History essay contest under way

Westbrook Historical Society has announced its annual essay contest to record history of the city’s people, places and events through memories of the residents and illustrations.

Entry levels include ones for adults and students in grades kindergarten through 12. First prize is $50 and second prize, $25. Both prizes include a year membership in the society.

Everyone is eligible and entries must be about Westbrook. Only typed entries will be considered and they should be 500 words or less. Photographs may be added. Video or PowerPoint presentations should be 20 minutes or less and include hard copy. Oral interviews should also include a typed transcript.

Submit entries by May 1 with name and contact information to Westbrook Historical Society, 426 Bridge St., Westbrook, Maine, 04092.

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

Governor here

Gov. Paul LePage was scheduled to tour Westbrook’s My Place Teen Center, at 755 Main St., on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 5 p.m. The governor’s visit comes in recognition of the center’s success in helping at-risk youth.

Then, in an effort to answer questions about his budget proposal, LePage and Jonathan LaBonte, of the Office of Policy and Management, were scheduled to be at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center, 471 Stroudwater St., from 6-7 p.m., to hear from the public. Attendees had an opportunity to ask questions directly of LePage and LaBonte.

Both events were held after the American Journal’s deadline Wednesday.

School expansion forum rescheduled

Postponed Monday because of weather, a community forum on school expansion will be held Monday, Feb. 23, from 6-8 p.m., in the Community Room at the Westbrook Community Center.

There will be a “walkthrough” from 6-6:30 p.m., followed by discussion, questions and dialogue. Superintendent of Schools Marc Gousse said concept drawings for the projects, including the Saccarappa and middle schools, will be presented.

Country music Valentine’s show

The Down East Country Music Association will present a Valentine’s show on Sunday, Feb. 15, at the American Legion Post 197, 300 Conant St., in Westbrook. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the show starts at 12:30 p.m. Several musicians will entertain. The event includes cash bar, food, 50/50 drawing, raffles and door prizes. Donation at the door is $5.

Seniors to dine

Westbrook Senior Citizens will be served a meal at noon on Monday, Feb. 16, in the Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge St. The menu includes meat loaf, gravy, potato, veggies and upside down pineapple cake.

A singing group, The Downeasters, will entertain.

The seniors will attend the Irish Cabaret at Venue de Milo in Massachusetts on Wednesday, March 11, and travel abroad to Ireland May 2-9. For more information about trips, call 854-2705 or 883-5046.

Woman’s club to meet

Westbvrook Woman’s Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main St. Officer Ted Hatch of Gorham Police Department will speak about elder abuse.

The meeting agenda includes a members’ craft and art show. Light refreshments will be served.

Ash Wednesday service

An ecumenical Ash Wednesday service with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion will be held at 7 on Feb. 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 612 Main St., in Westbrook.

Members of the Westbrook Clergy Association will lead the worship service with joint choirs. A brief service with imposition of ashes will be held also at noon.

For more information, call the church at 854-5653 or visit www.trinitywestbrook.com

Vacation dance camp

Drouin Dance Center of Westbrook will host February vacation dance camps at its facility in the Dana Warp Mill.

Camp will be during school vacation week from Monday, Feb. 16, through Friday, Feb. 20, for ages 3 and up. Half-day camp for ages 3-5 is 9 a.m.-noon costing $25 per day or $115 for the week. Full-day camp for ages 5-11 is 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., costing $40 per day and $170 for the week. No experience necessary for preschool and dance camp open to all children.

Dance classes, crafts, prop making, choreography and more will be taught and explored each day. For more information and to register, visit www.drouindancecenter.com or call 854-2221.

Constructed in 1903 by local businessman John C. Scates, this building stood on Main Street at the head of Bridge Street and was occupied by various tenants through the years until it was razed by urban renewal in 1981. Residents can write about an aspect of the city’s history for the Westbrook Historical Society’s essay contest.Courtesy Westbrook Historical Society.