Speakout host becomes guest!

On Thursday, May 24, 2012, Gary Plummer will host Speakout on Windham’s local Channel 7 at 7 p.m. This month’s topic is a discussion with Bill Diamond regarding his new book, “The Evil and the Innocent.” You are welcome to come to the Windham town office, Council Chambers, and be part of the audience. You are also welcome to call with your questions during the show at 892-0546.

Veterans benefits

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay will be at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesday morning, May 23, from 9 a.m. until noon, 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. No appointment is needed. To get to the Windham Veterans Center, enter Veterans Memorial Drive off Route 302 between Evergreen Credit Union and Friendly’s and follow to the end.

Book signing

Plan now for a book signing at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 9 at the library. Bill Diamond will be signing his newly published book, “The Evil and the Innocent,” which has received a good welcome.

Ice cream social ?and pies!

On Saturday, May 19, the Tuttle Road United Methodist Church in Cumberland are holding an ice cream and pie social from 6-8 p.m. at the church. Proceeds will benefit their mission team. All donations are welcome and they will also take orders for homemade pies – of all kinds!

Memorial Day – ?May 28

At last year’s Memorial Day Ceremony, the American Legion Post 148 read the names of all veterans who had passed away during the previous year. In order to do this again this year, your help is needed. If you know of a veteran who had any connection with Windham, and who died since last year, please contact Dave Tanguay, 892-1306 or email at dtanguay46@aol.com.

Flags, food drive, open house

Soon, large American flags will be waving on major routes in town, in commemoration of Memorial Day. On May 19, American Legion Post 148 will place the flags on utility poles and members of both American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will place smaller flags on graves of all veterans of all wars, throughout Windham’s many cemeteries on that weekend. On Saturday, May 26, a huge “Fill the Truck” food drive will be held at Walmart. The Legion’s food drive is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Memorial Day parade will be held Monday, May 28, followed by ceremonies at the high school and an Air National Guard flyover. An open house from noon to 2 p.m. will be held at the Windham Veterans Center with the dedication of a granite bench in the Memorial Garden to Real O. Tanguay.

Garden time

Windham Community Garden opens on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All those who have registered for the garden will be on hand to get the growing season started. The public is invited to visit. There are several information sessions scheduled for the summer at the garden. Updates will be included in this column. The first is on Tuesday, May 29, at 6 p.m. when Master Gardener Marissa Caminiti will address “Beginning a Garden” for all who attend. For more information on Windham Community Garden, visit www.windhamcommunitygarden.org.

Yard sale at Senior Center

On Saturday, May 19, a yard sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lakes Region Senior Center 40 Acorn Street, Gorham. Donations of items will be accepted with restrictions: No clothing, no large appliances, no overstuffed furniture or couches and everything must be in working order. Donations may be delivered at the Center, Monday, May 14, to Thursday, May 17, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, call Glenn at 893-9088.

Baked beans ?and ham

A baked bean and ham supper will be held on Saturday, May 19, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Windham Hill UCC, 140 Windham Center Road. The menu includes three kinds of beans, macaroni and cheese, ham, salad and more, all served family style. Homemade pies for dessert. $8 for adults, $5 for under 12.

Closed on the 28th

The Food Pantry will be closed on Monday, May 28, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Please schedule your monthly allotment accordingly.

Dowsing program

On Monday, May 28, Windham Historical Society will host a program about the ancient skill of dowsing. At 7 p.m. Wayne Holmquist will demonstrate how he finds cemeteries, old graves and other items, using several techniques. There is no charge; donations are always welcome to assist this nonprofit educational organization with its ongoing operational expense.

Church Thrift Shop

At North Windham Union Church Thrift Shop, in the basement of the church on Route 302, near the corner of Route 115 is open from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday or 10 until noon Saturdays. Check out the bargains!

Free clothes

Windham’s Free Clothes Closet is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. A great selection of clothing for all ages including adults is available. Other items include books for all ages, some games and linens. The Clothes Closet is accepting gently used spring and summer clothing for children of all ages, as well as for adults. Due to lack of storage, winter clothing cannot be accepted at this time. For more information, call 892-1931.

Benefits for seniors

A one-on-one counseling session with Owen O’Donnell, a volunteer Benefit Specialist is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p. m. on Tuesdays at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Find out about tax and rent rebate, Medicare, food stamps, fuel assistance and other benefits you may qualify for. Call Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 1-800-427-7411 to make an appointment.