Valentine’s Day is almost here, reflected in several activities and events going on in the Lakes Region. How did this holiday begin? There were at least 14 martyred saints of ancient Rome named Valentinus. Little is known of the Saint Valentine whose feast day is Feb. 14 – the day he was buried in Rome. Valentine messages (written letters) have been in existence since 1400. Printed Valentine cards, as we know them, came into existence about 1900. Today, it’s a day responsible for a huge sale of candy, flowers, gifts and (my favorite) the beginning of the end of winter.

Cake auction

On Sunday, Feb. 12, the Men’s Group of the North Windham United Church of Christ will hold a cake auction at 11:30 a.m. at the church located at 723 Roosevelt Trail, North Windham. The event will have a Valentine’s theme. More than 30 cakes from some of the area’s best known bakers and bakeries will be auctioned to the highest bidder. Just in time for Valentine’s Day! All proceeds help the Men’s Group community meal and outreach program.

Warm Our Hearts

An ongoing “Warm Our Hearts” fundraiser is being held by Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors to raise funds to provide winter fuel for residents. Collection boxes have been distributed throughout the town and on Saturday, Feb. 11, information tables and displays will be at Shaw’s and Walmart. Stop by and make a donation, so no Windham family goes cold. The need is greater than ever. WNHN is a nonprofit organization. More information can be found on the website, www.windhamneighbors.org. Mail donations to WNHN, PO Box 1956, Windham, ME 04062.

Blood pressure clinic

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, a free blood pressure clinic will be held at the Lakes Region Senior Center, 40 Acorn St., Gorham. The 11 a.m. clinic will be conducted by the Gorham Health Council. Following the clinic, a pot luck lunch will be held, followed by a valentine/birthday party with sing-a-long and games. Bring a dish to share and learn more about the Senior Center.

Summer Fest needs your help

Windham’s annual community celebration, Summer Fest, is scheduled to be held the weekend of June 23, beginning on Friday, June 22, with a special program at the high school, about the American flag. The Historical Society will host a Civil War reenactor encampment, a big parade will take place and many other activities are planned. To succeed, volunteers are needed to make it happen. The committee meets monthly until spring, then twice a month, at the town hall. If you would like to help or want more information, call Brian Ross at Windham Parks and Recreation Department, 892-1905.

Heart Health talk

At 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, the Lakes Region Senior Center will host a program, Heart Health, presented by Cindy Honess, MSN, ACNS-BC a Cardiac Clinical Nurse Specialist who will present topics on “Gender Differences in Heart Attack Symptoms.” Information will be focused on general cardiac disease risk factors, differences in heart attack symptoms between men and women, and the Million Hearts campaign. She currently works at Maine Medical Center as a cardiac clinical nurse specialist. Refreshments will be served. The LRSC is at 40 Acorn St., Gorham.

Welcome to Medicare

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, a Medicare seminar will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. One-on-one counseling with Medicare specialists will also be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Southern Maine Agency on Aging to register or make an appointment – 396-6500. Owen O’Donnell, a Benefit Specialist from SMAA is in Windham every Tuesday at the same location from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. to provide information and assistance on a variety of benefits including fuel assistance, food stamps, tax and rent rebate and more. Call 396-6500 to make an appointment.

History program

Windham Historical Society will meet on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Windham Public Library from 9 a.m. to noon. Following a fascinating program showing objects of unique historical interest, refreshments will be served and a business meeting held. The public is welcome to join – and bring along a favorite historical article to show and describe.

Veterans help available

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay will be at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesday morning, Feb. 22, 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, to the back of Hannaford and right of Lowe’s. No appointment is needed.

New recycling spot

There is a new recycling bin in town off Route 302 by the fitness center next to the bottle redemption business. The bin accepts books, records, VCR, tapes, DVDs, CDs and video games. These are items that are hard to get rid of and are sold for a good cause. This is a welcome addition to the bins that accept clothing and shoes.

Trip to Scotland

Windham Hill United Church of Christ is offering a trip to Scotland from Sept. 10-19, 2012. Package price is $2,975. For more information, contact Rev. Sally Colegrove at Windham Hill UCC, 140 Windham Center Road, or call 892-4217. This trip is on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to 42 participants.

Dean’s list

Ryan Patterson from Windham has been named to the fall 2011 dean’s list at Gettysburg College; Kirsten Russell, daughter of Kim and Len Russell of Windham was named to the fall 2011 dean’s list at the University of New England.

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.

Corned beef & cabbage

On Saturday, March 17, Field-Allen American Legion Post will hold a scholarship fund raiser, corned beef and cabbage dinner, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Windham Veteran’s Center. Cost per person will be $10 or $25 for a family. Proceeds will be used for local high school scholarships.

Bean supper

On Saturday, March 3, a baked bean supper will be held at White Rock Community Club, Wilson Road in Gorham. The public is invited to these “first Saturday” suppers held January through June, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The menu includes two kinds of beans (pea and kidney), cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, homemade biscuits and pies. Adults, $7; children under 12, $3.