My favorite place

At one time I had library cards to the public libraries in Portland, Boston, New York, Winner (So. Dakota), Wilkes College and Wilkes-Barre (Pennsylvania), Elgin (Illinois) and now I have just two cards – Portland Public Library and the most important one, No. 561 – Windham Public Library.

Every time your child goes to story hour at the library; every time you check out a book, order something through inter-library loan, use the computers, relax and look at the paper, check out a DVD – every time you use the library, remember its existence is due in large part to volunteers who, years ago (and today), saw a need and worked to fill it. The library is a haven for thousands in our community, and it never stops giving.

The next Library Tea will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 1:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the library. Join others for a cup of delicious tea, a homemade treat and a relaxing visit.

The Book Group meets at the library on the last Tuesday each month at 6:15 p.m. The next meeting on Sept. 27 will be a “Readers Choice.” If you have a book someone lent you but haven’t had time to read it or if someone has told you about a great book – but you just haven’t picked it up yet? Here is your chance!

Bean supper

A baked bean supper will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Assembly of God church, Cottage Road, Windham. The menu includes a variety of beans, salads and casseroles, breads, rolls and homemade desserts. Adults $6, children $3, under age six, no charge. For more information call 892-5980.

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.

Pig roast

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.

September

is Sign-up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up month and the library wants to make sure all children and adults in the Windham have the smartest card of all – a library card. Observed since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month is a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all. How do you get a library card? All Windham residents may obtain a library card free of charge. Children who are five years and older and live in Windham (and can print their first and last name) and students in the Windham Public School system may apply for a library card. Non-residents of Windham pay $20 annually for a single or a family membership. When applying for a card at the circulation desk, adults will be asked to show identification with name and current address. Children 16 years and younger will need a parent or legal guardian’s signature. Questions? Just give the library a call at 892-1908.

Civil War program

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 originally scheduled for August but postponed because of Irene.

Lakes Region

Senior Center

An Open House is scheduled to be held at the Lakes Region Senior Center on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 1-3 p.m. The Center is located at the former Little Falls School 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.

Scrapbooking for all

Windham Drifters snowmobilers will host a Scrapbooking Crop Fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Legion Post 86, Lewiston Road in Gray. Enjoy a day of learning how to preserve the memories of summer and other family events. A $25 fee includes light snacks and lunch. Door prizes, raffles and a 50/50 raffle will be held. For more information, email Tonnya Sayah at tsayah@roadrunner.com, or call 310-0417 to make sure she has your address so you will receive an invitation – let her know if you may be interested in helping.

Chicken cookout

Windham Land Trust will host their annual Autumn chicken cookout on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m. at the Friends Church, Route 202. This is across from the town’s Family Resource Center and Public Safety Building. The cost is $10 and includes a half chicken, homemade potato salad, cole slaw, roll, pie and beverage. Eat in or take out.

Benefit yard sale

Windham Community Garden will hold a yard sale on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. sharp at the field on Roosevelt Trail (Route 302) next to Pinelyne Furniture and My Sister’s Garage. Spaces are available to rent to anyone for $10. Call Marge Govoni at 892-7192 if interested. This fundraiser will help the Community Garden in their efforts. To date, the Garden has donated more than 400 pounds of produce to the Windham Food Pantry. Find out more about the community garden at the website, www.windhamcommunitygarden.org.

Veterans’ benefits

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay will be at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 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.

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 Road for Windham residents. The Food 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.

Cabaret dining

and dancing

An annual Charity Gala will be held in the Roosevelt Room at Club 302 in Windham on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. Limited seats are available. Reserve yours by calling 892-5608. A night of fine dining, music and dancing, entertainment and humor will help Windham Helping Windham Neighbors provide critical fuel needs this winter for Windham residents. Silent and live auctions, raffles and much more, will be featured. Many local businesses, individuals and Club 302 are supporting this major fundraiser for the “Neighbors” community non-profit organization. Visit www.windhamneighbors.org to find out more.

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.

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.