Hunting season

It’s hunting season. Years ago, I would have already made my trip to Sawyer’s store in Little Falls and bought a couple of knit orange hats. Automatically, my then small son and I would wear orange vests on our walks on the country roads of Windham. Just part of life the way it used to be around here. I’m sure both of my brothers are in the woods somewhere, as I write this, and soon the rich smell of venison cooking will fill their kitchens. Good luck to all our local hunters this season.

Thanksgiving baskets

Just a reminder that there are only a couple of days left to apply for a Thanksgiving basket from the Food Pantry. Monday, Nov. 8, is the deadline. Due to the volume of applicants the Pantry will be unable to accept late applications. The deadline to apply for the Toy Workshop is Nov. 23. There are many applicants and deadlines must be honored. You may apply Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Human Resources Building on Gray Road.

Flu shots ?at town hall

A public fu shot clinic for adults will be held by Home Health in the gym at town hall on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 2-4:30 p.m. Fee to be determined. Accepted will be Anthem Blue Cross, Medicare Part B and/or drug supplement cards. Bring your insurance card with you. For information, visit www.homehealth.org or call 800-747-4358. This is for seasonal flu only. Check out local pharmacies and stores also. Many places are holding clinics this year.

Library events

The library will be closed Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Everyone is welcome to come to tea on Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 1:30 p.m. A book sale preview will be held on Friday, Nov. 19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with a $10 entry fee for everyone. The book sale will be on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Curious about a Kindle? The library has one if you are interested in taking a look. Library staff will be glad to show you how this e-reader works. Just ask at the circulation desk.

Old Fashioned Christmas Fair

On Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 13 and Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Windham Historical Society is having its 2nd Annual Old Fashioned Christmas Fair at 234 Windham Center Road. The fair is being held in the old brick building completed in 1833. The displays consist of beautiful homemade aprons, pillows, table scarves, wallets, eye glass holders, book covers and more, made with beautiful material. There are one-of-a-kind hand-formed items made from paperclay such as ornaments, old world Santas, teacup dolls, coffee filter angels and more. The tree is unique in the way it is decorated. It will be worth coming to view and hear the live music and see the ladies dressed in old-fashioned clothing. There are hand knit hats, mittens, etc. A bake sale will also be going on with home-baked cakes, cookies, pies, etc. Members have been working all summer making these wonderful, different items. Join in the warm and friendly atmosphere to get you in the Christmas mood.

Leaf and brush disposal

Windham residents have until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 8, to get leaves and brush over to the Public Works Garage on Windham Center Road. The facility is open 24 hours a day until 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 8. This town program is for leaf and brush disposal only. Please separate the two in the area marked with signs. If you bring leaves bagged up, please remove them from the bags and take the bags with you. Call 892-1909 for more information.

Windham Hill Holiday Fair

Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Women’s Fellowship of Windham Hill United Church of Christ will host the annual Holiday Fair at the church, 140 Windham Center Road. Church members have crafted many hand-sewn items. The fair features seashore gifts, baked goods, fudge, cookbooks, and gifts for everyone. All natural holiday wreaths and cemetery baskets are always in demand and they’re made-to-order. There will also be a silent auction, copious Attic Treasures including toys, games, puzzles, books and jewelry. Previously owned furniture will be found in the outdoor market. A lovely lunch is available – homemade chowder, soup, sandwiches and of course, plenty of coffee and beverages! Don’t miss this great local event.

Holiday Fair

Wreaths, themed gift baskets, quilts, hand-knit hats, mittens and scarves as well as jewelry will be available at the Holiday Fair at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail, North Windham, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13. Baked goods, pastries, breakfast and lunch as well as lots of raffles will also appeal to shoppers.

High school alumni

Windham High School Alumni Association was organized 100 years ago, making it the oldest organization in town! A meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Room at the high school, to review the 2010 banquet, hear the treasurer’s report and most of all, make plans for the May 2011 banquet.

Happy birthday, Ralph Johnston

On Oct. 24, Ralph Johnston, a longtime Windham resident, was honored at a 90th birthday party hosted by Sally Breen and Keith Williams and held at Windham Veterans Center. Breen and Williams have been friends of Johnston’s for many years. More than 150 friends and family members, including Rep. Mark Bryant and Rep. Gary Plummer attended this special event. Letters were read from Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Gov. John Baldacci, and the Maine State Legislature. A citation from the Kiwanis was read by Phil Moody. Johnston has served the town of Windham on many committees including a stint on the school board and continues to this day as a leader in the Highland Lake Association and other environmental and veteran- focused groups.

Class of 1965 reunion

We received a call from Ellen Farley Boley, class of 1965, who lives in Marshfield, Mass., and is seeking classmates who would like to plan a reunion in 2011. She can be reached by e-mail at emb.1520@yahoo.com or by writing her at 1520 Ocean St., #52, Marshfield, MA 02050.

Help is needed

More than 250 Windham children and teens will need 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 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through 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.

Broadway to Windham

Don’t miss the performance of “Bye Bye Birdie” at Windham Performing Arts Center on Nov. 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. or Nov. 14 and 21 at 4 p.m. The Broadway-style production is directed by Rob Juergens with music by Dr. Richard Nickerson and choreography by Vanessa Beyland. Cost is $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. For reservations, call 893-1732.

For seniors only

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.

The Parks and Recreation Department provides a weekly “Senior Shopping” trip to North Windham for senior citizens. The trip 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.

Thrift Shop

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