Dog days

August is typically the month of hot and sweltering “dog days,” but it seems like those days were early this year. Hot, hot July was full of great – and unexpected – events. My siblings all got together for an evening repast and I must say, it was a far cry from suppers of our youth with the long table, children on both sides, cleaning up their plates which contained good healthy farm-grown food. Our July get-together featured delicious pizza, Italian sandwiches, all kinds of chips and dips, chocolate treats and as an extra something, high winds, pouring rain and tornadoes in an adjoining town. A memorable – and almost moveable – feast, indeed! Nothing beats visiting with brothers and sisters.

Historical program

In August, Windham Historical Society moves to the Windham Veterans Center for a program about Windham during World War II. What was it like for schools and school children while the world was at war? How did the town respond to the war effort – collecting metal, rubber and rationing gas and food? Save the date – Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.

Veterans help

Wednesdays, Aug. 11 and Aug. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon, Phyllis D’Orsay, a seasoned Veteran’s Advocate from Portland, will be available to assist veterans and dependents with questions about benefits and other information at Windham Veterans Center. She will be on hand on the second and fourth Wednesdays each month. If you have questions of a military nature, stop in and get some answers. The Veterans Center is off Route 302 in back of the Windham Mall on Memorial Drive.

Halloween walk/run

The annual Windham Community Benefit 5K Walk/Run hosted by Windham Lions and Windham Neighbors will be held Oct. 31. It is held to raise more than $15,000 to directly benefit the community. Proceeds will be used to provide heat and other essential needs to residents. Team up with neighbors, friends and co-workers and have fun – costumes are encouraged! It is, after all, Halloween – and going without fuel can be a scary thing! Help keep Windham warm. Learn more about the Neighbors group by visiting their website, www.windhamneighbors.org, and for Lions information, call 892-5690, while their website is being updated.

Bag sale

North Windham Union Church Thrift Shop is holding a $5 bag sale on clothes and shoes through Aug. 14. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday 1-3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until noon. The shop is downstairs at the church near Boody’s Corner.

Food and funds drive

Windham Food Pantry is the recipient of a community effort to fill the pantry shelves during this “few food drives” season. Nonperishable food is needed most, for example: spaghetti, rice, macaroni, pasta mixes, cereal, tuna and canned meat products (hash, chili, chowders), canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, baked beans, soup, juice, etc. For more information, contact Sen. Bill Diamond, 892-8941; Rep. Gary Plummer, 892-6088; or Rep. Mark Bryant, 892-6591. Donations of cash and checks are appreciated. Please make checks payable to the Windham Food Pantry.

On Saturday, Aug. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., please bring all contributions to the Windham Food Pantry/Windham Human Services Building , Route 202, beside the Windham Public Safety Building. Early drop-off available through Aug. 13, Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Windham Automotive, Route 302, south of the rotary.

Community picnic

Monday Night Meal program will hold a picnic at Dundee Park on Monday, Aug. 9, at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Rain location will be Windham Assembly of God Church. For more information, call Marcia at 892-3769 or Marie at 642-2834.

Yard sale items needed

A yard sale will be held at SMART Child and Family Services on Saturday, Aug. 7, at 86 Tandberg Trail, Windham (Route 115). A food sale and hot dog sale will also be featured. The Program Committee is hosting this event. The committee is comprised of foster parents, a SMART board member and a staff member. The yard sale is a fundraiser to help support the events and activities for foster children and parents.

If businesses or citizens have items they would like to donate, the committee would appreciate them. Items can be dropped off at the SMART office. For questions or pickup of donated items, call Jo Bradeen at 893-0386.

School supplies needed

School supplies and school bags are being collected at Windham Food Pantry/Clothes Closet. They could also use gently used clothing for children 5-16 years of age. Donations may be made Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Human Resources Building, 377 Gray Road, or call Madeline at 892-1931.

Exercise to prevent falls

Exercises specially designed to help prevent falls continue at Unity Gardens, 124 Tandberg Trail, Thursdays, Aug. 12 and Aug. 26, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sponsored by Southern Maine Agency on Aging. All are welcome. Call 1-800-427-7411 or drop in.

Wall of Honor

If you or a member of your family served in the military, and was or is from Windham, the Windham Historical Society would like to add a photograph to a Wall of Honor being compiled. This is an ongoing project and would include military from as far back as the Civil War up to current times. The society is in the old brick town house, 234 Windham Center Road, and is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These photos will be displayed at events such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day, etc., and will be a permanent display at the society.