During these hot summer days, I’ve been working on my new book about Windham (more on this below). It would be great if I could include a chapter about our Windham folks who have served in the military since our beginning – many served in the Revolutionary War and all the wars since. If readers would like to share the story of their Windham ancestor, please contact me at kso48@aol.com. Sooner is better than later, to receive information, as we plan to have the book published in October. Thanks!

Get a Free Pass

Looking for something to do when summer visitors are here or youngsters get bored? Visit Windham Public Library – it’s more than books! Thanks to the Friends of the Windham Public Library, the library offers passes to the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine in Portland, the USM Southworth Planetarium in Portland, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, the Willowbrook Museum Village in Newfield, and several of the Maine state parks. During the open season, passes are also available to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray and Dundee Park in Windham. Contact the Children’s’ Room for more information at 892-1908.

Help the Food Pantry

Food Pantry clients still average 175 families each month. Donations are very low as always happens this time of the year. The Food Pantry is seeking donations of crackers, peanut butter and jelly, tuna, mac and cheese, among other items. They have the capability to accept frozen items and are open for donations Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Any organization or neighborhood that would like to or could organize a food drive for the pantry should call 892-1931 for notification or assistance.

Civil War Book Talk

Continuing its year of Civil War anniversary commemoration, Windham Historical Society presents a book talk by author Jean Flahive about “Billy Boy: The Sunday Soldier of the 17th Maine” at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 23. Ms. Flahive recently participated in the Society’s Civil War encampment. Following this free program, refreshments will be served and a business meeting held. The program will be held at the historical museum and headquarters on Windham Center Road. The public is welcome.

American Legion Meets

Windham American Legion Post 148 will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 1, at the Veterans Center. Social hour is at 5 p.m. followed at 6 p.m. by a business meeting to discuss and plan the 3rd annual pig roast to be held in September.

Bingo every Monday

For the summer, American Legion Bingo will be held at Windham Veterans Center in North Windham behind Big Lots. Doors open at 4 p.m.; Bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. Hot food, cold drinks and other goodies available. This is sponsored by Standish Memorial Post 128; proceeds help veterans and their families. For more information, call 642-5583 or visit www.facebook.com/standishpost128.

Music on the Hill

Step-dancing and fiddle music is featured by the Don Roy Trio (plus one), at “Music on the Hill” Saturday, July 21 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 25, 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.

Democrats Meet

Windham Democratic Town Committee will hold a special meeting to fill three WDTC officer vacancies: Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary, followed by a regular WDTC meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 6, 2012 at the Windham Public Library.

Who was ?Hemon Cobb?

You might have heard of the Hemon Cobb Road in South Windham – but do you know who this person was? Find out in Kay Soldier’s upcoming Windham history book, “The Days Gone By,” due out in October. Her first book, “Memories of Windham,” written 12 years ago was a sell-out. Kay has been researching and writing about Windham and Windham families for 25 years and has interviewed dozens of the oldest residents. One feature is a complete history of Route 202 from the days of the first settlers in this part of town, written by historian Charles Legrow. Also included will be many biographical sketches of people who were instrumental in building Windham. Kay is taking orders for the book now and can be contacted at kso48@aol.com or drop a note to her at 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062. The 100-plus page book will cost $24.

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 a.m. 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.