Toys for Kids needs donations

The city of Westbrook is seeking donations of cash and/or toys for this year’s Toys for Kids program. This program offers families who are struggling an opportunity to give their children a better Christmas than they might otherwise be able to.

Donations can be dropped off at Westbrook City Hall during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Deadline for donations is Tuesday, Dec. 11. For more information, contact Michelle Mecteaux at 591-8110.

Trinity Lutheran 125 years old

Nearly 200 people observed the 125th anniversary of Trinity Lutheran Church with a celebration at the Elks Club in Portland last month.

There was a special program prepared for the evening with Thomas Perrey as master of ceremonies. In attendance were two former pastors of Trinity, Perry Hansen and wife, Lynn, and Allen Barnes. Also joining the celebration was Bishop Margaret Payne from the New England Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and her husband, John. They reside in Shelburne, Mass.

Payne spoke at the banquet and also presided over the worship service the next day at Trinity. Musical director Betty McIntyre played background music on a grand piano during the social hour and later introduced a new anniversary hymn that was the special hymn of the day for the worship service on Sunday.

Senior member Russ Jensen presented the opening remarks and the catered buffet meal followed. After the meal, Doug Moreshead shared some special words with the children and Roger Knight and Paul’s P.A.L.S. sang a medley of special songs. The special guest speaker for the evening was David Trobisch of Westbrook, who is a professor of New Testament studies at the Bangor Theological Seminary. Trobisch has published several scholarly books and a children’s book.

The evening ended with dismissal by Trinity’s pastor, Thomas Chittick, and a song for all, “God Be With You.”

“For the past three years several members of a special committee helped prepare for this special event with several activities and events,” said Brenda Orach, the church social ministry chairperson.

“What started out as a ‘wish list’ to mark the anniversary has brought about several changes that ushered out some old and welcomed in some new changes. With a ‘Foundation of Faith’ campaign, members pledged to help support the changes,” she said.

The fellowship area in the basement has been remodeled, with a new kitchen and a new nursery. An elevator lift for handicapped accessibility was also installed.

Seniors to meet

Tom Dyhrberg will entertain when the Westbrook Senior Citizens meet at 1 p.m. on Monday at Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main St.

For more information, call 854-2705

Field historical society speaker

Jacqueline Field, former costume curator and professor of textiles and designs at University of New England Westbrook Campus and author of “American Silk,” will present a program on the Haskell Silk Mill at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Westbrook Historical Society at 17B Dunn St.

Everyone is welcome and the program is free. A book signing will follow the program. A few copies will be available for purchase.

The petition in a drive for a Rudy Vallee stamp will also be available for signing at the meeting.

Serving with the Air Force in Iraq, Staff Sgt. Gerald Doyon of Westbrook greets two of the New England Patriot cheerleaders who visited troops and put on a show on Thanksgiving.

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