From ice skating to ice fishing, winter action is heating up in the Lakes Region. Here are a few highlights of the events scheduled throughout the area. S’mores and Skate Nights Windham Parks and Recreation is hosting two old-fashioned skating parties, complete with a campfire, lights, music and s’mores ingredients. Bring your ice skates and […]
Jane Vaughan
Jane Vaughan has been a reporter with the Lakes Region Weekly since 2018. She covers nine towns in the Lakes Region and a variety of topics, including local politics and education stories across five school districts. She has experience working in print, digital, and radio journalism and enjoys telling stories across platforms. She holds a BA in English from Wellesley College. Outside of work, Jane enjoys swimming, boxing, and spending time outside. She lives in Cape Elizabeth.
Posted inSouthern Forecaster
‘Starting point’: Council OKs subdivision rule changes
WINDHAM — After months of concerns about over-development, the Town Council Tuesday unanimously approved “minor modifications” to cluster subdivision standards and scheduled a public hearing on a proposed moratorium on development in the farm zone. Cluster subdivisions permit a reduction in lot size in exchange for half of the available property being preserved as open space. […]
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Posted inSouthern Forecaster
DNA test pays off for Windham woman
WINDHAM — Melissa Oldakowski’s “family just multiplied” after a DNA test connected her with multiple family members living nearby. Oldakowski, who grew up in New Gloucester and now lives in Windham, was adopted and loves her family, she said, but “over time, I obviously was curious and wanted to know more” about her family of origin. For […]
Posted inLakes Region Weekly, Southern Forecaster
Groups work to get disabled vets out on ice
NAPLES — Four local groups are collaborating to put a handicapped-accessible ice shed on Long Lake so that local veterans can “do some ice fishing on the lake and enjoy the winter instead of being house-bound, which a lot of them are.” The American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 in Windham, Naples Memorial Post 155, Sebago Lake Anglers Association […]
Posted inLakes Region Weekly, Southern Forecaster
Center ‘filling gap’ for those seeking recovery
BRIDGTON — Four months after opening its doors, the Lakes Region Recovery Center has 95 members and continues to be fiercely committed to its peer-to-peer model and its mission “to listen and just support.” The LRRC is part of a “hub and spokes” model that resulted from a 2016 state law mandating peer-led recovery centers across the […]
Posted inLakes Region Weekly, Southern Forecaster
Arts Alliance’s goal to bring community together
RAYMOND — One year after joining forces with the Raymond Village Library, the Raymond Arts Alliance continues to “bring community together around inspiring and fun things.” President Mary-Therese Duffy said the group began as the Raymond Hill Community Center in early 2017 to encourage community “to make more fun.” In October 2017, the group disbanded as […]
Posted inSouthern Forecaster
Gray’s council gears up for 2019
GRAY — The Town Council has begun tackling its 2019 task list, which includes 31 items, as well as the budget implications of those items. Among the items on the council’s list is a public facilities study and possible funding for upgrades to the buildings, buying more electronic speed signs and the town’s Capital Improvement Plan […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Lakes Region Weekly
Snowmobile clubs ready to go, seek snow
Snowmobiling clubs in the area are revving up for the season in spite of low membership and, so far, a lack of good snow. Groups have prepared their trails and are ready to start grooming as soon as enough snow hits the ground. BRIDGTON The Bridgton Easy Riders club is ready for the season. Its […]
Posted inSouthern Forecaster
Councilors call for faster work on growth plan
WINDHAM — The Town Council revisited residential growth concerns at its meeting Tuesday, where some called for the Long Range Planning Committee to speed up its work, saying “It just can’t take 12 months.” Town Planner Amanda Lessard said the Planning Board is facing a record number of applications this year, with 369 dwelling units under […]
Posted inSouthern Forecaster
Inaction on petition frustrates Windham residents
WINDHAM — A residents group concerned about over-development in Windham is frustrated by the Town Council’s lack of action, saying “they placate us and then nothing happens.” Karen Lougee, Michelle Allain-Newton and Sarah Bronson, the group’s de facto leadership team, formed the group in September after being notified of a proposed 35-unit development on Land of […]