Fifth-grader wins $1,000 for class

A Westbrook fifth-grade student, Josie LeBlanc, was named the grand prize winner of Gorham Saving Bank’s “Anything is Possible” poster contest.

Her winning poster earned $1,000 for her classroom at Congin School to help expand educational programs, fund field trips and purchase supplies. The poster contest invited local fifth-graders from 16 schools to participate by creating a poster depicting what is possible with hard work, dedication and imagination.

LeBlanc’s design depicts a multi-colored peace sign, with images of her as an adult in three possible occupations: artist, mother and author. Around the peace sign she inscribed, “Anything is Possible – If you believe you can achieve.”

In addition to $1,000 for her classroom, the design will appear on reusable shopping bags that will be given away at Gorham Savings Bank branches while supplies last.

Submissions were accepted through Oct. 31 and a panel of judges chose one poster from each participating school to move on to public voting. Between Nov. 9-25, friends, family and community members had the chance to vote on the poster they thought best represented “Anything is Possible.”

Open house at shelter

The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland will hold a holiday open house Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the 449 Stroudwater St. facility. Those who attend can visit with Santa and have photos taken with him, enjoy treats, music and more.

Todd named to VP post

Andrea Todd of Westbrook has been named vice president, commercial development at P&C Insurance, according to an announcement from company president Don Ballute.

Todd, a 25-year insurance veteran, joined P&C in 2004. Todd serves on the Westbrook Children’s Cabinet and is a member of the Westbrook/Gorham Rotary.

P&C Insurance has offices in Westbrook, Biddeford, Kennebunk and South Berwick. Its website is www.insurancepc.com.

Seniors Christmas meal

Westbrook Senior Citizens will be served a Christmas dinner at noon on Monday, Dec. 19, at Westbrook Community Center on Bridge Street.

The meal includes roast pork, gravy, potato, vegetables, applesauce, and gingerbread with a whipped topping.

Gloria Jean and Bobby Lee will entertain.

The seniors are planning to dine on Thursday, Jan. 12, at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant in Portland. Then, the group will see the Portland Players production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

For more information, call 883-5046 or 854-2705.

‘Mystery of Christmas’

The Vineyard Church Greater Portland, 715 Bridgton Road, Westbrook, is presenting a special Christmas celebration, “The Mystery of Christmas,” 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18.

The presentation includes music, dramatic reading, childrens’ Christmas ornaments crafts, medley of holiday favorites, seasonal goodies and free Christmas CD. For more information, call 854-8339 or visit vineyardportland.org

Many concerts

await audiences

Several concerts are happening in Westbrook during the next few days.

On Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m., a holiday jazz concert featuring the Westbrook High School jazz ensembles will be held at the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main St. It is presented by Westbrook High School Music Department. Donations to Westbrook High jazz programs will be accepted.

On Sunday, Dec. 18, Don Campbell and band play a benefit for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center at Westbrook Middle School, Stroudwater Street. There will be a special appearance by the Maine Hysterical Society.

On Monday, Dec. 19, the Westbrook Winter Concert by the sixth-grade band and chorus begins at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Westbrook Middle School, Stroudwater Street.

Finally, on Tuesday, Dec. 20, the seventh- and eighth-grade band and chorus Winter Concert begins at 7 p.m., also at the Performing Arts Center at Westbrook Middle School.

Seeking help for free Christmas meal

Organizers are seeking volunteers and donors to help sponsor a free Christmas day dinner 12-2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25, at Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main St.

This is the fifth year providing a place for anyone in the community to gather and enjoy a holiday meal. This gathering offers companionship, comfort and fellowship to all who attend.

Last year, 75 volunteers served more than 250.

“Please help us continue this tradition of feeding our community on Christmas day. We welcome contributions and donations from local businesses, professionals, merchants and individuals. Donations of money and gift cards are used to purchase food and supplies needed,” said Joy Knight

For more information, contactl Knight at 761-1857 daytime or 899-4530 or email: jakcolor@aol.com