It’s the Real Deal 5K

Registration is open for the 2nd Annual Real Deal 5k Run/Walk to be held on Saturday, May 16, at 9:30 a.m. at the Standish Town Municipal Complex.

The Real Deal 5K is a memorial run/walk honoring 1992 Bonny Eagle graduate Kenneth “Kenny” Coughlin, who passed away in April 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. A part of the proceeds from the 5K will go to the Center for Grieving Children in Portland, which has been a huge source of support and assistance to Kenny’s wife, Jennifer, and their twin boys, Casey and Jacob. The remaining proceeds will go to build a college fund for Jacob and Casey.

“I was honored when they asked if they could put on an annual race in Kenny’s honor,” said Jennifer Coughlin. “I knew right away we would want the proceeds to go to the Center for Grieving Children because of the amazing support they have given the boys and me.”

The race is 1980s themed and will feature DJ Steve Nason, of Standish, spinning hits from that decade before, after and during the race. All runners are encouraged to dress up for the event, and the top three costumes will be awarded prizes.

An after-event will be held directly after the race at The Maine Street Grill in Standish with giveaways and food and beverage specials, for everyone that participated.

“We want to thank all the local sponsors for supporting this race,” said race co-director and close friend of Coughlin’s, Sean Kelly. “It wouldn’t be possible without their contributions toward this great cause.”

Besides the Maine Street Grill, local sponsors include Nicely’s Market Inc., Papa’s Ice Cream, Loon’s Haven Campground, and Standish Recreation.

“We sponsor this race not just to keep Kenny’s memory alive, but also to help support his family,” said Nicely’s Market owner Kyle Nicely. “This race also helps support all of the other families with children that are affected by the death of a parent or close family member and use the Center for Grieving Children as a resource.”

Last year, the inaugural event saw 120 runners compete and raised more than $5,000.

“Seeing everyone pull together last year for the first race really touched my heart and I hope every year is the same in remembrance of Kenny,” said Coughlin.

To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Standish/TheRealDeal5KRunWalk.

Feeling Like a V.I.P.

Started in 2007, the Volunteer in Police Service program in Standish continues to prosper in 2015 adding a dozen recruits to this month’s training academy.

“I’m always impressed by the number of community members that are willing to donate their time to us,” said Community Relations Deputy Paul Pettengill with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. “They volunteer their time and energy and are a great help to us in many ways.”

Community service volunteers assist the Cumberland County sheriff’s department in its daily duties, such as surveying traffic, directing traffic during accidents, checking on seasonal and vacation properties in the Standish area, monitoring traffic speed with radar, searching for lost or missing children, fundraising and safety programs.

This year’s class will graduate in June and join close to 50 volunteers already serving in the program.

For more information on the Volunteer in Police Service program, contact pettengill@cumberlandcounty.org.

The crowd takes off in the Inaugural Real Deal 5k, held at Standish Municipal Complex last year. This year’s event will be held on May 16 at 9:30 a.m. Courtesy photo

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