Feeding a need

A celebration will be held at the Steep Falls Fire Barn on the corner of Boundary and Middle roads, Wednesday, April 23. What is being celebrated? The opening of a community food pantry named Catherine’s Cupboard.

Catherine’s Cupboard is the result of months of planning by the town of Standish, a pantry sponsor, co-sponsors Saint Joseph’s College, Bon Appatit, Rippling Waters Farm in Standish, and the Standish branch of Hannaford Supermarkets. A committee was formed with community representatives to help guide the process.

“We are really committed to helping people who are at risk of going hungry,” said Rebecca Hilton, Saint Joseph’s director of Campus Ministry in a written statement.

The pantry will give first priority to the residents of Standish, but no one will be turned away. In June if federal food allotments are given, the pantry will serve all residents of Cumberland County.

The grand opening celebration will be from at 6-8 p.m. and will include a chili supper. Bags of food will also be distributed that evening and subsequent Wednesdays during those hours. Households will be able to use the pantry once a month and receive two bags of food every monthly visit.

Donations of canned or nonperishable goods are accepted at Catherine’s Cupboard during Wednesday hours or can be left at Catherine’s drop zones at the Standish Hannaford, the Standish Municipal Center, and the Campus Ministry office on the Saint Joseph’s College campus. For more information or to volunteer for the pantry please call 893-7790 or e-mail pantry@sjcme.edu.

Head ‘Into the Woods’

Auditions for the musical “Into the Woods” will be held on Thursday, April 17, and Friday, April 18, at 6 p.m. at the Schoolhouse Arts Center. Callbacks will be April 19. There are roles for 19 adults for seven men and 12 women. Roles and vocal ranges are available on the Schoolhouse Web site at www.schoolhousearts.org.

Those auditioning should bring a song (with sheet music) to sing that shows their range and ability. An accompanist will be provided. They should also be prepared to do cold readings from the script. Performances of Into the Woods will be from July 10-27 at Schoolhouse Arts Center at Sebago Lake Village. The director is Linda Sturdivant, and Kevin Smith is the musical director.

Toddler Times

Standish Recreation is offering programs to the towns littlest citizens this spring. Starting April 22, toddlers ages 2-5 and accompanied by a parent will have a chance to participate in two outdoor programs; Garden Buddies, and Toddler and Parent Hiking.

Garden Buddies is a six-week program designed to spark the child’s interest, curiosity, and exploration of the plant world. While starting seeds for their own family in a transportable greenhouse, children will learn about plants, how they grow and why they are important.

For the hiking program, toddlers will complete a short hike and enjoy hands on activities to jump start their nature education. For this class, make sure the toddler is dressed appropriately for the outdoor environment. Both classes cost $25 and require preregistration. For more information please call 642-2875 or e-mail standishrec@fairpoint.net.

The Scene

Friday

The OCDs (Obsessive Comedy Disorder) will present two episodes of The Three Aliens Radio Show at 8 p.m. at the Schoolhouse Arts Center. “Duwakado Galactic Space Camp, Episode 2” and “Along the Old Space Trail,” written and directed by Keith Halliburton, will be taped before a live audience for future airings on WJZF-Standish.

Memory Lane Music Hall welcomes Zacc Tyler. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Saturday

Memory Lane Music Hall welcomes rock band Steel Rail Express. Doors open at 4 p.m.