News and notes from Windham

Library closed Jan. 2-9

The Windham Public Library will be closed Saturday, Jan. 2, through Saturday, Jan. 9, while a new computer system is being installed. Nothing will be due during this closed time.

Open enrollment ends Dec. 31

If you have Medicare, the time of the year has come to review your insurance and change it as necessary. As in the past, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging is offering no cost, unbiased assistance to seniors and disabled in our local communities. Because of the many changes among Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D plans, it is critical that the insured review their 2009 coverage to determine whether it will be cost-effective for 2010. It is not a year to be complacent because premiums, co-payments, deductibles, and drug prices for 2009 plans may have changed for 2010. In addition, several 2009 plans are no longer offering coverage in Maine for 2010. SMAA recommends that all insured conduct a review each year to ascertain continued enrollment in the plan which best meets their needs.

The open enrollment period is from Nov.15 to Dec. 31.

Appointments throughout the enrollment period are being scheduled in Windham and Gray. Locations include the Adult Education Department of Windham High School on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Windham Library on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Gray Library on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To arrange an appointment, call 1-800-427-7411, ext. 524.

Art display at library

Artwork by J.R. Sell is currently on display at the Windham Public Library. Sell is an established artist now living in Gray. The works are oil paintings depicting Maine’s land and seascapes. He is a fellow artist for the United States Air Force Art Program, the American Society of Marine Artists and The Art Guild of New Jersey. His works have been displayed at the Pentagon, Pearl Harbor, the Smithsonian, in galleries, magazines, and shows. He has also produced art for the Tuskegee Airmen and Desert Storm. You can visit his Web site at www.jrsell.com. The artwork will be on display through Jan. 31. The Windham Public Library is located at 217 Windham Center Road in Windham. For more information, call the library at 892-1908.

Baked goods sale to help animals

Responsible Pet Care Animal Shelter in Norway is holding a bake sale at Shaw’s in Windham on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Perfect timing for Christmas and to help when you have no time to bake! The shelter cares for many homeless cats year- round. It’s a nonprofit organization and 100 percent of sale profits go to help care for the felines. For more information, call 743-8679.

Nothing to do?

What is there to do? Sometimes holiday visitors don’t want to go shopping but would prefer a day trip or something unique. Windham Public Library has two guest passes, provided free of charge, for the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Open year-round, this beautiful Maine setting can be seen on the Internet at www.mainegardens.org. The passes were provided by CoastalMaine. Love the stars and planets? Check out an astronomy show at USM Southworth Planetarium. The library has a pass for free admission for one family, up to six people. Visit usm.maine.edu/planet.

Boy Singers concert

David Farinella of Windham is part of the Boy Singers of Maine, along with other youth of Windham. He is the grandson of Marge Govoni and David Nadeau. The group will present “Songs of the Season” on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland. For 30 years, The Boy Singers of Maine has enriched the cultural life of Maine with its unique and joyful sound. A nonprofit, educational organization, BSM is committed to education; its mission is to provide an exemplary music education and to develop excellent performance skills for boys aged 7 to 19. Tickets for the concert can be purchased by calling 1-800-838-3006, through www.boysingersofmaine.org or at the door on the night of the performance. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors.

Check this out!

Want to save some money? North Windham Union Church runs a thrift shop downstairs in the church building on Route 302, North Windham. Everything is very neatly organized and reasonably priced. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Research, anyone?

Although the historical society headquarters is closed to the public during the winter, research goes on. If you or someone you know has questions about genealogy or Windham’s past, I will be happy to try and help answer them. Just call me or e-mail me. It would help if you’d write “History query” in the subject line.

Cavalry and the Civil War

On Saturday, Jan. 23, Windham Historical Society will hold its first program and meeting of the new year. A local Civil War enthusiast and researcher will show artifacts and speak of the role of the cavalry during that war. He will also review local involvement in the war. The program and meeting will be at the library, as the headquarters is closed during the winter to conserve fuel. More details will be forthcoming, but mark your calendar with this date! Following the program, the regular business meeting will be held. Refreshments will be available. There is no charge for the program, but donations are always welcomed.