Chief Polin awards ceremony

The Friends of the Presumpscot River is hosting an event commemorating historic Abanaki tribe leader Chief Polin, on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 5-7 p.m. at Walker Memorial Library.

Special guest speakers will include Lisa Brooks, an associate professor of English and American Studies at Amherst College, and James Francis Sr., director of the Cultural & Historic Preservation for the Penobscot Nation.

According to a press release, during the mid-17th century, Polin embarked on a 100-mile journey by foot, on two separate occasions, to plea to the governor of Massachusetts for safe fish passage, which had been compromised by the first dams built along the river.

“Polin was eventually killed for his efforts to preserve a vital food supply for his people,” the release states, also calling Polin “the first river advocate and protector of our river of ‘many falls.'”

Seniors to meet, travel

Westbrook Senior Citizens will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, in Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge St. Ann McAlpine, group spokeswoman, said the humorist Susan Poulin will entertain.

The seniors are planning a trip to Indian Head in Lincoln, N.H., on Sunday, Nov. 13, and a few seats were available Monday. For more information, call McAlpine at 854-2705.

Household haz waste

to be collected

Casella/Pine Tree Waste, 594 County Road, in Westbrook is accepting hazardous household waste from Westbrook residents only from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24. Items collected include oil paints, stains and varnishes; adhesives; waster fuels (gasoline and kerosene); pesticides and herbicides; and mercury flourescent tubes. Do not take latex paint, asbestos, ammunition, medical waste, or commercial waste. Proof of residency is required.

For more information, contact Lynn Leavitt at 854-0660  or recycling@westbrook.me.us.

Woman’s Club greets friends

The GFWC Westbrook Woman’s Club held its second annual friendship luncheon at Dimillo’s Restaurant on Sept. 6 with 26 members and three guests enjoying the meal. “It was fun to catch up with old friends and make new ones,” said Norma Manning, club spokeswoman.  “A great time was had by all.”

The club  held its first meeting of  fall on Sept. 13,  with a welcome back with a luncheon.

Poetry reminder

Lowry’s Lodge montly reading series continues at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Continuum for Creativity, 863 Main St., Westbrook. Featured poets are Maryli Tiemann and Bob MacLaughlin at the event with hosts Jim Donnelly and Anna Wrobel. Refreshments will be served. The suggested donation is $4.