Westbrook High School students performed Christmas carols in French “with amazing holiday spirit” Dec. 12. From left are pianist Péthuel Mutalenu, Cameron Daye, Sebastian Johns, Beni Lapika, Doris Ndoli, Céleste Sam Aissatou Nkouta, Chris Irakoze and Nathan Tshimbemba.

Robert Sheppard tells American Legion Post 62 about his father’s experiences serving with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.

Remembering Tuskegee flyer

Speaking recently at American Legion Post 62, Robert Sheppard recalled his father’s experiences in Italy during World War II.

James Sheppard, who moved to Westbrook after the war, died in August at age 94. He was one of the pioneering black Tuskegee Airmen and a “renowned speaker” for the airmen at high schools, civic groups and Air National Guard squadrons, the legion said in a press release. He also flew to Iraq in 2005 with other Tuskegee Airmen to inspire U.S. troops.

Neale Duffett and Dennis Marrotte of the Greater Portland-Archangel Russia Committee  made a special presentation to Robert Sheppard in memory of his father. A letter composed by the elder Sheppard about the airmen’s war experiences was sent to Archangel with letters of other Maine veterans.

French class entertains

Dean Morin’s French V class at Westbrook High School visited Springbrook Center and Stroudwater Lodge on Dec. 12 to sing French holiday songs.

“The students touched the hearts of the residents by singing “Vive le Vent” (“Jingle Bells”) and “On se dit Joyeux Noël” (“We Wish You a Merry Christmas”),” Morin said. “The group performed with amazing holiday spirit, all knowing that sharing a performance is the true spirit of giving.”

The two songs were led by Péthuel Mutalenu on the piano and the jolly carolers were Cameron Daye, Sebastian Johns, Beni Lapika, Doris Ndoli, Céleste Sam Aissatou Nkouta, Chris Irakoze and Nathan Tshimbemba.

‘Holiday Open Reading’

Lowry’s Lodge poetry series is hosting “Holiday Open Reading” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, at Continuum for Creativity, 863 Main St.

Anna Wrobel and Jim Donnelly are inviting people to bring poety books to gift, sell or barter. “Bring also your light to shine in dark times,” they said.

Suggested donation is $4 and light fare will be served.