Back to school

School is starting and folks are talking about winter. We’ve had our first new potatoes and let’s face it, nothing beats the taste of a good Maine potato! Thinking about the fairs this fall reminds me that when my generation was in school, we got a day off to go to the Cumberland Fair, school never started until after Labor Day and school shopping meant a new pencil box and a stack of three-hole punched paper and maybe a new lunch box – all relics of the past. Here is a list of things of the present and future and a reminder to send me your news of what’s happening in Windham.

Tea for you

Enjoy a wonderful afternoon tea with friends at the Windham Public Library Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 1:30 p.m. There will be lovely refreshments, delightful teacups of a wide variety and good company. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Laurel or Barbara at 892-1908.

Senior shopping van

The Parks & Recreation Department provides a weekly “Senior Shopping” trip to North Windham for senior citizens. The trip is now scheduled on Wednesdays, for a $3 fee. Please call 24 hours ahead of time to reserve a seat. Call 892-1908 for reservations and more information.

Attention veterans

American Legion Post 148 is hosting an end of summer pig roast at the Veterans Center on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 1-3 p.m. The gathering is an opportunity for local veterans, their family members and their guests to get together in a social setting to close out the summer. In addition to the roast, there will be pulled pork, corn on the cob, cole slaw, potato salad and alternative hot dogs and/or burgers. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12. A special deal is offered to American Legion members who bring a potential post member to the roast – half price for the member and half price for the prospective member. For information and advance tickets, contact David Tanguay, 892-1306, or mail a check with ticket request to: American Legion Post 148, P.O. Box 1776, Windham, ME 04062.

Book group

Author Tracy Kidder’s book “Mountains Beyond Mountains” will be discussed when the library Book Group meets on Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 6:15 p.m. at the Windham Public Library. For more information, call Barbara at 892-1908.

Show benefits Monday Meals

The 9th annual Good Old-Fashioned Variety Show will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. at Windham Assembly of God, 1051 Roosevelt Trail in North Windham. There will be a free-will donation. Proceeds will benefit the Monday Meals program, a free community supper offered every Monday at area churches. If you are interested in performing, call Marie at 642-2834 or Marcia at 892-3769.

A day at Dundee

With summer winding down and children returning to school soon, how about bringing the entire family to Dundee Park, off River Road in Windham. The park is open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day. For Windham residents 13 and up, admission is $4. For children 2-12, admission is $2; seniors over 62, $3.

Hunter safety course

Windham Town Clerk’s office is offering a Hunter Safety Course on Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 18 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the public library on Windham Center Road. The fee is $5 per person. For information and to sign up, call 892-1900.

Maine Wildlife Park

On Wednesday, Sept. 8, Windham Land Trust will host a program about the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray at Windham Public Library. The 7 p.m. program, presented by the superintendent of the park, is free and open to the public. This is the first of a series of programs by the land trust. For information, visit www.thewindhamlandtrust.org.

Saving the town’s energy

Got all kinds of ideas about how the town can reduce its energy cost and save the taxpayers money? Here’s your chance to share those good ideas. With a goal of reducing energy use and emissions, the town is forming an Energy Committee. This group will be comprised of volunteers from the community. Working with staff support from the town and Greater Portland Council of Governments, the Energy Committee will draft an energy plan for the town of Windham. A public information meeting to discuss the scope of the committee’s work will be held Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. in Town Council chambers. Residents with an interest in energy efficiency, building audits, alternative energy, or reducing emissions should contact Ben Smith, assistant town planner, at 894-5960, ext. 2, for more information.

Thrift shop

North Windham Union Church Thrift Shop is open Wednesday and Thursday 1-3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until noon. There are lots of bargains on a variety of items. The shop is downstairs at the church near Boody’s Corner.

Plan ahead

Windham Public Library has received a grant from the Maine Humanities Council to support a facilitated discussion titled “The Mirror of Maine: The Maine Community in Myth and Reality.” Five meetings/book discussions will take place on the last Tuesday of the month starting Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. For information and to sign up, call Barbara at 892-1908.