Cutline (Manchester grave) – Legionnaires will decorate the grave of Stephen W. Manchester and other veterans with U.S. flags this weekend as the city prepares for Memorial Day, May 25. Manchester, namesake of Post 62, was the first soldier from Westbrook to die in World War I.
Photo by Robert Lowell
Flags herald Memorial Day
Volunteers from American Legion posts in Westbrook are planning to mark graves of veterans with U.S. flags in the annual preparation for Memorial Day observances.
Bob Barton of Stephen W. Manchester Post 62 said flags would be placed on graves in Woodlawn Cemetery on Stroudwater Street at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. Barton said Monday, May 18, is the rain date.
Dave Martin of Memorial Post 197 said plans call for flags to be posted beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, at St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery on Stroudwater Street.
Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 25. The American Journal will publish in its May 21 issue the city’s full schedule of Memorial Day ceremonies and parade information.
Those individuals and units wishing to participate in the Memorial Day parade should contact Barton at 854-2961 by Friday, May 22.
Pednault on money management
George Pednault will conduct a forum, “Gauging the Recession,” 6-6:50 p.m. on Tuesdays, May 12, 19 and 26 at Walker Memorial Library, 800 Main St.
Marion Peterson, assistant library director, said the forum would be useful for those with investment concerns and questions. Each session is independent and seating is limited. For reservations, call Walker Memorial Library at 854-0630, ext. 5, and ask for Marian.
Norton to focus on 3 families
The third annual Westbrook Immigrants Program will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m. at 17 Dunn St.
Suzan Norton will present a slide show on the Kourapis, Cairnes and Fournier families of Westbrook. The program is free and everyone is welcome. Go early to view the Historical Society collection.
Lions Club turns 80
Westbrook Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays each month at American Legion Post 197, 300 Conant St.
Andrew Broaddus, King Lion, said the club, founded in 1929, is observing its 80th anniversary this year. Westbrook Lions provides eye care, glasses and hearing aid assistance to the needy; donates to diabetes prevention, blind bowlers, organ donors, Maine Sight and Hearing, and Lions Club International Foundation; participates in Westbrook Together Days; sponsors a Little League team and a high school scholarship; and has partnered with Iris Network and Camp Sunshine.
For more information, call Broaddus at 854-1236.
Post 62 honors veterans
Post Commander Ed Senechal of Stephen W. Manchester Post 62 of the American Legion last week honored several members with certificates for their continuous, long-term memberships in the Legion.
Those receiving certificates and their years as members were Kenneth Luce, 65 years; Arthur Caron, 51; Roman Trzenska, 51; Roy Lurvey, 55; Martin Jensen, 52, and Richard Nelson, 50.
Senechal said the six shared their memories of Legion service, delighting the members who attended the ceremony.
Certificates were also awarded to several who were unable to attend. Those and their years as members are Laurent Chretien, 63 years; Leonard Doiron, 50; Charles Henderson, 64, and John Malick, 59 years.
The post also recognized two recently deceased members, Philip Smith, 60 years of membership, and George Darkis, 55.
Senechal said certificates were provided by the national headquarters of the American Legion.
Seniors wrap up season
Westbrook Senior Citizens final meeting of the season will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 18, at Mill Brook Estate, 300 East Bridge St.
It will be a fun day with a variety of games. The seniors will resume regular meetings in September.
Seniors are planning three trips. Those include one to Foxwoods on Wednesday, June 17; Cabbage Island in Maine for a lobster or chicken dinner on Sunday, July 12; and to Massachusetts on Wednesday, Aug. 19, for a twin lobster fest with a show at Hukilau.
For more information, call 854-2292 or 854-2705.
Litter cleanup volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed for the Westbrook cleanup from 8:45 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 16.
Rain or shine, participants will meet at 8:45 a.m. at Riverbank Park on Main Street. For more information, call Michelle at City Hall at 591-8110.
Cutline (Manchester grave) – Legionnaires will decorate the grave of Stephen W. Manchester and other veterans with U.S. flags this weekend as the city prepares for Memorial Day, May 25. Manchester, namesake of Post 62, was the first soldier from Westbrook to die in World War I. Send questions/comments to the editors.
