up your shopping by selecting beautifully hand-crafted items, homemade jams, jellies and relishes, clever gift ideas from the Ladies’ Guild, baked goods, fudge and crafts from the East Raymond Chapel, sterling silver jewelry, grandma’s attic antiques, and everything knitters could possibly knit. Lunch will be available 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include their famous lobster roll and corn chowder with hot dogs for the kids.

Holiday Benefit Concert

There was a time when the music played in our home was limited to great hits like “Alligator in the Elevator” and “I’ve Got a Staple in My Sock.” Although my kids have moved beyond the great works of Rick Charette, we still remember all the words to his fun and energetic songs.

For those of you with younger children who are not yet addicted to their iPods, do not miss the 18th annual Christmas benefit concert Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph’s College. I guarantee Rick Charette and The Bubble Gum Band will have you and your kids dancing and singing along to holiday songs as well as his own unique hits. Admission fee is an unwrapped toy or gift card which will then be given to families in the Lakes Region who find themselves in need this holiday season. For more information, call Rick Charette at 893-7794.

Children’s Book Sale

If you have not yet had the opportunity to take advantage of the children’s book sale, please stop by the library this week. This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase previously enjoyed books at very low prices while supporting the library. Audios, videos and puzzles are also part of this sale which will last throughout the remainder of the month. The Raymond Village Library is open Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.