Fun on the slopes

I have had the great fortune to work as a volunteer in the schools and town over the years. I have chaperoned countless events and I have especially enjoyed the time I have spent with the Raymond Recreation ski program.

Each week, the bus takes students to Shawnee Peak, where they are able to experience an activity that strengthens their bodies, self-confidence and social skills while enjoying time outside with their friends. The program provides a long term benefit to the kids and I love being a part of it. This year, Mother Nature did her part and provided the best conditions we have seen in years.

The elementary school program had 43 kids in grades 1-4 participating with a lot of first time snowboarders and beginner skiers. As the season came to an end, everyone showed great progress and had fun. This program alone had more than 30 parents and community member volunteers, many without children in the program.

The middle school program had 50 kids participating. According to program director Brenda Olsen, “this was the highest number since I have been doing it. There were 23 snowboarders and 27 skiers.” Each week, there were approximately 18 chaperones assisting kids of all levels on the mountain.

When kids enter high school, they are still able to experience the thrill of skiing with their friends through the Raymond Recreation program. This year, 62 kids participated at the high school level and the volunteers did an outstanding job providing appropriate supervision.

All three program directors agreed that the programs would not be possible without the team of chaperones that shows up each week and guides the kids on the buses, in the lodge and on the slopes, all while ensuring everyone is safe and having a great time.

On behalf of all the skiers, snowboarders and parents who have benefited from this program for years, I would like to thank the directors whose tireless efforts have provided hours of fun for hundreds of kids. Elementary school program director Beth Clark, middle school director Brenda Olsen and high school director Peter Walgreen have all dedicated years to these programs and their passion is admirable. I look forward to working with them again next year.

Arranging flowers

Would you like to make your own spring flower arrangement to help chase away the winter doldrums? Jessica Fay of the Raymond Village Florist will provide the flowers, greens, containers, oasis and step-by-step instructions. By the end of the class, you will have a beautiful arrangement to bring home. This class will take place at the Raymond Village Library Wednesday, March 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. The class is limited to 15 people and because of limited space, walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Please register at the library in advance. The cost per person is $15 and will be collected at the event. For more information call the library at 655-4283.

Photos for the Town Report

The Annual Town Report is currently being prepared and each year, I look forward to the photograph chosen for the front cover. If you have any photographs of Raymond you would like considered, please send them to Louise Lester, town clerk, at 401 Webbs Mills Road or e-mail them to louise.lester@raymondmaine.org. She can accept any type of photo whether it is digital or printed as long as it is not a photocopy of a picture. The deadline for submissions is March 15.

Play ball!

With five foot high snow banks, it is difficult to believe spring is just two weeks away. But Daylight Savings Time begins this week and with it, the shift of the seasons begins. Soon the ball fields will be filled with kids playing America’s favorite game. Raymond Baseball and Softball is ready to kick off their season and will do so by holding placement sessions Saturday, March 21 at 9 a.m. at the Jordan Small Middle School. While everyone is invited, all players moving up to a new level or those new to the league must attend. Bring your glove and a great attitude.

If you missed the Raymond Baseball/Softball registration night held last week, it is not too late to join. From t-ball to senior leagues, fun programs are available for all players ages 5-15 but you need to be registered by March 21. For more information, please contact Kevin MacDonald at Kevin@raymondbaseballsoftball.com

Jungle Book

Four Raymond Elementary School students will be among 40 children from throughout the Lakes Region and will appear on stage in a Fiddlehead Players production of Disney’s “Jungle Book – Kids.” Second-graders Marissa Page and Tommy Gordon and fourth-graders Hannah Brackett and Katie Gordon have spent weeks rehearsing, and they invite you to their show.

Children and adults alike will enjoy the adventures of Mowgli, who is raised by wolves, taught the ways of the jungle by a lazy but wise bear, outwits a power-hungry tiger, and through his adventures discovers his own identity. The curtain will rise on March 6, 7, 13 and 14. For tickets and more information, contact Fiddlehead Center at 657-2244 or information@fiddleheadcenter.org.

Openings available

At the end of the fiscal year, there will be vacant positions in our town government. I wish to thank all those who have served and worked diligently to move our town forward in a responsible way.

Open positions include two selectmen and three budget and finance committee members. Each of these positions has a three-year term. Please consider running for one of these important offices. Nomination papers will be available beginning March 13 at the town office and need to be returned no later than April 30.

The Town Meeting will be held June 2 and the election will be held June 9. More detailed information will be provided as the dates get closer.