Vets To Hold Chili Cook-off

Got a great chili recipe? Beginning Feb. 20, you can enter a chili contest – and help our local veterans. On Saturday, March 7, Windham VFW Post 10643 will hold an End-of-Winter Chili Cook-off at the Windham Veterans Center. First place wins $100, with second place winner receiving $50. The menu includes chili, cornbread, rice, salad, dessert and non-chili children’s food. Admission for all non-entrants is $7 for the general public; family, $12; children under 12, free. Chili entrants should call Willie at 228-4329 between Feb. 20 and March 1 for an anonymous entry number and bring their favorite chili in a slow cooker to the Veterans Center between 4:45-5 p.m. on Saturday. Judging will be done by Chef Jeff Gambardella of Applebee’s in Windham. Entertainment, a silent auction and 50/50 drawing will also be featured. The event supports veterans and their families.

Cancer Support

The Windham Cancer Support Group will meet on Monday, Feb. 23, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Windham Public Library, Windham Center Road. Guest speaker will be Dr. Christine Maguire, chiropractor and proponent of holistic health care, who will discuss health nutrition. The meeting is open to all those interested in better eating habits – not just those dealing with cancer issues. If there is a snowstorm, please call the library (892-1908) to see if they are open.

Syrup Making

A program about the history of maple syrup making will be presented by Windham Historical Society on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 9 a.m. at the public meeting room of the Windham library. Lyle Merrifield of Merrifield Farms will tell us all about this unique product. Refreshments will be available. $5 donation is suggested to further expand the Society’s educational community projects.

Next Week at the Library

Our public library is a special place for all ages. There is always something happening to enlighten and enrich our lives. On Monday, Feb. 23, Story Time is held at 10:30 a.m.; on Tuesday, Feb. 24, Books & Babies is at 10:15 a.m., the Knitting Group meets at 1 p.m. and at 6:15 p.m., the Book Group is held. On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the TNT Club Movie, “Million Dollar Arm,” is at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 features Story Time at 10:30 a.m. and the 1 p.m. Movie Time is “Hachi: a Dog’s Tale.” For more information about any of these or other events at the library, contact www.windham.lib.me.us/calendar.

Downeasters Entertain

On Saturday, Feb. 28, Downeasters Barbershop Chorus will present a lively concert at 7 p.m. at the North Windham Union Church. This is another in the series offered by Music with a Mission, a wonderful organization that helps support community organizations. Tickets at the door; $12 for adults, $10 for students, seniors. For information, go to www.mwamconcerts.com or call 892-7149. Concerts benefit local community organizations.

Help the Horses

Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is asking for help to win a grant from Bangor Savings Bank’s Community Matters More, for the animals sheltered at the MSSPA on River Road. Go to www.bangor.com/Community-Support/Community-Matters-More.aspx and cast your vote before Feb. 28. The mission of the Society is to prevent cruelty to animals in Maine and elsewhere. The MSSPA is a nonprofit organization that receives no federal, state or local funding. It supported by a combination of membership dues, bequests, donations, grants, and fundraising activities. For more information, visit www.msspa.org.

Vietnam War Commemoration

American Legion Field Allen Post 148 is the newest registered member of the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative program that will be hosting events for Vietnam veterans over the next three years. Post Americanism Officer Rodney Voisine will coordinate the Field-Allen Post’s activities. He is a Vietnam veteran and retired Marine.

The Vietnam 50th Anniversary program will be organized around a series of national, regional, and local events that are designed to recognize Vietnam veterans and their contribution to the war effort and community. American Legion Post 148 is planning two events for 2015. The first event will be in coordination with Windham’s Memorial Day parade and activities. The Post will have a Vietnam veteran contingent in the parade, as well as a recognition ceremony at the Memorial Day ceremony in front of the Windham High School. Additionally, there will be a welcoming event associated with the Legion Memorial Day Open House at the Windham Veterans Center, including a possible visit by Gov. Paul LePage.

Half of the American Legion Post and local VFW Post membership is made up of Vietnam-era veterans. Those numbers, although significant, are only a small percentage of the number of local Vietnam veterans in the Windham area. The American Legion Post would be interested in hearing from veterans in the area who are not members of the post. Your name would be added to the list of vets receiving recognition, information about the program, and will provide you an opportunity to participate in upcoming community events. For more information about the national program, go to www.vietnamwar50th.com. To receive more information, or to register, contact the local Vietnam Committee representative Rodney Voisine at 400-6671 (cell) or by email at rod.voisine@yahoo.com; or Chuck Whynot at 892-4720 or by email at chuckwhynot@yahoo.com.

Speakout

On Thursday, Feb. 26, Bill Diamond will host Speakout on Windham’s local channel 7 at 7 p.m. This month’s topic will be: Project Graduation.

You are welcome to call in with your questions during the show at 892-0546. You are also welcome to come to the Windham town office, Council Chambers, and be part of the audience.

Library Outreach

Windham Public Library delivers an assortment of books and movies on the first Tuesday of each month to Little Falls Landing, Ledgewood Manor, Unity Gardens and New Marblehead Manor. The next scheduled delivery date is March 3. For more information, call Sally at 892-1908.

Blue Lights and Funny Cider

On Saturday, March 21, at 9 a.m., retired Maine game warden John Ford and Mark Nickerson, a retired state trooper, will present “Blue Lights and Funny Cider,” a humorous look at their experiences in the woods and on the roads of Maine. Each has written about their law enforcement experiences, and books will be available at this special Windham Historical Society program at the public meeting room of Windham Public Library. Refreshments will be available. A $5 donation is suggested to help further the educational and public programs of the Society. For directions and more information, call Dave at 892-1306.

Senior Center

Lakes Region Senior Center at North Gorham Church, 4 Standish Neck Road, Gorham, welcomes seniors from all the towns in the Lakes Region daily, Monday-Thursday. Bring a friend! Daily activities include Mahjong on Monday at 9:30 a.m. Beginners welcome. For more information call Diane, 892-9529; Tuesday is crafting with Avis (892-0298. Poker and card tables are also busy. Wednesday includes socializing, puzzle table and other activities of choice; second and fourth Wednesdays are weight support, nutrition, and stretching exercises. For information, call Diane. On Thursdays at 10 a.m., Bingo games begin.

Texas Hold ’em Poker

Like to play poker? At Dena’s Restaurant, Windham Veterans Association hosts Texas Hold ’em Poker on the first and third Wednesdays each month, starting at 7 p.m. Sign up is at 6:30 p.m. and anyone signed up by 6:45 gets a free $1,000 chip. Proceeds benefit the Veterans Center building and operations. Dena’s Restaurant is next to Windham Post Office – great food and drinks available. Next date is March 4.

‘Little Mermaid Jr.’ Performances Set

Windham Center Stage Theater has just begun rehearsals for its star-quality children’s production of Little Mermaid Jr. Don’t forget to set aside time to see Ariel, Ursula and Sebastian with their whole chorus of other colorful sea creatures! Opening night is Friday, March 13. Look to reserve your tickets mid-February. Visit the website at http://windhamtheater.org.

Field-Allen American Legion Post 148 Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Committee Chairman Rodney Voisine, left, presents a certificate to Post Commander Mel Greenier indicating the post’s partnership with commemorating the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.Courtesy photo by David Tanguay