Honk for Health

I love sharing stories about people doing interesting and challenging things, and I’m also addicted to being active so this seems to fit perfectly. We all know that exercising with a friend is more motivating, so why not exercise with 20 friends? What started with just a few women wanting to fight the middle-age weight battle has turned into 20 ladies from the area taking the challenge to commit to a healthier lifestyle…and they are doing it on Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. While most are sitting around with coffee and the paper, these women are participating in a boot camp class held at PNF in Windham, which offers a variety of exercises for all levels and abilities. Knowing women love the element of surprise, the class changes each week for new and fun exercises utilizing weights, medicine balls, coast guard ropes, Bosu and yoga balls, kettle bells, and resistant bands. They exercise inside and outside, so next time you are driving up 302 on an early Sunday morning, keep your eyes peeled for these ladies. You may just see them doing part of their workout in the parking lot of PNF and as always, feel free to honk in support.

Special Olympics Bowling

Students from the Raymond schools recently enjoyed a special day competing at the Cumberland County Special Olympics Bowling Tourney held at Vacationland Bowling Center in Saco. More than 100 bowlers from schools including Gorham, Bonny Eagle, Westbrook, Windham and Raymond bowled in competitive and non-competitive divisions. Students participating from Jordan-Small Middle School included Charity Adams, Brandon Bearor, Lee Peet, AJ Mains, Seth Richard, Lucas Maloney-Spiller and Brooke Whitney. Students from Raymond Elementary School included Ryan Blanchard and Connor Daigle. Each bowler bowled two strings and received a green participation ribbon. For these bowlers, it was not about the score but about the effort, the sportsmanship to one another, the exercise, and all the fun they had bowling together.

Project Grad Fair

After shopping the hectic Black Friday sales, why not take a break from all that craziness and stop by The Little Meeting House on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for a more relaxed shopping experience. Project Graduation is hosting a Vendor Fair where you will be able to pick up great gifts for everyone on your list from the “foodie” to the “fashionista.” There will be several vendors on-site offering cash-and-carry products, plus great raffle items. Since every vendor has agreed to provide support to Project Graduation, it’s a win-win situation. You get a head-start on your holiday shopping and Project Graduation gets a few steps closer to reaching their goal. Refreshments will be served to keep you fully charged while you shop.

Tree Lighting

It is time to start enjoying the holidays and to help kick off the season, the annual tree lighting will take place on the library lawn this Sunday, Nov. 25. The event will begin with a special story time held at 4:30 p.m. inside the library followed by carols performed by the Raymond Elementary School chorus. The tree will then be lit as the community stays warm feasting on cookies and hot chocolate while a special visitor is sure to delight the younger children. This fun event is sponsored by the Raymond Lions Club in conjunction with the Raymond Village Library and is sure to get you in the holiday mood.

Goodies and Gifts

’Tis the season for giving and indulging in delicious treats, and the Raymond Village Library is here to help you do both. This year’s annual basket sale has begun and will last throughout the month of December. Shelves are loaded with unique, reasonably priced holiday gift baskets which are a perfect solution for teachers, a hostess gift, or that last-minute gift item. Not only are you getting a lovely present for someone, but you are supporting your library at the same time. The holiday bake sale will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tables will be filled with delicious pastries, decorated cookies, candies, pies, fancy breads and all kinds of scrumptious treats presented in festive wrappings all to help cut down on your holiday baking or for gift giving. Be sure to shop early for the best selections.

Christmas Fair

The Raymond Village Community Church on Main Street will host its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and promises to offer something for everyone. To satisfy your sweet tooth, choose a plate of cookies at the cookie walk or select holiday treats from the baked goods table including homemade maple syrup. Pick up some unique treasures at the table full of handmade, knitted craft items, and jewelry, and enjoy the “kid’s only room” and “new to you” room. Visit the wreath shop for the perfect decoration for your home. You can also take a chance on a variety of raffles. Breakfast and lunch will be available throughout the day so be sure to stop by. For more information, contact Brenda Stevenson at 655-3450 or jstevenson@fairpoint.net.

Women from Raymond gather during Boot Camp workout to smile at their commitment to a healthier lifestyle. 
Photo courtesy of Beth Gaudet