Toy Workshop

The Toy Workshop will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Human Resources Building on Gray Road, across from Friends Church. To date, applications have been received to help more than 160 Windham children. Toy donations are needed for children under 12 and gifts or gift cards for teens. For more information, call Madeline Roberts at 892-1931.

Christmas trees ?for sale

The Kiwanis Club of Windham Christmas tree sales are being held once more in front of Aubuchon Hardware. These locally grown, fresh cut trees are still $25. All proceeds support local youth projects.

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.

What’s in your tank?

On Thursday, Dec. 22, Bill Diamond will host “Speakout” on Windham’s local channel 7 at 7 p.m. This month’s topic is Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a local nonprofit organization that helps provide Windham families one-time fuel assistance in an emergency situation. It is not provided again to the same client. More than $8,000 has been expended during the first two months of this heating season – which have been mild. Diamond and others will discuss the organization, its goals and fundraising efforts. Viewers may come to the Windham town office, Council Chambers, and be part of the audience or call in questions at 892-0546 during the program.

Veterans help available

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay will be at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesday mornings, Dec. 14 and 21, 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, to the back of Hannaford’s and right of Lowe’s. No appointment is needed.

Beef stew at VFW meeting

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10643 meets on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Windham Veterans Center. All veterans are invited to attend. New members are always welcome and should feel free to bring families if that helps in any way. Bring your DD214 or proof of foreign duty. Homemade beef stew and rolls will be served at the 5 p.m. social and a short business meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Families may stay for the entire time. The Post wishes all veterans and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and remember, “You were there for us, we are here for you.”

Nutcrackers at library

A beautiful assortment of nutcracker collectibles, on loan from Eri Martin, of Windham, is on display at the Windham Public Library through January. Ten large nutcracker figurines, and more than a dozen smaller collectibles, are on exhibit in the case. Figures from the Nutcracker ballet, sewn on a quilt with lovely, eye-catching colors and textures, hang beside the case and highlight the display. Stop by the library for a look at this timely, colorful collection. Call the library for more information, hours, or for directions (892-1908). The Windham Public Library is located at 217 Windham Center Road.

Holiday Remembrance Service

Unity of Greater Portland, 54 River Road in Windham will hold a Holiday Remembrance Service at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14 to help people deal with the experience of loss during the holiday season. The public is welcome to attend.

Trip to Ireland

Windham-Raymond Adult Educational trip to Ireland will be April 14-22, 2012. An information night will be held Thursday, Dec. 15, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Windham High School, Room 126. The community is welcome. For more information, call 892-1819 or visit the website, www.eftours.com/1065628.

Christmas in the Barn

On Sunday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church of North Windham presents Christmas in the Barn at Hartwell’s Shady Maple Farm, 443 Sebago Lake Road (Rte. 237) in Gorham. A Christmas pageant with live animals and caroling will be held. For more information, call 892-3769.

Senior Center activities

Lakes Region Senior Center has a variety of activities and programs scheduled for December. Please mark your calendars if you are interested. A special holiday celebration is planned on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. The Lakes Region Senior Center at the former Little Falls School, 40 Acorn Street, Gorham is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, email lakesregion50@gmail.com or call Glenn at 893-9088, or drop in to see what it’s all about. New members are always welcome. Events are subject to change due to weather, or other unforeseen issues. Other activities include scrapbooking, Bingo, knitting, cards and more.

Meaningful gift idea

Thanks to those who have already ordered the new 2012 Postcards from Windham calendar. This will be a wall calendar with squares on the calendar part suitable to write appointments, etc. Readers who would like to reserve a calendar (or more than one), please send $10 for each, plus $2 for postage/handling to Kay Soldier, 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062. If you have any questions, please email me at kso48@aol.com. These would be good gifts for anyone who has ties to Windham. A percentage of profits will be shared with the Windham Historical Society, earmarked for the Village Green Living History Center project.