Spring fling

After enduring a long winter filled with weather that brought many people to despair, you should not miss this opportunity to get out, have fun and celebrate the arrival of spring. On Friday, April 11, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., a dance will be held that guarantees fun for the entire family.

The dance will feature live music by The Disclaimers, and there will also be plenty of great activities and games to engage the kids. This evening is sponsored by Raymond SEARCH, Raymond Mentoring Partnership and the Raymond PTO. Come out and shake off the remnants of winter while having fun with your family and friends. The dance will be held at the Jordan Small Middle School gymnasium and is a free family event.

Marbles, ramps and mazes

Science in the Library is an exciting program offered by the Raymond Village Library for children in kindergarten through second-grade. These popular science lessons are taught by Amy Farmer who enjoys sharing her passion for science with eager learners. The students study a different science topic each month by reading a book and then doing fun hands-on science projects. Activities focus on developing problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills.

This month’s program will feature marbles, ramps and mazes. The kids will use marbles and ramps to learn about motion and will experiment with their own marble and ramp inventions. This fun program will be held at the library Wednesday, April 16, from 1-2:30 p.m. Space is limited, so please register in advance by calling the library at 655-4283.

Stories-in-Store

The Good Life Market is excited to announce Stories-In-Store, a unique storytelling experience for young children and their caregivers. Stories-In-Store is an innovative program that offers music, rhyme, finger play and oral storytelling to children. It affords the opportunity for children and their caregivers to socialize, meet members of the community, and relax while engaging in fun activities that encourage early literacy, listening skills and imagination.

Stories-in-Store will be performed by the infamous Jody Fein. Popular in Raymond for her fabulous pajama story time program at the library, Fein quickly and easily captivates her audience, and her performances always draw a big crowd. Fein has a background in theater, social work and early childhood education. She has told stories in many different venues, including elementary schools, preschools, libraries, festivals and professional workshops.

Stories-in-Store will be taking place each week on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at The Good Life Market through May 8. There is a suggested donation of $3 per child.

Meatballs and baseballs

Come support the Raymond Baseball and Softball League by attending the spaghetti dinner benefit on Friday, April 18 from 5-7 p.m. at the Jordan Small Middle School cafeteria. The dinner will feature spaghetti, salad, bread, drinks and desserts.

In addition to enjoying a good meal in a relaxed atmosphere with friends and neighbors, there will be door prizes and raffles. The cost is $6 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Bring the whole family and only pay $20. This dinner is the league’s largest fundraiser and its profits are highly depended upon.

The league is also seeking boys and girls ages 5-9 who are interested in playing at the t-ball and rookie levels. Although registration already took place, there are still openings in these divisions. Excellent coaches are available and are looking for young players to work with. Please contact Bonnie at bflynn1@maine.rr.com or at 655-5339.

On tour

The ever-popular Windham Chamber Singers are comprised of 37 Windham High School students; seven of them are from Raymond. The singers are selected by audition and have traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. The singers have appeared at the White House, have released CDs and have performed the national anthem for the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Portland Sea Dogs and Portland Pirates. They have also appeared on “CBS This Morning,” the “Today Show,” and in their own prime time holiday special broadcast locally.

Each year the choir tours the Northeast, presenting assemblies and workshops at area schools in addition to public concerts. At the end of May, it is planning a trip to New York City. To help raise money for the trip, the singers are hosting a Spring Dance and Silent Auction Saturday, April 12 at the Windham Veterans Center located behind Hannaford Shopping Center, from 8-11 p.m. The evening will feature The Locals and The Hounds, both comprised of local musicians who will be playing music from the 60s, 70s and the blues. Tickets are $10 each and available at the door.

Dramatic thank you

I was overwhelmed with the incredible performance of “Seussical, Jr.” by the Jordan Small Middle School Drama Club. Standing room only was the scene on both nights of the production while the cast and crew blew the socks off all those in attendance. Approximately 1,000 people attended the shows. The night was filled with colorful costumes, a backdrop that was hand painted and beautiful, an orchestra, singing and dancing that was amazing, and dramatic talent that delighted all those watching.

Coleen Laprise and I were given the task of coordinating parent volunteers, and we sincerely thank all those who offered their time, talents and expertise to make this show unforgettable. The community’s support gave the kids a memorable and life-lasting experience. Performing in the drama productions is not only fun, but also offers the kids a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence. Donning tights, feathers and masks while singing and dancing on stage takes courage, and I am proud of all the kids who rose to the occasion.