Living the dream

Windham High School Alumni Molly Keane Dryer recently performed in the musical comedy, “Sister Act,” based on the 1992 hit film that stared Whoopi Goldberg at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Mass. North Shore Music Theatre is the largest operating regional theater in New England and is one of the few remaining theatre-in-the-round stages left in the United States. Although being cast in a star role is every actor’s wish, being cast in the ensemble can be harder and even more grueling as they are required to learn many different vocal, acting and choreography pieces to support the show.

In May Molly completed an intense four-year training program and graduated from The Boston Conservatory magna cum laude with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in musical theater. After graduation she performed in “Kiss Me, Kate” at Reagle Music Theater in Waltham, Mass. Then it was off to the Big Apple to begin her new and exciting adventure.

Molly is loving New York life and living in the Upper West Side. When not auditioning she works at a yoga studio and continues to train.

Annual tree lighting

Each year the Raymond Village Library, in collaboration with the Raymond Lions Club, sponsors a Christmas tree lighting on the library lawn. Everyone is invited, bring friends and relatives, join in the carol singing, enjoy the refreshments, and the youngsters are invited to a special story time at 4:30 p.m. at the library. There will also be a special guest for the little ones. This is a wonderful, old-fashioned community tradition beginning the holiday season. See you at the library on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 5 p.m.!

Citrus fruit sales

A reminder, Raymond Recreation Swim Program’s “Every Child a Swimmer,” is selling fresh citrus delivered free to Raymond. This is their only fundraiser to keep costs low so that all families can benefit from this program. Currently, the group is 60 orders shy of their goal and asking for community support. Orders are due by Nov. 20, and delivery and pickup is tentatively scheduled for Mid-December. Navel oranges and pink grapefruit in small or large boxes as well as a one-size mixed box are available. Fruit can also be ordered to make a donation of a box to a local food pantry! Call Aniko 650-8662 or email aniko10@yahoo.com for more information. Order forms can be found on the town of Raymond’s website, at the library or post office.

Opportunity for local businesses

At this month’s Raymond Revitalization Committee meeting, Shelia Bourque from the Raymond Village Library presented a new opportunity for business owners in Raymond and other businesses that work and service Raymond. It will be called the “Featured Business of the Month.” The library will set aside space in the entry for businesses to display their information and goods sold. Here are the details:

Each business is responsible to set up and take down their displays. The library is kind enough to allow businesses to use this space, but they will not be responsible for the displays.

The library reserves the right to review material posted to ensure it is appropriate for display for all library patrons.

The revitalization committee will select a business to be featured, create a calendar and present it to the library.

Businesses will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis.

Access will only be provided during library business hours.

If you are interested, contact Nick Hardy at nickatli@gmail.com and provide the following:

The name of your business.

A contact person.

A phone number and address.

Your first, second, third choice of months to be Business of the Month – or let him know if you don’t have a preference.

Drug-free zones

Citing a state law, the Raymond Board of Selectmen recently voted unanimously to approve making all of the following properties “Drug Free Zones:”

This designation law enforcement to double the fines/penalties of any drug-related activity within these areas.

Crescent Beach – Webbs Mills Road

Raymond Beach – Roosevelt Trail (owned by the state of Maine)

Tassel Top Park – Roosevelt Trail (owned by the state of Maine)

Sheri Gagnon Memorial Park – Mill Street

Raymond Elementary School – Webbs Mills Road (owned by RSU 14)

Jordan Small Middle School – Webbs Mills Road (owned by RSU 14)

Morgan Meadows – Egypt Road and North Raymond roads

Patricia Avenue Parcel – Roosevelt Trail

Farwell Drive Parcel – Egypt Road

Christmas Fair

The annual Raymond Village Community Church Holiday Fair is early this year: Saturday, Nov. 21, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Raymond Village Community Church is moving its annual Holiday Fair to Saturday, Nov. 21, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The fair will be held between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. that day at the church, 27 Main St. in Raymond Village, just off Route 302.

There will be something for everyone at the RVCC Fair this year.

Start with a breakfast of egg sandwiches, coffee cake and other pastries, plus hot tea, coffee, and cocoa. The Bake Shop will be open, selling home-baked goodies. This year, a variety of freshly baked, homemade pies will be available for pre-order or purchase that day. In the late morning, lunch will be available.

The Church’s Cookie Walk will be back – a favorite with kids of all ages. In addition to the Cookie Walk, kids can decorate cookies and gingerbread, shop for toys, and even meet Santa.

The crafters will be back and offering a spectrum of items for the house, for giving, and for yourself, as well as Christmas ornaments and table decorations for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Sugar Shack will be open as well, selling maple syrup.

There will be a silent auction for L.L. Bean gift certificates, a holiday gift basket, and other items. In addition, there will be a raffle for a large fresh free-range turkey, courtesy of the Good Life Market (retail value: $80-100).

Enjoy the music and hospitality, and stay for soup and a sandwich, too!

For more information, and to pre-order pies, contact Brenda Olsen at bolsen001@maine.rr.com or 655-4670.

Holiday wreaths for Raymond

The Raymond Beautification Committee, in collaboration with the Raymond Revitalization Committee, is purchasing 70 large wreaths for the business corridor. The Raymond Village Florist is purchasing them in bulk at cost and is generously donating her labor to make the bows. The wreaths will hang throughout December on each decorative light pole in the Route 302 Improvement Project area. To make a tax-deductible donation of any amount, write a check to the “Town of Raymond” and note “for Beautification Committee.” Please drop at the town office or mail to: Town of Raymond, 401 Webbs Mills Road, Raymond, Maine 04071.

Molly Keane Dryer, who recently performed as a nun in “Sister Act,” is living her acting dream in New York City.