News and notes from the town of Raymond.

Making the List

Please join me in congratulating Emily Dodge, daughter of Gary and Cathy Dodge, for making Dean’s List once again. Just finishing her sophomore year at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Emily is enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program and is excelling. Great job, Emily.

Plants and Paperbacks

It’s that time of year again; the Raymond Village Library’s annual plant sale will be held this Saturday, June 9, from 7 a.m. until noon. There will be a wide assortment of plants at inexpensive prices including perennials, groundcovers, herbs, flowering shrubs, bedding plants, annuals, and houseplants. In addition, this year there will be vegetable and herb seedlings to help you grow your own organic food. And don’t forget, the library has an abundant supply of gardening books for you to borrow. The infamous paperback book sale will also start on this day so stop by and pick up some great summer reads. This is always a popular event so be sure to go early for the best selection. For more information, call the library at 655-4283.

Great Maine ?Yard Sale

Don’t forget to head over to Main Street this Saturday, June 9, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and visit the Great Maine Yard Sale. The sale is the result of the effort of the Raymond Village Community Church to include residents in the village, increase attendance and bring one street-long sale to the community. The sale will feature a variety of treasures and will also feature a pet contest with blessings of the pets by Reverend Nancy Foran as well as demonstrations of Zumba and line dancing. For more information, contact Rolf Olsen at 655-4670 or rolsen@maine.rr.com

Time to Vote

Mark your calendars for this year’s town elections, referendum and presidential primary to be held on Tuesday, June 12, from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Jordan-Small Middle School. Also on the ballot will be the much debated animal noise ordinance, so if you have an opinion on neighborly noise, don’t miss the opportunity to vote. Absentee ballots are available by contacting Town Clerk Louise Lester at 655-4742, ext. 121.

Dream Big – Read

The Raymond Village Library’s summer reading program is about to begin and this year’s theme is “Dream Big – Read!” This is a free five-week summer reading program which will highlight anything and everything to do with nighttime fun. Participants in this year’s program will receive a weekly issue of “The Nightly News” which can be picked up at the library beginning Sunday, June 24. Each issue will explore a wide range of topics such as nocturnal animals, family games played at night, stargazing, puzzles, crafts, websites to explore, places in Maine to visit and, of course, fun reading suggestions all about things in the night. Book lists for all reading levels related to nighttime happenings will be displayed in the children’s section of the library for those who may be looking for some fun suggestions. This program is limited to 50 participants so stop by the library to register your child for some extra fun this summer. For more information, please call the library at 655-4283.

Tri-ing for Camp Sunshine

The fourth annual Pirate Triathlon will take place this Sunday, June 10, at Point Sebago resulting in approximately 600 athletes testing their strengths in the 1/3-mile swim, 14-mile bike ride and 3-mile run while raising money for Camp Sunshine. While the swim and run take place on Point Sebago property, the bike course is held on Route 302 and Quaker Ridge Road. Riders are expected to be on course anytime between 9:30 and noon so drivers are asked to use extreme caution and expect long delays. Rather than deal with traffic, why not spend the morning at Camp Sunshine and watch this spectacular event unfold and cheer on the many strong-willed Raymond residents who will be racing. Triathlon is an excellent event as it tests the endurance of the athletes in three sports and what better reason to do this than to benefit those who cannot.

Maine Wildlife Park

The Raymond Village Library would like to purchase a community pass to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray and has received several donations to make that happen. They are still a bit short of the $225 necessary and are soliciting donations. The Park is a wonderful place for families to explore and to bring summer visitors. You can enjoy the picnic area before or between visiting the wide variety of animals. Please consider making a donation the next time you are in the library, or send a tax-deductible check made out to the Raymond Village Library, PO Box 297, Raymond, Maine 04071 or online at www.raymondvillagelibrary.org.

Soccer Deadline

Did you miss last week’s registration night for next fall’s soccer program? If so, you need to register your child immediately by contacting program coordinator Stacey Richmond at 655-5097 or starrich@maine.rr.com. The Raymond Recreation fall soccer program is for boys and girls in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Practices will begin the last week of August and games will be played on Saturday morning’s beginning in September. Volunteer coaches for all ages and field volunteers are needed. Being involved with the kids, helping them hone their skills while witnessing their growth and love for the sport is a very fun and rewarding job.