Dr. Seuss Night

It is that time of year again; the Raymond Village Library is hosting its annual Dr. Seuss Party on Friday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. Each year, children of all ages and their parents gather to celebrate the great wordsmith’s birthday and because it has become so popular, the event will be held in the Raymond Elementary School gymnasium where there is more space. This party, which is free of charge, will feature games, crafts, storytelling, prizes and lots of fun for everyone, so you will not want to miss it.

Snowfest

It goes without saying that I am passionate about cycling and hiking and to the many of you whom I’ve convinced to participate in the Loon Echo Trek held each September; you know I am also passionate about their mission to preserve land. The Loon Echo Land Trust is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and I am thrilled to be helping with some fun events to mark the occasion. We will be holding a Snowfest on March 3 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Five Fields Farm located on Route 107 in South Bridgton. This family friendly day will include a 5K cross-county ski race held at 11 a.m., a kids’ 1K ski race at 11:30 a.m., a 5K snowshoe race at noon, and a snowshoe scavenger hunt held on our adjacent Bald Pate Mountain at 1 p.m. Warm up by the bonfire and enjoy hot chocolate and refreshments. Come for one or all of the events or just simply ski or snowshoe at your own pace on the nicely groomed trails. The nominal fee of $10 for adults and $5 for children will include trail passes, equipment rentals, food and prizes.

This event is a great opportunity to learn about Loon Echo’s mission to conserve land in the Sebago Lake region and to spend time being active on these lands. Loon Echo conserves 3,750 acres of land in our area including Bald Pate Mountain, which has more than five miles of hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails and is located next to Five Fields Farm, which has been offering cross country skiing for more than a decade on more than 27K of trails looping around their apple orchards at an elevation of 850 feet offering breathtaking views. For more information or to register in advance, contact me at trek@lelt.org or 655-4434.

Wiley and the ?Hairy Man

Under the direction of Matthew Ryder, a team of students at Windham High School have been busy preparing for the upcoming One Act Drama Festival and would like to invite you to their special preview performances to be held in the Windham Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 2 at 7 p.m., Saturday March 3 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 4 at 2 p.m.

They will be performing “Wiley and the Hairy Man,” a play set in a mysterious swamp where Wiley learns to rely upon his own resources and conquers two villains, the Hairy Man and his own fear. Tickets to the show are available at the door and are only $5 for adults, $3 for students and $10 for a family.

Windham High School’s One Act team will compete against several other schools on Saturday, March 11, and is notorious for finishing in the top three of this highly competitive annual event. For more information, call the high school at 892-1810.

Language of Flowers

Jessica Fay, owner of the Raymond Village Florist, will teach a special class on flower arranging at the Raymond Village Library on Wednesday, March 7, beginning at 6 p.m. She will demonstrate how to create your own miniature bouquet, a “Tussie-Mussie,” using the romance of the Victorian language of flowers. To the Victorians, every flower has its own message depending on type and color. The cost for the class is $20 and includes all the flowers, ribbon and lace trimmings. Registration in advance is required and may be done by visiting the library or calling 655-4283. Class is limited to 15 and will fill quickly, so be sure to register immediately.

5210 Let’s Go

Raymond Elementary School has recently joined 5210 Let’s Go which promotes healthy eating and more exercise in our schools and communities. The RES 5210 committee is planning to host a potluck supper on Wednesday, March 14, from 5:30-7:45 p.m. and all are invited. The committee will supply drinks and desserts and is asking parents to bring a pot luck dish to share. Families will enjoy a delicious dinner together and then attend a presentation by Mad Science funded by the Raymond PTO. There will be a whole group presentation for 30 minutes and then children and their families can sign up for individual Mad Science workshops. There will also be raffle prizes handed out at the dinner, and one lucky family will get a gift certificate for a week’s worth of school lunch. The acronym 5210 represents 5 or more fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less spent in front of television and video game screens, 1 hour or more of physical activity and zero sugary drinks.

Kelly Parker Band

The Windham High School Project Graduation Class of 2012 is excited to present the Kelly Parker Band on March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Windham Performing Arts Center. I am told that Kelly “evokes modern yet classic country with a pinch of Red Dirt rebel” and was recently crowned “Maine and New England’s Best Country Band 2011.” Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the high school, The Good Life Market or by calling Sandie Rogers at 892-9463. Profits will help fund this year’s graduation celebration. For more information on this event or Project Graduation, please contact committee chairperson Julie Barker-Dudley at mailto:JBarker4@myfairpoint.net.