Dance for toys

The dancers from Center Stage Performing Arts will once again team up with the Studio for the Living Arts Dance Center in Gray to hold a performance to benefit the Bruce Roberts Toy Fund. The Bruce Roberts Toy Fund is a popular non-profit organization that has been providing Christmas toys for area children in need since 1949. This is a fabulous way for us to contribute, both as dancers or spectators.

The performance will be held at the Gray-New Gloucester Middle School Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. with Raymond dancers of all ages performing. While there is no admission fee, donations will be accepted at the door. All money collected will be sent to the Fund and used to purchase toys. For more information, please contact Beth Gaudet at 807-7405 or centerstage@maine.rr.com.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Last week was National Recycling Week, a concept which began 13 years ago with a dual purpose. The first is to encourage individuals and businesses to recycle more and recycle better.

The second goal is to raise awareness of how recycling helps to reduce our impact on the environment. Recycling reduces the amount of water, energy and new materials that we use to support our lifestyle. For example, making an aluminum can from recycled material uses 95 percent less energy than making one from raw material. Lowering energy use and therefore carbon emissions is one of many ways that recycling helps to tackle climate change.

In honor of National Recycling Week, the Raymond Recycling Committee concentrated their efforts in the schools. Assemblies and contests were held to educate students and motivate them to recycle more. Although the schools already have good recycling programs in place, the students spent time brainstorming on ways to improve the program and increase the amount of trash recycled. Students were taught the importance of recycling and encouraged to recycle at home.

Raymond has an aggressive curbside pick up service, and I encourage everyone to participate and help reduce the amount of trash our town produces. A detailed listing of allowable materials as well as recycling guidelines can be found on the town Web site at raymondmaine.org. Remember, wrapping paper is recyclable!

A JSMS Christmas

There is nothing like music to improve your mood and if you are looking for a boost of holiday spirit, I suggest attending the upcoming concert at Jordan Small Middle School. Having three children who love the holidays, my house has been filled with Christmas music for weeks. From Bing Crosby to the Chipmunks, we have been listening to the many variations of all our favorites.

I especially enjoy listening to my own children perform and am looking forward to their upcoming concert. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and come enjoy the school band and chorus concerts. Featuring our young musicians playing and singing your favorite holiday songs, the concert is sure to delight you.

Be a book worm

The non-fiction/classics book group will be trying something different this month. The members of this reading group will each be bringing a book of their choice to share with the other members. They will be meeting at the Raymond Village Library Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., and the group eagerly welcomes new members. Consider selecting your favorite classic and joining the group for a lively discussion. For more information, please call the library at 655-4283.

All’s Fair

Last week’s Scholastic Book Fair was a huge success and the members of the PTO would like to thank all those who purchased books. Also, a special thank you goes to Suzi Bradford for organizing the entire fair this year. Her efforts, as well as the team of incredible volunteers who worked at the fair, resulted in the most successful fair held in years. The fair surpassed the set goal and resulted in nearly $2,000 in profit. With continued budget cuts, the PTO plays a vital role in helping to fund enrichment and cultural programs in our schools, and this money will be used for this purpose.

School Board openings

With the recent approval from both Raymond and Windham voters to consolidate our school districts, steps are being made to move in that direction. In accordance to the Consolidation Reorganization Plan, a new School Board will be formed in January 2009 and will be composed of nine members, three from Raymond and six from Windham. Nomination papers are now available for these positions. Please consider being a part of this very important new School Board and stop by the Town Office to pick up the paperwork necessary to begin the process.

Community Assistance Fund

When considering ways to give this holiday season, please keep in mind those who are struggling with heating costs. Once again, Raymond is soliciting donations from residents for the Raymond Community Assistance Fund. Last year, this program was highly successful in helping those in need to survive the harsh winter months, primarily with fuel assistance. The town has already received several requests for assistance and the season has only just begun. Any donations you make are tax deductible under Section 170 (c) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Please contact Town Manager Don Willard at 655-4742, ext. 31 or don.willard@raymondmaine.org for more information. Checks made out to the Town of Raymond can be mailed to finance director Nancy Yates at 401 Webbs Mills Road, Raymond, Maine 04071.