‘Hansel and Gretel’

The newly formed Maine Youth Ballet Company, which is based out of Raymond and directed by Center Stage Performing Arts dance teacher Kate Smedal, will hold its first ballet on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 4 p.m. The dancers will be performing Hansel and Gretel featuring Raymond’s Alex Markonish as Hansel and Emily Beisel-Bolen as Gretel. Both students attend North Yarmouth Academy. See them, as well as many other dancers from Raymond and surrounding towns, perform this timeless tale on Sept. 29 at the Windham Performing Arts Center. Tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for children and are available at the door.

Beautification Committee

Have you noticed the improvements in the look of our town lately? The Raymond Beautification Committee is responsible for developing and promoting initiatives that identify and address the town’s beautification needs and their efforts are obvious. Our streets are more inviting to new businesses as well as visitors. Do you have a special talent or flare for this type of work? If so, the committee is seeking new volunteers in the areas of public relations, fundraising, garden maintenance and seasonal decorating. To join this group or to get more information, please call the town office at 655-4742.

Camp Sunshine Won

Last week, I encouraged you to vote for Camp Sunshine who had been nominated for the Chase Community Giving program. The top 196 charities with the most votes would win between $10,000 and $250,000. Congratulations; you did it. By voting and sharing, your efforts helped Camp Sunshine secure the $50,000 grant from Chase, and this money will make a huge difference in the lives of many families.

As the staff at Camp Sunshine weathered the online voting process, they expressed it was a “nail biter” to the very end. One day they would advance, get passed overnight, advance again the next day, get passed again, and advance yet again. This spirit of togetherness and giving is what makes Camp Sunshine a labor of love. On the behalf of Camp Sunshine and all the families who benefit from their programs, congratulations and thank you for giving them this opportunity to help more families.

Cub Scouts

Cub Scout Pack 800 is heading to the Willowbrook Museum in Newfield on Monday, Oct. 8, and invites all local boys to join them. Any interested potential Scouts should contact Adam Gaffen at adamgaffen@yahoo.com or go to the next den meeting on Oct. 1 at the Jordan-Small Middle School to learn more about this trip. The trip is free for all Scouts and only $5 for parents and siblings.

The Pack will also be holding a popcorn sale on the Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Good Life Market. The annual popcorn sale is a huge fundraiser for the Scouts and they thank you in advance for your support.

As a reminder, if you want your son to have some fun, excitement, outdoor opportunities, and a chance to participate in a program in which he learns the important of doing your best and how to be helpful to others, then Scouting is the program for you. Now is your chance to get your son involved and signed up for Cub Scouting. Raymond’s Pack 800 meets on Monday evenings from 6:30 until 7:30 at the Jordan-Small Middle School. For more information about how your son can join, please contact Cubmaster Steve Danzig at 310-0104, or Adam Gaffen at 627-3324.

Presumpscot River Fall Foliage 5K ?Run/Walk

Fall is a wonderful time to get out for a run and what better place to do it but the beautiful Mountain Division Trail. Project Graduation 2013 is holding a 5K run/walk fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. on the trail off of Gambo Road. This run will be on a gentle, easy course with beautiful views of the foliage all along the trail and Presumpscot River. Participants who register early will receive a free race tech T-shirt. The cost is only $20 per person and you can register online at www.foliage5k.shorturl.com or by calling John Carpentier at 831-1168. Come out and run while helping the seniors fund their graduation celebrations.

Spaghetti ?for Volleyball

Volleyball is a fairly new sport at Windham High School but has attracted many eager and talented players. The WHS girls’ volleyball team is working to raise the $7,000 needed to fund their team. Please show them your support and join them for their upcoming Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 5-7 p.m. at the North Windham Union Church next to Amato’s on Route 302. The cost is only $5 per person or $15 per family. For more information, contact Diane Tanguay at dishpan2@aol.com or 420-6024.