Does school really begin in August this year? It seems to me that summer school vacations are getting shorter each year. Guess the days of school starting the day after Labor Day are gone for good – a part of history now. Some local school helpers are making plans to help families this year with much-needed (and very expensive) school supplies. Since the majority of Windham residents don’t have to outfit kids for school, we urge them to pitch in and help during this prolonged low point in our economy.
School supplies
There’s more than food at the Windham Food Pantry. Madeline Roberts who manages the facility (as well as the Clothes Closet) tells us there are many more clients these days, in addition to the average of 160 a month who need food, cleaning and personal hygiene products, diapers and such. Beginning the first of August, Windham’s Food Pantry will collect school supplies and backpacks in which children can pack their snowpants, hats, mittens and other gear. Size is important. Madeline says, “Every donation is very much needed and appreciated from one can or box to as many as can be provided. We have always had the support of the community and with a few changes being made we will need these donations more now than ever. Thank you.” For more information, call 892-1931 any day, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Public hearing
The Town of Windham “Brownfields Program” will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. in the Windham High School Auditorium. The meeting will be to discuss environmental concerns found at the former mill site on Depot Street in South Windham. Representatives from the EPA, Maine DEP, the Maine State Toxicologist, Summit Environmental Consultants, and the town will be on hand to present the findings and to answer questions about the results. All members of the public are invited to attend. A specific invitation is extended to current and former residents of the South Windham Village.
Town honors Health Council volunteers
The Windham Health Council was established in the 1940s and for many years members assisted local health care professionals with well-baby and immunization clinics. A medical equipment loan closet, now located at 221 Windham Center Road, was created by the Health Council. On Tuesday, July 26, town officials will honor the members of the Health Council at a tea to be held at the Windham Public Library at 1:30 p.m. Elsie Haskell, May Lunt and Freda Scott will be honored for their many years of service. All past members of the Windham Health Council, as well as family and friends, are invited to attend.
Supply drive
Gorham Savings Bank and Zwirner State Farm Insurance are partnering in a school supply drive from Aug. 1-19. School begins on Aug. 23 hereabouts. In addition to dropping items off at the Food Pantry, donors can drop off at Gorham Savings Bank in Windham and Zwirner State Farm, 13 Storm Drive. Basic school supplies and backpacks as well as monetary donations are welcome.
Thrift shop
North Windham Union Church Thrift Shop is open Wednesday and Thursday, 1-3 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon. At the church on Route 302 near Boody’s Corner. Bargains for you on a variety of items. Check it out!
Fiddler on the Hill
The second in the “Music on the Hill” series will feature Fiddler Don Roy and quartet, Franco-American and Celtic music at 7 p.m., Windham Hill Church, 140 Windham Center Road. $12/$8. Tickets at door or call 892-2151.
Victorian secrets
Ever wonder how many layers of clothing women of the Victorian era had to have to accomplish that quaint look in old photos? The hoop skirts, shawls and lacy collars and cuffs – all familiar during the Civil War era. On Monday, July 18, visitors to Windham Historical Society will learn first hand, just how involved it was to get to look “picture perfect”. Special guest Carolyn Lawson, an expert in Civil War era fashion, will show us all just what goes on before the dress! Mark the date on your calendar and be at the Society headquarters, in the old brick town house on Windham Center Road, at 7 p.m. sharp! There is no charge, but donations are welcome.
Yard sale
Windham Historical Society is holding a yard sale on Saturday, July 16, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at its headquarters on Windham Center Road. Furniture, old tools, household items, plants, old trunks and much more. Very reasonable prices.
Veterans benefits
Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay is available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. until noon, at Windham Veterans Center. Look for her next on July 27. She can assist widows of veterans, dependents and of course, veterans. If you have questions of a military nature, stop in and get some answers. The Veterans Center is off Route 302, on Memorial Drive, between Evergreen Credit Union and Friendly’s. Follow Memorial Drive all the way to the Veterans Center – to the right of Home Depot – a dirt, town road. No appointment necessary.
Got extra string beans?
Madeline Roberts reminds readers that Windham’s food pantry is looking forward to the growing season and fresh vegetables and will gladly accept any amount. Food distribution is on Monday nights so Monday would be the best day to donate however there is refrigeration available and fresh produce can be accepted on Fridays. They are also accepting gently used, washed fall clothing to put away for the start of school.
Wheelchairs needed
The Windham Loan Closet is in need of wheelchairs. If you have borrowed one and are ready to return it, or you have one in good condition to donate, please call 892-1907 to arrange for pick-up or delivery.
Bingo
Bingo games are held on Mondays, 6:30 p.m. at the Windham Veterans Center, hosted by American Legion Post 128 of Standish. Bingo games pay out up to the state maximum of $1,400, depending on attendance. A winner-take-all game, as well as pull-tabs and a 50/50 drawing will be offered. Food and beverages provided by the Legion Auxiliary will be sold. Proceeds from the games will go towards the building fund for a future home for Post 128, which currently meets at the Kiwanis Building, Route 25 in Standish.
Muriel Stuart, of Windham, is a recent winner in the spring
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