Hello Windham Family! September in Bomber Country always seems to be a turning point or symbolic start of a new year. September has a back-to-school/new year vibe that is hard for me to ignore. Author Gretchen Rubin first remarked that "September is the other January" in her book "Happier at Home." Gretchen noted that "Each year, Labor Day was a milestone that provoked self-evaluation and reflection."
That happens for me, just like it does at the (calendar) beginning of the new year. I find September to be a great time to reflect on my year so far, to commit to (and sometimes to even remind myself of) goals and intentions I set for myself back in January, and maybe even to set some new intentions for the remainder of the year before the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Take this month to reflect on your year so far and enjoy the many exciting things happening this month in our small town.
Windham T-Mobile Million Dollar Grant progress
We are incredibly honored to share that Windham Exempted Village Schools is one of 1,175 schools (almost 1,000 less than last year) nationwide to apply for the T-Mobile $1 Million Friday Night 5G Lights Grant to put a track on our football field. This isn’t a random drawing. Schools are chosen based on the strength of their story, the impact on their community, and the support shown by the people who believe in them.
From Athletic Booster President Elena Sweet: “Full transparency, I have zero concrete proof that T-Mobile will choose its 40 division finalists this Friday. However, based on everything I’ve been able to dig into, I believe there is a real possibility that the finalist selection process could begin very soon.
T-Mobile’s $5K Friday Night portion of the Friday Night 5G Lights contest has ended. The next major step is selecting 40 division finalists across the country — 10 from each division.
For Windham, that means we need to earn a spot among the Top 10 in the Midwest Division. And I want to be completely transparent about something else: There are schools in our division that have gotten bigger and louder publicity than us. But publicity is not the only thing that matters.
T-Mobile is also looking at the need, the impact, the stories being told by the community, the creativity behind the campaign, and the way a new field and track could impact not just football, but our students, athletes, families and entire community.
And that is where Windham has an incredible story to tell. So if you’ve been thinking about making a post — do it now. If you’ve thought about recording a video — record it now. If you’re an alumnus, parent, student, athlete, coach, teacher, business owner or community member with a Windham story — tell it now. No more waiting. Post everywhere, but especially Instagram and X. Tag T-Mobile and Windham every chance you get. Make sure you’re using the correct contest hashtags. Tell them why this matters.
Don’t just say “Windham deserves it.” Show them what $1 million could change here. The 40 division finalists are officially scheduled to be announced Oct. 8. We may not know anything before then, and I will continue pushing and posting until that announcement is made.
But based on everything I can see right now, I have a strong feeling that this week matters.
So Windham … be loud, be creative, tell your story, show the need, show the impact, let’s make it impossible to overlook Windham.
Follow Windham Athletic Boosters, share our posts, keep making your own posts, Tag @TMobile, always include #entry and #FN5GL.
We have already made it this far— and we are just getting started. Let’s keep the energy high, keep Windham’s name everywhere and show everyone what this small but mighty community can do. Let’s go Windham, keep posting, keep sharing, keep believing. T-Mobile #entry #FN5GL.
2026 Windham Bomber Homecoming festivities
The 2026 Windham Bombers Homecoming game will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 vs. Sebring McKinley High School. The annual Homecoming Parade will line up at the Renaissance Family Center (RFC) and head down East Center Street at 5:15 p.m., ending at the high school. If you’re interested in having a float in the parade, line-up will be before parade kickoff. Be there to cheer on our sports teams, band, and homecoming court members. Don’t forget to bring a bag for candy! Following the parade, the Homecoming Court and their families will be presented at about 5:30 p.m. on the football field. Crowning of Homecoming King and Queen will be at halftime of the football game.
Camp Fitch for Windham Sixth-Graders
Every year, our sixth-grade Bombers take the three-day trip to North Springfield, Pa., to Camp Fitch. Camp Fitch YMCA offers year-round outdoor education programs for schools in Erie, Youngstown, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh areas. Providing experiential learning in a nature-based environment supporting emotional, behavioral and intellectual development. This trip is chaperoned by sixth-grade staff and volunteer Windham high school juniors and seniors; this has been a fun and educational tradition for many years. Often, this could be the first experience our students have away several nights from home.
Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of Windham Alumni, local organizations and churches, and community members, every single student was able to attend at no cost. We cannot thank you enough for giving our students the chance to experience the outdoor education program at Camp Fitch — it was truly unforgettable. If you would like to help support our Camp Fitch Fund and ensure every student has the chance to attend, donations can be made by dropping off a check at the school, or mailing it to Windham Junior High, 9530 Bauer Ave., Windham, OH 44288, Attn: Sherri Harrah.
You can message Mrs. Harrah on Facebook if you need more information. Thank you for continuing to invest in our kids and their experiences. Every donation makes a difference.
Windham First Responders Appreciation Dinner
Shepherd’s Joy Ministry Church will be hosting a dinner honoring all First Responders from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Join us to help honor and celebrate our Windham Police, Fire and EMS and service members. This event will be open to the community and will include a ceremony followed by a complimentary dinner.
Windham Clock dedication
The Windham Historical Society is requesting your presence on the Township Green at the Gazebo, from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 for the clock dedication and celebration and a “getting to know you picnic.”
- Hot dogs, snacks and beverages served free. Come on out and celebrate with us, as we dedicate our new street clock, new monuments, plaques, and restorations, along with 10 years of our special high school graduates pictures, finally finding their way to the “halls of WHS.”
- Special guests will include our State Rep. Steve Demetriou, who was instrumental in obtaining a grant for Windham. Some of our county commissioners and others may also make it for this special event.
- Visit some of the tables set up, introduce yourself, look through some photo albums, ask questions and more. We’d love to have you visit and even become a part of your Windham Historical Society at the RFC, est. 2001.
Bring the whole family, share some food, spend time and enjoy the evening with friends. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Windham Alumni Association Plant & Baked Goods Bingo
Registration is now open. Get ready for a fun night of plant & baked goods bingo. The Windham Alumni Association is excited to host our Plant & Baked Goods Bingo on Oct. 17. Beautiful plants, delicious baked goods, great prizes, food and beverages available for purchase. A fun night with friends and fellow alumni! You do not have to be an alumnus to participate. Adult event — 18+, seating is limited, so be sure to register early. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Bingo begins at 7p.m., 9590 Bauer Ave., Windham. Registration is required to participate. Register here: https://www.qr-insights.com/q/whs-bingo.
New Portage County Library Windham Branch
The Windham Library is returning in 2027 at a brand-new location. We’re excited to welcome our community to a new Windham Branch location at 8950 Maple Grove Road (the old Farmer's Bank Building - right across from Circle K). This branch is turning the page and opening a brand new chapter, bringing books, resources, events and community connections back to the neighborhood. We'll provide updates via social media as we start this exciting project. A new location. A fresh beginning. The same library you’ve always loved.
Lions Club Sausage and Steak dates 2026
Upcoming is the final Lions Club Sausage and Steak Booth weekend on Oct. 2 and 3. Just $6 will buy you the best sausage or steak sandwich in Portage County. The trailer will be located on S.R. 303 in the parking lot next to Circle K. Open Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Windham Lions Club has been serving the Windham community since 1955.
I’m glad to help keep the Windham community informed. If you have something you’d like featured, send it my way. The Around Windham column appears during the third week of each month, so submit information by the week before. You can reach me by call or text at 330-283-2711 or by email at nks1024@icloud.com. Thank you, Nicole Sweet