October house

Windham Historical Society has purchased the Reeves property at 458 Gray Road for a future Living History Center. Members would like to thank all the local people and businesses who donated to make this a reality. In less than a month, donors provided enough funds for the down payment and closing costs. There is much more to do to create Windham’s very first History Center! Watch for more information on plans and other fundraising events. All donations are welcome to Windham Historical Society, P.O. Box 1475, Windham, ME 04062. For information, call 650-7484 or e-mail Kay Soldier at kso48@aol.com. The society is a nonprofit, educational organization.

Church fair

The Windham Hill UCC Church‘s Holiday Fair, will be on Saturday, Nov.13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, at 140 Windham Center Road. The fair offers many knit and crocheted items and other crafts, a homemade baked-goods table, church cookbooks, SERRV International crafts, made-to-order holiday wreaths, as well as beautiful cemetery baskets. This year’s fair will feature a plethora of Beanie Babies! There will also be a silent auction (with original paintings, getaways and more), Attic Treasures, gently-used toys, used books and previously-owned furniture. Other participating groups are the Windham Hill Club and the Friends of Feral Felines. Also available is a luncheon of homemade chowder, soup, sandwiches, and drinks.

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. For information, visit www.homehealth.org or call 1-800-747-4358. This is for seasonal flu only. Check out local pharmacies and stores also. Many places are holding clinics this year.

Book sale

A Book Sale preview will be held at the library 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. For information, call 892-1908.

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.

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.

Free Thanksgiving dinner

The “Monday Meal” on Monday, Nov. 22, will be a complete and delicious Thanksgiving dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the North Windham Union Church on Route 302. Everyone is welcome. This is free to the community. For information, call Marcia at 892-3769.

Class of ‘65 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.

Craft fair

There will be a craft fair to benefit Windham Athletic Boosters at the high school Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 13-14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair will include an appearance by Santa Claus, door prizes and crafters from around New England. The freshman class council will be participating by selling cookies. Mix and match your favorites by the dozen!

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.

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.