When I was at the food pantry recently, it occurred to me as I viewed the dozens of loaves of bread, trays of fresh vegetables and pastries that there may still be some people who don’t know the availability of this resource. For those who are struggling with food bills and needs, especially in the summer when “all the kids are home,” the food pantry can be a great help. I saw many of those one-meal little trays of food that could be heated in the microwave – perfect for seniors! This life-saving resource is available to Windham residents in need, even if it is a temporary need. Open by appointment, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, call 892-1931. The Clothes Closet is open at the same time where free, clean, clothing in excellent condition is available along with children’s books, some toys and other items. There are special hours just for senior citizens, as well.

Church supper

On Saturday, June 30, an Italian supper will be served at Windham Hill UCC from 5-6:30 p.m. The church is located at 140 Windham Center Road. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

Music on the Hill opens

Big Ben Hillman kicks off the annual July concert series, “Music on the Hill,” July 7 at 7 p.m. at Windham Hill UCC Church, 140 Windham Center Road. Tickets at the door, $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and age 12 and under. Call 892-2154 or 892-4217 or go to www.windhamhillucc.org.

Veterans benefits

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay will be at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesday morning, July 11, 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.

Tea for you

Tea for You @ the Library is held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, and is free for anyone. No reservations necessary. Enjoy homemade goodies and tea while meeting new friends.

What the Food Pantry needs

The Food Pantry is providing extra bags to families during the school summer recess consisting of breakfast and luncheon items. Items such as peanut butter, jelly, Pop Tarts, cereal, fruit, and juice along with snacks are needed and can be dropped off at the pantry, 377 Gray Road Monday through Thursday from 8-4:30. It is appreciated.

American Legion

There will be no Field-Allen Post 148 meeting on the 4th of July. Next business meeting will be Aug. 1.

Need help sorting through Medicare?

On Tuesdays, July 3 and 17, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) will offer a Medicare seminar and counseling for the Lakes Region at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 919 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. A “Welcome to Medicare” seminar is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition to the Medicare seminar, there will be one-on-one counseling with volunteer Medicare advocates available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The seminar and counseling are intended to help sort through Medicare options, answer questions – and to help people enroll. In addition to Medicare assistance, counseling on tax and rent rebate, food stamps, and fuel assistance can be arranged. Please call the Southern Maine Agency on Aging to register for the upcoming seminar or to make a one-on-one appointment with a Medicare Advocate at 396-6500 or 1-800-427-7411. Walk-ins can usually be accommodated. Further opportunities for these services will occur at the same times and location in August and September. Visit the website at www.smaaa.org to learn more about the many other services that are available.

Help for veterans

On Wednesday, July 18, Dr. Clifford Trott, clinical psychologist and combat veteran, from the Portland Vet Center, will offer mental health services to area veterans at Windham Veterans Center. These sessions are one-on-one and strictly confidential. Drop-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended. Call 780-3584. He is available on the first and third Wednesdays. 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.

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!

Senior Center activities

Lakes Region Senior Center 40 Acorn Street, Gorham, welcomes the public to the following: Bingo every Thursday, 10 a.m. and pickleball at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Lakes Region Senior Center summer hours are Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a drop-in center and daily activities are flexible for members. The coffee/tea pot is always on.

Boston Post Cane

The town clerk is looking for the oldest Windham native living in Windham – if you think someone you know (or you) would qualify, call Linda Morrell at the town office and that person may receive the Boston Post Cane. It pays to be an oldster sometimes!

Historical Society hours

Windham Historical Society is open from 9 a.m. to noon or thereabouts on Thursdays and Saturdays during the summer. Dave Tanguay is on hand Thursdays and Kay Soldier is the Saturday morning volunteer. Many who visited the recent Civil War encampment had never been in the historic building which contains dozens of displays of historic items, old maps, photographs and much more. If you are doing family research, there are many books and genealogical files available to help. The Society is operated by volunteers and membership is open to all for a small cost. All donations, even membership fees, are tax deductible because the Society is an educational, nonprofit organization. Newly published books, extra copies of high school yearbooks, T-shirts and other items are available for purchase. The Society is working toward developing a living history park that will be available for public use. For more information, visit www.windhamhistorical.org or email kso48@aol.com, or call 892-1433.