Thank you

Recent donations from Stephen Rankin and from David and Glenice Stover, to Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, are very much appreciated. As the days get colder, more requests for help with fuel are received. WNHN provides one-time fuel deliveries in critical situations. The only source of funds to provide this help is from donations and fundraisers. For information on how you can help, visit their website at www.windhamneighbors.org.

Christmas Concert

Little Falls Baptist and the Russian Baptist churches are teaming up to put on a traditional Christmas Concert on Friday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Little Falls Baptist Church, 746 Gray Road, Gorham. (This is also called Main Street.)

Christmas Dinner Invitation

For those without a place to go on Christmas Day, you are invited to Christ’s Chapel in Raymond to share a free Christmas Dinner of roast turkey and all the trimmings at 2 p.m. on Dec. 25. The chapel is at 37 Northern Pines Road, off Route 85, Raymond.

Lakes Region Seniors

The Senior Center, at Sunset Ridge Golf Links, River Road, near the Westbrook line is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday during the winter. Activities include card and other games, a weight support group, chair exercises, needlework and puzzles.

At the Library

There is no Book Club meeting in December. The Windham Public library received a grant from the Maine Humanities Council and will be offering a “Making a Living, Making a Life”, a Let’s Talk about It program starting in January of 2014. It will be held in place of the regular Book Group meetings on the last Tuesdays of each month. Please call Barbara at the library: 892-1908 for more information. Space is limited.

American Legion Meeting Change

The Field-Allen American Legion Post 148 usually meets on the first Wednesday of each month. This year the first Monday in January falls on News Year’s Day. In deference to those who might not be available that day/evening, the January meeting has been moved to Wednesday, Jan. 15. As always it includes a 5 p.m. social with a ham dinner followed by a 6 p.m. business meeting. Come and join, one and all. Guests are always welcome.

Concerts at Church

The popular Music with a Mission concerts held at the North Windham Union Church will continue in 2014. The proceeds will benefit the North Windham Union Church and other local nonprofits. The concert series will showcase local artists and offer opportunities for the congregation and community to gather in fellowship and raise money for worthy causes. On Saturday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. the group Ithacapella will be joined by special guests, Windham Chamber Singers and on Saturday, Jan. 25, the 7 p.m. presentation will be by Jerks of Grass. Get all the details at www.mwamconcerts.com.

Christmas Cantata

A Christmas Cantata will be held on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. at Raymond Village Community Church, the choir under the direction of Karen Strange. All are welcome. There is no admission fee, but a free-will offering will be gratefully accepted.

Book Talk and Signing

On Sunday, Jan. 12, Carol Manchester will be speaking about her new book at Windham Hill Church at 1 p.m. Her appearance is sponsored by the Local and Legendary: Maine in the Civil War, Gorham-Windham team. There is no charge. Books will be available to purchase and will be signed. This is a true story about Civil War soldier Joseph K. Manchester of North Windham and includes letters and many familiar names to Windham’s “old-timers” – a good read!

Marriage Intentions

One marriage intention was filed at Windham Town Clerk’s in recent days: Andrew Coffey and Sarah Thurlow, both from Windham.

Days Gone By

If you’re seeking a gift for someone impossible to buy for, consider a copy of my second Windham history book called, “The Days Gone By.” Give me a call (see above) or email me – or stop by the house. This book includes stories about important people from the town’s past, articles about the way things were and a complete history of Route 202 settling families and their houses.