Athlete of the week - Maddy Mooradian

The Aroma Joe’s athlete of the week is Maddy Mooradian, a sophomore at Windham High School on the golf, skiing and softball teams. Her coaches are Brody Artex, Adam Manzo and Travis Demmons.

“Maddy Mooradian qualified this week for the individual state golf championship on Oct 15 at Natanis.  She is a kid that works hard, does everything asked of her and is a wonderful teammate,” said her coaches. .

She would like to play golf in college and hopefully be in the LPGA. She doesn’t know where she wants to go to college, but she has two older sisters, Anita and Christina, who attended Windham High School and were both captains of the softball team and now play college softball for Saint Joseph’s College. 

“I was born deaf and wear cochlear implants. I have had a challenging two years health wise and have always been supported by my fellow teammates and coaches as well as school administrators. I am extremely excited to represent Windham High School at states in October.

Maddy is the daughter of Christopher and Robbyn Mooradian.

The colors were flying as Raymond Elementary School - By Jim Beers

As the colors of autumn rolled into southern Maine last weekend, laying the perfect backdrop for Raymond Elementary School's (RES) 2nd Annual My School Color Run. The event, which raises money for much needed school supplies, was held last Sunday on the grounds of RES, featuring a beautifully maintained 1-mile course, made for all abilities. Last year's race drew nearly 240 participants. This year's event eclipsed that number, with approximately 265 competitors from Raymond and surrounding communities. 

"It's just a wonderful day for the kids, the staff and community of this great school," said RES assistant principal Deb Hutchinson before the race.

The event is well organized, as last year's coordinator, Susan Brackett, was back again this year. "Looking forward to a great day,” said Brackett excitedly at race check-in. The race started sharply at 1 p.m., in mid-50 degree temperatures with a strong northwest wind. After a moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by the RES Chorus, the racers consisting of walkers, joggers and runners were off. The course started alongside the RES soccer field, and then took the competitors into the surrounding woods onto well groomed trails. Once out of the woods, they made their way back toward the soccer field, and it wasn't long before the first finishers started to arrive. 

 

This year's first place finish goes to Jordan-Small Middle School student Garan Laszok, who is in sixth grade. Arriving behind him, in second place, was Raymond first grader Sean Lebel. Just behind him was Raymond fourth grader, Harrison Benke, taking third. 

Shortly after the race, Benke spoke on running this year's race. "It was awesome, I finished 14th last year, so I wanted to do better. Going through the color splash zones was cold, but fun,” he said. Jani Cummings, a former teacher at RES, who just retired at the end of last year after nearly 40 years of teaching, was on hand to volunteer for the race. "I had great fun splashing everyone in the color zones! It's amazing to see so many wonderful people come out to support their community's school,” she said. 

After all the racers crossed the finish line, it was time to meet in the center of the soccer field for
everyone to throw their color packet into the air. Counting down from three, the air was soon filled with every color imaginable, and the swirling wind took the massive color cloud across the field. The color-soaked crowd of various ages were all smiles once they appeared from the center of the field. It was certainly the successful day Brackett and the host of volunteers had hoped for, as the silent auction and bake sale both did well also. The event raised nearly $3,700. 

 

"It makes me so happy to see all the students, families, teachers, administrators and community members come out to support RES. These first two years are off to a great start, and we hope to continue to make it bigger and better. Thank you to all the volunteers for their hard work to help make this fun day a huge success," said Brackett.

all pics taken by Tammy Louko,

Athlete of the week - Alden Salway

The Aroma Joe’s athlete of the week is Windham High School junior Alden Salway. Alden is on the golf team. His hobbies are golf and fishing. The 16-year-old believes that “sports instill leadership values and create a good atmosphere to grow up in.”

“Alden wen 3-0 last week in match and medal playing, helping the team go 3-0. He is a kid who has improved through his good attitude and work ethic,” said coach Brody Artes. 

Alden has leaned that “hard work will lead to success.” And, that “successful golfers like Tiger Woods have given me an example of what to strive for.” 

Alden is the son of Kristin and Paul Salway. 

Windham Eagles suffer hard loss to Portland - By Stephen Signor

Friday the Windham Eagles suffered their first loss against conference rival Portland Bulldogs home.

Following their 2-0 record heading into the game coach Matt Perkins shared, “We are very excited about this year’s team. We have eight seniors and a good mix of young players. We feel that we can improve as the year goes on. We have a very competitive schedule ahead of us. But we feel that we have a competitive squad that has the potential of big improvements.” 

Prior to Friday’s opening kickoff, Perkins said, “I feel good about tonight’s game. Everybody is healthy.” As it happens, they were ready. For the first 5 or 6 minutes neither team would give an inch. Portland however would strike first and by the end of the first quarter led 14-0. 

The second quarter saw Windham make a comeback. With the score still 14-0 the crowd came to life when Eagles running back Nate Houser scored on an 11-yard run with 1:40 left in the half and that’s how the half would end with the Eagles close at 14-7.

At the half adjustments had to be made. “The biggest adjustment that had to be made was cleaning up the mental mistakes. There were two personal fouls that ended up being very costly. But that’s what happens with a young team, there is no other way around it. You have to get over the humps and move on. There were a lot of blown assignments but that’s part of learning,” explained Perkins. 

However, the second half would go in Portland’s favor. By the end of the third quarter it was 28-7. After scoring one their touchdowns several Portland players flapped their arms, a la Eagles, in the direction of the end zone bleachers. Surprisingly and much to the dismay of fans no penalty was called.

“We all have different philosophies on how we run our program. I’ll leave it at that,” said Perkins of the unsportsman-like conduct.   

Eagles Blake Houser would respond to the taunt, dishing out his own brand of justice by breaking five tackles on a 94-yard touchdown run on the ensuing kickoff. Then the Eagles struck again three minutes later after stopping Portland on downs. A very short punt by Portland on their own 15-yard line was retrieved at their 21 by Cameron Hoffses, who returned it to the 1. Two plays later Desmond Leslie would cross the goal line with 3:19 left in the game, Windham had at last closed the gap to a just one score. However, 28-21 would be the closest Windham ever got. Forced errors and poor judgment by the young Eagles team would lead to two more Portland touchdowns, ending the contest with a final score of 42-21. 

After the game Perkins spoke to his players. “We talked about maturity. You have to grow up. You can’t keep making mistakes like hitting someone in the back, away from the play. Those are the things we have to get better at. When you start doing those things it’s selfish. When you have a young team that’s what happens. But you have to come back the next day and work on those things.”

 

Perkins summed up the game in two sentences. “It was one of those games you painfully go through and you realize, you know what, you’ve got to be disciplined when you play this game. There’s no two ways about it.”

Athlete of the Week - Hailey Applebee

The Aroma Joe’s athlete of the week is Windham High School freshman Hailey Applebee. Hailey is on the cross country and track teams. 

“Head coach Jeff Riddle nominated this athlete and said, ‘Hailey has done it right in her early years to allow her major success early on in her WHS career.  She is very mature, coachable and very fun to be around’.”

“Kids should play sports because it helps them stay active and healthy at a young age,” said Hailey. She has learned that “a dream only comes true with determination and hard work.”

“My coaches in middle school and high school have both taught me so much and have helped me to keep working hard,” Hailey said. She would like to run in college and study marine biology. She enjoys running, biking and swimming.

Hitting the trails and getting exercise on horseback - By Lorraine Glowczak

It was a cool, sunny Labor Day morning a week ago and a perfect day to go for a ride. A horse ride, that is, at the Carousel Horse Farm in Casco. Caroline Melvin of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and her two cousins, Valentia and Marianna Ingianni of Lynnfield, Mass., eagerly took advantage of the day by cantering on the horse trails with three gentle horses, Vista, Cricket and Mango. The children’s parents also joined in on the hour long trail ride led by experienced guide, Stephanie Cross.

For those who love horses and riding them through wooded trails and open fields, an individual can rent a horse and go on a guided trail ride or bring their own horses for exploration and exercise through the 12 acres and various trails at Carousel Horse Farm in Casco.

Established in December of 1993, the Carousel Horse Farm is the result of Tiffany Payton’s vision. Payton, who is the owner and proprietor, stated, “It was always my dream to own a horse farm from a very young age.” 

After receiving her degree in equine business administration from the University of Louisville in 1992, Payton returned to Maine to make her dream a reality by purchasing the farm at 69 Leach Hill Road in Casco where the present horse farm is still located. The farm has direct access to 5,000 acres of recreational land owned by Hancock Lumber and The Nature Conservancy called Jugtown Forest. 

“It’s been a fun and meandering process” stated Payton, referring to how things have changed in regards to stables and horse farms since she began operating Carousel Horse Farm. Payton pointed out that many stables, once offering a variety of services, began to discontinue the many amenities due to various challenges that include increased insurance premiums. As a result, the Carousel Horse Farm is the only stable and farm in the Southern Maine area offering a unique set of services not offered by many stables. These services include: Year-long guided trail rides that include three beautiful ride choices. Reservations are required for a ride any time of the year. Presently, as the fall foliage is beginning to make its way into view, one can reserve picturesque fall horse rides from September to November. 

As fall glides into winter, specialty Winter Wonderland and sleigh rides are available during the winter months. The sleigh rides must remain on the farm and are available Monday through Friday, including a Friday date night tours. As the website states, “this sleigh looks just like Santa’s, cruising along the snowy trails in style.” Because of the beautiful plush seats on the sleigh, rides will be postponed if it is raining. 

Carriage and wagon rides are offered any time of the year and can be reserved for weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. The carriage and wagon can be rented on the farm or transported to the celebration location and other public events.

Pony Parties are available to celebrate the special birthday child as well as beach rides at Popham and Pine Point Beaches from Mid-October to the end of March. The website states that the beach rides are beginning to fill quickly.

Carousel Horse Farm also offers a frequent rider program for local riders who enjoy riding more regularly. Payton explained, “An individual can purchase this program at a 50 percent discount off the regular prices by purchasing a group of rides at one time. They never expire and can be used on any ride here at the farm.”

For those who have their own horses and want to use the trails to explore and exercise their steeds, call to make reservations. “Those who bring their own horses cannot add on to our scheduled guided rides. But they can hire a guide to go out with them as their own group and people in their group can hire our horses and a guide to go with the group who brought their own,” Payton stated. She also requested that “current coggins and rabies as well as regular yearly shots must have been completed. Horses should have been dewormed not sooner than a week before traveling and no longer than 3 months.” 

The services at the Carousel Horse Farm do not end with horses. For those who wish to enjoy a picnic on one of the longer rides, locally sourced foods and sandwiches are available at the Road Apple Café. For a full menu, visit http://roadapplecafe.com/.

As for the Labor Day riders, Caroline, Valencia, Marianna and their parents - they all agreed their trail ride was delightful with cantering slowly through the open scenic fields being among their favorite part of the adventure. 

“We loved the whole experience. Our guide was professional and courteous and we can’t wait to return and do it again,” said Caroline’s mother, Carrie-Ann Chagnon.

For further information, additional services available and to make a reservation, call the Carousel Horse Farm at 207-627-4471 or visit the website at www.chfmaine.com/

Athlete of the week - Julia Libby

The Aroma Joe’s athlete of the week is Julia Libby who is on the Windham High School field hockey team. Julia is 16 years old and is homeschooled. She also plays soccer, basketball and softball.

When not playing sports, Julia enjoys biking and painting. 

Julia has learned “never give up no matter what the scoreboard says and have a positive attitude,” she said. She also believes that playing sports helps children interact with others and helps teach some players about being a leader. 

Julia’s parents have been supporting her sporting career since day one. They have been the most influential people in her life. 

When she graduates next year, she wants to attend college and eventually work with animals.