Cutline: Sarah and Stephen

Charette, Midgley engaged

Jim and Pat Charette said they were “delighted” to announce the engagment of their daughter, Sarah Charette, to Stephen Midgley.

The bride-to-be is a 1993 graduate of Westbrook High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Southern Maine. She is employed as a kidney dialysis nurse.

The groom-to-be is the son of Stephen and Jean Midgley of Nashua, N.H. He is a 1988 graduate of Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford, Mass. He is completing his associates degree in Industrial Water Treatment and he’s employed at Fairchild Semiconductor as a water treatment plant operator.

This winter, Sarah and Stephen will have a nuptial Mass in Portland. After a honeymoon in the Caribbean, the couple will live in Westbrook.

Haverty retirement honors

David Haverty, 64, who is retiring, was surprised with a party on Friday at the Bill Dodge dealership on Saunders Way.

Haverty began selling cars for his uncle at Haverty Buick in 1964. He’s been with Bill Dodge for 15 years.

“Now that’s a ride,” said Haverty, who was driven to the party in a vintage 1932 Buick, owned by Lester Noyes, a car collector.

Bruce Lewis, a former general manager at Bill Dodge, said that Haverty is a legend. “Above and beyond all, David Haverty has always been a gentleman,” Lewis said at the party attended by a large gathering including Haverty’s wife, Maureen; three daughters and three granddaughters.

Haverty attributed his success in sales to having compassion for customers. “It’s been a great ride. It’s been fun, what else can I say,” Haverty said.

Accepting a job offer from an uncle, he moved here from Massachusetts 41 years ago to sell cars after serving with the Air Force. His first sale was a used 1955 Buick Century for “probably under a $1,000.” He sold it to a court reporter for a local newspaper.

Haverty said at that time a new Buick cost $2,000 to $3,000. He said a Buick Electra sold for under $5,000 and a new one now costs $39,000.

With a serving of cake and ice cream on a plate, Haverty stepped outside the showroom at Bill Dodge to take another look at the classic 1932 Buick. “I’m going to make an offer. That’s neat,” said Haverty admiring the car.

Charest church concert

The Bob Charest Band will be holding a concert 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, at the Westbrook Universalist Church, 719 Main St. The suggested donation is $10. All are welcome to attend.

For more information, contact Luc Bergeron at 854-0031.

Congratulations Mike and Beth

Dr. Michael and Beth Binette of South Paris proudly announced the arrival of Nicholas Arthur, born July 6 at Maine Medical Center, weighing 7 pounds and 10 ounces.

Grandparents are Roy and Cheryl Leighton of Westbrook, and Martha Binette. Great grandparents are Rhoda and Luther Small of Westbrook.

Legislature honors Kane

Sen. Philip Bartlett and Rep. Bob Duplessie recently presented Mike Kane with a legislative sentiment in honor of his retirement from the Westbrook School Department.

Kane, who lives in Scarborough, is retiring after 33 years with the school department, where he has served as assistant superintendent for the last nine years. Kane was presented with the legislative sentiment at the July 26 meeting of the Westbrook-Gorham Rotary, of which Kane is president.

Seniors to see ‘Kahuna’

The Westbrook Senior Citizens are planning a trip to see the musical “The King Meets the Kahuna” on Wednesday, Aug. 17, in Chicopee, Mass.

For more information, call 854-2292 or 854-2705.

Cutline: Andy and Maureen Bergeron celebrated their 30th anniversary on Tuesday, Aug. 2. Their daughters, Maeghan and Lauren, send their love.

Elevator fund raffle

A drawing for prizes in the elevator raffle, sponsored by the Stephen W. Manchester Post 62 of the American Legion, will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 24, during the concert at Riverbank Park.

A $500 cash prize tops a list of 12 prizes. Tickets are $1 or six for $5. Proceeds will benefit a drive to install an elevator at the post headquarters on Dunn Street.

City band at Riverbank Park

The Westbrook City Band will play from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 3, at Riverbank Park.

Tonight’s concert is part of the free summer series of concerts that continues through Wednesday, Aug. 24.

Cutline: This painting, the Dana Warp Mill, is one of a collection by Caren-Marie Michel going on exhibit on Monday. Courtesy photo

Michel art exhibit

Paintings by Westbrook artist Caren-Marie Michel will be on display Monday, Aug. 8, through Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Little Sebago Gallery & Frame in Windham. The public is invited to a reception to meet Michel from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13.

A collection of her acrylic paintings, ‘Views of Westbrook,” features various views of the city. Westbrook has been undergoing revitalization since its days as a paper mill town and Michel has documented Westbrook as it is in paint.

Michel left a 16-year banking career in 2000 to return to painting. She holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from Portland School of Art (now Maine College of Art), and her work was recently selected for the annual non-members juried show at the Salmagundi Club in New York City. In 2005, her work has been chosen for juried shows in Virginia and Pennsylvania besides Maine. She has also exhibited in Colorado, Wahington and New Hampshire.

“I see the world as a painting, whether it is the old mill downtown, the fire station, golf course or a commercial building. Many of my paintings are of Westbrook,” she said.

“As a banker, I was deeply involved in several non-profit boards and organizations in the city of Westbrook and am currently treasurer of the Warren Memorial Foundation. My past and current involvement in the community has intensified my desire to present a show of Westbrook paintings.”

“My Westbrook locations include the Dana Warp Mill, Sappi paper mill and St. Hyacinth’s Church. The old mill is central to the history of Westbrook. Hundreds of cars pass by daily and I wonder whether the occupants see the beauty of the colors in this everyday scene. The mill paintings document the old (Westbrook); the front low building has been replaced with an office building and there are new buildings as the city undergoes change,” she said.

Blueberry Festival and Celebration

The Trinity Lutheran Church, 612 Main St., invites the community to their Blueberry Festival and Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13.

Lunch will be available with hot dogs, chips and drinks to purchase. There will be children’s events, such as face painting, games and a pie-eating contest. Throughout the festival, there will be homemade blueberry pies, muffins and ice cream along with fresh blueberries. The funds that are raised will help Trinity prepare to celebrate their 125th anniversary in 2007.

The event is also being sponsored by a service team of local Thrivent members, with the help of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial is a not-for-profit, Fortune 500 membership organization that helps nearly 3 million members achieve their financial goals and gives back to their congregations and their communities. Thrivent Financial will match funds up to $500 through their “Care in Congregation” program. Thrivent Financial and its’ members provide approximately $200 million annually for outreach programs and activities that support congregations, schools, charitable organizations and needy individuals.

Many projects and events have been planned over the next two years to help Trinity with their goal of updating their fellowship hall, kitchen and the installation of a lift for better handicapped accessibility.

The Blueberry Festival and Celebration will be held rain or shine at the church.

This article was submitted by Brenda Orach, the social ministry chairman.

– By Brenda Orach, Social Ministry chairperson.

colWEST 0803Left to right are Sen. Phil Bartlett, Mike kane and Rep. Bob Duplessie

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