Thank you, Peter
I am always boasting about Raymond and our many dedicated groups of people, and I have another story. Raymond Recreation Association has been keeping kids active for years by offering a variety of programs from soccer to swimming to skiing and all in between for longer than I have been alive, and these programs not only benefit the kids but also the many adult volunteers who become involved in coaching, chaperoning and watching the kids learn and grow.
Since snow has finally arrived and I have been hitting the slopes, I am especially grateful for the ski program. When I first became involved as a chaperone in the ski program, I was stunned at what it takes to pull this off. Kids from second grade through high school load buses each week – complete with skis, boots, poles, helmets, warm clothing and snacks – and ride up to Shawnee Peak, experience the thrill of skiing on this special mountain with friends for a few hours and then ride the bus back home. We have three separate programs serving elementary-, middle- and high school-aged kids, and a feat this large could only be accomplished by countless dedicated volunteers.
I would like to recognize one particular person who has gone above and beyond in his dedication to this program. Peter Walgreen has been with Raymond Recreation continuously since 1979 when he started helping with the swim program, which he is still involved with all these years later. He began helping with skiing 18 years ago when his boys were young, and he is still running the high school program to this day, even though his boys have long outgrown the program.
Like many parents, he got involved because he had children who benefited from recreational programs, and he believed every parent should help out. He was also an elementary school teacher here in Raymond and believed that teachers have a special responsibility to their community in regard to children. It was no surprise for me to learn that he was a Boy Scout leader for 15 years and involved with Little League for 14. His sons are grown, and now he has four young granddaughters who enjoy skiing, swimming and physical activities.
When I asked him why he is still involved despite not having his own children participating, he complimented his great ski co-director Lorna Dunn and also boasted about the benefits of being involved with Raymond Recreation and its many volunteers. He said, “volunteers have a special zest, energy, and esprit de corps. Kids recognize volunteers as adults who are there to give something without expecting anything in return and react so positively. Raymond kids are great; they deserve all the credit for their cooperation and help to make the program work smoothly. This makes it easy for the adults to volunteer.”
Peter will be 65 this June and is still skiing. For the record, he was reluctant to allow me to profile him because he feels all the other volunteers are equally important and should be highlighted. I agree; we are fortunate to have so many people to thank, but any person who serves for this many years deserves a special thank-you. A conservationist, taken with a love for our mountains, lakes and fresh air; his motto is “Yes, I Can” which is the prefect message for our kids and also a notion that we should all keep in mind. On behalf of countless people who have benefited from his dedication, I offer a heart-felt thank-you.
Pancakes and Pinewood Derby
After spending hours carving cars out of a small block of wood, sanding, painting and designing the cars, the Cub Scouts of Pack 800 are eager to let the races begin. This year’s Pinewood Derby is set for Saturday, Jan. 21 at Jordan-Small Middle School and looks to be another exciting event. The day will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the traditional pancake breakfast prepared by the Raymond Lions Club. The public is invited to attend this breakfast, which lasts until 8:30 a.m. and costs only $3 per person or $10 per family. In addition to pancakes, the breakfast includes sausage, bacon, juice, coffee and real maple syrup.
The excitement will build throughout breakfast and at 9:15 a.m., the races begin. At the conclusion of the day, the top five boys will be awarded trophies and will move on to the district competition to be held in late March where they will compete against Scout packs throughout southern Maine. A day of victories, close calls and disappointments, this annual event is a favorite among all Cub Scouts. Come out for breakfast then stick around and watch the race. Stay tuned next week for the list of winners.
Lions Club Scholarship
Speaking of the Lions, they are once again offering a scholarship to a deserving high school senior who will be continuing his or her education. Applications are now available on the town website and due by May 14. This scholarship is funded by the money received from the Lions’ two bottle drops and I cannot emphasize enough how much your 5-cent cans add up. Please drop your recyclables in the bin at the town office or Jordan Bay Animal Hospital and support the funding of this scholarship.
Just breathe
Hopefully one of your resolutions this year is to nurture yourself, and practicing yoga is the perfect way. Debbie Goldstein has started a new seven-week session on Monday mornings from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at CenterStage Performing Arts. Yoga is so much more than a physical tuning, it encompasses your mind and spirit and I guarantee you will leave class feeling positive. Come take time to begin or deepen your yoga practice and learn to feel great every day. Classes are small, teaching is clear and modifications are many. Debbie teaches classes daily throughout the Lakes Region. For a complete schedule, please visit villageyogi.com or call her at 693-5247.
Ancestors at ?the Library
Have you ever been curious about your own unique personal history? If so, the Raymond Village Library now has the perfect resource for you. Ancestry Library Edition is now available for in-library use only and includes more than 7,000 databases providing access to census information, vital records, family histories, military records and much more. To make a reservation to use the Ancestry, call the library at 655-4283 and get ready to discover your family’s history.
Peter Walgreen, a longtime volunteer for Raymond Recreation,
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