LaPierre art show winner

Westbrook High School senior Lillian LaPierre took the first prize worth $100 in the recent Westbrook Woman’s Club annual art show at the Westbrook Community Center. The work of Westbrook High School students was showcased, and four cash prizes were awarded.

All 21 participants received a certificate of appreciation from the club. Speakers at the event included Superintendent Peter Lancia and Art Director Rachel Somerville. Lancia said that this event kicks off the spring art show season. It also provides an opportunity for students to display their work, which is a component of the art curriculum.

The club said LaPierre produced her “technically superior portrait” of late music educator Jeffrey Smith.

Second place and $75 went to junior Kylie Hornstra for creative and engaging use of mixed media. The award was accepted by her mother, Amanda Brown.

Third place, $50, went to senior Malak Al Obaidi for her original and whimsical design.

Honorable mention, $25, went to senior Naomi Cabana for highly proficient use of watercolor and shading.

Local artist Mary Brooking, local artist and educator Adria Moynihan Rusk and Maine College of Art masters degree student and art educator Madeline Gaffey were judges.

Feline adoption opportunity

Meow Lounge, 630 Main St., has recently announced that 566 cats have been adopted since it opened in July 2023.

“The goal of Meow Lounge is to assist local shelters find homes for cats in need – we now partner with 13 different rescues from around the state,” Anne Beal, owner of Meow Lounge, reported in a press release.

Meow Lounge is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and Beal can be reached at 297-358-003.

Unhoused students

Liz Eisele McLellan, chair of Westbrook Community Housing Coalition, reported April 3 that 91 Westbrook students are currently homeless. But the number is down from 133 earlier this year.

McLellan said she has heard from a Gorham town councilor that the neighboring community currently has 25 unhoused students.

Don’s Lunch anniversary

Don’s Lunch, 616 Main St., Westbrook, recently observed its first anniversary.

It opened its brick and mortar restaurant on March 25, 2024. The original mobile Don’s Lunch van was established in 1976.

The restaurant can be reached at 588-3667.

50 years ago

The American Journal reported on April 9, 1975, that Westbrook Fire Chief James Rulman likes the new bright, yellow plastic hose made in West Germany.