History Calendar

For many years, I compiled a “history” calendar filled with Windham’s interesting past. I did skip a couple of years but because so many asked, I decided to do another one this year – using old postcards! Who remembers where Kilgore’s restaurant was? How about Drowsy Pines? Which Boody’s store do you remember? It was rebuilt a couple of times. Order your calendar now. This will be a wall calendar with squares on the calendar part suitable to write appointments, etc. The plan is to have them ready the first or second week of December. Readers who would like to reserve a calendar (or more than one), please send $10 for each, plus $2 for postage/handling to Kay Soldier, 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]. These would be good gifts for anyone who has ties to Windham. A percentage of profits will be shared with the Windham Historical Society, earmarked for the Village Green Living History Center project.

Loan closet

Had a call this week from a person who needed a wheelchair and was seeking the Loan Closet, an “institution” in Windham comprised of volunteers who collect and loan medical equipment to Windham residents – at no charge. If you or someone you know has need of a wheelchair or other medical equipment, call 892-1907 and your request will be referred to the “on duty” volunteer. On Fridays, these calls may be made to 892-1908 (library) as the town hall is closed on Friday.

Veterans help available

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay will be at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesdays, Dec. 14 and 21, 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.

Toy Workshop

The Toy Workshop will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Human Resources Building. To date, applications have been made to help 159 Windham children. Toy donations are needed for children under 12 and gifts or gift cards for teens. Applications for the Toy Workshop are available through Dec. 9. For more information, please call Madeline at 892-1931.

Christmas ?in the Barn

On Sunday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church of North Windham presents Christmas in the Barn at Hartwell’s Shady Maple Farm, 443 Sebago Lake Road (Route 237) in Gorham. A Christmas pageant with live animals and caroling will be held. For more information, call 892-3769.

Holiday Fair

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, River Road and Windham Center Road, holds their annual holiday fair on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Features include wreaths, crafts, ornaments, silent auction, raffle, jewelry, linens, knitted items, baked goods, candy, cookie walk, toys, children’s activities and a delicious lasagna luncheon. Everyone is welcome.

Scam program at Senior Center

Lakes Region Senior Center has a variety of activities and programs scheduled for December. Please mark your calendars if you are interested. On Monday, Dec. 5, Gorham Savings Bank will present a program about scams at 10 a.m. A presentation on Thursday, Dec. 8. about TRIAD is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with light luncheon provided and a special holiday celebration is planned on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. The Lakes Region Senior Center at the former Little Falls School, 40 Acorn Street, Gorham is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, email [email protected] or call Glenn at 893-9088, or drop in to see what it’s all about. New members are always welcome. Events are subject to change due to weather, or other unforeseen issues. Other activities include scrapbooking, Bingo, knitting, cards and more.

American Legion meetings changed

A reminder to American Legion Post 148 members that the Post will be meeting year-round on the first Wednesday of each month. This is a change from the prior schedule. The next meeting is Dec. 7 at the Windham Veterans Center. Social at 5 p.m. followed by business meeting, 6-7 p.m. Membership is at 90 percent for 2012. The goal is 100 percent by the end of December. Membership forms should be forwarded promptly to the Adjutant.

Wreath ceremony Dec. 7

American Legion Post 148 will place evergreen wreaths on the Veterans Monuments at Windham Veterans Center and Windham High School on Dec. 7. Members wishing to participate should meet at the Veterans Center at 9 a.m.

Church Fair

A holiday fair is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 4, from noon to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 919 Roosevelt Trail in North Windham. Included are handmade knitted, sewn and crochet items. Lots of tables: raffle, jewelry, holiday, bake, candy, kitchen and white elephant. The kitchen will be open with breakfast and lunch menu on Saturday, and on Sunday a delicious brunch will be available.

Sleigh rides ?at Open House

The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals invites the public to a free, family-friendly Christmas event at its 279 River Road, South Windham farm on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donated Christmas trees will be on sale, free carriage or sleigh rides available, complimentary children’s activities, and complimentary refreshments. Raffle items offered and horses, horses, horses! For more information, visit www.msspa.org or call 892-3040.

Adopt a family

There are many people who love to go shopping. Sometimes there’s a toy or item that is irresistible – if only there was someone to give it to. At the Windham Food Pantry, we’re told that as of this writing there are 126 children including 30 teens, all who are available for “Christmas adoption” – it would certainly be in the spirit of season to help these youngsters enjoy a happy holiday! For more information, please call Madeline at 892-1931.

Windham’s ?art gallery

One of the many features of Windham’s public library is the display of work by local artists. Visitors and library patrons can view the work of Susan Walker, Lynda Wilson and Richard Anzelc. Walker was prompted to pursue her interest in painting when a friend died without finishing his “bucket list.” She took classes through Windham Adult Education where instructor Charlene Lee helped Walker perfect her skills. A dozen paintings by Walker and her classmates will be on display through January. The library is located at 217 Windham Center Road. For directions or information, call the library at 892-1908.

Christmas Outreach

Unity Church of Greater Portland is sharing the joy of the holiday season with Crossroads for Women, located in Windham. An “angel tree” will be available Sundays through Dec. 11 at Unity Church and visitors can adopt an angel, providing gifts for residents of Crossroads. Dec. 18 is the deadline to bring in a gift. Unity is located on River Road, Windham. For more information, call Sharon Hatfield at 883-1233 or email [email protected].

Christmas trees ?for sale

The Kiwanis Club of Windham Christmas tree sales are in front of Aubuchon Hardware. These locally grown, fresh cut trees are still $25; all proceeds support local youth projects.

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.