Hope for the Holidays

The seasonal holiday fairs that begin before Thanksgiving make us all thinking of Christmas. For some people, these events are a reminder that even at this joyous time of year, many parents have concerns about providing a memorable Christmas for their children.

For quite a few years in Windham, the Food Pantry has served as headquarters for the matching up families who need a little help, and those who are acting as Santa’s helpers. A Toy Workshop is organized so parents can shop and select items suitable for their children. This year the workshop is Dec. 15 – less than a month away!

This year there is a significant increase in the number of families with children seeking help – both for Thanksgiving and Christmas — and the Food Pantry has received many applications for help. Madeline Roberts, who runs the Food Pantry reminds us that everything is “early” this year.

Ron Eby, of Windham Automotive, is holding a toy drive again this year and gifts or gift cards (especially ideal for teens) can be dropped off at Ron’s or the Food Pantry – or if you would like to help a family with Thanksgiving or Christmas, call Madeline at 892-1931 for more information. Frequently, a business, church, school or individual will adopt a family for the holidays. Sometimes, a special collection will be held at an office or gathering. Check with Madeline for details and together let’s make sure all Windham children enjoy the holidays this year.

Book & Bake Sale

The library will hold a Book & Bake Sale on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A preview sale will be held Friday, Nov. 16, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. $10 for each person entering the building. At the moment, the library is overwhelmed with book donations and asks that donors wait until December to bring in donated books. The sale prices are $1 for adult hard cover books, 50 cents for adult paper books, $1 for audio/visual items, children’s books will be 25 cents and children’s hard cover chapter books, 50 cents. Call the library at 892-1908 for more information.

Christmas Fair

North Windham Union Church UCC will hold a Christmas Fair on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wreaths, crafts, a silent auction, baked goods, kids activities, lobster rolls and soups for lunch. The Thrift Shop is open during the Fair.

Benefit Barn Dance

On Saturday, Nov. 17, a benefit barn dance will be held from 7-11 p.m. at Spring Meadows in Gray. Tickets are $14/individual, $24/couple. The DJ duo of Flamin Raymon’ and Sizzlin Suzzin will entertain with dance lessons and more. A silent auction, 50/50 raffle and photo booth will be featured. This event is to benefit Susan Zemla of Windham, recently diagnosed with scleroderma. For more information, visit http//sunshineforsue.weebly.com, or call Judy at 657-3168 or go to Facebook.com/sunshine for Sue.

Holiday Fair

Down on Towpath Road (just over the South Windham bridge) off Route 202 in Gorham, the trustees of the former South Windham Library will hold a holiday fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. Tables filled with homemade sweets and relishes, holiday crafts, baskets, hand-sewn items and so much more including lunch. Profits made by the trustees will be divided between the food pantries in Windham and Gorham.

‘Guys and Dolls’

Windham High School’s fall musical production of “Guys and Dolls,” will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov.16 and 17 at the Performing Arts Center at the high school. Performance at 4 p.m. on Nov. 18 is also scheduled. Call 893-1742 for reservations. Box office opens 45 minutes before curtain. This Broadway-style musical is directed by Rob Juergens, music director Richard Nickerson, choreography by Venesa Beyland. Tickets are $7 for seniors and children, $11 for adults.

Senior Center

Lakes Region Senior Center, 40 Acorn St., Little Falls School, Gorham, has ongoing events for members and welcomes new members. On Monday, Nov. 19, a boiled dinner will be held, open to the public for $4, followed by a pie sale. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and this is a drop-in center, so plan to stop by. The coffee pot is always on.

Maine National Guard Promotions

Brig. Gen. James D. Campbell, tThe Adjutant General for the Maine National Guard, has announced the promotions of the following Windham soldiers: Maine Air National Guard, James Bowen, Master Sgt., 243rd Engineering & Installation Squadron and Maine Army National Guard, Jonathan James, Spc., 120th Regional Support Group.

Shriners Meet

Lake Region Shrine Club meets on the third Tuesday each month at 5 p.m. at Club 302, Route 302, North Windham. Next meeting is Nov. 20. For more information, call Jim Hanson, 892-7187.

Afternoon Tea

There will be a Tea for You @ the Library on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 1:30-2:20 p.m. All ages are welcome to stop by for a cup of hot tea and sample some tasty treats.

Holiday Fair

Project Graduation 2013 will hold a Holiday Vendor Fair on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Little Meeting House, Route 302, North Windham. Area vendors will offer a variety of products and a percentage of their sales will go toward Project Graduation 2013. Participating vendors are also offering items for sale via their website. Go to WHS Project Graduation 2013 on Facebook for more information.

Free Community Meal

A free community meal will be served at Christ Chapel, Raymond, on Saturday, Nov. 24 from 4:30-6 p.m. The menu includes baked beans, hot dogs, kielbasa, casseroles, salads and desserts, continually served buffet style. The meal is totally free of charge, open to the surrounding communities and all ages are welcome. Christ Chapel is on Northern Pines Road, off Route 85 near Crescent Lake.

Veterans Health Services

Combat veteran and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Clifford Trott from Portland Vet Center, who is usually at Windham Veterans Center on the first and third Wednesdays, will be out of town on Nov. 21. Call 780-3584 to make an appointment for the next available date. These sessions are one-on-one and strictly confidential. Drop-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended.

Free Seminar on Medicare

Thinking of changing your prescription drug plan or insurance? Southern Maine Agency on Aging provides regular informational seminars to assist people in understanding their options. If you are thinking of making changes in your current insurance or are new to Medicare, or if you have questions about tax rebates, rent rebates, food stamps or fuel assistance, or other questions, you may be interested in signing up for these seminars. Walk-ins can usually be accommodated. The Welcome to Medicare seminar is held from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, North Windham. One-on-one counseling sessions are also held with volunteer Medicare advocates every Tuesday through Dec. 11 at Our Lady, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 1-800-427-7411 or 396-6500 and register. Visit the website at www.smaaa.org to learn more about the many other services that are available

Book Group Meets

The Book Group will meet at the Windham Public Library on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6:15 p.m. to discuss “When We Were the Kennedys” by Maine author Monica Woods. For more information, please contact Barbara at the library at 892-1908.

Christmas Open House

A Christmas Open House for the Animals will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, 279 River Road, South Windham. Hands-on activities for kids will be offered as well as sleigh rides, refreshments and raffles. Donated Christmas trees will be for sale and 100 gallons of heating oil donated by Giroux Energy will be raffled. Visit the website, www.msspa.org, for more information. The MSSPA is a tax-exempt animal rescue organization funded entirely by donations and grants, and does not charge for its services to Maine taxpayers.

Damien Shepard and Brandon Mitchell (in striped shirt) of the Windham High School football team presented a check for $1,000 to state Sen. Bill Diamond, Norma Rogers, and state Reps. Gary Plummer and Mark Bryant, all members of Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Each year members of the football team raise money and make a donation to the Neighbors’ organization, which buys heating fuel for those who are out of fuel and have no other place to turn for help.