Jazz band night at SHS

On Tuesday, April 1, at 7 p.m., the jazz bands from Scarborough High School and Middle School will perform in the cafeteria at the high school for the school district’s annual jazz night event. Call 730-5000 for more information.

Poetry celebrated

April is National Poetry Month and the Scarborough Public Library plans to celebrate with a series of events for middle and high school students.

Two Sweet Tweets and Book Spine Poetry workshops will be offered on Wednesdays, April 2 and 9, at 3 p.m. Sweet Tweets is a poetry form using 140 characters or less. And Book Spine Poetry is poetry created by using the titles found on the spines of books.

In addition, on Wednesday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m., the library will hold a Poetry Share session during which middle and high school students can perform their original poetry in front of a live audience.

Registration is recommended for the poetry workshops. Call 883-4723, ext. 3, to sign up or seewww.scarboroughlibrary.org for more information. Walk-ins welcome, as well.

SHS student wins

The University of New England has awarded $11,000 in scholarships at part of its 50th anniversary celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to the Biddeford in 1964.

Sadie Tirrell, from Scarborough High School, received an honorable mention recognition and also earned a $1,000 scholarship if she chooses to attend UNE.

Senate tables slots bill

On Friday, March 21, the Maine Senate voted to table a proposal by the Scarborough Downs harness racing track to allow slot machines at its facility off Route 1.

According to Veronica Snow, the clerk for the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, which deals with all gaming measures in the state, the Senate action means that any further debate on the bill, L.D. 1111, would not take place unless it’s removed from the table.

The Scarborough Downs bill is one of six gaming proposals pending before the Maine Legislature this session. It received approval from the House of Representatives earlier this month.

In related news, the Scarborough Community Chamber of Commerce board of directors took action to support a measure in the bill that would require local voter approval before any slots or other gaming could take place at Scarborough Downs.

In a press release issued on Monday, however, the board “expressly reserved judgment on any proposed development, including casino gaming, in Scarborough” and said if the bill becomes law it would work with the town to better understand any proposed gaming development proposals.

International Affairs Challenge coming to Cape

It’s time to sign up for the 7th annual International Affairs Challenge to benefit the Cape Elizabeth World Council. Tables for teams of four to eight contestants are now available for $100. The event pits students, teachers, administrators, parents and community members against each other in a friendly competition. The challenge is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at Cape Elizabeth High School. Email [email protected] or call 799-3309 to sign up or for more information.

Arts talk features Scarborough native

On Monday, March 31, 7-9 p.m., Dirigo Talks, a new speaker series hosted by the Saco Bay Center for Civic Engagement, will present, “Building a Future through the Arts,” at the Portland Stage Co.

This event features seven speakers who will share their ideas on the role of education, business and community within the arts. Among the speakers is Scarborough-native Jeff M. Poulin from the Washington, D.C.-based Americans for the Arts.

Dirigo Talks is free and open to the public, but space is limited so reserve your spot today at http://dirigotalks.com. A networking reception will follow the presentation.

Americans for the Arts is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in the U.S. With more than 50 years of service, the agency is dedicated to creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.

“As a product of a Maine K-12 arts education, it is important for me to give back to the community (I came from),” Poulin said. “I am achieving personal and professional goals because of the arts-rich education I received as a student. In the face of budget cuts and classroom time restrictions, I would hope to see the same type of education guaranteed (to) all Maine students for years to come.”

The other speakers are Maine College of Art Director Jessica Tomlinson, University of Southern Maine professor Dr. Jeff Beaudry, Portland Ballet Company Artistic Director Genie O’Brien, Jeanne Crocker, executive director of the Maine Principals Association, Portland City Councilor David Marshall and Portland Stage Company Artistic Director Anita Stewart.

Concert Band Festival at SHS

The annual Concert Band Festival held by the Maine Band Directors Association will be held at Scarborough High School on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 8 and 9. The goal of the festival is to stimulate and foster greater interest in concert band music among students, music directors and the public. The festival is open to the public. Call 730-5000 for more information or go online to www.mebda.org/concertband.html.

Sadie Tirrell, back right, a senior at Scarborough High School, earned an honorable mention scholarship from the University of New England recently. She’s pictured with UNE Provost James Koelbl, front, and another essay finalist, Zenab Shaikh.