Independence Day meant a long weekend this year – and the weather indeed was tolerable! We’d love to know what exciting things you are doing this summer and the names of all those kids graduating from college – share the news! All you need is to send it to me by deadline (a week prior to publishing).

VFW meets

Windham Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10643 will hold its July meeting on the Wednesday, the 13th at 5 p.m. at the Windham Veterans Center, Independence Drive (go in the road right by Friendly’s). The meetings begin with a social hour and great food. All current/past members, and all veterans with DD214’s or other proof of overseas deployment to hostile areas are invited to attend. Come and join others for camaraderie, support, connections and advocacy.

Yard Sale

Windham Historical Society is holding another great yard sale on Saturday, July 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its headquarters located at 234 Windham Center Road. There’s something for everyone: old tools, furniture, antiques, plants, household, trunks and collectibles. Visit the society and check the selection of Windham maps, books and more.

Veterans benefits

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay is available on the second and fourth Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. until noon, at Windham Veterans Center. Look for her next on July 13. She can assist widows of veterans, dependents and of course, veterans. 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 necessary.

College grads

Nathan Gardner of Windham recently graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a B.A. in political science. This fall, he will pursue a master’s degree in international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is the son of Denise and Les Gardner.

Courtney Edison, a Windham resident, recently received a Bachelor of Science degree from Simmons College of Arts and Science in Boston.

Food pantry

Located on Route 202, across from Friends Meeting House and adjacent to the Windham Public Safety Building, the Windham Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Senior citizens may come at 10:30 a.m. to noon. The Pantry has bags of food available if there is an immediate need, but fresh fruits and vegetables are available on Mondays only. Call 892-1931 any day, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. if in need of emergency food.

Gardens bloom again

According to Marge Govoni, “The plants are growing and the garden is full of activity as the 42 garden beds have brought together a great group of local residents, from the new to the experienced gardener. We are looking forward to having a great harvest this year. We have also planted beds for the Windham Food Pantry, with the idea that we will be able to supply them with local produce.” Organizers are grateful to all who have donated time and materials to make this a reality. The garden folks would love a canopy so they could have a shady spot out of the sun. Great for crops, the sun isn’t so great for gardeners. And how about a couple of bat houses to keep the flying bug population down! Remember, the garden is open to all to enjoy so stop by and check it out – on the same side of the road and near to the Public Safety Building and Skate Park. Anyone who wishes more information or is able to donate can contact Govoni at 892-7192 and visit the website, windhamcommunitygarden.org.

Music on the Hill

The first of four Music On the Hill concerts will be on Saturday, July 9, at 7 p.m., at the Windham Hill UCC Church, 140 Windham Center Rd., featuring Big Ben Hillman, presenting his funk, soul, jazz and R&B Quartet, with Hillman on keyboards, Ben Alman on bass, Chuck Langford on sax and Pete McClean on drums. Tickets are available at the door, $12 adults, $8 for seniors and 12 or under. Children age 5 and under get in free. Call 892-2154 for reservations. For more information call 892-4217 or www.windhamhillucc.org.

Victorian secrets

Ever wonder how many layers of clothing women of the Victorian era had to have to accomplish that quaint look in old photos? The hoop skirts, shawls and lacy collars and cuffs – all familiar during the Civil War era. On Monday, July 18, visitors to Windham Historical Society will learn first hand, just how involved it was to get to look “picture perfect.” Special guest Carolyn Lawson, an expert in Civil War era fashion, will show us all just what goes on before the dress! Mark the date on your calendar and be at the Society headquarters, in the old brick town house on Windham Center Road, at 7 p.m. sharp! There is no charge, but donations are welcome.

Got extra string beans?

Madeline Roberts reminds readers that Windham’s food pantry is looking forward to the growing season and fresh vegetables and will gladly accept any amount. Food distribution is on Monday nights so Monday would be the best day to donate however there is refrigeration available and fresh produce can be accepted on Fridays. They are also accepting gently used, washed fall clothing to put away for the start of school.

Wheelchairs needed

The Windham Loan Closet is in need of wheelchairs. If you have borrowed one and are ready to return it, or you have one in good condition to donate, please call 892-1907 to arrange for pick-up or delivery.

Class reunion

Windham High School Class of 1971 will hold their 40th reunion on Saturday, July 9 beginning at 10 a.m. with coffee, refreshments and pontoon boat ride on Little Sebago. In the afternoon, golf is planned – contact Dave Rogers, 892-4295 or Rogd@aol.com. In the evening, met at Fireside Inn (formerly Holiday Inn West), Riverside Street, Portland from 6-11 p.m., cash bar, buffet with prime rib, salmon and roast turkey – and dance to the Class of 71’s own band, to music of the 60s and 70s. A 50/50 raffle will be held. The evening cost is $35 per person. For more information, contact Barbara Bowden Graves, 892-6033 or Susan Lunt Simonson, ssimons1@rr.com. Special note to the classes of 1970 and 1972 – you are invited, also!!

Thrift shop

North Windham Union Church Thrift Shop is open Wednesday and Thursday, 1-3 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon. At the church on Route 302 near Boody’s Corner. Bargains for you on a variety of items. Check it out!

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.