Pat Riley art sale

The family of the late Windham painter Pat Riley is holding a sale of her artwork this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13, at Riley’s former art studio in Windham.

The sale, taking place from noon to 5 p.m. both days, is open to the public and will feature thousands of paintings ranging from $5 for some of Riley’s smaller works to hundreds of dollars for some of her larger pieces.

The meaning of neighbors

Neighbors help each other in time of need. So many times we’ve read about days when everyone knew everyone else in town. I often wonder if people actually know who lives next door now. When someone needs help to stay warm, who can they turn to if not a neighbor. The local group which is always ready to help, and is funded purely by donations is called Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Many have received help and information about available help. Run entirely by volunteers, this confidential, nonprofit group will be meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. in the town hall conference room. Get involved and find out what it means to be a neighbor. Do your part and make sure no one in Windham is cold this winter. Come to this meeting and find out what Neighbors Helping Neighbors is all about and how you can help.

More neighborly work

The Windham Town Clerk’s Office saves money all year long from donations gathered by either performing marriages in the office or by Dedimus Justice services. These donations are used at Christmas for gifts for town young people in need. Rita Bernier of the clerk’s office tells us they shop for teenagers, because they are not considered as “children” so they seem to be the last on the list. This year there are about 50 teens, almost twice as many as last year, who are in need. Donations would be appreciated.

Help the homeless – pets, that is

Responsible Pet Care Animal Shelter in Norway is holding a bake sale at Shaw’s in Windham on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Perfect timing for Christmas and to help when you have no time to bake! The shelter cares for many homeless cats year- round. It’s a nonprofit organization and 100 percent of sale profits go to help care for the felines. FMI, 743-8679.

Free activities

What is there to do? Sometimes holiday visitors don’t want to go shopping but would prefer a day trip or something unique. Windham Public Library has two guest passes, provided free of charge, for the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Open year-round, this beautiful Maine setting can be seen on the Internet at www.mainegardens.org. The passes were provided by CoastalMaine.

Love the stars and planets? Check out an astronomy show at USM Southworth Planetarium. The library has a pass for free admission for one family, up to six people. Visit usm.maine.edu/planet.

Shrine Club meets and elects

On Tuesday, Dec. 15, the Lake Region Shrine Club meets at Gilbert’s Chowder House in Windham. Social hour is 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m.

New officers will be elected. Nominated are Jim Hanson, president; Bob Miele, 1st vice president; Rick Berry, 2nd vice president; Dave Genz, treasurer; Ernie Allen, secretary; Ted Pierce, Barry Irish, Mike Birrell, George Hall, Willard Boothby and Fred Maitland, directors (with differing length terms). Past President Wayne Whitney will be an ex-officio member of the board.

The program will be a holiday sing-along, led by Gary and Betty Schultz, who entertained the club in September.

Boy Singers of Maine Windham connection

David Farinella of Windham is part of the Boy Singers of Maine, along with other youth of Windham. He is the grandson of Marge Govoni and David Nadeau. The group will present “Songs of the Season” on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland.

For 30 years, The Boy Singers of Maine has enriched the cultural life of Maine with its unique and joyful sound. A nonprofit, educational organization, BSM is committed to education; its mission is to provide an exemplary music education and to develop excellent performance skills for boys aged 7 to 19. Tickets for the concert can be purchased by calling 1-800-838-3006, through www.boysingersofmaine.org or at the door on the night of the performance. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors.

A truly happy Thanksgiving

Getting a call from their son who is serving in Afghanistan made Thanksgiving Day truly happy for Liz and Clarence Wisecup. Clarence has been busy lately traveling to and from Portland where he is a member of the Portland Community Chorus. Following two Christmas concerts, already performed, about 60 of the 130 chorus members will join the “Magic of Christmas” shows with the Portland Symphony Orchestra at Merrill Auditorium. Eleven concerts will be held beginning Dec. 11. Rehearsal director during the month of “Magic” rehearsals has been Dr. Richard Nickerson, choral director of Windham High School. During the actual shows, they will be under the direction of the symphony conductor. Wisecup says he’s been singing (baritone) since high school and traveled all over the world, while he was in college, in the Army, and has even sung at the old Carnegie Hall, as well as on television shows and many other venues.

Warm jackets

Check out the Clothes Closet, open Monday nights, in the same building as the Food Pantry. Pick up a warm jacket or coat for these cold winter days. Everything in the Clothes Closet is free.

Thrift shop

Want to save some money? North Windham Union Church runs a thrift shop downstairs in the church building on Route 302, North Windham. Everything is very neatly organized and reasonably priced. Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday and Thursday from 1-3 p.m.

Christmas in the barn

Faith Lutheran Church of North Windham will present “Christmas in the Barn” at the Knight Farm, 443 Sebago Lake Road (Route 237) in Gorham on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. The Christmas pageant will feature live animals, caroling and refreshments. For more information, call 892-3769.

Tea party at the library

Stop in and visit at the Windham Library on Tuesday, Dec. 15, and enjoy tea, goodies and conversation at the informal tea held every six weeks in the public meeting room.