Sprague retires from school culinary program

Norman Sprague retired Tuesday after 30 years as department head of the Culinary Learning Center at Westbrook Regional Vocational Center.

Sprague opened the culinary program at the school in 1978. Former students are chefs and managers at restaurants throughout the country. Some have appeared on the Food Channel on TV.

“Be dependable, honest and reliable in the trade field, work hard and you will succeed,” Sprague said he encouraged students.

Although retiring as an educator, Sprague will stay busy with his Cape Elizabeth-based business, Norman’s Cakes and Catering. Sprague said former students have asked him to cater their weddings.

Sprague once worked for the family of former President George Bush at Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport. Sprague said Bush, who was then vice president, enjoyed stuffed celery with peanut butter and bacon. “He didn’t like broccoli. He loved swordfish,” Sprague said.

Sprague also served Bush family guests. “I served Jimmy Dean sausage,” he recalled.

In his career as a chef, Sprague also worked at Village Cafa in Portland and for Whistling Oyster in Ogunquit and Palm Beach, Fla.

Sprague joined the staff at Westbrook Regional Vocational Center from Washington County Vocational Technical Institute in Calais. In Westbrook, the culinary department served meals in its dining room to several civic groups and clubs.

For a city inaugural, Sprague and students prepared a display of chocolate-covered strawberries. “I thought students ate more than they prepared,” he said.

In 2003, Sprague, who was nominated by students, was honored as Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year. Sprague was the chairman of an assembly at the school for World Aids Day Awareness for the past two years.

Sprague is a culinary arts graduate of Southern Maine Technical College (now Southern Maine Community College) in South Portland and attended the University of Southern Maine.

He said he would miss co-workers and thanked everyone at the school for their support over the past three decades.

“It hasn’t been easy the last few weeks,” Sprague said about the emotion of leaving.

Helping the needy

The Sodality of St. Anne is sponsoring a yard and bake sale from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday in the hall at St. Anthony’s Church on Brown Street.

Marilyn Foster, president of the Sodality of St. Anne, said all proceeds would benefit the needy.

“Come join us,” Foster said. “Good prices. Something for everyone.”

Library reading signup

The third annual Warren Memorial Library Adult Summer Reading program is ready to kick off.

The program runs from Monday, June 23, to Friday, Aug. 15, at 479 Main St.

The goal is for participants is to read six books in eight weeks.

For every book read (or listened to – audiobooks count), participants have their card initialed at the library and can enter a weekly drawing. When six books are completed, the cards are entered into a grand prize drawing.

The library prizes include gift certificates donated by the Frog and Turtle, Thanksgiving’s and the Freaky Bean.

For more information, call 854-5891, ext. 22.

Seniors’ road trip

Westbrook Senior Citizens are planning a two-day trip to Washington Valley in New Hampshire on Monday and Tuesday, July 28 and 29.

Those interested should call 854-2292 or 854-2705.

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