Contest aims to preserve Westbrook’s history

The Westbrook Historical Society has announced its third-annual Westbrook History Contest – “Westbrook 200.”

Submissions can include essays, PowerPoint presentations, videos and interviews. A team of three judges will determine criteria and select first- and second-place winners in two categories, adults and children in grades K-12.

First prizes are $50 and a one-year membership in the Westbrook Historical Society; second prizes are $25 and a one-year membership in the society.

This year’s contest will coincide with the city’s celebration of its 200th birthday this summer.

“To coincide with this event we hope you will record your memories of Westbrook, either in writing or in a video,” Donna Conley, past president of the society, said in a release. “The purpose of the contest is to preserve our city’s history and to celebrate the bicentennial of the town of Westbrook.”

Anyone is eligible to enter, but all entries must be about Westbrook. Written essays should consist of 500 words or fewer. Only typed entries will be considered. Photographs may be added to an essay, but only the words will count in choosing a winner.

Video or PowerPoint presentations should be 20 minutes or less and include a typed copy of the script. Oral interviews should also include a typed transcript.

All entries will become the property of the Westbrook Historical Society and will be placed in the society’s reference collection.

The deadline is May 1. Entries can be emailed to info@westbrookhistoricalsociety.org or mailed to the Westbrook Historical Society, 2014, 426 Bridge St., Westbrook, Maine 04092.

For more information, contact Conley at 854-2464 or via email at info@westbrookhistoricalsociety.org.

Lincoln Club to hear Civil War historian

The Lincoln Club’s 129th annual banquet will feature a Civil War historian on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave., in Portland.

A social hour at 6 p.m. will be followed by a dinner at 7 p.m.

Speaker Thomas A. Desjardin has been a historic site specialist for the state of Maine and has taught and lectured at the University of Maine at Augusta, Florida State University and Bowdoin College. He previously has been archivist/historian at Gettysburg National Military Park.

Desjardin recently edited “Joshua Chamberlain: A Life in Letters.”

The meal includes a choice of haddock or prime rib and costs $30. For tickets, call 854-2469 or 894-5063.

Legion hosting benefit

American Legion Post 197, 300 Conant St., Westbrook, will hold a benefit dance from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26, for Standish resident George Howe, who has been diagnosed with ALS.

There will be several bands, raffles and a silent auction. Donations can be made at the door.

Church hosting financial classes

Financial Peace University will hold a nine-week course beginning next month at First Evangelical Free Church of Maine, 355 Bridgton Road, Westbrook.

The course meets once a week and features a recorded lesson taught by Dave Ramsey, an author, followed by a small-group discussion. Topics include budgeting, relationships and money, getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing.

The classes will begin at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 18. For more information or to register, call Tom Paradis at 591-6484.

This photo of Saccarappa Bridge is preserved in the Westbrook Historical Society’s collection.