Fine figures at library

A wonderful display of Breyer horse models from the collection of Crystal Thomes is on display at the Windham Public Library through Aug. 7. The 12 models depic 10 breeds, including mustang, appaloosa, Nokota and American saddlebred.

Crystal – a huge horse lover – began collecting Breyer models about six years ago. She had wanted a real horse for her birthday, but since she couldn’t have one, her aunt sent her a few of the models that she owned. Crystal’s collection has grown since then.

Crystal says the Breyer model company started in Chicago, with its first model, in 1950, made to adorn a mantelpiece clock. People began asking the company for models with only the horse.

With one look at this collection, it is clear why the models are so popular. Drop by the Windham Public Library for a look at

this interesting display. Call the library, 892-1908, for more information. The library is located at 217 Windham Center Road and is open 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, 9:30-6 on Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30-5 on Fridays, and 9:30-1 on Saturday.

It’s a stretch

Raindrop Yoga Studio, located on Route 302 in Windham, is expanding to a new location at the corner of Whites Bridge Road and 302, across from the new Thatcher’s location. Raindrop will now be offering group yoga sessions in addition to private sessions, as well as Thai Yoga body work. Come and visit the new studio, or call Kathy at 776-5208 for more information.

Historical Society news

Windham Historical Society presents a program on Doll Collecting on Monday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at the headquarters at 234 Windham Center Road. The public is welcome. There is no fee, but donations are always welcome to continue the work of the society. Refreshments follow the program.

Mmm, pancakes

The Lakes Region Shriners will hold a public pancake breakfast July 18 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Gilbert’s Chowder House. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children.

Bring food

“Can the Van Day,” a benefit for the Windham Food Pantry, will be held Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Windham Christian Life Center, 628 Gray Rd. The idea is to fill a van with as many nonperishables as possible to support the food pantry. The event promises to be a family day of fun and entertainment. Please stop by and support this event, as everything goes directly to the Windham pantry. Nonperishables and cash will be accepted.

Happy Birthday

Barbara Muir celebrated her birthday July 8. She enjoyed the day with her husband, Bob, and their cats and dog. The menu for the occasion was lobster and homemade ice cream.

Music on the Hill

On July 18, Windham Hill UCC Church welcomes the Royal River Philharmonic Jazz Band’s first performance at “Music On the Hill.”

The band is a six-piece New Orleans-style Dixieland group. Its repertoire comprises blues, ballads, comedy tunes, marches, two-steps, religious songs and novelty numbers.

Members are Eric Anderson on the tuba, Barney Balch on trombone, Peter Dunphy on banjo, David Langzetell on cornet, Robert Pillsbury on clarinet, and Olin Sawyer on piano. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at church at 140 Windham Center Road, Windham. Refreshments will be served following the concert.

Tickets are $12 for adults; $8 for seniors (65-plus) and also for children (12 and under). Series tickets are $30. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or in advance by cash or check only at Little Sebago Gallery & Frame, 889 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, 892-8086. For reservations call 892-0136.

Visiting family

Bertha Davis and her friend, Dennis, are here visiting from Zephyrhills, Fla. They arrived July 6 and will be leaving July 19. They are staying with her sister Elsie Haskell and will visit her other sisters, Beulah Mason and Edith Arey.

Shriners meet

The Lake Region Shriners will meet July 21 at Gilbert’s Chowder House. The social will begin at 5:30 and dinner is at 6:30. The speaker for the evening will be the Rev. Mark Ruskin of the North Deering Congregational Church in Portland.

Plante picked

At its annual meeting, ecomaine, a nonprofit recycling and disposal organization owned and operated by 21 municipalities, elected Windham Town Manager Anthony Plante chairman of the board.

The 2009-2010 fiscal year will be Plante’s second as leader of the organization and its $24 million budget. Also re-elected was Michael Bobinsky of Portland, vice chairman; Michael McGovern of Cape Elizabeth, treasurer and finance committee chairman; and Gary Foster of Gray, secretary and audit committee chairman.

Plante noted that 2008-2009 had been especially difficult due to a sudden crash of the recycling market and a shortage of revenue from waste tonnage fees, both a result of the poor economy. “Despite that,” said Plante, “our midyear spending cuts and dedicated staff allowed us to finish the year slightly under budget.” Plante also announced there would be no municipal fee increases in 2009-2010.

Market activities

Here’s a listing and quick description of events at the Farmers Market for July:

July 18: Salinity, a Christian rock/alternative band, will play. Coming from a broken past, their music is meant to inspire and uplift the weary and the oppressed.

July 25: Children’s Day. Market hours will be extended, to 8 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be storytelling with Sue Dries. The Cap’n Eli truck will be there with samples of Maine-made soda. Enjoy horse-drawn rides, face painting, a scavenger hunt and more.

Marriage intentions

Marriage intentions on file in the town clerk’s office: Ryan P. Shible and Kellie L. Mierop, Windham; Sean M. Snow and Lisa M. Sessions, Windham; Randall E. Dunton and Pamela J. Maller, Windham; Edward B. Jernigan Jr. and Abigail L. Barnhart, Colorado.

Thought of the Week:

Believe all the good things people say about you – they’re true.