Windham Pathways Connecting Generations Holds Maiden Meeting

WINDHAM - If the pumpkin pie is any indication, the “Windham Pathways: Connecting Generations” group will turn out better than good.

The newly-formed citizens organization held its maiden meeting, in mid-October, seeking to “forge relationships in order to build stronger community bonds.”

They gathered at the Senior Citizens Center, housed within the town of Windham’s ambulance headquarters, on the west end of South Street.

A printed agenda listed among the topics for discussion; “getting to know each other” and “building a ballfield for little league.”

The latter subject had been the center of controversy in Windham over the past several months, surrounding a potential plan put forth by the town council to create two little league baseball fields at the Windham Path.

Attendance at the twice-monthly council sessions was off the charts as members of the group “Preserve the Windham Path” offered intense resistance to the plan.

Fifty or more people were showing up for the meetings which are usually attended by only the five council members, the town clerk, the town engineer and perhaps a resident or two.

It seemed the issue might lead to a bitter legal fight as opponents of the project began soliciting funds for what they called “a high-powered attorney,” apparently aimed at challenging any progress.

Their stated goal was to have the fields put anywhere but the Windham Path, declaring their presence would negatively scar the very popular walking and biking trail.

The tensions abated suddenly when government officials announced, in early October, that the Windham Foundation was buying 34-acres of wooded lands near the hamlet of Hensonville.

As part of the acquisition, the Windham Foundation made it known that ownership of the land would ultimately be transferred to the town.

A portion of that property, 7 acres, could be used for the little league fields, nipping the controversy in the bud and causing Preserve the Windham Path members to claim victory.

It was also revealed that town supervisor Thomas Hoyt had been working behind the scenes with the Windham Foundation to purchase the tract, starting prior to the formation of Preserve the Windham Path.

Ground-breaking for the fields could commence next spring. Between then and now, questions are arising about what will happen to the remaining 27 acres, and how and by whom will those determinations will be made?

Connor Exum, a member of Preserve the Windham Path, is also a founding member of Windham Pathways: Connecting Generations.

Exum put together the kickoff meeting for Windham Pathways, following up with a written statement about the gathering which attracted roughly a baker’s dozen attendees.

“We, the members of the Preserve the Windham Path and Windham Pathways: Connecting Generations held a general public meeting on October 16th,” Exum stated.

“Our intent was for the entire community that has strived to develop an alternative plan for the Mountain Top Little League to meet with members of the Mountain Top Little League and the Knights of The Road to discuss the future of this project,” Exum stated.

The Knights of the Road have sponsored the little league for generations, staying outside the turmoil embroiling the ballfields.

Town officials noted the Mountaintop Little League is an independent body, and the town had no obligation to assist in the ballfields project, taking a role as a hopeful benefit to the community.

Exum, in his statement continued, “we had hoped that this meeting would help to create a bridge between all members of the community for the successful completion of this project. 

“It was disappointing that so few people from the community responded to us. However, we as a group are always open to developing new connections within the community to strengthen our social fabric.

“While this attempt might not have been as successful as we had hoped, it will not deter us from continuing to reach out to the community.

“We are leaving an open invitation to any member of the community to become part of our new initiatives to increase the use of the Windham Path to ensure the importance of this resource in our community,” Exum stated

Exum pointed out that invitations to the meeting were extended to Knights of the Road leaders and Supervisor Hoyt. They did not attend.

Refreshments were served at the meeting including pumpkin pie with crust reportedly homemade by Exum that in the view of one observer (partaker) was thick but at the same time well-textured and tasty. Not a bit crumbly.