74 years ago

Twenty-five Windham World War I veterans got together in 1938 and chartered the American Legion C.W.W. Field Post 148 in South Windham. The charter members were Roland Ward, Charles J. B. McSwigin, Frederick L. Loveitt, Harold W. Joy, Herman P. Haskell, Sherman T. Lord, Frederick H. Aikins, Maurice L. Rogers, Robert A. Partridge, Murland G. Ward, John W. Dahlgren, Joseph H. Corrivan, Ernest Tobin, Adolph Secord, E. Dean Pray, Harlan D. Freeman, George T. Andrew, Harry J. Lombard, Laurence H. Hutchinson, Ralph W. Newell, Luther Estes, Roscoe Lowell, Harold Varney, Samuel Whitten and Edward McKay. They were the prominent “movers” in the town and felt the need to come together as veterans to serve other veterans and their community.

The Field-Allen Post 148 continues this tradition. In December 2011, the Post in Windham met its goal of 100 percent membership for 2012 before the end of the month of December. A few members were lost during the year, mostly World War II veterans. The Post was fortunate to sign up more than 10 new members for the second year in a row. David Tanguay, membership committee chairman, congratulates all Post members who helped in this membership drive and reminds other veterans that there is room for you at the Post. “Many of you have very busy lives and have little time to spare. The Post is not looking for big commitments from its membership but asks that members choose from several opportunities throughout the year to give back to veterans and the community. If you feel that you have the time and are looking for those opportunities please contact an American Legion Post 148 member or call me at 892-1306. I am also available Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at the Windham Veterans Center if you would like to stop by and chat.”

Bean supper

Cornerstone Assembly of God on Cottage Road in Windham will host a bean supper on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The menu includes a variety of beans, salads, casseroles, bread and rolls, and homemade desserts. Adults are $6; children 6-12 are $3. And under age 6 are free. Call 892-5980 for more information.

Speakout on ?Channel 7

On Thursday, Jan. 26, Bill Diamond will host Speakout on Windham’s local Channel 7 at 7 p.m. The topic will include a one-on-one discussion with town Councilor Kevin Call. He has been quiet during his time as town councilor and this will be an opportunity to speak on his views and outlook on the town. The second segment of the show will be a discussion with independent candidate Martin Shuer who is running for State Senate. Viewers are welcome to call with your questions during the show at 892-0546 or come to the Windham Town office, Council Chambers, and be part of the audience.

Veterans help available

Veterans Service Officer Phyllis D’Orsay will be at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesday morning, Jan. 25, 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.

History Show & Tell

On Saturday, Jan. 21, Windham Historical Society will present the first of two programs where the public and society members will “show” unusual or unidentified objects and “tell” about it – or receive information from others. The program will be held at the Windham Public Library meeting room downstairs. It begins at 9 a.m. and should last about an hour, followed by a break for refreshments, and a brief business meeting. Maps and other items will be available for purchase. This is a free program for the public, but donations are always welcome.

Donnabeth ?Lippman Park

Windham residents are invited to attend a public forum on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. at Windham Town Hall Council Chambers to discuss ideas for the new Donnabeth Lippman Park (formerly Chaffin Pond Preserve). Here’s your chance to have input into a great new park. For more information, contact Windham Parks and Recreation at 892-1905.

Making sense ?of the Civil War

Beginning Jan. 31 at 6:15 p.m., “Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the Civil War,” a free reading and discussion group, will be held at Windham Public Library. Copies of books are available through the library. The program is provided by the Maine Humanities Council’s Maine Center for the Book in cooperation with the Maine State Library. There will be five sessions. The program is free, but registration is required and there is a limit of 25 participants. Call Barbara at the library, 892-1908, for more information.

A heart-warming event

From high school students to state representatives, many people are working on the early February “Warm Our Hearts” fundraiser being held by Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, to provide warmth via fuel for residents. Collection boxes will be distributed throughout the town by students who are also making the collection containers. Displays will be set up and donations collected at Shaw’s and Walmart on Feb. 11. More information will be provided in the near future. More than 20 applications for emergency assistance were received in December. The need is great! WNHN, a 501(c)3 non-profit has much more information on their website, www.windhamneighbors.org. Mail donations to WNHN, PO Box 1956, Windham, ME 04062.

How Medicare can help

On Tuesdays, Feb. 7 and 21, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) will offer a Medicare seminar and counseling for the Lakes Region at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 919 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. A “Welcome to Medicare” seminar is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition, there will be one-on-one counseling with volunteer Medicare advocates available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The seminar and counseling are intended to help sort through Medicare options, answer questions – and to help people enroll. Every Tuesday a benefit specialist will also be available at the church from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to Medicare assistance, Owen O’Donnell will provide benefit counseling (tax and rent rebate, food stamps, fuel assistance, etc.) for area residents. Call the Southern Maine Agency on Aging to register for the upcoming seminar or to make a one-on-one appointment with a Medicare advocate or the benefit specialist at 396-6500 or 1-800-427-7411. Further opportunities for these services will occur at the same times and location in March and April. Visit the website at www.smaaa.org to learn more about the many other services that are available including Meals on Wheels.

Chili Challenge

The annual Chili Challenge Benefit for Windham Community Garden will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the North Windham Union Church, Route 302. For information and rules, call 892-7192 or www.windhamcommunitygarden.org. For the tasters, adults are $7, children under 12 are $4. This is payable at the door. All proceeds benefit the Community Garden.

Free clothing

Windham Food Pantry/Clothes Closet has received many donations of used clothing for children, men and women of all ages. The hours have been expanded to Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and all other days by appointment. If you wish to take advantage of the free clothing available, call 892-1931 if you have any questions. The facility is located on Route 202 across from Friends Church and next door to the Public Safety Building. Warm, clean jackets, shoes, hats, purses and much, much more.

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.

Bean supper

On Saturday, Feb. 4, 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, home made biscuits and pies. Adults, $7; children under 12, $3.

Senior Center Events

Seniors from Windham and throughout the Lakes Region meet at the new Senior Center, 40 Acorn Street in Gorham to enjoy coffee, cribbage, and much more. Events listed are for members. If interested in joining, stop in for information Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Events include Coffee Cafe? ($1.50) or Cribbage on Mondays; card games, knitting, other needlework on Tuesdays; Pickleball and scrapbooking on Wednesdays and if weather permits, snowshoeing on Thursdays. For more information, email [email protected] or call Glenn at 893-9088.

Mark your calendars

Windham High School Alumni Association annual meeting and dinner will be held on Saturday, May 19. This is a heads-up for those who may be planning ahead. More information will be provided as it becomes known.