Honor for teacher

Canal students and teachers this fall were surprised by a whole school assembly honoring fifth-grade teacher Abbey LaRose, who received OfficeMax’s “A Day Made Better” award.

Because many teachers across the country spend up to $1,000 out-of-pocket annually on essential classroom supplies, OfficeMax’s “A Day Made Better” program, in partnership with Adopt-A-Classroom, aims to help end the need for teacher-funded classrooms.

Nominated by Canal interim principal Vickie Hebert, LaRose is a “great example of a truly dedicated teacher,” a school statement said. “She provides an outstanding educational program for all students.”

LaRose began a civil rights team at school a few years ago to meet the needs of the school’s growing diversified population of students.

The school said she meets every challenge head on and makes sure that her students are always given full opportunities in a warm and nurturing environment.

Christmas tree recycling

Curbside recycling of Christmas trees runs now through Jan. 13. Trees must be bare – no tinsel, wires, bases or decorations.

Residents can also bring trees to the Public Services building, 371 Saco St., from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., through Jan. 13.

For more information, call 854-0660 or email recycling@westbrook.me.us

Woman’s club to meet

Westbrook Woman’s Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, in Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main St., Westbrook.

An Operation Smile video on Linus and Operation Smile projects will be shown. Light refreshments will be served.

Charity luncheon success

The Westbrook Festival of Trees Committee has reported that the Tips for Charity luncheon generated $3,289.95.

Roberta D. Morrill said that ticket sales raised $1,275 and tips accounted for another $2,014.95.

The luncheon benefited the Westbrook Food Pantry and the Good Samaritan Fund.

Seniors to meet

Westbrook Senior Citizens will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 2, in the Westbrook Community Center of Bridge Street. Entertainment will be bingo.

Seniors are reminded that reservations are due by 9 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding meals on the third Monday of each month by calling Ellie Archambault at 856-0018.

The group will dine on Thursday, Jan. 12, at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant in Portland and then see the Portland Players production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

For more information, call 883-5046 or 2705.