Taking flight

My favorite part of writing this column is to share the remarkable accomplishments of our friends and neighbors who make this the incredible town it is. We have so many dynamic and interesting people of all ages in this community and they continue to amaze me by all they do. I am so excited to report that we have recently published authors whose book is quickly becoming popular and selling at both Borders Books and on Amazon.

Eights Take Flight is a group of Raymond women who share a common vision of promoting world peace. This group is comprised of Nancy VQ Valente, Sally Quinn Dodge and Penny Welch Nitis, and they have just released their first book titled “Freckles Says.” Nancy has owned and operated Little Pines Learning Center in Raymond for years and has touched the lives of many children. She has authored the book with the help and contributions of her sister Sally, who works in the insurance industry, and friend Penny, a nurse. Each page in the book is adorably illustrated by Nancy with a picture of Freckles expressing his feelings about dreams, love, sharing, and peace. The women dreamed of writing a book to share their vision of world peace and now that dream has come true.

In speaking with Nancy, she emphasized how important it is that we all love ourselves which will ultimately lead to a better world. To convey that message, she created Freckles, whose mission is to promote world peace and power the planet with love, the love for ourselves and for one another.

This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. Over 500 copies have already sold and you can pick up your copy at Borders or on Amazon. The women will be holding a book signing at Borders in the near future and I will share that date with you once it has been set.

Pancakes anyone?

Raymond’s Boy Scout Troop 800 is holding a pancake breakfast fundraiser at Applebee’s in North Windham on Saturday, March 20, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The cost is $5 and all proceeds will benefit the scouting program in our own town. Bring the entire family for a delicious and very affordable breakfast while helping our scouts.

Flower arranging class

Are you feeling creative and excited to bring some color and freshness into your home? Jessica Fay of the Raymond Village Florist will conduct a special class on flower arranging at the Raymond Village Library on Wednesday, March 24, at 6 p.m. where attendees will learn how to create a unique “spring package.” The cost for the class is $20 and includes a reusable, clear glass square box vase, flowers and ribbon for the package bow. With a little imagination, the package can be adapted to brighten any occasion or season. Class size is limited to 15, so don’t wait to register. For more information, please stop by the library or call 655-4283.

Budget woes

It is that time of year again when a school budget must be adopted, and this year looks to be more challenging than any time in our history. The reduction of state funding results in $1.6 million less for our schools and will require a severe loss of programs and staff. Superintendent Sandy Prince presented his proposed budget on Wednesday and now meetings will be held where public input is invited. The first of these hearings will be held on Saturday, March 20, at 8 a.m. at the Manchester School in Windham. The individual cost centers will be presented and the public may ask questions and express their opinions after each presentation. This hearing will continue on Wednesday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Raymond Elementary School. Please attend these meetings and learn where the cuts are being made. Drastic changes are being made and the School Board needs to hear from you.

Parent’s night out

Do you have a bit of cabin fever and need a night out to laugh and simply have fun? “Parent’s Night Out” will be held on Thursday, April 1, from 7-10 p.m. at Sydney’s Restaurant in Naples and is guaranteed to cure your blues. Come enjoy a delicious hors d’oeuvre buffet, music from DJ Garrett Gordon, cash bar, social time with friends and a chance to win a Sydney’s gift certificate. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance because space is limited. Tickets are available at The Good Life Market or by contacting PTO President Abby Davis at johnabbydavis@hotmail.com. This fun night out is co-sponsored by the PTO and Sydney’s Restaurant and all proceeds will support the PTO.

‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

Save the date….the annual production of the Jordan Small Middle School Drama Club is scheduled for April 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and they will be performing “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Each year, the middle school musicals have proven to be very well done and highly entertaining and this show promises to be better than ever. After months of work by the directors, aspiring actors and actresses, backstage crew and supportive parents, the performance is sure to be magical. Treat yourself to a wonderful night out and enjoy the show.

Open offices

The work of the many individuals who serve in our town government and on our committees is critical to the positive forward movement of our town. At the beginning of the new fiscal year, there will be two open seats on the Board of Selectmen and three seats on the Budget and Finance Committee, both for three-year terms. Elections will be held in June and nomination papers are now available at the Town Office. The nomination papers must be returned to the town clerk’s office by Saturday, April 24.

Please consider offering your time to serve in one of these positions.