Millie Hawkins

Honors for Hawkins

Millie Hawkins of Millbrook Estates in Westbrook, born in 1919, turned 100 on May 2 and was honored with a party hosted by Dianne Hood and Roma Ritchie.

Family, friends and Millbrook residents celebrated with her. Country singer Jose Duddy sang and danced with her. Mayor Michael Sanphy read a proclamation and declared May 2 Millie Hawkins Day in Westbrook.

Hawkins graduated from Westbrook Junior College in 1940. She worked at City Service oil for nine years and for a church conference for 20 years. Hawkins married her husband, Ralph, at age 22. They were married 64 years. He died in 2005. They had twin daughters who passed away shortly after birth, and a son, Mark, who died at age 27. Hawkins enjoyed many day trips with her nieces.

‘Tree City USA’

The Arbor Day Foundation has honored Westbrook as a “Tree City USA.”

The city achieved the recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements – having a tree board or department, tree care ordinance, annual forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Doug Eaton is the current city arborist, preceded by Wes McKague and John Marcellino.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

National Arbor Day was April 26.