By Karena Garrity

Paying it forward is exactly what the Westbrook High School Classes of 1993 through 1998 decided to do with the money they had left over after their recent reunion. There was a surplus of $450.00 after their festivities were over and they jointly decided to donate that money to the Westbrook Foundation to be used for a scholarship for a graduating student in 2012.

“We wanted to have the money go to something good and worthwhile in this town instead of just sitting in a bank account somewhere,” explained Erica Syzdek, a representative from the graduating class of 1997. She now works as a special education and reading teacher at Westbrook High School. “Our hope is that the money goes to a student who embodies the spirit of Westbrook and someone who needs the funds.”

The specific request from the classes is to have this money be “…used for a student in good standing who plans to further his or her education, but is not in the top tenth percentile of their class.”

“As a whole we decided that this would be a nice thing to do with the money,” explains Melissa Ozols, also a representative from the class of 1997, who received a scholarship from the Westbrook Foundation when she graduated.

“We all enjoyed our time and education in Westbrook and we think it is great that there are so many scholarships given out by the Westbrook Foundation that help so many students,” Melissa added.

Although the 1993 to 1998 graduation classes would like to continue to donate money to the Foundation on a yearly basis for a scholarship, at this point the $450.00 is only for 2012.

“Maybe in the future we can find a way to keep the giving going, but for now this is what we can do,” said Melissa.

Erica added, “This is just one way that Westbrook Graduates can stay connected to the town and to the school system and this is our way of giving back.”

Westbrook, CT - In the current atmosphere of technology, where everyone is either plugged in, logged on or turned up the Friends of the Westbrook Library felt it was essential to have up to date computers, printers, laptops and software available to the community.

With the help of a $9350 grant from the Westbrook Foundation, the Westbrook Library is proud to be able to offer eight personal computers with flat screen monitors to patrons in the new Children’s Room area, complete with two networked, color capable inkjet printers. In addition, there are two laptop computers available for use in any part of the Library, including the relaxing young adult/ teen nook, one new laptop for staff use and two new, networked, color capable inkjet printers in the adult computer area.

“Our goal was to make sure that the students have up to date technology to work with here at the library, that is compatible with the school’s technology,” explains Lew Daniels, Library Director. “We try to be as close to the state of the art as we can be, for the benefit of the students and the community that make use of our equipment. The Library is often an extension of the classroom and we work to ensure that our services compliment the classroom goals.”

In keeping with the mission of the library, which is, “…to support and enhance the Community’s pursuit of knowledge and enjoyment by providing a balanced collection of Library materials and informational services for all ages,” the Friends of the Westbrook Library make it a priority to keep a thumb on the ever changing pulse of technological advance that are needed by the community.

“The Westbrook Library continues as a center of ongoing community activity and access to information by both traditional and digital means is critical,” explains Daniels, who is on hand to help children and adults make use of the new equipment. “It is a priority of the Friends of Westbrook, to make sure we are supplying our community with what it needs to stay current.”

Over the years the Westbrook Foundation has been instrumental in working in alliance with the Library to aid in its expansion and its technology. A large grant was given by the Westbrook Foundation in 2007 for the Children’s room and another grant in 2011 for variety of needed technological advances such as a Power Point projector, wireless internet and more.

“We are so grateful for all the Westbrook Foundation has done for the Library,” praises Daniels. “Not every community is lucky enough to have a foundation in town to help offset the cost of needed items. The Westbrook Foundation has been a fantastic partner to us and to have this kind of funding and support right here in town is invaluable.”

He adds, “Beyond the Library, the Westbrook Foundation does a tremendous amount of good throughout the community of Westbrook and it is a very positive institution in general. It saves the tax payers money and does a lot of good for community of Westbrook.”

 

 

The Westbrook Foundation, a non-profit started in 1984 by school teacher Barbara Spencer, has been awarding scholarships and grants to local students and town organizations since its inception and was proud to give 44 graduating seniors, in the 2011 class, the 51st to graduate from Westbrook High School, a total of $61,650 in scholarship monies to be used toward higher education pursuits.

An additional $16,000 will be given to Westbrook residents, through the Messerschmidt Scholarship Fund.

 

 

 

Scholarships were awarded as follows:

• The Veterans Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Nicole D’Orio.
• The Josephine S. Crump Scholarship was awarded to Christopher Cusano.
• Sara Buck and Christopher Alaimo, earned the Dorothy Christopher Hoyt Scholarship.
• The Oscar Manstan/Richard Nolf Memorial Industrial Arts Scholarship went to Samantha Schofield.
• Arianna Cote earned the Herbert A. Muller, Jr. Memorial Scholarship and Tyler Gracey was awarded the Ellen S. Murphy Scholarship.
• Jeanette Murphy, Michael Avena and Danielle Bergmann were awarded the Henry Ortner Memorial Scholarship.
• The Olin E. Neidlinger Music Scholarship is going to Julie Blum.
• The Elliot A. Spencer Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Sharif Jalil.
• Gegory Butterworth received the Raymond L. Wilson Scholarship and Corey Thomas was awarded the Westbrook Grange #123 Scholarship.
• Dominic Panico was awarded the Pat Mazeau & Myrtie Gareau Scholarship.
• Tyler Gracey received the Brandon E. Norman Memorial Scholarship and the Dan Nuhn Scholarship was given to Jamie Molinares.
• The Marie Mazeau Memorial Scholarship is going to Tyler Bridgewater.

The Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarship was given to Alexander Lawton, Harlan Toussaint and Julie Blum; for leadership Corey Thomas; Good Citizenship, Christopher Marino

Special Awards were given to; Jamie Abraham, Mikaela Bean, Sara Buck, Kelsey Campbell, Lea Chamberlain, Austin Charles, Brendan Coan, Meagan Cote, Anne Cyr, Cooper David, Connor Eastman, Christopher Feinman, Cody Forrest, Tara Higgins, Sabrina Husted, Chris Martel, William Morrissey, William Neale, Dominic Panico, Kara Riggio, Samuel Schenck, Michael Schneider, Samantha Schofield, Nathan Stevenson, Brittany Wigglesworth, Matthew Winschel, and Jordan Yott.

Fourteen Westbrook residents will receive scholarship funds from the Messerschmidt Fund, those receipts are; Ryan Killion, Jennifer Labbadia, Justin J. Lawrie, Britney Malhotra, Elna Munson, Martina Parashkevova, Marie Porrell, Nicole Riggio, Ryan Riggio, William E. Schwab, Dylan Twigg, Edward Vallee, Nicholas Westbrook and Samantha Westbrook.

Congratulations to all scholarship recipients from the Westbrook Foundation.

Westbrook, CT - With the mission of keeping the town beautiful, as well as preserving its rich history, the Westbrook Foundation was more than willing to contribute $5000, by way of a grant, to the First Congregational Church of Westbrook to be used to help offset the $135,000 cost of replacing and repairing the one hundred and sixteen year-old stained glass windows throughout the church. The largest of which is 15 feet tall and depicts the resurrected Christ. It can be viewed by passer bys on Route 1 and is always a magnificent sight, especially as the sun shines through its green and yellow panes of intrically designed glass.

The window was first installed in the church in 1894, after the building was rebuilt due to a fire that took it to the ground on Christmas Eve 1892. The original cost for the stained glass windows, at the time of their installation was $642. For over a century, the dirt, grime and grease has started to deteriorate the lead holding the windows together. In addition, the glass was in poor condition as were the frames.

Thanks to the expertise of Fabio Pizzol of Milan, Italy, a third generation craftsman, along with Marsha Vasiloff Abrahamson of Vasiloff Stained Glass Windows of Old Lyme, it was possible to bring the windows back to their original luster and beauty without compromising the artistic, historic integrity. Now the largest window, located in the rear of the sanctuary has a protective plexiglass covering to ensure it will be around for several more generations of Westbrook residents and visitors to enjoy and marvel at.

“Thank you for your vision and insight to provide $5000 to the church to renovate and restore our 116 year-old windows. The window overlooking Route 1 was in dire need of repair, as were all the other windows and the congregation and you (Westbrook Foundation) stepped up to make it happen. Of course, when we started we didn’t know that the figure of Jesus in the rear sanctuary window was a reproduction of the 1507 Raphael, which currently hangs in the Vatican. But, your gift helped make the restoration a success and provide an example in the center of town of great art and culture. We can’t thank the Foundation enough,” wrote David Stoner, chairman of the Board of Trustees, who oversaw the fund raising efforts for the window replacement project, in a thank you letter to the Westbrook Foundation.

Westbrook, CT - For the Westbrook Foundation, the students of Westbrook are this shoreline town’s greatest asset. Driving that point home, the Foundation granted $4795 to the Westbrook Public Schools to implement the Rachel’s Challenge Program, which focuses on bullying in today’s schools.

“We want to be proactive, not reactive,” said Superintendent of Schools, Patricia Charles. “I think the Rachel’s Challenge program was fantastic and very dynamic. It really got the students focused on creating a culture of caring, which is how we are going to stop bullying.”

Rachel Scott was the first victim at Columbine High School, on April 20 1999. In reaction to this horrible event, her family started Rachel’s Challenge, a heartfelt, educational program challenging students to be kind to each other in every way, every day. The program has now traveled throughout the country spreading Rachel’s words.

“At the heart of Rachel’s Challenge message is kindness and compassion,” said Colleen Kirk, the speaker, presenter from Rachel’s Challenge who visited the Westbrook Schools. “We try and teach the power of each student’s words and actions.”

The presentation, which was tailored to the different age groups at all three schools, encouraged five central challenges; eliminate prejudice, dare to dream, choose your influences, kind words and start a chain reaction.

“The program was phenomenal,” said elementary school teacher Diana Burns, who was instrumental in getting Rachel’s Challenge to the schools. “The Westbrook Foundation was by far our biggest supporter. If it wasn’t for the Foundation, the Westbrook School district would not have benefitted from such a powerful program.” Burns brought the program to Westbrook as part of an internship assignment she is fulfilling under the tutelage of Elementary School principal, Kit Bishiop. Burns is currently going for her degree in administration.

“I had to do a school improvement project and I thought that anti-bullying is so current right now that Rachel’s Challenge would be great for all the students to learn from,” explains Burns. “The positive feedback from the students has been incredible. The High School seniors want to walk their “chain link of kindness” they have been working on since the assembly, across the stage at graduation. I think that is great. It has gotten the students to visibly think and do in a positive way.” “I think the program was very well done and it was a wonderful opportunity for the staff to learn from, as well as the students,” said Charles, who hopes to sustain this kind of learning with a continuous message of anti-bullying.

“Rachel’s family started this program to help other communities be proactive and take the necessary preventive measures before something like Columbine happens again,” explained Kirk. “We hope this program is successful in stopping bullying and we hope the banner that the students sign, committing them to Rachel’s 5 Challenges, will hang in their schools and remind them how important their acts of kindness to each other are.”

Westbrook, CT - The annual tree lighting ceremony was that much more festive this year thanks to a $3,900 grant from the Westbrook Foundation, to the town, for the Tree Lighting Committee to purchase 60 holiday flags.

The decorative flags, which are a treasured part of the annual ceremony, adorn the utility poles in town from Water’s Edge to the Marine District and through the center of town, North to the Tanger Outlets. Over the years these colorful, festive decorations have deteriorated, from exposure to the elements and general wear and tear; they were in dire need of replacement and the committee needed a hand in raising the funds for the purchase of the new flags.

“The committee is so grateful to the Westbrook Foundation for this grant. They have allowed us to continue our tree lighting ceremony and to add the finishing touches on dressing up the town for the holiday season," says Tree Lighting Committee Chairman, Dennis Allen. "The new flags are very colorful and cheery and they help promote the holiday season in town."

This is the second grant the Foundation has given to the town, for the committee, to be used to purchase new flags. The first was in the amount of $3,200 to purchase 50 flags. In total, the town now has 150 holiday flags that beautify the streets each year, spreading holiday cheer from the week immediately following Thanksgiving until after the New Year. So, next holiday season take a moment to look up and admire the crisp, new vibrant flags and appreciate the attractive splendor they add to the town’s festive celebration.

Westbrook, CT - Thanks to a generous, $3,400 grant from the Westbrook Foundation, as well as $2000 from the Westbrook Board of Education, high school Chemistry teacher, Ken Savage, was able to put his idea for hands on learning into action, with the use of a saltwater, tropical, marine reef aquarium.

“We wouldn’t have been able to make this happen without the grant from the Westbrook Foundation,” said Savage. “I am extremely grateful for these funds. This has allowed me to be able to outfit this aquarium with top shelf equipment that will last a very long time, and make for a much better display for the students to learn from and enjoy.”

Savage’s plan is to use the 100 gallon aquarium, which was donated by his neighbor, as a hands on learning tool for his Chemistry students, as well as his marine biology and animal studies classes. Senior Mary Papp, who plans on majoring in marine biology, next year at college, is already making good use of the new learning experience. She is doing an independent study project managing the aquarium. Part of her work is to care for the tank and its many, varied inhabitants, which currently include a live rock coral reef, a banner fish, a cardinal fish, a yellow tail damsel fish, a blue tang fish, a yellow tang fish and three clown fish. Papp is also working on a booklet, to accompany the aquarium, that will include in depth biological information about each fish.

“This aquarium has given the students a real sense of pride,” says Savage, who is delighted that he was able to enlist the help of the industrial arts class to build the stand for the aquarium. “My marine biology and animal studies classes are electives, so students from all learning levels are in them and to see them all work together, getting this aquarium prepared, cutting pipes, routing the piping, gluing everything and making it look good, was great. Sometimes the kids that need the most academic assistance do the best with this kind of hands on teaching.”

The aquarium is currently housed in the media center, adding a relaxing ambiance to this quiet area. Hopes are to include a small sitting area in front of the aquarium, so students can read and study by the iridescent glow of the professional level lighting system that simulates daylight, twilight, dawn and night. During the holidays and summer vacations, one of the janitorial staff, as well as Savage, who lives near by, will be taking care of the elaborate aquarium, which is electrically hooked into the schools generator in case of a power outage.

“The Westbrook Foundation is committed to funding good investments that will benefit the entire community and I think this aquarium fits the bill. Thanks to the grant monies, this teaching tool will be here long after I am,” said Savage.

Westbrook, CT - The Westbrook Foundation was proud to award 42 graduating seniors in the 2010 class, the 50th to graduate from Westbrook High School, and one graduate of Vinal Technical High School, a total of $63,900 in scholarship monies to be used toward higher education pursuits. An additional $11,000 will be given to recipients through the Messerschmidt Scholarship Fund.

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide awards to applicants who are not enrolled High School seniors, but who are High School graduates and Westbrook residents seeking financial aid for post-secondary education.

The Calderari Hoxsie Schubert Steinson Veterans Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Stephany Chocho.

The Josephine S. Crump Scholarship, was awarded to Shamima Akhter.

Brittany Palermo and Casey Krane, earned the Dorothy Christopher Hoyt Scholarship.

The Manstan/Nolf Memorial Industrial Arts Scholarship went to Michael Cormier.

Bridget Galiger earned the Herbert A. Muller, Jr. Memorial Scholarship and Alyssa Reilly was awarded the Ellen S. Murphy Scholarship.

Valedictorian, Katherine Clements, along with Salutatorian, Lisa Fredrickson and Samantha LaMark, were awarded the Henry Ortner Memorial Scholarship.

The Olin E. Neidlinger Music Scholarship is going to James Landino.

The Elliot A. Spencer Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Jordan Bean.

Elna Munson received the Raymond L. Wilson Scholarship and Edward Vallee was awarded the Westbrook Grange #123 Scholarship.

Christopher Leech was awarded the Pat Mazeau & Myrtie Gareau Scholarship.

Alyssa Reilly received the Brandon E. Norman Memorial Scholarship and the Dan Nuhn Scholarship was given to Christopher Cane.

The Marie Mazeau Memorial Scholarship is going to Michael Cormier and the Shoreline Amateur Radio Scholarship to Ian Parman.

The Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarship was given to Kenneth Cusano, Dylan Gallacher and Aaron Damrau. In addition, the Leadership portion of this scholarship was given to Tyler Wilson; The Good Citizenship portion to Megan Pielli; and Special Awards were given to; Brittney Appleby, Brian Badstuebner, Courtney Baxter, Brianna Blank, Amy Dean, Lexie Eastman, David Fernandes, Matthew Forest, Dennis Graham; Andrew Hagemeister, Christopher Leech, Andrew MacMillan, Kirsten Merrimarahajara, Brittany Moore, Carly Neil, Sarah Payton, Michael Radlbeck, Nicole Shea, Ryan Taylor and Colin Townsend.

Westbrook resident Devon Clark, who graduated from Vinal Technical High School, was also awarded a Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarship.
In addition, eleven other Westbrook residents will receive scholarship funds from the Messerschmidt Fund, those recipients are; Maria Gambini, Jordan Jones, Britney Malhotra, Joseph Miessau, Carrie Ozols, Martina Parashkevova, Kathryn Pielli, Nicole Riggio, Ryan Riggio, William Schwab, and Nicholas White. Congratulations to all scholarship recipients from the Westbrook Foundation.

A pair of Westbrook High School students credits the Foundation scholarships they won at graduation as big assists in paying for a college education that became a spring board into careers filled with success.

Sameer Sheth, class of 2003, was accepted to Yale University in New Haven. “The scholarship from the Foundation helped me afford my education, the money augmented my tuition and allowed me to finish my undergraduate study in 2007 with no debt”, says Sameer.

Sameer’s major in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology directed him toward the field of medicine; his Senior Thesis focused on research in the field of pediatric heart disease. But Sameer wanted to move away from the laboratory environment, so in 2009 he enrolled in the Yale School of Medicine

In the year between graduation and starting medical school, Sameer traveled to India, where he was part of a team that provided free health care, with a focus on working with EMT doctors. This experience in the field convinced him his future was not in the laboratory. Today, he is concentrating on internal medicine, treating patients and achieving outcomes. “A very satisfying part of my study is working with patients at the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital in West Haven”

When Kim Moler, class of 2005, headed to Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, her intention was to become an Air Traffic Controller. “My Dad owns and flies a private plane, and from middle school on he said I’d make a great controller”, Kim remembers. “I had to come up with money for school myself, so the scholarship from the Foundation just made it easier for me to manage tuition and other costs. Kim flew right through her classes at Embry- Riddle, getting her Degree in three instead of four years.

But her climb to a job in the control tower took a sharp turn. “I had an opportunity to use my degree in private industry,” she says, “so I joined Northup Grumman in a job supporting the FAA Air Traffic Controller organization.” Kim is currently a systems engineer doing instructional work, and designing training courses for air traffic maintenance personnel. Her Dad was right, only the best get to train others.

Qingzhou, China - Lindsay Boehme, a social studies teacher at Westbrook High School, traveled to China April 8-21, 2008. As part of a delegation sent by the Connecticut Association of Schools, Lindsay was able to visit Westbrook’s sister school the Qingzhou Experimental Middle School in Qingzhou, Shandong Province, China.

This trip was possible in part by the funding from the Westbrook Foundation and Westbrook Board of Education.

Lindsay was able to visit and teach classes at the elementary and high school level. “I am amazed and intrigued by the education system in China. Coming from a small high school in Westbrook, the classroom sizes of 70 or more students were overwhelming, “she says. “I was warmly welcomed during my visit to the school and realized that even though China is on the other side of the world, the passion for teaching and eagerness of the students for learning, was similar to that of the United States and Westbrook”.

An added bonus for Lindsay was visiting places in Beijing such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. “I was able to incorporate my experiences and pictures in my lessons when I taught about these topics this school year! This valuable opportunity enriches my teaching.”

Westbrook, CT - Timed with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on the Westbrook Town Green are 40 new festive flags that decorate the roadways around the Green, and up and down both Route One and the Essex Road. The holiday banners in red, green and white colors are from a Grant of $3,174 by the Westbrook Foundation to the town’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Committee. The colorful flags are mounted on utility poles and replace deteriorated banners and expand the area being decorated so that more of the Town will be covered.

The Tree Lighting is a tradition in Westbrook that goes back nearly 30 years. In addition to the lighting ceremony, there is a bicycle decorating contest, Santa's parade, a community carol sing, local stage acts, free horse and carriage rides donated by the Essex Savings Bank, holiday story reading, a children's craft booth where environmentally friendly ornaments are made for the tree, refreshments, a Santa's house donated by ABC enterprises where children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Historical Society Building and most businesses around the Green are open during the Ceremony. The Drum Corps the Westbrook High School Band and chorus and Kia Mamas, the Congregational Church's Cherub Choir, Bob Anderson on the keyboard, Dennis Allen MC, Audrey Ward School of Dance singers all participate. The Night Before Christmas is read by Kit Bishop. Local groups who volunteer to help include the Westbrook Fire Department, Westbrook Constables and State Police, Westbrook Ambulance Association, VISTA, Westbrook Boy Scout Troop #38, Westbrook High School students, Westbrook Youth and Family Services, Westbrook Garden Club, Westbrook Public Library.

NEW MEDIA ENHANCES, REWARDS CLASSROOM LEARNING - Interactive whiteboards are now in operation in five classrooms at the Daisy Ingraham School, thanks to a $15,000 Grant from the Westbrook Foundation.

Daisy Principal Kit Bishop says that research shows technology advancements that directly involve student participation “motivate young learners by engaging them and providing immediate feedback.” Kindergarten teacher Carolanne Powers, who has one of the whiteboards purchased with the grant, likes the versatility interactive technology provide. “I can use graphs, charts and other media all at the same time to both teach and reinforce concepts. I see learning happening faster, with greater retention. Our class calls the board “Daisy Smart’, and looks forward to doing lessons and solving problems using their fingertips to get answers instead of using paper and pencil.”

Barbara Spencer, the force behind the formation of the Foundation 25 years ago, was an elementary school teacher who used blackboards and erasers. “Barbara would be very happy to see how today’s technology is contributing to student achievement, and helping make classroom learning fun, too.” says Kit

Grants A Large Part of Barbara Spencer’s Vision - When Barbara Spencer provided the funds for the Westbrook Foundation 25 years ago, she had a vision that went beyond awarding only scholarships.

As a lifelong resident of Westbrook, Barbara anticipated that over time, the non-profit groups and organizations that form the backbone of the town may require additional funds beyond the tax dollars for programs and activities that would improve the quality of life for all townspeople.

As Rick Westbrook points out in his Chairman’s Letter in this issue, “our grant program is extensive and varied. It is driven by the applications we receive and our available funds. Applications for grants have been pretty steady for the years I’ve been associated with the foundation and have come from a number of organizations. The common thread through all the grant request awards was that each one provided demonstrable value for the residents of Westbrook.

The Foundation continues to seek Grant requests. Groups and organizations that find a project or activity that will benefit residents, study the available funding alternatives. Look at our website, westbrookfoundation..org, for the necessary guidelines and application that describe the steps to take to apply for a Foundation Grant. “Consider us”, says Rick Westbrook, “ the opportunity is what Barbara Spencer wanted to provide our town”.

Westbrook, CT - A new program designed for children with special needs is underway at the Youth & Family Services Agency , supported in part by a Grant from the Westbrook Foundation.

It’s called the Adventure Program, and will be held at Bushy Hill Nature Center in Ivoryton. According to Jacqueline Ward of Youth & Family, “many Westbrook parents were looking for a program for their kids who simply did not fare well with larger groups, and would flourish in smaller settings, with additional support, plus a. clinical component to help navigate challenging social demands.”

“Grants such as these fit the Foundation’s objective of supporting programs for the betterment of our citizens,” says Chairman Rick Westbrook.

Westbrook, CT - Jack Delucco’s illustrated book about building his house in Westbrook for $1,800 continues to be popular, with sales exceeding 2000 books., adding to the initial $500 donated last April by Delucco to the Westbrook Foundation.

The house that Jack built was made entirely with scraps that other people threw away. He used boxes for walls and travelled all over Connecticut to get free building materials.

.Jack turned 85 in 2009 and still lives in the house, which is also home to many guests. “I am pleased that I can help the youth in town through the Westbrook Foundation with scholarship money from our proceeds”, Jack says

The book features Jack’s experiences in 1956 when he built a three bedroom home near Westbrook beaches from scratch for $1,800. “ I am interviewed in the book by my long time friend Carolyn Koch, who beautifully illustrates the story with imaginative drawings and captions that get readers of all ages into my story”, says Jack.. “The story would never have been told without this creative help from Carolyn and her mom Louise Cook, a Westbrook resident. Carolyn’s art and her funny phrases turn my scavenger hunt into a fun adventure.

The book is available at local book stores.

Westbrook, CT, - The Foundation awarded a Grant of $7,500 to St. Mark Church to help with the construction of a permanent non-denominational labyrinth for use by the Westbrook community.

The labyrinth is on Church property on McVeigh Road, and plans call for it to be open to the public later this year.

The labyrinth is handicap accessible and easily walked by all ages, says Judy Gallicchio, a member of the Committee working on the project. “We will have a completely flat design 38.5 feet in diameter, using stone-look concrete pavers in two colors.

The labyrinth will be surrounded by a garden of various shrubs and perennial flowers to provide a private sanctuary. We will have a fountain and benches. The funds from the Westbrook Foundation,” says Gallicchio, “ allowed us to get started quickly and to complete a large part of the initial work.”

Westbrook, CT, November, 2004—When the town’s new Senior Center opens next Spring , a grant of more than $16,000 from The Westbrook Foundation will ensure that local seniors begin enjoying their new home right away.

A donation of $16,850 was given to the facility at the Mulvey Center for the purchase of dining chairs and tables and a pool table. Jon Hall, Foundation president, said “we want to encourage the town’s seniors to be as comfortable as possible in the new site.”

Since 1985, the Westbrook Foundation, Inc. awards scholarships to local students and grants to town organizations involved in medical, social, cultural, recreational and civic endeavors. Founded by lifelong Westbrook resident and educator, Barbara Spencer, in memory of her father, the Foundation is a non-profit organization administered by a volunteer board of towns people.

Students, Organizations, Residents Enjoy Barbara Spencer Legacy, Generosity Of Other Donors

In 1984, Barbara Spencer had an idea. - With education her life’s work, the elementary school teacher and lifelong Westbrook resident wanted to use some of the inheritance from her father Eliot Spencer’s recent death to establish a scholarship in his memory for a high school senior.

She was advised instead to consider creating a Foundation that could provide a broader outreach than financing a single scholarship. She did just that, forming a Board of Directors that included then First Selectman Don Morrison, who joined prominent residents and family friends Judy Lowe, Ed Binder, Mike Wells and Alberta Woodstock.

The initial sum was $20,000 and its interest funded an annual scholarship, just as Barbara planned. As years passed, other benefactors left money in their wills to the care and management of the Foundation.

Major contributors were Henry J. Ortner, Jr.with a scholarship of $7,000 to students intending to pursue a career in engineering, the sciences or nursing. Henry was a nationally recognized diesel engineer and served for many years as Chairman of the Planning Commission. The Elliot A. Spencer Memorial Scholarship awards $5,000 to a top student. Elliot served Westbrook as a State legislator and member of the Board of Education. Former Westbrook Elementary School principal Raymond L. Wilson is honored by a Scholarship of $1,000, given to a student pursuing a career in teaching. Honoring Westbrook residents who lost their lives in war, the Calderari-Hoxsie-Schubert-Steinson Veterans Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 to a student with a strong interest in science or nursing.

Donations from former Westbrook teachers are the Josephine S. Crump Scholarship of $500 for a student who will teach business education, and the Ellen S. Murphy and Dorothy Christopher Hoyt Scholarships of $500 which help deserving students.

Westbrook residents and their families turn to the Foundation for scholarship formation and direction. The Mazeau family offers $500 in the memory of Pat Mazeau & Myrtie Gareau, the Oscar Manstan/Richard Nolf Memorial Industrial Arts Scholarship provides a student pursuing industrial arts with a $300 award, and the Herbert A. Muller, Jr. Memorial Scholarship provides $400, and the Messerschmidt Scholarship Fund is for local residents pursuing education beyond secondary school.

Barbara retired from teaching in 1992 and then died suddenly of a heart attack in July of 1993. But her love for her town and its children lives on in the children’s room at the Library. On Sunday, May 3, the Foundation will honor the quarter century that has passed since her idea became a reality.

Westbrook, CT - "The Marie Patrice Mazeau Butterfly Quilt" hand made by the Healing Heart Quilters, an informal group that meets at the Westbrook Library, was raffled from August to September 2009 and raised just over $1,000.00 for the Westbrook Foundation's Scholarship named after Marie. The winning ticket was drawn at the Daisy Ingraham School's Welcome Back Family Picnic at the end of September, and was won by Cathy Rutty of Westbrook.

The group started in January of 2009 from the wish of Jan Mazeau, mother of Marie, to make and raffle a quilt a year as a fund raiser. Jan asked Daisy Ingraham kindergarten teacher Carolanne Powers if she would help make a quilt to raffle. Not only did Mrs. Powers contribute her time, talents and material, she also mustered the support of several other teachers, Daisy moms and community members.

Jan Mazeau said that “several teachers also sent monetary donations so we could purchase fabric, embroidery floss, thread and needles - it was a real community effort”.

The butterfly quilt was made by:
 Kelly Catlin
 Sally Catlin
 Irena Fredrickson
 Maggie Gilhuly
 Michelle Lynch
 Jan Mazeau
 June Monahan
 Carolanne Powers
 Melissa Ryan
 Lori Salisbury

Westbrook Foundation Grant of $150,000 Starts New Era

Westbrook, CT - The newly renovated and expanded town library is in full operation and the Barbara Spencer Children’s Room is brimming with activities.

The library hosted a festive “official” Opening in January and hundreds of townspeople and special guests toured the 7,328 square feet of new and renovated space, featuring the 2,770 square foot Children’s Room, where visitors enjoyed a piece of celebration cake.

The Children’s Room addition was made possible by a $150,000 Grant from the Westbrook Foundation. “This commitment is something special”, says Lew Daniels, town librarian. “73% of the new space on the Main level is for children’s book collections, activities and related materials.” The Grant enabled us to buy quality furniture, furnishings, durable shelving and other items that provide an attractive and exciting library space. The cupola enables additional, valuable natural lighting for easier reading and research”.

“The Barbara Spencer Children’s Room is all about having a comfortable place for kids and parents that feels like home, we think the public library should be a quality place to spend time”, says Children’s Librarian Mary Nyman.

“We have a sink for playtime, the perfect environment for story telling, room for school visits, and programs that go from toddlers, to pre-school to elementary and middle schools. The pre-K story hours are popular, along with beach story times when we do nature crafts”, says Mary. “We look forward to lots of use after school and in the evenings for children, their families and caregivers”.

Westbrook - May, 2004- The Westbrook Foundation, a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to local students and grants to qualifying town organizations, has elected new officers who are assuming their positions this year.

John L. Hall, III was reelected to his third term as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Barbara (Ginger) Reeve was reelected to her fourth term as Vice Chairman, Johanna ( Jo-Jo) Schneider was named to her third term as Secretary, and Jane Butterworth was elected Treasurer.

Other members of the Board are Janet Dickey, Teri Gavigan, Robert Kindt, Jr., Claire Anthony Smith, and Richard W. Westbrook.

Honorary Board Members are Edmund Binder, Judith Lowe, Donald P. Morrison and Michael Wells.

Appointed to five year staggered terms, the Board of Directors consists of nine men and women, selected for their integrity and devotion to the public welfare and knowledge of the needs of Westbrook. The Foundation was founded in 1984 and elects directors that serve without political ties, without compensation and in a non-sectarian capacity.

The Westbrook Foundation has many faces in our community.

To graduating High School seniors, it's a financial boost in the form of scholarships to colleges that may have been beyond their means. To townspeople seeking to change, sharpen or add skills after college or high school, its funds to help pursue those opportunities. For town agencies and organizations, it's Grants to buy items, equipment or offer services that may not have been in a budget, but are critical to achieving their community goals or mission.

In 2006, the Foundation gave out $163, 390 in grants and scholarships. In the Grant category, the Foundation provided a wide range of rewards. For example, tuition assistance at Camp Hazen YMCA went to Westbrook students in need, the library upgraded its computer technologies and expanded free internet access for townspeople, St Mark Church received funds to start building an outdoor non denominational labyrinth, funds for high tech safety suits ensured that members of our local Ambulance Association are better protected when they arrive on scene, and the High School Theater Department will be able to purchase a storage shed and a new sound system for its productions.

The total outlay for all Grants was $82,940.

For graduating seniors, the Foundation manages 13 Scholarships bearing the name of a donor or benefactor. The primary one is the Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarships, comprising four categories of academic excellence, Leadership, Good Citizenship and Special Awards. Several of the other Scholarships reward graduating seniors for excellence in specific areas such as nursing and engineering. Last year, the Foundation began a new scholarship for post secondary and continuing education study. It is funded by a $237,000 gift from the Messerschmidt family, and seven Westbrook residents are already benefiting from this money.

In total, $80,450 in scholarship funds was given to 35 students in 2006.

Westbrook - June, 2002- Nineteen graduating seniors from Westbrook High School and seven Westbrook residents graduating from out of town schools and attending college received $68,450 in awards and grants from the Westbrook Foundation this month.

Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarships were awarded to 13 High School students. Michelle Tetrault, Lindsey Newcomb and Lindsey Ramistella each received $4,000 awards. A Leadership Award of $4,000 went to Greg Talpey and David Adamiec won a Good Citizenship Award of $3000. Special Awards of $2,000 each were given to Matthew Rutty, Alex White and Ashley Stebbins; Ricky Lewis, Virasith Outama, and Eric Jensen received $1,000 each. James Hirst and Andrew Bielawa received $500 each.

Three students earned $7,000 awards each from the Henry Ortner Memorial Scholarship, which supports students intending to pursue a career in engineering, the sciences or nursing. Recipients were Emmet Truxes, Kate Karkheck and Kimberly Cyr. The Elliot A. Spencer Memorial Scholarship of $5,000 was awarded to Heather Allen,

The Oscar Manstan Memorial Industrial Arts Scholarship, which rewards a student pursuing industrial arts with a $350 award, went to Chris Parkington, who also won the Westbrook Grange #123 Scholarship, with an award of $750. The Herbert A. Muller, Jr. Memorial Scholarship of $350 was awarded to Lindsey Ramistella.

Greg Talpey was also awarded the Calderari-Hoxie-Schubert Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 award that supports a student with a strong interest in science or nursing. The Raymond A. Wilson Scholarship of $1,000, given to a student pursuing a career in teaching, went to Lindsey Newcomb. The Josephine S. Crump Scholarship of $500, for a student who will teach business education, was given to Heather Allen. The Olin E. Neidlinger Music Scholarship of $500, given for proficiency in piano, was awarded to Alex White. The Ellen S. Murphy Scholarship of $500 was given to Virasith Outama, and two students, Kelli Rand and Katie Russell, received $500 each from the Dorothy Christopher Hoyt Scholarship fund.

Lauren Hatch Fifield, a local student graduating from an out of town school, received $1,000; and college students receiving scholarship awards were Jamie Winslow, $1,500 Mark Lawrie, $1,000, Carrie Ozols, $1,000, Brent S. Palmero, $1,000, Erik R. Gustafson, $1000 and Sara Lyle Brown, $1,000.

Westbrook, CT, July, 2002 — A $5,670 Grant from the Westbrook Foundation will enable a dozen local children to attend the YMCA’s Camp Hazen summer programs.

According to John Hall, III, Foundation president, “ the grant helps to defray the costs to send six Westbrook children to the Resident Camp and six more to attend the Camp Day program”.

Denise L.P. Learned, Camp executive director, says, “ the donation ensures that regardless of economic status, children become a part of the summer camping experience, which builds self-esteem, self confidence and interpersonal skills. This grant allows us to reach more children from the Westbrook area.”

Westbrook, CT, June, 2002 -- The work of three Westbrook High School students will be recognized next month at the national convention for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, in Minneapolis, MN, thanks to a $3,000 Grant from the Westbrook Foundation.

Shadia Goldstein, president, Carol Einsmann, vice president, and Amy Gronholm, officers and member of the local chapter of FCCLA, will be honored July 7-12 for a Community Service project conducted this past Christmas at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. The high school juniors sewed, machine embroidered and stuffed over a dozen Holiday stockings for 10 to 12 year old patients at the Hospital. The Grant will help defray the student’s travel and lodging costs. Mrs. Marjorie Wheeler, Family & Consumer Sciences teacher at the high school, will accompany the students to Minneapolis.

May 17th, 2009 - Twenty five years have passed since the Westbrook Foundation was formed by Barbara Spencer, a longtime local elementary school teacher who died in 1993. Many newcomers to Westbrook may not be familiar with the Foundation's origins, Barbara's background and how her vision of helping students reached fruition. Here's the story.

Barbara was born and raised in Westbrook. Her father was Elliot Spencer, who built a large family home on Seaside Avenue. The house is there today. Barbara always wanted to be a teacher and attended college at Rollins, in Florida. Following graduation, she returned to Connecticut and began her career in Norwalk, in Fairfield County. It wasn't long before she came home to Westbrook as an elementary teacher, first at the Mulvey School, then at Daisy Ingraham, where she was beloved by students and parents alike.

With teaching her life's work, when Barbara's father died in the early 1980's, she had an idea to use some of the inheritance to establish a scholarship in her father's memory for a high school senior. She was advised instead to consider creating a Foundation that could provide a broader outreach than financing a single scholarship. She did just that, forming a Board of Directors in 1984 that included then First Selectman Don Morrison, who joined prominent residents and family friends Judy Lowe, Ed Binder, Mike Wells and Alberta Woodstock. The initial sum was $20,000 and its interest funded an annual scholarship, just as Barbara planned. Barbara retired from teaching in 1992 and then died suddenly of a heart attack in July of 1993. But her love for her town and its children live on, as she left a sizeable portion of her estate to the Foundation, with the intent of providing the greatest possible benefit to Westbrook residents. Her memory in the Children's Room at the Library is a lasting tribute to this unequaled generosity.

Westbrook, CT - The Westbrook Foundation gave $68,150 in scholarships to 49 seniors graduating from Westbrook High School last month, provided $11,600 in awards to 15 residents either pursuing education beyond high school or currently attending college, and gave $3,000 to three Westbrook students graduating from other high schools. The total outlay from the Foundation to town residents and students was $82,750.

Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarships were awarded to 31 Westbrook High School students. Three Scholarship awards were given to Alexandra DeLorenze, Julie A. Labbadia, and Mary Panico. A Leadership award was given to Liana Conklin and an award for Good Citizenship went to Ryan C. MacDonald. Special Awards were won by Salma Akhter, Rachael L. Forsman, Patrick C. Hamilton, Jennifer A. Labbadia, Britney Malhotra, Abigail Neale, Maria V. Risatti, Hayley C. Smith , Caitlon Stedman, David R. Wilkerson, II, Cori Bagley, Alyssa Bernstein Rebekah Brown, Christopher R. Bushy, Devyn Chiarito, John Crawford, Rachel Crowley, Alexander Dyer, Zachary M. Lawrie, Catherine Schuler, Ian Trasacco, Angela Uihlein, Amy Valiante, Jason Cane, Tara A. Szakal and Adonia Doane-Lianos.

High School Seniors John Camperchioli, St. Bernard School, Matthew S. Jennett, Xavier High School and Sean D. Spencer, Vinal Regional Technical High School also each received Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarship awards.

Three students received Henry Ortner Jr. Memorial Scholarships, which supports students intending to pursue a career in engineering, the sciences or nursing. Recipients were Patrick Loftus, Brian R. Schenck, Jr. and Dylan Twigg. The Elliot A. Spencer Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Katy Persutti.

The Raymond L. Wilson Scholarship, given to a student pursuing a career in teaching, went to Christina Gamble. Ian Santagata received the Calderari-Hoxsie-Schubert-Steinson Veterans Memorial Scholarship, an award that supports a student with a strong interest in science or nursing. The Josephine S. Crump Scholarship, for a student who will teach business education, was given to Nicholas Alaimo. The Ellen S. Murphy Scholarship was given to Catherine Schuler. Nicole M. Riggio and Alyssa Molinares each received awards from the Dorothy Christopher Hoyt Scholarship fund and Jeremy T. Larkin received the Pat Mazeau & Myrtie Gareau Scholarship. The Marie Mazeau Memorial Scholarship was given to Jason Cane. The Manstan/ Nolf Memorial Industrial Arts Scholarship. which rewards a student pursuing industrial arts, went to William T. Harris, III. The Herbert A. Muller, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was given to Elizabeth L. Wininger, and the Westbrook Grange #123 Scholarship was awarded to Michelle Biegaj.

Both the Brandon E. Norman Memorial Scholarship and the Shoreline Amateur Radio Club Scholarship were awarded to Daniel G. Cummins and the Dan Nuhn Scholarship went to Kelsey Crawford.

The Messerschmidt Scholarship Fund for local residents pursuing education beyond secondary school, gave awards to Jennifer Rich, Martina M. Parashkevova, Alison Parman, Ashley M. Rourke, Maria Anne Gambini, William E. Schwab, Kathryn Pielli, Catherine S. Stachura, Peter Taylor, Meghan Taylor, Jordan Jones, Ryan C. Killion, Joseph Miessau, Carrie Ozols and Alison G. Strzepek.

Since 1985, the Foundation, a non-profit organization, is funded from donations, bequests and legacies from citizens who believe in the Foundation's goals of offering scholarships and grants for the betterment of the Westbrook community.

Messerschmidt Family Leaves $237,000 To Westbrook Foundation

Westbrook, CT - The Westbrook Foundation is creating new scholarship opportunities for residents who are seeking financial assistance for studies beyond college or high school in approved institutions.

“The funds for this new outreach into the Westbrook community comes as a gift from the Messerschmidt family, lifelong residents of our town, who have left $237,000 to the Foundation for us to use to improve the quality of life for our residents and our organizations,” says John Hall, Foundation chairman. “We are calling this approach to aiding residents who seek these avenues of post secondary education as the Messerschmidt Scholarships. “

All Messerschmidt Scholarships will be awarded for a maximum of one year for full-time or part time post-secondary students. Annual applications will be required for future year’s expenses. Part-time secondary studies applicants will receive scholarship grants for one or two semesters, depending upon their requests.

An applicant must be a resident of Westbrook on the date of the application. Voter records and tax returns may be required to prove residency, in addition to the signed affidavit contained in the application. The applicant must also be a legal dependent of his/her parents who are Westbrook residents, and must provide reasoning for not living in Westbrook, if that is the case.

Essays are mandatory and are needed for committee members to make reasonable assessments of applicants for whom they have no personal knowledge. The content that Foundation members will want to see in essays for Messerschmidt funds will be spelled out in the cover-letter of instructions for completing the application.

Applicants who have not attended an educational institution in the past three years before applying for a Messerschmidt scholarship must include two letters of recommendation from sources whose personal knowledge would enable them to attest to the applicant’s potential to be successful in the pursuit of either a degree or certification.

“We believe that the Messerschmidt family would approve the manner in which we will use their funds left in our care, “ states Hall, “ because we are expanding our reach to help as many residents as possible”.

Westbrook - June, 2004- 29 seniors graduating from Westbrook High School and one out of town high school, along with six local residents presently attending college, received $67,950 in awards and grants from the Westbrook Foundation.

Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarships were awarded to 15 High School students. Brian Porrell, Sohil Sheth and Zachary Hastings each received $4,000 awards. A Leadership Award of $3,500 went toYi-Mei Truxes and Kathyrn Bohannan won a Good Citizenship Award of $3,500. Special Awards of $1,000 each were given to James Brainerd, Benjamin White, Daniel Spencer, Catherine Marino, Amanda Ozols, Joshua Winslow, Wesley Hardy and Lucy Panico; Ryan Killion and Jessica Cunningham-Chila each received $500.

Three students earned $7,000 each from the Henry Ortner Jr. Memorial Scholarship, which supports students intending to pursue a career in engineering, the sciences or nursing. Recipients were Megan Smith, Laura Viscione and Lydia Fafard. The Elliot A. Spencer Memorial Scholarship of $5,000 was awarded to Erika Pape,

The Raymond L. Wilson Scholarship of $1,000, given to a student pursuing a career in teaching, went to Christie Wallace. Courtney Weisse won the Westbrook Grange #123 Scholarship, with an award of $750. The Oscar Manstan/Richard Nolf Memorial Industrial Arts Scholarship, which rewards a student pursuing industrial arts with a $350 award, went to Victoria Pielli. The Herbert A. Muller, Jr. Memorial Scholarship of $350 was awarded to Spencer Waldron.

Keith Rich was awarded the Veterans Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 award that supports a student with a strong interest in science or nursing. The Josephine S. Crump Scholarship of $500, for a student who will teach business education, was given to Nicole Annino. The Ellen S. Murphy Scholarship of $500 was given to Matthew Belz. Kaitlin Clark received $1000 from the Dorothy Christopher Hoyt Scholarship fund and Amanda Ozols was awarded $500 from the Pat Mazeau & Myrtle Garreau Scholarship.

Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarships also were awarded to two seniors from Xavier High School; Christopher Mathieu and Richard Persutti each received $1,000 awards. College students receiving $1,000 scholarships were Jaimie Winslow and Jordan Jones, UCONN; Patrick Truxes, Georgetown; Sara DeSimone, Arizona State University; Joseph Miessau, Keene State College; and Elizabeth Pytlik, University of Tampa.

July, 2007 - The Westbrook Foundation gave $59,900 in scholarships to 27 seniors graduating from Westbrook High School last month, awarded two local students graduating from other high schools $2,000 in scholarships and provided $15,500 in awards to eight local residents either pursuing education beyond high school or currently attending college. The total outlay from the Foundation to town residents and students was $77,400.

Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarships were awarded to 20 High School students. Andrew Wilson, Joshua Szakal and Ryan Pape each received $4,000 awards. A Leadership Award of $2,000 went to Jeremy Buck and Alison Parman won a Good Citizenship Award of $2,000. Special Awards of $1,000 each were given to Matthew Trasacco, Scott Coffrin, Carlos Ortiz, David W. Rutty, Mary Valiante, Samantha Spencer, Maria A. Gambini, Anthony Nardi, Nicholas R. White, and Kathryn Pielli. Receiving $500 awards were Katherine Dubuc, Robert Frawley, II, Amanda Bagley, Lindsey Riley and Joshua Sousa.

Three students earned $7,000 each from the Henry Ortner Jr. Memorial Scholarship, which supports students intending to pursue a career in engineering, the sciences or nursing. Recipients were Scott C. Fredrickson, Jacob Dean and Ryan Gallacher. The Elliot A. Spencer Memorial Scholarship of $5,000 was awarded to Kristina Clark.

The Raymond L. Wilson Scholarship of $1,000, given to a student pursuing a career in teaching, went to Meghan L. Taylor. James M. Wininger received the Calderari-Hoxsie- Schubert-Steinson Veterans Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 award that supports a student with a strong interest in science or nursing. The Josephine S. Crump Scholarship of $500, for a student who will teach business education, was given to Kristina Clark. The Ellen S. Murphy Scholarship of $500 was given to Ryan Pape. Lindsey Riley and Katherine Dubuc each received $500 from the Dorothy Christopher Hoyt Scholarship fund and Amanda Bagley was awarded $500 from the Pat Mazeau & Myrtie Gareau Scholarship. The Oscar Manstan/Richard Nolf Memorial Industrial Arts Scholarship, which rewards a student pursuing industrial arts with a $300 award, went to Carlos Ortiz. The Herbert A. Muller, Jr. Memorial Scholarship of $400 was given to Brian Moore. A new $200 scholarship in the memory of Gene I. Wills, went to Robert Frawley, II.

Local students graduating from other high schools who received scholarships were James M. Ronnie, Xavier, $500; and Elizabeth A. Calderoni, The Gunnery,$1,500. Residents attending college who received scholarships were Lyndsey Persutti, UCONN, $1,500; Elsa Fennelly, University of Rhode Island, $3,000 and Ashley Rourke, Southern Connecticut State University, $1,500.

The newly formed Messerschmidt Scholarship Fund for local residents pursuing education beyond secondary school gave $3,000 to Catherine Marino, $2,500 to Benjamin White, $2,000 to George Bell, $1,500 to Ryan Killion and $500 to Nicholas Crosby.

Since 1985, the Foundation, a non-profit organization, awards scholarships to Westbrook students and grants to qualifying town organizations.

Westbrook - The Westbrook Foundation elected a new Board Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary who are assuming their positions this year.

Richard W. Westbrook is the new Chairman of the Board of Directors, Walter Carlson becomes Vice Chairman and Teri Gavigan the Secretary. New members elected are Harry Ruppenicker, Jr. and Joanne Marino-Murray.

Jane Butterworth was reelected Treasurer. Other members of the Board are James Crawford, Janet Dickey, and Beverly Schirmeier.

Retiring Board members John Hall, III, who had served as Chairman the past 10 years, and Claire Smith became Honorary Members, joining Johanna (Jo-Jo) Schneider, Robert Kindt, Jr., Edmund Binder, Judith Lowe, Donald P. Morrison, Ginger Reeve and Michael Wells in that capacity.

Appointed to five year staggered terms, the Board of Directors consists of nine men and women, selected for their integrity and devotion to the public welfare and knowledge of the needs of Westbrook. The Foundation was founded in 1984 and elects directors that serve without political ties, without compensation and in a non-sectarian capacity.

Scholarships totaling $66,350 were awarded by the Westbrook Foundation in 2000, as follows:

• Calderari-Hoxie-Schubert Memorial Scholarship - to Felicia Cecilia Harris
• Josephine S. Crump Scholarship - to Amanda Smirnow
• Dorothy Christopher Hoyt Scholarship - to Sara L. Brown and Michael Edward Paul
• Oscar Manstan Memorial Industrial Arts Scholarship - to Peter Aurigemma, III
• Herbert A. Muller, Jr. Memorial Scholarship - to Daniel Savage
• Henry Ortner Memorial Scholarship - to Fanny Cardona, Sara Nowak, and Jillian G. Lynch
• Olin E. Neidlinger Music Scholarship - Kimberly Anne Parkington
• Elliot A. Spencer Memorial Scholarship - Shannon Marie Copas
• Raymond A. Wilson Scholarship - Megan Anne Mulvihill
• Westbrook Grange #123 Scholarship - Anthony Caesar Volpe
• Ellen S. Murphy Scholarship - Sara L. Brown
• Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarships - Alison Vogell, P. Todd Keryc, Siobhan D'Antonio, Sara DeSimone, Emily Shepard, Carrie K. Ozols, Young-Ji Ham, Theodore R. Owen, Allison Persutti, Jennifer Noel Eck, Kelly Swain, Kyle Woods, John P. Fudge, Erik Gustafson, Katrina Gustafson, Anthony Caesar Volpe, Michelle Killion

In addition to the scholarships listed above, the Foundation made grants totaling $105,550 during this same year, as follows:

• Westbrook Fire Department - $47,500 to acquire a fire safety trailer to teach fire prevention and escape.

• Bushy Hill Nature Center - $2,100 to subsidize tuition for Westbrook children needing financial assistance.

• Westbrook Senior High School - $6,000 to purchase weather forecasting equipment as part of WTNH-TV's School Net system.

• YMCA Camp Hazen - $5,200 to pay camp tuition for Westbrook children in need of financial assistance.

• St. Paul's Episcopal Church - $12,000 for maintenance to the church building. St. Paul's was the church of the Spencer family.

• Valley Shore YMCA - $20,000 to pay the third year of a 5-year commitment to the building fund.

• Westbrook Congregational Church - $5,000 to be used for charity for Westbrook residents.

• Westbrook Boy Scout Troop #38 - $250 for materials for an Eagle Scout project on the town Green.

• Vista Vocational and Life Skills Center, Inc. - $7,500 as seed money to begin a program for mentoring, involving Vista and Westbrook students and adults.

The Westbrook Foundation, since January 1, 1998, has made grants to organizations benefiting residents of Westbrook exceeding $280,000, and has awarded over $180,000 in scholarships to Westbrook residents.

Westbrook, CT, January 20, 2004—The Westbrook Foundation has awarded more than $22,000 in grants to two local organizations, according to Jon Hall, president.

A donation of $16,850 was given to Westbrook’s new Senior Center for the purchase of dining chairs, tables and a pool table. Jon Hall, Foundation president, said “we want to encourage the town’s seniors to be as comfortable as possible in the new site which will open shortly at the Mulvey Center”. Park and Recreation was granted $6,030 to purchase a new playscape for the town’s West Beach location. Hall said that the beach is a place many residents frequent throughout the summer months, and beyond, and the play set encourages families to make the site a family destination.

Since 1985, the Westbrook Foundation, Inc. awards scholarships to local students and grants to town organizations involved in medical, social, cultural, recreational and civic endeavors. Founded by lifelong Westbrook resident and educator, Barbara Spencer, in memory of her father, the Foundation is a non-profit organization administered by a volunteer board of town’s people.

Westbrook, CT, January 20, 2004—The Westbrook Foundation has awarded more than $22,000 in grants to two local organizations, according to Jon Hall, president.

A donation of $16,850 was given to Westbrook’s new Senior Center for the purchase of dining chairs, tables and a pool table. Jon Hall, Foundation president, said “we want to encourage the town’s seniors to be as comfortable as possible in the new site which will open shortly at the Mulvey Center”. Park and Recreation was granted $6,030 to purchase a new playscape for the town’s West Beach location. Hall said that the beach is a place many residents frequent throughout the summer months, and beyond, and the play set encourages families to make the site a family destination.

Since 1985, the Westbrook Foundation, Inc. awards scholarships to local students and grants to town organizations involved in medical, social, cultural, recreational and civic endeavors. Founded by lifelong Westbrook resident and educator, Barbara Spencer, in memory of her father, the Foundation is a non-profit organization administered by a volunteer board of town’s people.

Westbrook, CT, November 2002— A pair of Grants from the Westbrook Foundation totaling nearly $73,000 were given recently to two local organizations.

The newly formed Westbrook Youth & Family Services, located in offices next to the town green, received $37,500, the second payment of a $75,000 Grant the Foundation had promised when the Agency began operations last year.

According to John Hall, III, Foundation president, “ this agency’s charter is to help our town’s families and children, which is exactly the kind of activity the Foundation’s donors wanted us to support“.

Tanya Jones, the Agency’s executive director, says, “ the donation gives us the ability to both enhance and expand programs for our clients, supports the development of clinical services and helps pay initial administrative expenses.”

The Westbrook Cemetery Association received $35,400 to pave nearly a half mile of dirt roods in the old portion of Cypress cemetery that dates back 200 years. Hall said that the Foundation was finishing a project it started several years ago when it gave the Association funds to pave the newer part of Cypress. Sally Correll, Association president, says that the paving makes the roads cleaner and safer for both visitors and workers.

Since 1985, the Westbrook Foundation, Inc. awards scholarships to local students and grants to town organizations involved in medical, social, cultural, recreational and civic endeavors. Founded by lifelong Westbrook resident and educator, Barbara Spencer, in memory of her father, the Foundation is a non-profit organization administered by a volunteer board of towns people. In 2001, the Foundation gave more than $130,000 in grants, scholarships and other awards.

Westbrook, CT, December, 2004— Kids, families and organizations in Westbrook and surrounding towns are getting hands-on opportunities to learn what to do in the case of a fire or other emergencies, thanks to the traveling Westbrook Fire & Safety House.

“The $16,600 grant from the Westbrook Foundation is doing so much good for so many people,” says Cliff Spencer, Westbrook Fire Chief. “ When you can talk safety and at the same time simulate an actual dangerous real life environment, people remember what to do if they face an emergency.” The Fire Safety House has the ability to demonstrate through the use of modern technology what a room or house will smell, touch, taste and feel like to someone inside. Spencer has had children as young as age 3 learn to feel a hot and cold door, escape down a ladder and learn to use 911. Older children and adults are exposed to a non toxic smoke condition.

Over the course of a year, the Surrey Fire Safety House gives demonstrations at day care centers, elementary and middle schools, Middlesex Memorial Hospital, the local YMCA, and special events such as healthy kid’s day and the town picnic. “Since school started this September, says Spencer, “more than 1,000 kids have learned about fire prevention inside our House.”

The fire chief says that another benefit of the House to Westbrook is its use by the fire department as an incident command vehicle at the scene of an emergency.

John Hall, Chairman of the Board of the Westbrook Foundation says “the Fire Safety House is an ideal example of what Barbara Spencer sought to accomplish, supporting organizations and actions that would help ensure the quality of life of our residents.”

Since 1985, the Westbrook Foundation, Inc. awards scholarships to local students and grants to town organizations involved in medical, social, cultural, recreational and civic endeavors. Founded by lifelong Westbrook resident and educator, Barbara Spencer, in memory of her father, the Foundation is a non-profit organization administered by a volunteer board of townspeople.

Westbrook - July, 2006 The Westbrook Foundation gave $61,950 in scholarships to 24 seniors graduating from Westbrook High School last month, along with another $18,500 in awards and grants to 12 local residents either pursuing education beyond high school or currently attending college. The total outlay from the Foundation to town residents and students was $80,450.

Barbara Spencer Memorial Scholarships were awarded to 18 High School students. Spencer Gartner, Abigail Herrick and David Dubuc each received $4,000 awards. A Leadership Award of $2,000 each went to Tara Ireland and Taylor Jones and Cristin Cummins won a Good Citizenship Award of $2,000. Special Awards of $1,000 each were given to Nicholas Curcio, Madelyn Curcio, Andrew Cusson, Kirsten Jensen, Justin Lowrie, William Malhotra, and Jaclyn Mathieu. Amber Lenahan received $2,500 and $500 awards went to Alicia Bean, Allie Gesick, Courtney Hirst and Casey Winslow.

Three students earned $7,000 each from the Henry Ortner Jr. Memorial Scholarship, which supports students intending to pursue a career in engineering, the sciences or nursing. Recipients were Maralyn Naggi, Fred Schwab, III and Brian Wallace. The Elliot A. Spencer Memorial Scholarship of $5,000 was awarded to Andrew Hastings.

The Raymond L. Wilson Scholarship of $1,000, given to a student pursuing a career in teaching, went to Sarina Garofalo. Fred Schwab, III won the Westbrook Grange #123 Scholarship, with an award of $750. The Oscar Manstan/Richard Nolf Memorial Industrial Arts Scholarship, which rewards a student pursuing industrial arts with a $300 award, went to Casey Winslow. The Herbert A. Muller, Jr. Memorial Scholarship of $400 was awarded to Taylor Jones.

John Cole, IV received the Veterans Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 award that supports a student with a strong interest in science or nursing. The Josephine S. Crump Scholarship of $500, for a student who will teach business education, was given to Andrew Hastings. The Ellen S. Murphy Scholarship of $500 was given to Andrew Cusson. Alicia Bean and Courtney Hirst each received $500 from the Dorothy Christopher Hoyt Scholarship fund and Madelyn Curcio was awarded $500 from the Pat Mazeau & Myrtle Garreau Scholarship. The Brandon E. Norman Memorial Scholarship of $500 went to John Cole, IV

The newly formed Messerschmidt Scholarship Fund for local residents pursuing education beyond secondary school gave $2,000 each to Sean Boardman, Amanda Ozols and Jordan Jones. Receiving $1,000 awards were George Bell, Ryan Killion, Joseph Miessau and Alison Vogell. Other Westbrook residents receiving scholarships were Lucy Panico, Jennifer Rich and Ashley Rourke, $2,000 each; Kimberly Mohler, $1,500, and Elizabeth Pytlik $1,000.

Since 1985, the Foundation, a non-profit organization, awards scholarships to Westbrook students and grants to qualifying town organizations. Visit westbrookfoundation.org for more information.