Town of Raymond, Maine

Fellowship, fun & food! The Casco Village Church United Church of Christ, 941 Meadow Road (Route 121) in Casco announces their Saturday Night Supper - a week earlier than usual this month! Please join us Saturday, May 19th, from 5 to 6 p.m. for some good old-fashioned Saturday night fare: beans, casseroles, salads, rolls, and of course homemade pies! It's only $7 Adults and $4 children under 10, AND a family with small children can eat for $20 max!  Who wants to cook on a Saturday night? Come on over and let us serve you! Sponsored by the Membership Committee.

Submitted by Wanda Vaughn-Carr

At a Glance

• Wednesday, May 9 – Board Meeting, 7:00pm at the library
• Monday, May 28 – Memorial Day, library is closed
• Wednesday, May 30 – Book Group, 7:00pm at the library
• Tuesday, June 5 – Annual Town Meeting, 7:00pm at Jordan Small School
• Saturday, June 9 – Annual Plant Sale, 7:00am to noon at the library

Library Hours

The library will be closed on May 28 in observation of Memorial Day.  We wish everyone an enjoyable and safe holiday.

Book Group

The book group will be discussing, The Widower’s Tale, by Julia Glass. This novel takes place in a quirky farmhouse outside Boston where 70-year-old Percy Darling enjoys a solitary life until, in a complex scheme to help his oldest daughter through a crisis, he allows a progressive preschool to move into his barn. The abrupt transformation of Percy’s rural refuge into a lively, youthful community compels him to reexamine the choices he’s made in his life.

We invite all interested readers to join us and we look forward to welcoming our “snowbirds” back for the summer months. We will meet at the library on Wednesday,
May 30 at 7:00pm. Books will be available upon request at the library.  For more information call the library at 655-4283.

Annual Town Meeting

The Raymond Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 5 beginning at 7:00pm at the Jordan small Middle School. We encourage all to attend and support our library’s funding request. The library has copies of the Annual Town Report for your convenience.

Annual Plant Sale

ATTENTION: All gardeners, plant and flower lovers, now is the time for cleaning out those flowerbeds, dividing and replacing your favorite plants. The Raymond Village Library’s Plant Sale on June 9 from 7:00am to noon, can use all those extra plants you will be thinning out or removing to make room for new seedlings.

We continue to count on your help for this sale by putting aside those plants and bringing them to the library on June 8, the day before the sale from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
Perennials are very popular as are groundcovers, flowering shrubs, vines, bedding plants and annuals. We would appreciate any extra herb or vegetable seedlings that you could contribute. For more information, please call Marie at 221-0568 or Jane at 655-5354.
There will be a sign-up sheet at the library for much needed volunteers to work on both Friday and Saturday.

After picking out your plants, you can go into the library and browse through the large collection of paperback books for your purchase at very low prices.

Spring-cleaning?

During the next few weeks as you are spring-cleaning, please keep your library in mind. Your donation of new and gently used books, DVD’s, audios and puzzles are accepted at any time.  Please make sure audio and video materials are in working order. Your donations are greatly appreciated and will be added to the collection when appropriate or placed in the book sale.

Maine Wildlife Park

Because many patrons have asked if the library has passes to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, we have begun a fund to raise the $225 in order to purchase a Community Pass that would be available to all library patrons. There is now $50 already donated and since the Park is already open, we are now accepting any donations, no matter how small or large to complete the necessary total of $225. Please bring your donation into the library and specify that it is for the Maine Wildlife Park.

The usual charges for the Park are: ages 4-12  = fee $5; ages 13-60 = fee $7 and ages 61+ = fee $5. By using the Community Pass, each member of the family group (no more than 7 people) will just be changed $2.50 each.

Example: a family of 2 children (ages 4-12) and 2 adults would normally be $24.  With the pass it would total $10 which is a savings of $14 each time you go. It can be used more than once by the same people throughout the season, which goes until November 11, 2012. By making a donation of $10 towards the Community Pass, you can go to the Park a number of times throughout the season, saving each time.

It is a wonderful place for families to visit and to bring summer company, as well as grandchildren who are visiting.

For more information regarding the Maine Wildlife Park Community Pass, please call the library at 655-4283, or ask the next time you are at the library.

Submitted by Sheila Jacobson, 4/26/12

At a Glance

• Sunday, April 8 – Library closed for Easter
• Wednesday, April 11 – Library Board Meeting
• Wednesday, April 18 – Nature Program, 2:00pm at the library
• Wednesday, April 18 – Telescope information presentation, 7:00pm at the library
• Wednesday, April 25 – Book Group, 7:00pm at the library

Library Hours

We remind our patrons that the library will be closed on Sunday, April 8 celebrating Easter.

On the Sundays, April 29 and May 6, the library will be closing at 4:00pm.

Nature Program

Ferrets, Snakes and Skunks…OH MY! Sparks Arks is coming
to the Raymond Village Library!

The Raymond Village library will be hosting Sparks Arks for kids on Wednesday, April 18th at 2:00pm. Sparks Arks is a fun and interactive program with critter and birds.  Come see, touch and learn about these rescued animals. This program is limited to 25 participants so please stop by or call the library at 655-4283, to reserve your spot.

This program is made possible through an award from Loon Echo Land Trust’s 2012 Environmental Education Grant Program, thanks to a generous bequest by Helen Allen of Casco.

Book Group

Rogues Gallery: The Secret Story of the Lust, Lies, Greed and Betrayals That Made the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This is the book chosen for April book group, which will meet on Wednesday, April 25 at
7:00pm at the library.

Filled with the juicy details of the lives of the powerful players who made the Metropolitan Museum of Art what it is today, author Michael Gross delivers the unauthorized history of America’s wealthiest and arguably the world’s greatest art museum.

If you are an avid reader and would like to discuss this novel, books will be available upon request at the library. Please join us.

For more information call the Raymond Village Library at 655-4283.

Plant Sale

As our snow and ice melts, we’re sure everyone is anxious to get outdoors into their gardens. This year the Raymond Village Library Plant Sale will be held Saturday,
June 9. Last year we were so pleased to receive so very many wonderful and varied plants for the sale. We hope to be able to count on even more this year.

So when you are working in your garden, please remember your library and put aside some of the plants for the sale. If you need extra containers for these plants, let us know, by calling Marie Connolly, co-chair at 221-0568 / email mkconnoll@maine.,rr.com or Jane Hubbell, co-chair at 655-5354/ janehubbell@maine.rr.com

We thank you in advance for your help in making this year’s sale another success.

The Stars and Beyond

“The best thing that we’re put here for’s to see; The strongest thing that’s given us to see with’s a telescope. Someone in every town seems to me owes it to the town to keep one. In Littleton it may as well be me.” “Robert Frost, “The Star Splitter”

Raymond Village Library is pleased to announce that we are the proud recipient of an Orion StarBlast 4.5” Telescope. Cornerstones of Science, in conjunction with the New Hampshire Astronomical society, donated the telescope to Raymond Village Library in honor of the past Executive Director, Jocelyn Hubbell. The Library Telescope Project of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society has placed over 60 telescopes in libraries throughout New Hampshire and Maine. Their goal is to foster scientific literacy and to stimulate the interest in astronomy, enable people who have never looked through a telescope the chance to experience the excitement that comes from discovery, and to provide a valuable asset for the library. The telescope will be available for loan to adult patrons.

An informational presentation will be held on Wednesday, April 18th at 7:00pm, followed by a brief hand-on demonstration (weather permitting). This program is limited to 25 participants. Please stop by or call the library at 655-4283 to reserve your place.

A Tribute to Volunteers

Every April a week is set aside to honor volunteers throughout the country, April 15 through the 21st is the designated week this year.

The Raymond Village Library would like to thank the people who give their time to help ensure that our community enjoys great library service!

The library is supported by over 50 volunteers. Without their help we could not have the wonderful library that our community enjoys. Whether they work the desk, help with special projects, manage our publicity, work the library materials, organize and run our plant sale, support the book sale, help with getting our collection automated, help with storytime, manage the bake sale, maintain the website, support our technology, serve on our board or any of the other important jobs that happen behind the scenes, each effort is vital to our success. The library want to extend its heartiest thanks to all of our Volunteers who help make the library a great place to be! We appreciate you every day.

Overdues helping the Raymond Food Pantry

When overdue items are returned, the library’s usual procedure is to direct you to the “conscience jar” to make a donation. However through the month of April the library would like to support the Raymond families using the Food Pantry, which has current needs for facial tissue, bathroom tissue and paper towels. So in lieu of using the “conscience jar” we ask patrons who are returning overdue items to please bring along a donation of one of these paper products. This is one of many ways we coordinate with other community organizations.

Even if you don’t have any overdue items and you’d like to contribute to the Raymond Food Pantry’s needs, if it’s more convenient for you to drop the paper products off at the library, please feel free to do so.

LearningtExpress Library

Are you looking for information about how to job search, or resume writing and interviewing skills? Do you know someone who will be applying to college and needs   SATor ACT test prep? The place to look is the LearningExpress Library – and it’s free!  This informative site has so much to offer – whether you’re an adult looking to improve your workplace and academic skills or a child in grades 4 and up looking for help with reading, writing and math skills.

Funded by the Maine State Library’s BTOP grant and available to Maine public library patrons, LearningExpress Library is an interactive online learning tool featuring over 770 practice tests, tutorials, and eBooks. In addition you will find interactive popular software tutorials/courses that are video-based and all you to learn at your own pace.

To start using LearningExpress Library, visit the Maine Public Library Information Commons at www.maine.gov/msl/commons/

New Library Director

Fourteen years goes by so very quickly and the Raymond Village Library Director, Barbara Thorpe, is moving on. It is very difficult to see her go and we want to thank her for all the wonderful and numerous improvements that have made our library the exceptional community library it is today. Congratulations and we wish you the best of luck, Barbara.

The Raymond Village Library is seeking a full-time director to manage all operations for this small public library in Raymond, Me. The candidate needs to maintain high quality library services; develop the library’s use of technology; effectively motivate and supervise staff and volunteers; actively promote the library locally; and enhance the library’s services through building community relationships and fundraising.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, knowledge of public library services and operation and 3-5 years of relevant experience required. Professional library and administrative experience preferred.

Salary range: $32,000 - $40,000 includes benefits.

To view the full job description and learn more about our library please see our website:
www.raymondvillagelibrary.org

Please send or email a cover letter and resume to:
Leigh Walker
Raymond Village Library
PO Box 297
Raymond, Maine 04071
Email: raymondlibrary-04071@maine.rr.com

The Raymond Village Library is an equal opportunity employer.
Applications will be accepted through April 10, 2012

Submitted by Sheila Jacobson, 3/25/12

Subitted by Sheila Jacobson (2/23/12)

At a Glance

• Friday, March 2 – Dr Seuss Night, 6:30pm at the Raymond Elementary School
• Wednesday, March 7 – Flower Arranging Class, 6:00pm at the library
• Wednesday, March 14 – Library Board Meeting, 7:00pm at the library
• Wednesday, March 28 – Book Group, 7:00pm at the library

Dr. Seuss Night

Just a reminder, on Friday, March 2, the Raymond Elementary School is the place to be, to enjoy games, crafts, storytelling prizes and fun for all ages. What a wonderful way to celebrate the marvelous Dr. Seuss. There is no age limit and is planned as a family event. Bring the whole family!

Flower Arranging Class

Jessica Fay, of the Raymond Village Florist, will teach a special class on How to create your own Tussie-Mussie, using the romance of the Victorian Language of Flowers.
This will be held at the library on Wednesday, March 7, beginning at 6:00pm.
The cost for the class is $20.00 and includes the flowers, ribbon and lace trimmings.  Registration, in person, is at the Raymond Village Library with payment due at the time of registration.

Book Group

For the month of March, the book group will be reading the historical fiction, best selling novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford.
It is about the love and friendship of a Chinese boy and a Japanese girl during the Japanese interment in World War Two.

The group will meet at the Raymond Village Library on March 28 at 7:00pm.  All interested readers are welcome to join us. The book will be available upon request at the library.

Annual Appeal

Many thanks go out to all those who have so generously responded to our annual appeal.  Your donation helps your library continue to provide enjoyment, information, and learning for patrons of all ages.  We have received just over $21,000 in donations so far, for which we are grateful.  Our financial goal is to reach $25,000.  If you haven’t made a donation, but were thinking about making one, it is not too late!  The appeal is still going on and there is still time to make your tax-deductible donation.

Raymond Garden Tour

During the winter months we look forward to the spring colors and scents that we enjoy from the budding trees, plants and blooming flowers.

Several members of the Raymond Village Library are working on plans to implement a Raymond Garden Tour that will take place the summer of 2013, to benefit the Raymond Village Library.

This group is looking for individuals who would like to have their gardens considered for this tour, or perhaps know of a lovely garden they might suggest. The selection of participating gardens will be made this summer. All types of gardens will be eligible: flower gardens, herb gardens, vegetable gardens, rock gardens, shrub gardens and orchards.

Interested persons may contact Elissa Gifford at ewoodgiff@hotmail.com or call her at 655-3399.

Community Garden

The Raymond Community Garden will have its third growing season in 2012. While many of our gardeners are gardening with us again this year, there are a few available rows.  We are accepting requests for garden rows on a first come first served basis. There are brochures available at the library about how the garden works or you can email Leigh Walker at lwalker4@maine.rr.com to get more information.

Each gardener is required to volunteer in the Food Pantry garden rows. We were able to provide over 400 pounds of food to the Raymond Food pantry. Thanks to everyone who helped last year with this important outreach program.

Submitted by Wanda Vaughn-Carr, Co-Producer for Lake Region High School Drama Club (2/27/12)

Lake Region High School Director Eugene Long has a reputation for bringing some of the best-loved musicals to the Lake Region area, and this spring is no exception!  With the help of student choreographers Emma Walker, Savannah DeVoe and Rowan Wallace,  Director Long and the LRHS Drama Club are excited to present the comic musical "The Pirates of Penzance," Gilbert and Sullivan's raucous tale about a band of tender-hearted pirates and an apprentice named Frederic (played by Ethan Strain and Alex Meneses).  When Frederic meets Mabel (Emma Walker and Savannah DeVoe), daughter of the hilariously pompous Major-General Stanley (Derrick Klecman and Mason Kluge-Edwards), and the two young people fall instantly in love, complications arise and high-spirited antics ensue!  The pirates, led by the swashbuckling Pirate King (Jack Mills and Ethan Kidd), and the Keystone cop-like capers of the Police Sergeant (Jared Curtis and Josh Knox) and bumbling English Bobbies will keep you laughing out loud and singing along throughout, with skilled support of cast members  Cam Arsenault, Dylan Balestra, Reed Bridge-Koenigsberg, Ryan Donkin, Griffin Dubrule, Mostafa Hassan, Gaelon Kolczynski, Omran Nawfal, Derrek Schrader and Austin Villaneuevo. To this, add wonderful performances in supporting roles by Katie Caulfield, Monica Cavillion, Taylor Cronin, Caitlin Harden, Momo Nakamura, Shannon Oliver, Giselle Wallace and Rowan Wallace, and all the beautiful and captivating Major General's Wards: Emily Bartlett, Kendall Dinsmore, Kenya Dubrule, Elise Gianattasio, Kaitlynn Harmon, Nele Haunschild, Taniesha Higgins, Erin Holsten, Molly Hook, Kacy Huntress, Samantha LaMontagne, Abby Lucy, Carolyn Lucy, Camilla Pasolli, Maggie Rickert, Abby Thompson, Elisabeth Waugh and Amie Worcester; and you won't want to miss all the fun and glory of this boisterous romp!

"Pirates of Penzance" opens Thursday, March 29th, at 7 p.m. at the Lake Region High Auditorium, with subsequent performances on Friday, March 30th and Saturday, March 31st at 7 p.m., and matinees on Saturday, March 31st and Sunday, April 1st at 2 p.m.

Advance tickets are $6 students and $8 Adults ($2 less than at the door!), and are available at The Good Life Market in Raymond, Lake Region High School in Naples, and at The Lake Region House of Pizza and Bridgton Books in Bridgton.

Lake Region High School Drama Club students rehearse a dance number from the spring musical "Pirates of Penzance".

Submitted by Sheila Jacobson (1/25/2012)

At a Glance

• Wednesday, February 8 – Library Board Meeting, 7:00pm at the library
• Monday, February 20 – President’s Day, the library will be open
• Wednesday, February 29 – Book Group, 7:00pm at the library
• Friday, March 2 – Dr. Seuss Night, 6:30pm at the Raymond Elementary School
• Wednesday, March 7 – Flower Arranging Class, 6:00pm at the library

President’s Day

The library will be open on Monday, February 20, President’s Day.  Since the schools are closed this day, it would be a good time for families to visit and see what is new at your library.

Book Group

This month the book group has chosen Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden. This is a story of the past, secrets, family and memory. Young Cassandra is lost, alone and grieving when her grandmother, Nell dies. She inherits a book written by Eliza Makepeace, the Victorian authoress who disappeared mysteriously in the early twentieth century. By searching for the truth about her family’s past history, Cassandra is ultimately able to discover a new life for herself.

We invite all interested readers to join us for an animated discussion of this novel at the library, beginning at 7:00pm. The book will be available upon request at the library.

For more information call the library at 655-4283.

Dr. Seuss Night

The very popular Dr. Seuss Night will be held on Friday, March 2 at the Raymond Elementary School beginning at 6:30. This party has games, crafts, storytelling, prizes and lot of exciting fun for everyone. There is no age limit and is planned as a family event.

Outreach Program

The Raymond Village Library wants you to be able to get your books, even if you are not able to come into the library to get them. Whatever the reason, unable to get out during winter conditions, lack of transportation or illness, please feel free to call the library at 655-4283 and we will be more than happy to help you secure your reading material.

The Language of Flowers

Jessica Fay, of the Raymond Village Florist, will teach a special class on how to create your own Tussie-Mussie using the romance of the Victorian Language of Flowers, Wednesday, March 7th, 6:00pm at the library.

To the Victorians every flower has its own message. A red carnation means passion and a  white carnation suggests innocence. Mint warns of suspicion and sweet peas offer a gracious Thank You for a lovely time.

Jessica will show the class how to make their own Tussie-Mussie (a miniature bouquet) choosing from a selected range of flowers to illustrate a message of your choice.

The cost for the class is $20.00 and includes the flowers, ribbon and lace trimmings.  Registration, in person, at the Raymond Village Library begins February 12th. Payment for the class will be due at the time of registration. The class size is limited to 15.

Next meeting of the Raymond-Casco Historical Society will be
January 9, 2012, 6:30 pm at the Raymond Public Safety Building.

Celeste Hyer will be speaking on Genealogy

RCHS Meeting to follow at 7:30 pm

For more information about us please visit our webpage!

Submitted by Sheila Jacobson (12/28/11)

At a Glance

• Wednesday, January 11 – Library Board Meeting, 7pm at the library
• Monday, January 16 – Martin Luther King Day, the library is open
• Wednesday, January 25 – Book Group, 7pm at the library

Library Schedule

The library will be open on Monday, January 16, Martin Luther King Day during regular hours, from 10 am to 7 pm.

Book Group

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho is the book chosen by the group for January. This is the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of traveling the world in search of a fabulous treasure. When he encounters the Alchemist, the boy tells him, “My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer”. The Alchemist replies ”Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself, and that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams”.

All interested readers are invited to join us for what should be a fascinating discussion of this novel.

The book will be available upon request at the library. For more information, please call the library at 655-4283.

Annual Appeal

Many thanks go out to all those who have so generously responded to our annual appeal. Your donation helps your library continue to provide enjoyment, information and learning for patrons of all ages. The appeal is still going on and there is still time to make your tax-deductible donation.

Many Thanks

The Holiday Bake Sale and Gift Basket Sale was a great success. We wish to thank the talented cooks, the dedicated organizers, the patrons who donated the beautiful holiday centerpieces, those who decorated the baskets and especially the shoppers who purchased the holiday treats.

Spring Cleaning?

I know, I know Winter has just arrived, but how are you going to make room for the new books, movies, music, puzzles that you received for Christmas? Your library always appreciates donations of these tax-deductible, gently-used items. They may be used as part of the collection or sold to other patrons and the money used for the library. Everyone benefits while you enjoy your new books and other media this winter.

Discover Your Unique Personal History

Ancestry Library Edition is now available for in-library use only. This resource includes more than 7,000 database giving access to censuses, vital records, family histories, military records and much more.

One hour reservation to use Ancestry may be made by calling the library 655-4283.

Winter Weather

Just a reminder regarding library hours, now that winter is truly upon us. Regular library hours are Sunday, Monday and Wednesday from 10:00am to 7:00pm. In case of inclement weather, please call ahead as the library may be closed. If the Raymond schools are closed or delayed, then storytime for that day will be cancelled; however, the library may still be open.

Submitted by Sheila Jacobson (10/24/11)

At a Glance

• Tuesday, November 8 – Election Day
• Wednesday, November 9 – Library Board Meeting, 7:00pm at the library
• Monday, November 14 – Pajama Storytime, 6:30pm at the library
• Sunday, November 27 – Storytime and Tree Lighting, 4:30 and 5:00pm at the library
• Wednesday, November 30 – Book Group, 7:00pm at the library
• Sunday, December 11 – Bake Sale and Gift Basket Sale, 10am at the library

Pajama Story Time

The amazing storyteller Jody Fein will once again delight us at the Pajama Storytime, thanks to the generosity of the Raymond PTO. Jody is known for her fun, exciting and intriguing method of tale telling. This all happens on Monday, November 14 at 6:30pm at the Raymond Village Library. Come early! Remember Pajamas are the accepted dress code for all, Moms, Dads and kids!

Annual Tree Lighting

The Annual Tree Lighting will take place on the library lawn Sunday, November 27 at 5:00pm. This community event is sponsored by the Raymond Lions Club in conjunction with the Raymond village Library and begins the Holiday Season each year in Raymond.

There will be a special storytime beginning in the library at 4:30pm, just before the lighting. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and festivities.

Book Group

The book group will meet at the library on Wednesday, November 30 at 7:00pm. The group has chosen The Little Foxes, a classical drama about a wealthy Southern family, written by Lillian Hellman. We invite all interested readers to join us in our lively discussions. The play will be available upon request at the library.  For more information, call the library at 655-4283.

Annual Bake Sale and Gift Basket Sale

The annual bake and gift basket sale will take place at the library on Sunday, December 11 beginning at 10:00am and continue until 7:00pm. Be sure to mark this on your calendars, since this is a great time to pick up special goodies for the holidays.

Submitted by Wanda, Casco Village Church United Church of Christ (10/15/11)

After every Black Friday. . . there comes Christmas in the Village!

Saturday, November 26th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Casco Village Church United Church of Christ invites you to the early Christmas shopping event of the season. There'll be over a dozen vendors and rooms full of everything you can imagine, from jewelry to jams & jellies, clothing to confections to cosmetics, aprons to antiques, and much, much more.

You could be the winner of one of the fabulous items that we'll be raffling! Visit Christmas Recycled and get everything you need for holiday decorating and stocking stuffing, AND we'll also have beautifully decorated wreaths!

Shop for unique and wonderful collectibles in Grandma's Attic, and you won't be able to tear yourself away from our Jewels & Glitter room or our incredible assortment of new and gently used clothing in the Clothes Closet.

From 11:30a.m. to 1 p.m., relax and enjoy our lobster roll and corn chowder luncheon in the Great Hall.

Come to the Village, 941 Meadow Road (Route 121) in Casco.
It's Christmas fun for the whole family!

Submitted by Sheila Jacobson (9/29/11)

At a Glance

• Wednesday, October 5 – Annual Board Meeting, 7:00pm at the library
• Monday, October 10 – No story time, library is open, 10:00am to 7:00pm
• Wednesday, October 26 – Book Group, 7:00pm, at the library
• Monday, October 31 – Halloween, story time at 4:30pm, at the library

Annual Board Meeting

The annual board meeting will take place at the library on Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00:am. There will be a review of the past year, and election of trustees and officers. This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

Book Group

The reading group will meet at the library on Wednesday, October 26 at 7:00pm. In keeping with a Halloween theme, the book chosen for discussion is The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, by Katherine Howe.

This is a spellbinding, beautifully written novel that moves between contemporary time and one of the most fascinating and disturbing periods in American history – the Salem witch trials. The tale is about a family of women healers over several generations and their ancestor’s “Physick Book”. The author is a descendent of one of the Salem “Witches”. Come join us for an interesting and enjoyable evening of discussion.
The book will be available upon request at the library. For more information, call the library at 655-4283.

Story times

There will not be any story times on Monday, October 10, Columbus Day.  Please note however, that the library will be open during regular hours, from 10:00am to 7:00pm.

Halloween

The residents in the Raymond village area receive up to 400 trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

Each year the Raymond Village Library helps out by collecting goodies, which will be distributed to those living in the village. We ask our patrons to donate whatever treats they can, to placate the little goblins. Please bring your donations to the library, by Wednesday, October 26.

Community Garden Update

We have had a great year in the Community Garden.  We had 14 community members taking part, which is up from 9 last year. We have been able to harvest over 300 pounds of food for the Raymond Food Pantry and we aren’t finished yet!

I want to thank every gardener for the amazing amount of help in making all this happen. A special thank you to Lorna Dunn and Maria Sepulveda who helped deliver and set up the food at the food pantry. If anyone would like to know more about the Raymond Community Garden, feel free to contact me, Leigh Walker at lwalker4@maine.rr.com.

Basket Making Wish List

Last year at our Holiday Bake Sale we added decorative gift baskets. These were so well received that we plan to include them again this year.  In order to do so, we need your help. The following are articles we need to have donated by our wonderful, generous patrons.

• Clean Small to Medium-sized Baskets.
• Clean Basket stuffing/decorative colored straw/shred
• Clear Cellophane Basket Bags – Medium to Large
• Wide Holiday colored ribbon for bow making
• Antique or New –Tea Cups, Coffee Mugs and Soup Mugs
• Packets of individually packed cookies, chips, popcorn or other snacks
• Individually wrapped hard candies, candy canes and chocolates
• Mini Packs of Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate or Soup
• Small Holiday wooden or plastic tree decorations
• Holiday Stems of silk flowers
• Small gift items or knickknacks or toy – for man, woman or child
• Small gift books – for man, woman or child.

Any of these donated items may be brought to the library beginning November 2 during regular library hours.

Raymond Village Library Awarded Libri Foundation Grant

The library has received a grant for new children’s books from the Libri Foundation of Eugene, Oregon. The Foundation puts books into rural libraries throughout the United States through its “Books for Children” matching grants.

The Foundation matches on a 2-1 ratio monies provided by the library.

Our portion came from donations by friends and family in memory of Betsy Wood, a long time summer resident. In addition, we received a bonus of $350 worth of math and science books. In all, the library added 81 new books with a total retail value of $1,403.82. The assortment includes picture books, chapter books for beginning readers and young adults books as well as non-fiction for all levels.

With the current economic times and flat budgets, these grants are much appreciated.

Visit the Raymond Village Library Homepage

At a Glance

• Monday, September 5 – Labor Day, library is closed
• Monday, September 12 – Story times resume
• Wednesday, September 28 – Book Group, 7:00pm at the library
• Wednesday, October 5 – Annual Board Meeting, 7:00pm at the library

Labor Day

Please note that the library will be closed on Monday, September 5, celebrating Labor Day. However, it will be open on the day before, Sunday, September 4.

Story Times Resume

After a summer break, story times will resume beginning Monday, September 12 with Chrissy Zidle leading the children in songs, games and weaving her enthusiastic energy throughout this fun time spent together. The times are:

• Baby Time  (birth – 18 months) meets Mondays at 10am.
• Toddler Time (18 – 36 months) meets on Wednesdays; first session at 10am and second session at 11am.
• Preschool Time meets on Mondays at 11am.

For more information, call the library at 655-4283.

Book Group

The reading group will meet at the library on Wednesday, September 28 at 7:00pm.  The book chosen for September is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Henrietta Lacks was a poor Southern tobacco farmer whose cancer cells (known as HeLa) were taken without her knowledge before her death. The HeLa cells - became one of the most important tools in medicine, yet Henrietta Lacks remained virtually unknown.

This book is a fascinating story of Henrietta Lack’s life, the multi-million dollar industry of selling human biological materials, the history of experimentation on human life, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we are made of.

We welcome all new members who love reading and enjoy sharing their thoughts and ideas with our informal group. The book will be available upon request at the library.  For more information call the library at 655-4283.

Annual Board Meeting

The annual board meeting will take place at the library on Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00pm. There will be a review of the year and election of trustees and officers. This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

Book Sale

The Annual Book Sale has come to an end, and we wish to thank all those whose generous donations made it possible to have such a variety of material for all interests and ages.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped organize, set up and worked the sale, but most of all, thanks to all of you who purchased the materials and helped make a success of one of our major fundraisers.

Due to the generosity of our patrons, there were more book donations than space, therefore once the annual book sale materials are cleared out, we will have a Fall Book Sale of all new items. So be sure to come by to look over the new selection and get your books for winter reading. Some of these books are in such perfect condition and will make wonderful gifts for the holidays.

Fabulous Flowers

All those who have come to the library this summer, have seen and enjoyed the lovely flowers in the large planters on the lawn and the beautiful hanging plant by the door. We have the Hawthorne Garden Club to thank once again for this service, which they have provided for a number of years.

Our thanks also go to Irene Morris, who faithfully kept everything watered and fresh throughout the hot summer months. How fortunate we are to have such generous people!

The Smartest Card

So many cards fill our wallets, pockets and pocketbooks. We need them to shop, to call, to charge etc. There is one special, small green card that doesn’t cost a cent and opens worlds of wonder and delight. It can be a source for a lifetime of learning, bring culture and art into your life, take you away for hours of enjoyment and teach any number of things to enrich your life.

Also while getting your youngsters school materials together, remember that this little free card is the most important school supply of all. This is your library card!

The American Library Association has designated September as Library Card Sign-Up Month and the Raymond Village Library wants to be sure your family has a library card.  Kids can go the library to get homework help and borrow books. They can also check- out music, DVDs and use the Internet, all for free.

New residents and those who have not been in for a while are also invited to come in and sign-up for a card.

At a Glance

• Wednesday, August 31 – Book Group, 7:00pm at the library
• Monday, September 5 – Labor Day, the library is closed.

Book Sale

The Annual Book Sale is ongoing through August. The selection of books are updated daily, so even if you’ve checked it out, be sure to drop in again during August and find new books for your reading pleasure.

Remember there are also children’s books and puzzles, audio books, music CD’s and videos for sale.

Book Group

The book group will meet at the library on Wednesday, August 31 to Richard Russo’s novel That Old Cape Magic. Ron Charles of The Washington Post describes the story as a novel for people who are afraid of becoming their parents. This is a humorous novel, covering two weddings – one in Cape Cod and one in Maine. It deals with a dysfunctional family life, and the inevitability of the traits and foibles each generation inherits from the other.

All readers are invited to join us for an interesting evening. The book will be available upon request at the library. For more information, call the library at 655-4283.

Art Museum Passes

We are so fortunate to live close to the City of Portland and to be able to take advantage of the many cultural events and areas of the city. One of my favorites is the Portland Art Museum, which is a different and wonderful place to visit and also to bring your summer guests.

Because of the generosity of patrons who purchase the pass for the library, we can help out by offering you free museum passes. Just request the pass at the library for the date you wish to go. The library is open on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday from 10am to 7pm, so be certain to come in and get the pass in advance of planning your trip to the Art Museum.

Submitted by Sheila Jacobson (6/22/11)

At a Glance

• Monday, July 4 – Library closed for Independence Day
• Sunday, July 10 – Book Sale begins at 9:00am at the library
• Wednesday, July 27 – Book Group, 7:00pm at the library

Annual Book Sale

This is the time to add to your personal library, gather up books for the summer and yes, even for those snowy days in the far, far future. The variety is vast: some light beach reading, recent fiction, great non-fiction and classics, as well as cookbooks, books on gardening, sewing, and carpentry. There are also children’s books for all ages, puzzles, audio books, music, CD’s and videos for sale at the most reasonable prices ever. There truly is something for everyone!

The sale begins on Sunday, July10 at 9:00am and will continue in August during regular library hours, which are Sunday, Monday and Wednesday from 10:00am to 7:00pm.

We count on the generosity of our patrons who make donations of new and gently used books, videos, DVD’s, audios and puzzles throughout the year. These donations are greatly appreciated and make this major fundraiser so successful. For more information about the book sale or donations, please call the library at 655-4283.

Book Group

The book group will meet on Wednesday, July 27 at the library at 7:00pm. The book chosen for July is The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Didion. This is a true story of personal terror and bereavement when the author faces several devastating consecutive losses.  The book is thrilling and engaging – sometimes quite funny – because it ventures to tell the truth – grief makes us crazy.

If you are an avid reader and this interests you, please join us for the discussion of this intriguing account. Books will be available upon request at the library.

Clynk Bags

There are many ways you can contribute to your library. One of the easiest is to pick up a green clynk bag at the library and fill it with recyclable bottles and cans. When it is full just bring it down to the local Hannafords. The library will receive the moneys from the deposit.  We appreciate all the help and donations our patrons give to their library here in Raymond.  This is just one little way of helping. If you would like to know other ways to help keep your library up-to-date and a vital asset to the community, give us a call at 655-4283.

Possible Projects

We are always looking for ways to help raise funds for the library. Here are a few suggestions, which have recently been made.

• Road Race, or Triathlon for Kids, or Walk for Literacy: or any combination
• Teddy Bear Picnic
• Ice Cream Social – either at the Library or a business location
• Adding specialty items to the Christmas Bake and Basket Sale.
• Pictures with Santa at the tree lighting (family portraits, pets)
• Breakfast with Santa including photos
• Bulb sale – fall or spring

If any of these ideas interest you or if you have others to add, please contact Elissa Gifford at ewoodgiff@hotmail.com or at 207-655-3399.

We are looking for direction and input to flesh out these ideas. If you have any experience with any of the above, or know someone who has been involved in similar projects please call.

We are only looking for direction at this point and do not expect involvement of those offering suggestions unless they wish to take part.

A Thank You Letter

Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this year’s plant sale a great success. We were overwhelmed by the plant donations. The plants were wonderful; they were in excellent condition and there were such a variety from which to choose.

Also we appreciate all the volunteers on both Friday and Saturday. Most of all we thank those who came and purchased these lovely flowers. We couldn’t do it without you. We look forward to seeing everybody again next year.

Happy Summer,
Marie and Jane

Submitted by Wanda Vaughn-Carr (5/13/11)

Historic Little Chapel
In Raymond
Resumes Summer Services

The East Raymond Chapel UCC, a historic little summertime congregation on Route 85 across from the Raymond Town Hall, will be opening on June 5, 2011, for Sunday morning services.

The Chapel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, holds services at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday during the summer months.  Built in 1890, it has been a Raymond landmark for 121 years.

The Rev. Joyce A. Long, pastor of the Chapel, speaks affectionately about the small but loyal congregation that includes a number of year-round residents as well as Maine visitors and summertime residents who return year after year.  The Rev. Long is the year-round pastor of the Casco Village Church United Church of Christ in Casco, Maine and invites everyone to join her in a unique summertime worship experience.  The Chapel features an old pump organ and both churches offer special music every Sunday of the summer.

The invitation is open to one and all, and remember,
no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
You are welcome here. . . God is still speaking,