Deadline

Deadline for news in this column is the Friday prior to Friday date of publication. Send me your events, news you’d like to share or notices of meetings and we’ll do our best to communicate with all our readers.

Santa’s helpers

According to all “signs,” more than 250 Windham children and teens will be receiving Christmas gifts this year from the elves and Santa’s helpers at Windham Food Pantry. Each year through the generosity of the community, a happy Christmas is made possible for many of our fellow citizens and neighbors. Your help is again needed. The food pantry is accepting donations of cash, gift certificates and toys. The open hours have been changed to accommodate folks and organizations in this holiday season. Hours are 9-3 Mon-Friday for donations. Also very much needed are new or gently used children’s coats and boots for boys and girls ages 6-16. You may wish to “adopt” a family for the holidays – call Madeline at 892-1931 for more information. The families who need help increase each week. If you can help, it would be very much appreciated. Only a few weeks left until the Toy Workshop in December.

Holiday food baskets

Sign up sheets are available at the Food Pantry for those who are in need of a holiday food basket. The deadline for Thanksgiving is Nov. 8 and for Christmas it is Dec. 6. It is really important to stick to these deadlines as there is a great deal of planning involved and as we’ve said, the need is increasing weekly. If you aren’t a current client of the Food Pantry you must provide proof of residency – only utility bills accepted.

Halloween adventures

Windham Parks & Recreation is hosting a Halloween Adventure for children up through grade 3 at Manchester School cafeteria, Friday, Oct. 29 from 7-8 p.m. Candy hunts, kid pop music, refreshments. You must register by calling 892-1905 by Oct. 27. Each child should bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Pantry.

There will be a Harvest Party for children at Cornerstone Assembly of God, 48 Cottage Road in Windham on Sunday, Oct. 31 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Games, crafts, snacks and candy will be included in the celebration. For more information call 239-4590.

Baked bean supper

The United Methodist Church, Tuttle Road in nearby Cumberland will hold its 5th Saturday baked bean supper on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 4:30-6 p.m. at the handicap accessible church. Menu includes baked beans, cole slaw, rolls, red hot dogs, American chop suey, homemade pies and beverages. $8 for adults and $4 for youth 12 and under.

Small business expo

The Little Meeting House, Route 302, No. Windham, will host a small business expo on Saturday, Oct. 30 fro 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. See what folks are doing and get ideas for yourself. Many different products will be available. Door prizes and refreshments. A few tables still available. All proceeds go to the continuing renovation of the historic building. Call Karen at 892-1663 or Phyllis at 892-3059.

Healthy children

Windham PTA will present a parent workshop titled “Supporting Healthy Lifestyles” on Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the High School auditorium. Stephanie Joyce, a Registered Dietician and RSU#14 School Health Coordinator will address childhood obesity, what schools are doing to support healthy eating and physical activity and what parents and families do to support healthy behaviors.

Monday Meals

Food & Fellowship, Inc., began in 1999 with a mission to provide hot meals to people living in Windham and surrounding communities in the Lakes Region. On Monday nights, free “Monday Meals” are served to anyone who would like a hot, nutritious meal. On the first and second Mondays, the site is Windham Assembly of God church, 1051 Roosevelt Trail (Route 302); on the third and fourth Mondays, meals are served at Windham Hill United Church of Christ, 140 Windham Center Road and on the occasional fifth Monday, the table is set at Standish Congregational Church, 25 Oak Hill Road in Standish.

Joint fundraiser

The annual Windham Community Benefit 5K Walk/Run will be held on Oct. 31 to raise more than $15,000 to directly benefit the community. Proceeds will be used to provide heat and other essential needs to residents. Team up with neighbors, friends and co-workers and have fun – costumes are encouraged! It is, after all, Halloween – and going without fuel can be a scary thing! Help keep Windham warm. Learn more about the Neighbors group and their good deeds, by visiting their website, www.windhamneighbors.org. If you would like to have information sent to you email windhamlionsme@roadrunner

Food pantry hours for senior citizens

The Windham Food Pantry is open on the first Monday each month, for senior citizens from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Last year, “senior hours” were on Thursday. Madeline Roberts is changing the day this year so seniors can receive fresh fruit and produce which is available only on Mondays. Any questions, give Madeline Roberts a call. If seniors cannot make it on Monday morning, they can continue to come in the evening.

New Day for Senior Shopping Van

The Parks & Recreation Department provides a weekly “Senior Shopping” trip to North Windham for senior citizens. The new schedule is on Wednesdays, for a $3 fee. Please call 24 hours ahead of time to reserve a seat. Call 892-1905 for reservations and more information. This Wednesday trip will replace the former Friday morning, since town hall is now closed on Fridays.

Thrift shop

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

Holiday fairs

Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 13-14 — Windham Historical Society, Windham Center Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Homemade items, new every year, at the Old Fashioned Christmas Fair.

Saturday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Windham Hill United Church of Christ. Wreaths, cemetery boxes, baskets, crafts, toys, and lunch, too.