Lions Award Scholarships

The Raymond Lions Club recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to three deserving Raymond students at a cookout at the home of King Lion, Bob Wallace. The scholarship recipients were Jennifer Cobb, Nicole Gagne and Kayle Tupper who met the scholarship criteria and are embarking on the careers of their choice. These scholarships are unique in that all Lions’ scholarship money comes from the two bottle collection centers in town, which is remarkable. The bottle drops are located at the town office on Webbs Mills Road and at the Jordan Bay Animal Hospital, located across from the Raymond Shopping Center on Route 302. The Lions appreciate all your donations and remind you just how important each one of those empty cans and bottles are. I’m sure these three college-bound students appreciate your donations as well, so keep dropping off your empties; they are helping to educate our youth.

Playing Ball in Japan

I am very excited for Zack Conley, son of Mark and Lisa Conley and an upcoming junior at Windham High School, who is preparing for a remarkable trip to Japan. Zack will join 12 other Maine students and spend 11 days in Japan in August. This trip is a sports exchange program called “Friends of Shinagawa,” which is a collaborate effort between Shinagawa and Portland created in 1984. Maine will send a baseball team to Japan where our players will stay with host families, play baseball, and see the sights. The week after our boys return, the Japanese boys will travel to Maine and stay here for 11 days doing the same thing. The Conleys will be hosting the same athlete who will be hosting Zack in Japan. The Maine team is made up of boys mostly from Windham High School, Lake Region, Gray and Portland, and Zack is the only one going from Raymond, which is quite a prestigious honor.

The unique program builds long and lasting ties between athletes and two cultures but also between the athletes and families who host them. It is truly a remarkable experience and one that will create lifelong memories. While athletic competition is always an engaging experience, the overarching goal is fun and games played with good sportsmanship. There is no doubt the entire Conley family will find this a rich and engaging experience, and I congratulate Zack on being chosen to participate.

Hawthorne Yard Sale

The Hawthorne Garden Club and the Hawthorne Community Association will be hosting a combined yard sale on Saturday, July 21, from 8 a.m. until noon at the Hawthorne House on the corner of Cape and Hawthorne roads. The fair will feature all your yard-sale favorites including new and old treasures, antiques and plenty of other unique finds you won’t want to miss.

This year marks the 200th birthday of one of the oldest and most historic homes in Raymond. The house has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969. The Hawthorne House does not get any town, state or federal support or grants and is supported entirely through volunteer efforts and donations. Proceeds from special events such as this will be used for the ongoing preservation and maintenance of this historic home. For more information, contact John Manoush at jmanoush@fairpoint.net or 655-7660.

A Hawaiian Luau

The Raymond Village Community Church is hosting its third annual Hawaiian Luau on Saturday, July 21, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the church on Main Street. This is not just another typical church supper. The Hawaiian Luau will feature roast pork, sweet and sour chicken on rice, green beans, carrot salad, pasta salad, tropical fruits, desserts, and beverages all enjoyed while listening to Hawaiian music. Why cook when you can enjoy a great meal for only $8 and $5 for kids. Come dine under the cool and comfortable picnic awning with friends and neighbors. Complimentary leis will be given to the first 50 diners. For more information, contact Brenda Stevenson at 655-3450.

Antique Appraisal Night

Have you been seeking an opportunity to have your antiques appraised? The Raymond-Casco Historical Society will present “Antique Appraisals” on Thursday, July 26, at 5 p.m. at the RCHS Historical Museum on Route 302. There is no charge to attend; however, there will be a charge of $5 per appraised item and a three-item limit. The appraisal will be conducted by Harry Hepburn III, who has been a notable and respected full-time antiques dealer since 1971 and is licensed and a bonded auctioneer and appraiser of antiques. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served throughout the event. For more information, contact Pam Grant at 655-2438 or visit http://raymondcascohistory.org.

Racing for ?Hacker’s Hill

I am so excited to announce a new and unique event coming to town. I have always dreamed of organizing a fun and challenging hilly race in this area and when I joined Loon Echo Land Trust as Event Manager, this dream became reality. Aligning with Loon Echo’s quest to preserve the beloved Hacker’s Hill so all can continue to enjoy this special spot, we have planned a race with a finish line on top of the hill. The inaugural Hackers Hill Preservation Run will take place on Saturday, Aug. 11, at 8:30 a.m., and this is not your everyday 5K. The race will begin at the bottom of Quaker Ridge Road near Blacksmith Winery where runners will begin their trek along and up the ridge, gaining elevation as they go and eventually turning up the 1?4-mile straight-up road to the summit of Hackers Hill. This four-mile course is bound to be challenging but all runners will be treated to spectacular views at the top as well as water stops on the way and snacks, water and awards at the finish. The cost is only $20 for adults and $15 for children and all proceeds from this event will go to the protection and stewardship of Hacker’s Hill. Come out and participate in this inaugural event and help preserve Hacker’s Hill. For a registration form, visit http://www.loonecholandtrust.org/ or contact me directly at trek@lelt.org. This event is being sponsored by many local businesses and as always, I’m grateful to live in a community which cares so much about each other and our land.

Nicole Gagne, Kayle Tupper and Jennifer Cobb each received $1,000 college scholarships from the Raymond Lions Club.