Farewell picnic
The Rev. Nancy Foran of the Raymond Village Community Church was recently awarded a grant for a four-month sabbatical that will take her all over the world in search for sacred spaces, the theme of her sabbatical. Marking the beginning of the sabbatical, Scott and Vicki Gordan hosted their fellow parishioners at a gala church family picnic on June 26 at their home on beautiful Sebago Lake. The picnic followed a joint service held at the Raymond Village Community Church that morning as fellow members heard Foran bid her goodbyes and share the pulpit with the Rev. Anita White, who will be covering the empty pulpit during that time.
Foran, her husband Joe, son Paddy and daughter Heather, who make their home in Naples, left on July 10 for a visit to Joe’s family before the first leg of her leave which will take them all to Peru where they will visit various points of interest including the religious icon, Machu Pichu. The two pastors joined members at a joyful celebration and send-off at the home of the Gordan’s, where members Bekah and Lynne Gagne had prepared a feast, and all ages had a wonderful sunshiny afternoon by the lake with swimming, games and comfortable sociability.
Magical thinking
The Raymond Village Library’s book group will meet on Wednesday, July 27, at the library at 7 p.m. The book chosen for July is “The Year of Magical Thinking,” by Joan Didion. This is a true story of personal terror and bereavement when the author faces several devastating consecutive losses. While I haven’t read this book, I am told it is thrilling and engaging and sometimes quite funny because it ventures to tell the truth, that grief makes us crazy. All are invited to attend the discussion. Copies of this book are available upon request at the library. For more information, please call the library at 655-4283.
Refresh and recycle
With its warm air and longer days, summer also brings more good times with friends and family. Boating, picnicking and poolside barbecues are a daily occurrence and with the increase in fun, also comes enjoying more beverages. While visiting Raymond, please do not forget that we recycle our empty bottles and cans. The Raymond Lions Club offers two bins in which you can donate your empties. One of these bins is located at the town office on Webbs Mills Road, and the other is located across from the Raymond Shopping Center on Route 302. The Lions use the proceeds from these bottles to help fund the many programs they offer including scholarships and assistance for the vision and hearing impaired. Please be sure to drop off your cans in these bins. By doing so, you will not only help the environment, but will also help the Lions make a difference with their worthwhile programs.
Babysitting training
After a successful session held in July, another session has been scheduled for the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training. The course is fun and fast-paced with hands-on activities, exciting video, role-plays and lively discussions. Attendees will learn how to supervise children and infants, perform child and infant CPR, perform basic child-care skills such as diapering and feeding, choose safe, age-appropriate games and toys, handle bedtime and discipline issues, identify safety hazards and prevent injuries, care for common injuries and emergencies such as choking, burns, cuts and bee stings; and communicate effectively with parents. The next session of this extensive training will take place on Aug. 22 and 29 from 4-8:30 p.m. at the Raymond Public Safety Building and costs $62. To register, please contact program coordinator Diane La Pierre at creativekids@maine.rr.com or 655-3632. This course is being co-coordinated by Parents Helping Kids Make Good Choices.
Host families needed
I have always found it so impressive that so many Raymond families host exchange students, sometimes for the summer and sometimes, for the entire school year. Hosting is a great opportunity and learning experience for the families and the exchange students. Windham High School currently needs two more host families to place a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in hosting, please contact Beth Gaudet who has hosted for years and will have a girl from Sweden stay with her this upcoming school year. According to Gaudet, “the year-long program, believe it or not, is easier than the short-term summer program as the students are very busy in school activities and meet their own friends to entertain themselves.” To learn about the program, including the tax benefits of hosting through the Center for Cultural Interchange, contact Gaudet at egaudet@maine.rr.com or 807-7405.
Soccer deadline
Perhaps you were away and missed registration, so I wanted to remind you that this is the final week for soccer registrations. It takes time to formulate teams and recruit coaches so registrations need to be finalized by July 30. If you have not already registered your child, please contact program coordinator Stacey Richmond at 655-5097 or starrich@maine.rr.com immediately. The Raymond Recreation fall soccer program is for boys and girls in kindergarten through sixth grade. Practices will begin the last week of August and games will be played on Saturday mornings beginning in September.
The Rev. Nancy Foran enjoys the company of Oscar Sullivan at the
Comments are no longer available on this story