One more storm

Daylight savings has begun, the sun is sitting higher in the sky, and birds are returning after a long winter. The snow is melting and grass is beginning to show. These are all signs that spring is here but the real reason I know that winter and all its many snowstorms are over sits silently in my driveway…the snowblower.

Unable to start and apparently afflicted with many problems, we sent it to the shop in early December and did not see it throughout all those heavy storms. After several parts were replaced and a full mouse house was removed, it has just found its way home. Alas, we are now ready for winter and despite the fact that we had plenty of snow this winter and everyone seems ready to move on, I think it goes without saying we need one more storm just to put this thing to good use.

Craft fair

The Jordan-Small Middle School eighth graders are hosting a Spring Craft Fair this Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the school. This is a fundraiser for the class, which is striving to earn enough money to go on a completion ceremony class trip to Canobie Lake Park, a trip that many classes enjoy but is not funded by the school budget. Over 30 artists and craft vendors will be selling their many wares, and a delicious lunch will be available for purchase. In addition, the girl scouts will have cookies for sale and there will also be a Make and Take project and several raffles. Admission is free so please stop by and pick up some valuable items while supporting this group.

Spring cabaret

I am so excited to invite you to a very fun night out. The Windham Raymond Performing Arts Alliance will be presenting “A Spring Cabaret: A Performing Arts Time Machine” on Friday, April 1, at Raymond Elementary School and Saturday, April 2, and Windham Primary School. Both shows will be held at 7 p.m. and will feature 25 high school students from Raymond and Windham performing songs and scenes that will take you from Biblical times to present day. The cabaret is being directed by Janelle LoSciuto and appetizers and dessert will be served. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors and it is strongly suggested that they are reserved in advance by calling 893-0455.

Play ball!

Did you miss last week’s registration night for the Raymond Baseball and Softball Program? The 2011 season is about to begin and tryouts will be held on March 26 so if you have not yet done so, please be sure to register your child as soon as possible so teams can be formed. Register by visiting www.raymondbaseballsoftball.com or by contacting Kevin MacDonald at Kevin@raymondbaseballsoftball.com. This program is open to boys and girls ages 5-15 playing all levels of ball from T-ball through the senior league.

Flower arranging

Jessica Fay, owner of the Raymond Village Florist, is offering a special class on flower arranging at the Raymond Village Library on Wednesday, March 23, beginning at 6 p.m. She will demonstrate how to create a basic floral table arrangement entitled “Spring Style.” The cost for the class is $15 and includes all the flowers and container for each participant to bring home. Registration in advance is required and may be done by visiting the library or calling 655-4283. The class is limited to 15, so be sure to sign up early.

Is your water safe?

Many people have mentioned to me that they have encountered a problem with their water here in Raymond. After randomly receiving a letter from Air & Water Quality Inc. offering free radon-in-water and uranium test kits, Dick and Jan Parry, of Deep Cove Road, took them up on the offer and their tests came back higher than the state’s recommended levels. They then tested their air for radon and that test came back high as well. They are now in the process of installing the necessary equipment to correct this problem. They also began mentioning this problem to others who also ran tests and received alarming results. I am not sure if this problem is restricted to that area of town nor what is causing it, but you may wish to have your water tested to ensure it is safe.

Stay off trail

Spring is here and it is exciting to see people out walking and enjoying the pleasant weather. We have had a snowy winter but the recent warm weather and sunny days have resulted in plenty of melting and mud. The parking lot and trails at Rattlesnake Mountain are very muddy and in order to preserve trail conditions and prevent more erosion, property owner Fred Huntress has closed the trail until mud season is over.

It may be tempting to enjoy a spring hike, but it is important to honor this request and stay off the mountain during mud season. The Huntress family wishes to share this special piece of land with the residents of Raymond; however over the past several years, word has spread about our little treasure and it is now used by more out-of-state hikers, runners and those even wishing to go camping. Although a sign clearly states those activities are prohibited, many ignore the rules. Unfortunately, this has resulted in excessive erosion which is causing great concern.

Please join me and respect the wishes of the Huntress family. Stay off Rattlesnake when signs ask you to do so. In just a few weeks, the trail will be open again for all of us to enjoy.

Free meal

This month’s free community meal hosted by Christ Chapel on Northern Pines Road will be held on Saturday, March 26, from 4:30 until 6 p.m. and will feature American chop suey, salad and casseroles. As always, this meal is free of charge and open to the surrounding communities. For more information, please contact Tammy Gisel at 655-5058.