The annual Light Up The Sky Fireworks Show has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth. Parking begins at 4:45 p.m.

The event is held as a kickoff to SpringFest 2023 hosted by South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Rotary. It is the second annual fireworks display presented by the club. A donation by Port Harbor Marine in South Portland helped fund the event.

The fireworks display is part SpringFest ’23 (a gnome-themed event) presented by the city of South Portland and Rotary on May 20.

According to a Feb. 18 news release, “Last year’s fireworks was a sold out event based on available parking. The town of Cape Elizabeth is graciously providing Fort Williams Park, and providing staff to safely hold the event. There is no charge for attending. Please consider bringing a gnome-based article for a collection that is being held. The articles will be distributed throughout the greater Portland area to those who can best use a cheerful item.”

SMCC and Saint Joseph’s create Community² transfer opportunity

The presidents of Southern Maine Community College and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine announced a new partnership to benefit students at both institutions. On March 2, SMCC and Saint Joseph’s finalized the creation of the Community² program allowing students in selected programs to start their college journey at SMCC and transfer to Saint Joseph’s.

According to a March 2 news release, Community² will allow students to be part of the culture of both institutions, creating 10 new transfer agreements from SMCC to complementary programs at Saint Joseph’s and removing administrative barriers for students. Community² also makes Saint Joseph’s housing available to SMCC students in their second year. This allows them to integrate into the Saint Joseph’s community and acclimate to the campus to prepare for their eventual full transfer to the college while taking online or in-person classes at SMCC. The streamlined and seamless transfer path will save students time and money.

“Community² solidifies our commitment to providing students an accessible path to higher education and support to succeed while preparing them to meet Maine’s critical workforce needs.” SMCC President Joe Cassidy said in an email. “The cost of college is top of mind for all prospective students and their families. Recent high school grads can attend SMCC tuition free with Maine’s Free College Initiative, and with Community², have the unique opportunity to live on the Saint Joseph’s campus at SMCC’s residential housing rate during their second year. This can dramatically reduce their initial financial investment, allowing them to continue their education after SMCC.”

“Community² expands on a long and fruitful relationship between SMCC and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine,” Saint Joseph’s College of Maine President Jim Dlugos said. “Our collaboration on this innovative program goes even further, providing learners from Maine (and beyond) a unique and seamless transition between supportive communities. From rigorous academics to wraparound services to high-impact career paths, our institutions are multiplying each of our great college experiences by the power of two.”

By matching coursework between programs at both schools, transfer agreements allow students to pre-plan their college careers, refrain from taking unneeded credits, and spend money on courses that won’t count toward an advanced degree.

Students enrolled in SMCC’s Nursing, Marine Science, Liberal Studies with a focus in Science, Social Work and Psychology, Radiography, Business Administration, Business Administration: Sport Management, Health Science, Education, and Criminal Justice programs will be able to transfer to Saint Joseph’s Public Health, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Health and Wellness Promotion, Sociology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Online or On Campus), Business Management, Social Work, Psychology, Radiological Science Administration (Online), Marine Science, Sport & Recreation Management, Secondary Education, Elementary Education and Criminal Justice programs seamlessly. Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits at SMCC before being able to complete their transfer to Saint Joseph’s.

Those interested in the Community² program should visit www.smccME.edu or contact SMCC Dean of Academic Excellence and Strategic Initiatives Matt Goodman at mgoodman@smccME.edu.

Senator welcomes former South Portland fire chief, presents legislative sentiment

From left, Chuck Wilson, Alice Wilson, Sen. Anne Carney, Fire Chief James Wilson and Bethany Wilson. Courtesy photo

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, welcomed former South Portland Fire Chief James Wilson to the State House. In February, Wilson left the South Portland Fire Department after serving as fire chief for seven years. He has accepted a job offer as a fire specialist at Texas Instruments, which has a facility in South Portland. Wilson’s wife and parents accompanied him to the State House.

“Firefighting is a challenging career,” said Carney in a March 2 news release. “It’s dangerous and life-threatening work. It requires quick thinking under high pressure and stress. It demands bravery, skill, and a deep sense of responsibility. From what I’ve heard and seen, Chief Wilson embodies these fine qualities. On behalf of all my constituents, I want to thank Chief Wilson for his career of dedication and devotion to our community.”

Over the 26 years Wilson served with the South Portland Fire Department, he also volunteered as a firefighter with the Cape Elizabeth Fire Department and as a marine rescue trainer with the Scarborough Fire Department.

At a recent city council meeting, South Portland Mayor Kate Lewis said, “We are very blessed to have a strong department that is rising to meet the needs of the city of South Portland. Being flexible and changing, adapting approaches as the city grows and changes around us. That’s because of (Chief Wilson’s) leadership in large part.”

A legislative sentiment acknowledges and recognizes academic, athletic, civic, professional or service-related accomplishments.

Bean supper at Peoples United Methodist

Peoples United Methodist Church will host a bean supper 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 18. Peoples United Methodist Church
is located at 310 Broadway in South Portland.

The menu features homemade baked beans, casseroles, and pies. The cost is $10 per person; age 12 and younger, $6. For more information, call 207-799-3416.