Gelinas awarded scholarship

Lauren Gelinas of Westbrook, a University of New England physician assistant graduate student, received the eighth annual Sandy Christman Memorial Scholarship award on Nov. 9.

Thomas White, interim program director, presented the $2,500 scholarship.

After graduating from McDaniel College in Maryland with degrees in biology with pre-med and psychology concentrations, Gelinas worked as a licensed nursing assistant at St. Teresa’s Nursing and Rehabilitation in Manchester, N.H., before returning to pursue a degree at the University of New England as a physician’s assistant.

The Sandy Christman Memorial Scholarship honors the life and ideals of Sandy Christman, a cardiovascular surgery physician assistant who died in 1999 at age 38 after a 12-year battle with breast cancer. The way she fulfilled her clinical responsibilities and carried the burden of her disease became an inspiration to every one who knew her.

The scholarship is given to a second-year physician assistant student at the university who has overcome a significant obstacle in life, has achieved academic and clinical excellence, and pursues his or her profession with the passion and enthusiasm of Christman.

Saccarappa Art Collective sets holiday open house

Members of Saccarappa Art Collective, 861 Main St., will host a special art show with holiday gift-giving in mind.

The community is invited to attend an opening reception from 5 -8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30.

With more than 100 new works, including many small works, plus prints and merchandise, there will be artful gift items to suit everyone’s tastes and budget.

“Original art is a gift that can enhance a person’s life forever and actually appreciates as it ages,” said member Mary Brooking.

“Works for the Season of Giving” is presented by collective members Andy Curran, Sherry Ballou, Brooking, Jody Dube, Jeremy Greene, Caren-Marie Michel, Lucy Ellen Smith, Ellen Thayer, Frank Valliere and Julie Vohs.

The Saccarappa Art Collective is celebrating its continued commitment to deliver an authentic and accessible art experience.

Lauren Gelinas, physician assistant student at University of New England, receives the Sandy Christman Memorial Scholarship from Thomas White, interim director of the physican assistant program at the university.