Town of Mechanic Falls Annual Report 2019-2020

Town of Mechanic Falls Annual Report 2019-2020

Annual Report Dedication

Rain Tarantino was not born and raised in Mechanic Falls like most others that have been honored before her, however there was no doubt to anyone that this great town was her home and exactly where she wanted to be when she finally went to sleep for the last time. Rain was a devoted early childhood educator for much of her life. She loved kids - seeing them rise to challenges, exceed expectations, and providing them with a safe environment to learn and grow. As Director of the Mechanic Falls Before & After Program, she had her dream job - teaching in creative ways with her best, and maybe only friend, Amanda Bosse. Over the years, Rain also found a passion

for the Scouting movement by leading and volunteering in both Girl and Boy Scout Programs while avoiding the politics for which she had no appetite. To her, everything should be about the kids. Rain was a dedicated mother, first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. From stinky diapers and runny noses to missing teeth and snakes caught in the yard, she really loved it all when it came to her son Thomas and daughter Dani Tarantino. Unfortunately, she was with her loving husband Jeff for far too long, over 20 years of love and annoyance, which helped groom her distinct lack of patience and strong opinion to tell it like it is. If you didn’t know her, chances were that your child did. She couldn’t walk down the halls of Elm St. School without hugs and hellos from kids at all grade levels. Outsiders no doubt would assume she was just another teacher and the teachers knew it was just Rain. She didn’t like the spotlight but she loved to see our Town shine for all the right reasons making sure to participate in parades, fundraisers and of course the Mechanic Falls Community Days held each summer. Being involved where she could, all the while not showing how much of a toll it took on her in the last few years. She refused to allow a disease to define who she was or what she could do. Faithfully with her iced coffee in hand, she showed there is always a little bit more each of us can do every day. As all good mom’s know life is for living, children are for loving, keep your hands to yourself and just be nice to people.

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