Spectacular Reflections

Is it possible that summer is winding down already? It’s 8:30 p.m. Aug. 24 here at the Sebago Lake boat launch where the Standish Summer Spectacular kicked off with the Taste of Maine less than 60 days ago. It’s quiet, and the big dipper appears ready to scoop out a big drink of the lake. At this time on the evening of June 27, the sun was still shining as the community came together to celebrate local food and drink while being serenaded by the amazing harmonies of the Exchange Street Quartet. If any of you saw their photo published earlier, photo credit was given to me, however the photo was taken by Jen Sawyer Photography, who volunteered to photograph the 2013 event. You can see more of Jen’s photos from this year’s event by visiting the Standish Summer Spectacular Facebook page. The days may be getting shorter as we prepare for back-to-school and fall temperatures, but very soon the Standish Summer Spectacular Committee will begin planning for the 2014 event, which will be held June 26, 27 and 28 in 2014. Save the dates!

Running for a Reason

The second annual Standish Recreation Running for a Reason 5K was a great fundraising success for this year’s “reason” – the Cumberland County VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service). The race course, which started and ended on the campus of St. Joseph’s College and went through the shaded Hearthside development and alongside Sebago Lake, was touted as “one of the best 5Ks I have ever run” by running enthusiast and Windham High School teacher Tom Noonan. The Recreation Committee partnered with Saint Joseph’s College for the race, and hopes to duplicate the race on the Sunday before Labor Day in 2014 as well.

If there is any non-profit organization who wishes to join forces with the Recreation Committee and become the “reason for running” next year, please contact the Recreation Department at 642-2875.

Active Senior Citizens Outing

The active Standish Senior Citizens are planning a trip to the Oxford Casino on Thursday, Sept. 12. Tickets are $8 for Standish residents and $10 for non-residents. The bus will depart Standish Municipal Center Parking Lot at 8:30 a.m. and return to Standish Municipal Center parking lot at approximately 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact lbrooks@standish.org or call 642-2875.

Steep Falls Bridge Meeting Recap

Standish Town Council chambers were full on Thursday night, Aug, 22, for a public meeting where representatives of the Maine DOT listened to local concerns and comments and answered questions regarding the spring 2014 replacement of the 226-foot Steep Falls Bridge on Route 11, which connects Limington and Standish over the Saco River.

The current steel truss bridge, originally constructed in 1937, is scheduled to be closed to all traffic starting in May of 2014 while a new bridge, which is expected to cost about $3.5 million, is constructed. The bridge is scheduled to be closed to all traffic for a period of three to four months. The new bridge will be similar to the one located near the Limington Rapids on Route 25.

Plans for the bridge will include a sidewalk, however local residents expressed concern when told that no railing was planned. Members of Maine DOT promised to take their feedback into account as they move forward with the project and explore railing options.

If you weren’t able to attend the meeting, inquiries regarding the bridge project may be directed to Mark Parlin, Project Manager, Maine Department of Transportation, Bridge Program, 16 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0016. For telephone inquiries please call 624-3449 or email mark.parlin@maine.gov.

Every Wednesday: Catherine’s Cupboard

Catherine’s Cupboard Food Pantry was founded in April 2008 by the Campus Ministry at Saint Joseph’s College, the town of Standish, and Bon Appe?tit Management Company, as a collaborative outreach of the college in Standish. Campus Ministry received an endowment from Andrew & Helen McSween through Saint Joseph’s College to conduct good works in the town.

Initially operated in the Steep Falls fire station, the town of Standish provided space in its new municipal center, greatly increasing the capacity for service. In addition to food assistance, programs include a Kid’s Korner and occasional health screenings and educational activities for all ages.

Catherine’s Cupboard is open each Wednesday evening from 5:30-7 p.m. and is available to residents of Cumberland County and parts of York County. No pre-registration is required, and once registered, clients are eligible to receive food once per calendar month. Catherine’s Cupboard is always happy to accept both monetary donations and donations of goods and services. Food items and miscellaneous hygiene products may be deposited in the donation receptacles located at the Standish Municipal Center and Saint Joseph’s College, and there is always a need for volunteers. For more information, contact Amy Russell at 893-7790 or arussell@sjcme.edu.

Bingo Every Tuesday

Join the Standish Memorial Post 128 for bingo every Tuesday at the Windham Veterans Center located at 795 Roosevelt Trail; (Behind Big Lots on Route 302). Doors open at 4 p.m. and bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Early birds can catch a round of bingo at 6:10 p.m. Hot food, cold drinks and other goodies available. For more information, call 642-5583 or check out www.post128.org.

The overall winners for the 2013 Running for a Reason 5K were Maddie Dewitt, age 15, for the females with a time of 20:16, and Tom Noonan of Steep Falls with a time of 17:02. Pictured, from left, are Blake Morin, Benjamin Johnston, Mary Chapman, Maddie and Peter Dewitt, Tom and Emma Noonan, Elaine Goodrich and Holly Stewart.Tyler Patterson, a 2004 graduate of Bonny Eagle High School, was recently featured in his first art show,  “An Afternoon of Arts and Spirits” at the Brickhouse Grille on Saturday, July 28, in Dickinson, N.D., where he has been living since 2010. The show featured several of Tyler’s fantastic melted crayon works like the one pictured above, called “Wicked Simple,” which sold for $850. To see more of Tyler’s art, visit http://pinterest.com/freballin8/melted-crayon-paintings/