Lakes Region ?Senior Center

In a fairly short period of time, some senior citizens here in the Lakes Region have gotten off to a good start with the new Lakes Region Senior Center which will hold an Open House on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 1-3 p.m. at the former Little Falls School, Acorn Street in Gorham. If you are age 50 or above, interested in a safe, diverse place to socialize and are from the Lakes Region, come celebrate the new Center and learn more about it. Ice cream and homemade goodies will be served. This is a free event.

Antique Appraisal

On Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Windham Hill United Church of Christ, 140 Windham Center Road, is holding an Education and Appraisal Event in Fellowship Hall. Steve Center from Centervale Antiques in Scarborough will answer questions, share expertise and offer suggestions about antique investments. Admission is $5, $10 for admission and one item, $20 for two items and $25 for three items. Refreshments will be available. You must be able to carry your item(s) in and out.

Cabaret dining and dancing

An annual Charity Gala will be held in the Roosevelt Room at Club 302 in Windham on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. Limited seats are available. Reserve yours by calling 892-5608. A night of fine dining, music and dancing, entertainment and humor will help Windham Helping Windham Neighbors provide critical fuel needs this winter for Windham residents. Silent and live auctions, raffles and much more will be featured. Many local businesses, individuals and Club 302 are supporting this major fundraiser for the “Neighbors” community nonprofit organization. Visit www.windhamneighbors.org to find out more.

Local artist ?on exhibit

Artwork by Dana Plummer, late of Windham, is on exhibit at the Windham Public Library. She was a beloved primary school teacher, supporter of the library and the historical society. Until her death from cancer in 2002, she was deeply involved in the community and among other things, co-wrote a book about Windham history and designed the logo for the town’s 250th anniversary. Call the library at 892-1908 for directions or more information. Plummer’s work will be on display through October.

Roast beef dinner

On Saturday, Sept. 17, a roast beef dinner will be served from 5-6:30 p.m. at Windham Hill United Church of Christ, 140 Windham Center Road. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

On a history quest?

If you were born in this country, at least one of your ancestors may have fought in the Civil War. What do you know about their military service and life? The country is marking the 150th anniversary of that event and throughout Maine, special events are taking place to educate and inform citizens so we never forget what happened here. If one of your ancestors lived in Windham during the 1800s, you may want to find out more about them. Windham Historical Society, its museums and research facilities, is open to the public on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, or by appointment. Society volunteers will assist you in your research – or just drop in to view the many historic displays. For more information, call 892-1433 or visit the website, www.windhamhistorical.org.

Car Show

Windham Athletic Boosters will hold their annual car show at the high school on Sunday, Sept. 11. Registration is from 8-11 a.m., judging from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with awards at 2:30 p.m. Three trophies will be awarded in each class, plus Best of Show and Judges’ Choice. Admission $5 for adults, $3 seniors, students and children, $2 and show car driver and guest, $5. Raffles and food concessions will be available. For more information e-mail windhamboosters@yahoo.com or call 892-1810, ext. 248.

Pig roast ?at Vets Center

The Windham American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 will hold its second annual Pig Roast from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Windham Veterans Center, North Windham. The Pig Roast is an opportunity for local veterans and their families and friends to gather in a social atmosphere and kick off the fall season. All vets are welcome. The menu includes pulled pork, roast pig, salads and slaw, baked beans (Bean Hole) and a variety of drinks. Burgers and hot dogs will be available as an alternative to pork. The Pig Roast is an opportunity for the local American Legion to celebrate the American Legion’s Anniversary; so, a cake-cutting ceremony for the occasion will also be held. There will be friendly horseshoe and volleyball competitions as well as a local VFW/ American Legion horseshoe challenge (bragging rights for the year). Cost is $10 for adults $5 for under 12. For local veterans (potential new members) that attend and would like to join the American Legion, there is a special offering of $10 off the membership fee (normally $30). RSVP, David Tanguay, 892-1306.

Thrift shop

North Windham Union Church Thrift Shop is located in the basement of the church, on Route 302 near Boody’s Corner, regular hours are 1-3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday.

Veterans’ benefits

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay will be at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesday, Sept. 14, to assist 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. The Veterans Center is off Route 302, on Memorial Drive, between Evergreen Credit Union and Friendly’s. Follow Memorial Drive all the way to the Veterans Center – to the right of Home Depot – a dirt, town road. No appointment is needed.

2012 Project Graduation

Windham High School Class of 2012 is holding a golf tournament at noon on Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Naples Country Club. For more information, contact Jon Cummings, 329-8729 or Jim Cummings, 310-8818.

Plan ahead

Before we know it, hunting season will be here. A Hunter Safety Course will be held on Saturdays, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must attend both days to receive your certificate. Fee is $5 and it will be held at East Windham Fire Station, 45 Falmouth Road. Registration is at Windham Town Clerk’s office, call 892-1900.

Food Pantry holiday hours

Windham Food Pantry will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5 (Labor Day) and will open Tuesday for clients with the first Monday of the month hours applicable. Seniors 10:30-noon and families 5:30-7:00 p.m. Please plan accordingly.

Answers about Medicare

Medicare is always changing! Whether you are getting ready to retire or already receive Medicare, you can always learn more. Call Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 396-6500 and make an appointment at one of their seminars which are held at several sites. In the Lakes Region, SMAA will host Welcome to Medicare in Windham at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 6 and Sept. 20. Bring your Medicare card, Social Security number, list of drugs and quantities you take, your income and asset information (you may qualify for reduced costs) and current health insurance information.

Bingo

Bingo games are held on Mondays, 6:30 p.m. at the Windham Veterans Center, hosted by American Legion Post 128 of Standish. Bingo games pay out up to the state maximum of $1,400, depending on attendance. A winner-take-all game, as well as pull-tabs and a 50/50 drawing will be offered. Food and beverages provided by the Legion Auxiliary will be sold. Proceeds from the games will go towards the building fund for a future home for Post 128 which currently meets at the Kiwanis Building, Route 25 in Standish.