The Windham Way

From time to time, a story surfaces that exemplifies what former town councilor Dave Ennis used to call “The Windham Way” and reinforcing our faith in the public. Madeline Roberts, who does such an exemplary job at the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, shared the story of a former client of the Food Pantry, a single mother with a teenage child. This client cut coupons and when she found she had a little extra money, went to the meat market and purchased meats and to the grocery store where she bought non-perishables and brought them to the Pantry. She said she felt fortunate to help others and encouraged more people to “follow suit.” Madeline Roberts reminds us that with all the additional clients and changes being made, this was a real blessing. “Our shelves are depleting much faster and it doesn’t matter if donations are one can or two or three boxes – it all helps. This woman is one of several who are now in a position to help others. It shows that people in Windham do genuinely care about their fellow citizens.” Readers are urged to share stories that illustrate “The Windham Way” by contacting Kay Soldier at kso48@aol.com.

Veterans’ benefits

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay will be at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesday, Sept. 14, to assist veterans, widows of veterans and dependents with questions about benefits and other information. 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 is needed.

Maine Navy ?during Civil War

What was the role of the Navy and Merchant Marine during the Civil War? Find out more on Monday, Sept. 19, when Windham Historical Society presents Steve Bunker, an expert on the Civil War presents a program complete with artifacts and photos. It starts at 7 p.m. sharp at the Society headquarters, 234 Windham Center Road. No fee but donations gratefully received. This program was blown out to sea by Hurricane Irene on Aug. 29 – surely, September will be more kind.

Antique appraisal

On Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Windham Hill United Church of Christ, 140 Windham Center Road, is holding an Education and Appraisal Event in Fellowship Hall. Steve Center from Centervale Antiques in Scarborough will answer questions, share expertise and offer suggestions about antique investments. Admission is $5; $10 for admission and one item, $20 for two items and $25 for three items. Refreshments will be available. You must be able to carry your item(s) in and out.

Cats at the library

An exhibit of international postage stamps, all featuring images of cats, is on display at the Windham Public Library, now through Oct. 31. Tricia Currie Hunt of South Windham organized the exhibit, pulling from her vast assortment of postage stamps. She began collecting stamps about 25 years ago, initially “trying to find as many different designs from as many different countries” as she could. As time progressed, she began narrowing her scope to a “topical” collection (a collection focused on a specific subject) of postage stamps displaying images of cats. The stamps on exhibit are from Cambodia, Poland, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Great Britain, as well as numerous other countries from around the world. There is even one from an unknown province which Ms Hunt has asked for help identifying. Stop by the library for a look at this very interesting display. Call the library for more information, hours, or for directions (892-1908). The Windham Public Library is located at 217 Windham Center Road.

Athletic Boosters meet

Windham-Raymond Athletic Boosters will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Windham High School Alumni Room. Parents of high school athletes are welcome to attend.

Food Mobile Unit

On Monday, Oct. 31, from 10:30 a.m. until noon, a Food Mobile will be at the Windham Food Pantry, 377 Gray Rd. for Windham residents. The mobile will be set up Farmer’s Market-style with fresh vegetables and fruits along with meats and non-perishables. Please contact Madeline at 892-1931 if you would like to take advantage of this offering.

Lakes Region ?Senior Center

In a fairly short period of time, some senior citizens here in the Lakes Region have gotten off to a good start with the new Lakes Region Senior Center, which will hold an Open House on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 1-3 p.m. at the former Little Falls School on Acorn Street in Gorham. If you are age 50 or above, interested in a safe, diverse place to socialize and are from the Lakes Region, come celebrate the new Center and learn more about it. Ice cream and homemade goodies will be served. This is a free event.

Local artist on exhibit

Artwork by Dana Plummer, late of Windham, is on exhibit at the Windham Public Library. She was a beloved primary school teacher, supporter of the library and the historical society. Until her death from cancer in 2002, she was deeply involved in the community and among other things, co-wrote a book about Windham history and designed the logo for the town’s 250th anniversary. Call the library at 892-1908 for directions or more information. Plummer’s work will be on display through October.

Roast beef dinner

On Saturday, Sept. 17, a roast beef dinner will be served from 5-6:30 p.m. at Windham Hill United Church of Christ, 140 Windham Center Road. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

Car Show Sunday

Windham Athletic Boosters will hold their annual car show at the high school on Sunday, Sept. 11. Registration is from 8-11 a.m., judging from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with awards at 2:30 p.m. Three trophies will be awarded in each class, plus Best of Show and Judges’ Choice. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 seniors, students and children, $2 and show car driver and guest, $5. Raffles and food concessions will be available. For more information, e-mail windhamboosters@yahoo.com or call 892-1810, ext. 248.

Pig roast at ?Veterans Center

The Windham American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 will hold its second annual Pig Roast from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Windham Veterans Center, North Windham. The Pig Roast is an opportunity for local veterans and their families and friends to gather in a social atmosphere and kick off the fall season. All vets are welcome. The menu includes pulled pork, roast pig, salads and slaw, baked beans (Bean Hole) and a variety of drinks. Burgers and hot dogs will be available. The Pig Roast is an opportunity for the local American Legion to celebrate the American Legion’s anniversary and a cake-cutting ceremony for the occasion will also be held. There will be friendly horseshoe and volleyball competitions as well as a local VFW/American Legion horseshoe challenge (bragging rights for the year). Cost is $10 for adults $5 for under 12. For local veterans (potential new members) that attend and would like to join the American Legion, there is a special offering of $10 off the membership fee (normally $30). RSVP, David Tanguay, 892-1306.

Thrift shop

North Windham Union Church Thrift Shop is located in the basement of the church, on Route 302 near Boody’s Corner, regular hours are 1-3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday.

2012 Project Graduation

Windham High School Class of 2012 is holding a golf tournament at noon on Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Naples Country Club. For more information contact Jon Cummings, 329-8729 or Jim Cummings, 310-8818.

Plan ahead

Before we know it, hunting season will be here. A Hunter Safety Course will be held on Saturdays, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must attend both days to receive your certificate. Fee is $5, and it will be held at East Windham Fire Station, 45 Falmouth Road. Registration is at Windham Town Clerk’s office, call 892-1900.

Answers about Medicare

Medicare is always changing! Whether you are getting ready to retire or already receive Medicare, you can always learn more. Call Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 396-6500 and make an appointment at one of their seminars which are held at several sites. In the Lakes Region, SMAA will host Welcome to Medicare in Windham at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Bring your Medicare card, Social Security number, list of drugs and quantities you take, your income and asset information (you may qualify for reduced costs) and current health insurance information.

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.