Have You Seen It

I had the wonderful pleasure of hiking up Mt. Washington last week. The skies were crystal clear offering incredible views and the temperatures were in the high 50s. Dressed in shorts and plenty warm, I stood atop this mountain in what I consider one of the most beautiful places on earth. The next day, we received strong winds and heavy rain which fell as snow on our friends to the west and in a blink of an eye, the very mountain I was on last week, will not be the same for months. Driving along Route 85 which offers many lookouts to the mountains as does Tarkiln Hill and Quaker Ridge Road, you will notice that Mt. Washington and its surrounding peaks are draped in snow. This is the view we will see for more than half the year, a striking contrast against the deep blue sky and the lower hills, currently covered in foliage. There is something magical about the snow-capped mountains, and I know that my next visit there will be a much different adventure than my last and I can hardly wait. Snow enthusiast or not, I hope you will glance over while on your daily travels, it is truly spectacular.

Happy Halloween

Watch out for goblins and ghosts as you drive around this weekend. Halloween is here and kids will be making their way up and down the roads collecting their treats. The area in the village is the most popular haunting spot with houses decked out and children galore. Thank you to all who contributed candy to the residents in the village who receive up to 400 trick-or-treaters and thank you to the residents in the village who make this night fun and memorable. Before heading out to trick-or-treat, stop by the Raymond Village Library for a special Halloween story time at 4:30 p.m. Your child will enjoy listening to some festive stories before hitting the streets.

Raymond Cares

For the fourth consecutive year, Raymond Cares, a group of 16 dedicated fighters against cancer, hit the road and participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer three mile charity walk held in Portland last weekend. They joined 2,000 other walkers who together raised nearly $200,000. Raymond Cares raised $770 and once again, reflected on the struggles endured by those with breast cancer, remembered those they were dedicating their walk to, and celebrated survivorship and their own good health and friendship. Congratulations to Raymond Cares, a group of wonderful woman whose efforts definitely make a difference for those affected by breast cancer.

Supporting Healthy Lifestyles

We hear it constantly; today’s kids are overweight, inactive and unhealthy. Would you like to learn more on how nutrition and physical activity can support a healthy lifestyle for your child and family? On Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 6:30-8 p.m., RSU #14 School Health Coordinator Stephanie Joyce will offer a parent workshop at the Windham High School auditorium. She will explain childhood obesity and address how schools are supporting healthy eating and physical activity and what parents and families can do to support healthy behaviors. All are invited to attend this workshop. For more information, please contact Danielle Yale yaley2@roadrunner.com.

Soccer Stars Score at Special Olympics

Congratulations to Jordan-Small Middle School students Charity Adams and Andrew Tanguay who both had outstanding performances while competing in the Southern Maine Special Olympics Soccer Skills event held at Gorham High School earlier this month.

Andrew and Charity competed in the Soccer Individual Skills competition which involved dribbling, shooting and passing, and they received points based on speed and accuracy. They tied in the 12-15 year old age division so both earned a divisional first place gold medal.

Scrumptious ?and Spooky

Enjoying the spirit of the Halloween season, the Casco Village Church is keeping its monthly supper a mysterious surprise. All I am told is that it will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 5-6 pm. and promises to be scrumptious, spooky and ghoulishly fun.

Time to Vote

I was raised to respect our country and taught to appreciate all the freedoms we have and so often take advantage of. I clearly understand that the right to vote is a privilege for which others worked diligently. I am always saddened by the small number of people who vote and even when there seems to be little on the ballot, I always do.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2 and the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jordan-Small Middle School. Please take advantage of this privilege and take the time to vote. If you cannot attend the election, you can vote by absentee ballot. Simply call or stop by the Town Office to receive your ballot. Absentee ballots must be returned no later than November 2. at 8 pm.

Free Community Meal

Once again, Christ Chapel is hosting a free community meal and this month’s supper will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 4:30-6 p.m. The buffet will feature a Thanksgiving themed dinner complete with roast turkey, potatoes, stuffing, side dishes, desserts and drinks. This is free of charge, open to the surrounding communities and all ages are welcome. For more information, please contact Tammy Gisel at 655-5058.