Arts center looking to revitalize age-old treasure

To continue preserving its age-old charm, Schoolhouse Arts Center is looking for sponsorships from businesses and corporations as well as tax-deductible donations to make improvements in maintenance, such as new paint, flooring and windows.

Schoolhouse Arts Center is looking for business and corporate sponsors and individual donations to make improvements to the theater. Contributed / Zac Stearn

Schoolhouse Arts Center has worked over the past 34 years to become a working nonprofit theater organization to not only produce shows and productions that bring the community together but provide educational opportunities for generations to come. Past its chipped paint and ancient walls, there’s a certain charm to this century-old former high school building that makes everything else fade away in the background.

Its expected big changes and expansions will come within the next five to 10 years and it is hoped that local support and involvement will assist Schoolhouse in reaching these goals. Go to schoolhousearts.org to donate.

Recreation scholarships

Want to participate in Parks & Recreation programs but aren’t able to pay the registration fees? The community has initiated the Standish Recreation Scholarship Fund to provide financial support for those who wish to join these events but can’t due to certain economic situations. To apply or donate, visit standishrec.com/info/default.aspxs and log in to learn more.

College celebrates Black history

Saint Joseph’s College has recently been hosting a series of immersive events within the school community aimed at celebrating Black History Month.

On Feb. 4, students celebrated Rosa Parks’ 109th birthday with a cake provided by Pearson’s Cafe along with a small display in her honor. They also recreated freedom movement posters and hosted an online tour of the Abyssinian Meetinghouse in Portland, one of the oldest standing African American meeting houses in the United States.

There will be a film showing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at Alfond Hall in Viola George Auditorium. Black History Month Trivia Night will be featured at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at Baggot Street.

First aid course

An Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course taught by American Red Cross certified instructor Gail Platts is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, in the Sebago Lake Room at the Standish Municipal Center. The entry fee is $75 for ages 16 and up. If successfully earned, an Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certificate can be valid for two years. Participants will gain experience in learning how to deal with first-aid emergencies such as burns, cuts, breathing and cardiac emergencies, and more. Register at standishrec.com.

Meet the columnist

Emma Bennett is a junior at Baxter Academy of Technology and Science in Portland and has been a contributing writer for the Windham Eagle. She enjoys participating in community theater and writing reviews. She hopes to take the opportunity being a columnist presents to associate herself with the community, meet new people and get involved in order to understand and represent the town well in the Lakes Region Weekly.

Emma Bennett can be reached at emmabennett923@gmail.com.