Substance abuse

forum April 30

On Monday evening, April 30, the Westbrook School Department will be hosting a Forum on Substance Abuse at Westbrook High School auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. Confirmed panelists include Judge Keith Powers, Portland District Court; Chief Michael Pardue, Westbrook Public Safety Department; and Kathryn Hersom, principal, Saccarappa Elementary School. In addition, a former student and Westbrook High School alumnus will share his story of struggling with substance abuse and his road to recovery.

Parents of Westbrook students and members of the community are encouraged to attend the forum to learn more about how substance abuse affects all of our children, and become aware of new strategies to help keep kids safe. Call Dr. Bruce Dyer, forum moderator, at 854-0810, Ext. 449 for more information.

Biologist giving talk on ‘America’s song dog’

Conservation biologist Geri Vistein is a strong advocate for coyotes.

“Coyotes are very capable of coexisting with us,” Vistein said, “but we need to keep coyotes wild, by never providing them food, water or shelter.”

Coyotes have lived in North America for a half-million years, and exist nowhere else, she said. A healthy, stable coyote population can actually be beneficial by keeping down the population of rodents – their dominant food source, she said.

Vistein will be presenting an interactive and visual presentation, “Coyote, America’s Song Dog,” Saturday, May 5 at 1 p.m., at Walker Memorial Library, 800 Main St. She will discuss the coyote’s long history on the North American continent, the coyote’s social life and ecology and complex relationship with the life of Maine’s ecosystems.

This program is free, but seating is limited.

Funk band, orchestra concert

“Classical Night Fever,” featuring funk legends Motor Booty Affair, the Maine Pro Musica Orchestra and conductor Janna Hymes, will take place at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. Much of the disco music of the 1970s featured full orchestration, and “Classical Night Fever” has selected hits that highlight the majesty of the symphony. The show even incorporates some orchestra-only pieces that showcase the symphony with 1970s TV and movie-theme medleys.

Tickets are on sale now at the Westbrook Community Center main office for $25 each (general admission).

Vendor Craft Fair

Saturday, May 12

The Westbrook Community Center will be hosting a Vendor & Craft Fair in the gymnasium on Saturday, May 12, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with proceeds benefiti?ng the center’s Youth Program Development and Scholarship funds. Admission is free and the event is open to the general public.

Some 30 well-known vendors are expected to participate, including Thirty-One Gifts, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Silpada and several craft outlets. Purchases and order placements will be handled on site by certified vendor representatives.

The event will also include a bake sale with several different $1 items to eat or drink, as well as $1 raffles for chances to win prizes provided by the vendors.

Busy month ?at library

Events in May at Walker Memorial Library, 800 Main St., include:

May 3, Thursday. Thomas B. Reed Parlimentarians. Learning the rules of parliamentary procedure. Regular meeting. 10:15 a.m.

May, 3, Thursday. Evening Book Group. “A Very Long Engagement,” by S. Japrisot. 6 p.m.

May 5, Saturday. Geri Vistein will present “America’s Song Dog,” about the coyote. Interactive program suitable for young and old. 1 p.m.

May 12, Saturday. The Author Speaks Series – Russell Warnberg speaking about his new book, “Edge of Redemption.”

May 15, Tuesday. Book Talk Circle. “The Fountainhead,” by Ayn Rand. Everyone welcome. Noon.

May 16, Wednesday. Library closed for staff training.

May 17, Thursday. Library Board meeting. 4:30 p.m.

May 19, Saturday. Drouin Dance to lead a children’s dance class, 11:30 a.m.. Free and open to all ages.

May 24, Thursday. Friends of Walker Memorial Library. Regular meeting. 6 p.m.

Absentee ballots available May 14

Residents can start requesting absentee ballots for the June 12 election beginning May 14. Residents can either call 591-8131 or request one online by visiting www.westbrookmaine.com.

Full fitness

schedule offered

Among the fitness classes offered at Westbrook Community Center are:

Kettlebells, Monday and Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 pm (Yoga Room)

Zumba, Tuesday and Thursday, 5:45-6:45 pm (Gym)

Core Power, Saturday, 8-9 am (Gym)

The fee for all classes, unless otherwise noted, is $5, or you can purchase a multiple-session punch pass at a discounted rate. Classes are open to both residents and

non-residents. Payment for drop-in participants is due before each class. Questions? Contact Greg Post at gpost@westbrook.me.us or 854-0676, ext. 265.

‘Diva night’

Westbrook Eagles Ladies Auxiliary # 2977, 89 Saco St., is hosting a diva night 5-8 p.m. on Friday, April 27.

The event includes pampering with nails, jewelry, makeup, purses, photographer, raffle items, 50/50, cash bar and even a fortuneteller.

Admission is free and open to those age 21 and older. The fundraiser benefits the group’s charities.

Meet the mayor ?for coffee

Mayor Colleen Hilton is available to meet with residents on the first Saturday of each month, from 8:30-10:30 a.m., at the Fred C. Wescott Building on Bridge Street. The next Mayor’s Morning Coffee is May 5. Residents are encouraged to come and share thoughts, ideas or suggestions.

Donations ?for yard sale

Harvest Bible Chapel, 3 Delta Drive, is accepting donations for its yard sale 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.

Donations can be picked up. For more information or to donate, contact Roland Thibault at 854-5168 or e-mail go_runnings@hotmail.com.

Open house set ?at public services

Westbrook Public Services has scheduled an open house for Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m.-noon, at its 371 Saco St. facility. There will be equipment displays, tours and activities for the whole family.

The event is being held in celebration of National Public Works Week, May 19-25.