Chickens as pets

For more than a year, we’ve watched the reworking of a town ordinance regarding the keeping of chickens – as pets and as egg-producers. We’re not talking about roosters, for they might disturb neighbors with their crowing. This reminds me of the new resident who came to the town with a complaint – she loved her new home in the country and she loved watching the cows on the horizon, but she wondered if anything could be done about the noise they made – mooing! Watching Windham change has been an education, especially for someone who remembers when Windham really was rural and henhouses and crowing roosters helped keep it that way. One public hearing was full of emotion as several explained in detail the attributes their chickens had – all of them had names – and why they were such good pets. I was remembering the chicken yard and henhouse full of feathered critters (none had names) who produced eggs on a regular basis and also helped feed our large family. Baby pigs are really cute, too – and very intelligent – and they will follow you around, but it’s not because they want to be petted – they just know who brings the grain. I cannot in my wildest imagination think of having a chicken as a pet, with those cold beady eyes staring and their sharp beaks pecking the bare legs of the children who only wanted to gather eggs! But maybe the chickens have changed over the years.

Medical equipment needed

The Windham Loan Closet is in need of wheelchairs, transport chairs, shower seats and commodes. If you have borrowed an item and no longer need it, or if you have one to donate, please call 892-1907. A volunteer will return your call and arrange for the item to be delivered to the Loan Closet, which is located at 221 Windham Center Road. The Windham Loan Closet has many types of medical equipment and supplies available to area residents. There is no charge for items borrowed although donations are gratefully received. This service is supported by the town of Windham and by a group of volunteers.

Quilt exhibit

Jeanne Wright will present a quilt exhibit at the North Windham Union Church Sanctuary and Foyer on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 80 quilts, including antique (1835) and contemporary will be exhibited. No quilts are for sale. A $3 donation will be appreciated to benefit the church’s discretionary fund.

Teens at the library

There will be a “Cupcake Break” for teens on Tuesday, Aug. 14, from 1:30-3 p.m. in the meeting room at Windham Public Library. Stop by and decorate a cupcake! Call the library, 892-1908, for more information.

Little Sebago

Lake program

On Tuesday, Aug. 21, Windham Historical Society will present a program about Little Sebago Lake. Once this lake’s boundaries were quite different than they are today and the Power Point presentation will explore how the lake changed over the years, both in use and configuration. The program will be held at 7 p.m. at Windham Veterans Center on Memorial Drive, in back of Windham Mall. Maps of the lake will be available. There is no fee, but donations are welcome to help the society further its education programs and development of the living history center called Village Green. For more information, call 892-1433 or 892-1306.

School supplies

The Food Pantry/Clothes Closet is seeking donations of gently used/clean clothing for school children all ages, as well as back packs and contents to give to schoolchildren of all ages. They have received a large donation of spiral notebooks but need glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils and regular pencils, rulers, pens and along with three-ring binders. The Pantry is open for donations Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Call 892-1931 for more information.

Veteran services

On Wednesday, Aug. 15, 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.

Thrift Shop sale

The Thrift Shop at the North Windham UCC continues the Bag Sale through Aug. 11. Shoppers may fill a standard-sized shopping bag with as many items of clothing and shoes as will fit – all for just $5 per bag. Open from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday or 10 a.m. until noon Saturdays. The Thrift Shop is in the lower level of the church.

Benefits for seniors and low income

On Tuesdays, Aug. 21, 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, 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 will help sort through Medicare options, answer questions – and to help you enroll. In addition to Medicare assistance, counseling on tax and rent rebate, food stamps, and fuel assistance can be arranged. 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 September and October. Visit the website at www.smaaa.org to learn more about the many other services that are available.

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.

Veterans benefits

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay will be at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesday morning, Aug. 22, 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.