Lowe's Heroes Program helps local Veterans - By Michelle Libby

Every year Lowe’s donates a project to a local organization as part of its Lowes Heroes Program. This year Lowe’s employee Ben Woodman approached the Windham Veterans Association about doing a project for them. 

“We had plans from 10 years ago and they accomplished everything, except for a fence,” said Dave Tanguay. “This was a total surprise.” 

Lowe’s worked to make what the Veterans are now calling BBQ Park with the addition of four horseshoe pits, 12’ x 16’ patio, garden accents, two fire pits and cleaned up the bean hole pit. The volunteers also painted an existing shed, added soffits and vents, and painted an arbor. 

“It’s beautiful. Just what we envisioned back in 2005,” said Veteran Don Swander. 

Every year Lowe’s does a hero’s project, said store manager Michael Ball. “We go into the community with a small budget of funds. This was a perfect fit for it based on the list they had.”

The Lowe’s team of 15 has worked two and a half days to complete the project. They also had vendor support from Old Castle stone vendor and Olympic paint vendor.

“It means a lot and it does not take a lot of time to do,” said Ball. “It’s good to get out in the community. [The employees] work here. They live here. For them it’s good to give back. These are local folks who work there. This is a great cause.”

The Veteran center has been undergoing a makeover over the last year. “It’s been a banner year,” said Tanguay. With inside painting, a new security system and heating system, a fundraiser to pave the driveway, which will be done later this month, and now the addition of usable outdoor space, the Veterans hope all of this work will help with hall rentals. This fall they also hope to renovate the kitchen.    

The rentals help to keep the center open and provide programs for Veterans in Windham and all over the state. “They took a look at our wish list and did 90 percent of it,” said Tanguay. 

Lowe’s also donated an aluminum ladder to replace an old wooden one the Veterans were using to access the attic as well as ceiling tiles for the kitchen project. 

“It’s been a win win,” said Ball.

Back L to R: David Tanguay, Michael Ball, Matt Berthiaume, Dick Small, Nikki Calden, Sarah Hodgkin, Chuck Whynot, Leon Davies, Casey Taylor, Clarence Cummings.

Front L to R: Ben Woodman, Jenna Kilburn, Joshua Beane, Todd Armstrong.

Missing: Jim Wadsworth, Holly Rowe, Paul Cheeseborough, Dan from Valspar