It’s always a good time to thank a veteran for the safety and security you cherish. On Memorial Day we honor those who have passed away after spending the best part of their lives protecting us, our freedom, and our way of life. Take a few hours this weekend and say thank you in person at one of the many events the veterans themselves have arranged. We owe it to them.

Memorial Day Weekend

On Saturday, May 25, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the annual American Legion food drive at Walmart kicks off Memorial Day weekend in Windham. The veterans hope to fill a 5-ton military truck.

The local VFW post 10643 will be folding their annual Poppy fund raiser in front of WalMart in North Windham on Sunday and Monday. Proceeds from this event go to support veterans programs.

On Monday, May 27, parade participants assemble at 8:45 a.m. in front of the town hall on School Road. At 9:15 a.m., the parade starts along Route 202 through Windham Center to the High School and the Veterans’ Memorial in front of the entrance to the gym. At 10 a.m., the Memorial Day Ceremony will be held with the reading of names of Windham veterans (and those affiliated with Windham) who passed away over the last year. The wreath-laying will take place. (There will be no flyover this year.)

At noon, Windham Veterans Center hosts a public dedication of the new Missing in Action (MIA) memorial, the dedication of the footstone for the late Ralph Johnston and a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the American Legion Field-Allen Post 148, providing services to veterans since 1938. A light picnic-style lunch will be served which includes burgers, hot dogs, salads, desserts and beverages. All are welcome.

Historic Plant Sale

On Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Windham Historical Society will hold its annual Plant and Garden sale including old-fashioned garden de?cor, plants of all kinds for outside, indoors, perennials, annuals and hanging plants! This is a fund-raiser for the proposed Village Green being built on the Society grounds. Come and choose from plants that began near the doorsteps of some of WindhamOs most historic homes!

Music with a Mission

The Bellamy Jazz Band will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, at the North Windham Union Church, Route 302, Windham. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students, children and seniors. Box office opens at 6:15 p.m. Proceeds benefit Lewiston Fire Relief Fund and the church. For more information, call 892-7149 or email MWAMconcerts@gmail.com.

Food Pantry

A reminder that Windham’s food pantry will be closed Monday, May 27, in honor of Memorial Day. Another reminder – bring five cans or boxes of non-perishable food to the food pantry and enter a raffle for theater tickets to the Ogunquit Playhouse and restaurant gift certificate – drawing will be May 30. The food pantry’s regular days are Monday-Thursday.

Historical Society Meets

Windham Historical Society will hold a membership meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 27, at the museum and headquarters, 234 Windham Center Road. New members are always welcome. Come and learn about the Village Green, building the schoolhouse, barn and much more.

Tea for You

A Tea for You @ the Library will be held on Tuesday, May 28, at 1:30 p.m. This is an informal tea in the meeting room. Folks are encouraged to drop in, share conversation, tea and goodies. All ages are welcome.

Book Group

The library’s Book Group meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:15 p.m. at the library. On May 28, the group will discuss various short stories written by Maine authors. Please call Barbara for more information, 892-1908.

Marriage Intentions

Recent marriage intentions filed at the Town Clerk’s office include Daniel Sites and Ashley DeLong, Jared Smith and Jennifer Hanscom, Gary Arsenault Jr. and Bethany Curty, Joshua Kinder and Jessica Barry, John Carter II and Sarah Martin, Tyler Hews and Audrey Jandreau, all from Windham; Michael Grover from Windham and Meaghan Kennie from Westbrook.

Veterans Health Services

On Wednesday, June 5, combat veteran and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Clifford Trott from Portland Vet Center, is available at Windham Veterans Center for appointments with veterans seeking information and/or help. Call 780-3584 to make an appointment.

Chicken Cookout

Windham Land Trust will hold their semi-annual chicken cookout at Friends Church on Gray Road on Saturday, June 8, starting at 5 p.m. A complete meal for $10 includes a half chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, rolls, beverage and homemade pie. Eat in or take out.

Craft Show, Sale

On Saturday, June 8, Windham Hill United Church of Christ will host a Craft Show & Sale with proceeds to go to H.O.M.E co-op from Orland, Maine. Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission. Items for sale include handmade pottery, wooden crafts, jellies and jams, quilts, leather goods, jewelry and more. H.O.M.E. co-op benefits the rural poor of Hancock County.

Book Sale

A big annual book sale is planned for Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Windham Hill UCC. Have any extra books to donate? They’re also looking for CDs and DVDs. Not accepting text books, technology books, VHS tapes. Think ahead during your spring cleaning and start a book box for this book sale. Any questions, you can contact Sylvia Sullivan.

Catered Meal for Seniors

Windham Community Cafe? at Unity Gardens, Tandberg Trail, will hold a catered meal on Thursday, June 13. A meat platter with rolls, potato salad, cole slaw and apple pie will be available for a donation of $5 for those 60 and over. All seniors invited. Reservations required by June 10. Call Virginia Billings at 892-3891. The Community Cafe? is open 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Help for Veterans

On June 12, Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay is available at the Windham Veterans Center, as she is on the second and fourth Wednesdays every month, from 9 a.m. until noon. She assists 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.

Artisans’ Fair

On Saturday, June 22, Artisans on the Green will be held at Windham Historical Society. Craft demonstrations will include wooden toys and other woodcrafts, rug hooking and braiding, quilling, quilting, blacksmith, spinning, making pony carts and wheelbarrows and much more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, go to the website, www.windhamhistorical.org or call 892-1433. The Society is seeking other people with old-fashioned skills to participate. No charge for the crafters who can also bring items to sell.

Senior Center Open

Lakes Region Senior Center is open from 9 a.m. Monday to Thursday at the former Little Falls School, Gorham. A continuous offering of activities including Pickleball, card games, bingo, crafts and more. Drop in and inquire about membership.

Class of 1973

40th Reunion

Good friends, good cheer, share memories and catch up! On July 20, a casual gathering upstairs at Rustler’s Steak House in Windham will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Order from the menu, no advance reservation or admission cost. It would be nice to have an idea how many are coming, so a reply would be great. We aren’t mailing invitations, so we hope everyone can spread the word so everyone in the class knows. Call Donna 655-3581 or Sue Witonis, 655-4426 e-mail dmorton4@maine.rr.com.

Art at the Library

Artwork by Brenda McGuinness is on exhibit at the Windham Public Library. She was born in Ireland and currently resides in Sebago. Her work can be found in private collections worldwide. Please see more about her at www.ealainart.com. Her work will be on display at the library through July 31. For more information, library hours, or directions, please call the library at 892-1908.

Medicare Help?

On Tuesdays, June 4 and 18, 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 9 a.m. to noon. The seminar and counseling are intended to help you sort through your 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 SMAA to register for an upcoming seminar or to make a one-on-one appointment with a Medicare Advocate at 207-396-6500 or 1-800-427-7411. Walk-ins can usually be accommodated. Further opportunities for these services will occur monthly on the first and third Tuesdays at the same times and location. Visit the website at www.smaaa.org to learn more about the many other services that are available.

Time Jumpers

Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, River Road, is holding a raffle to benefit the nonprofit organization that rescues animals. Raffle tickets cost $10 each and the winners receive four concert tickets including dinners to Vince Gill and the Time Jumpers, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield on Nov. 18. Value of prize is $500. The drawing takes place on Oct. 13. Visit www.msspa.org.