DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Franco American Education Foundation awarded $45,000 in scholarships to high school graduates from the greater Lewiston-Auburn area at a reception held May 21 at the Franco Center. An additional sum of $146,000 was awarded to college students presently in their sophomore, junior and senior years.
The following recent high school graduates were awarded scholarships: From Lewiston High School: Kimberly Madore, Aubrey Wood, Lauren Landry, Damon Bossie, Taylor Jean, Madison Langlais, Allie Pineau and Whitney Perkins. Recipients from Edward Little High School: Conner Dufour and Joseph Leblanc. Recipients from Leavitt Area High School: Charlotte Merrill and Julia Grover. Recipients from Saint Dominic Academy: Avery Gravel, Anna Theriault, Logan Martin and Emily Andrews. Recipients from Poland Regional High School: Breck Langevin, Hunter Gagnon and Lucas Kelly. Recipient from Oak Hill High School: Kaiden Delano.
The foundation is the brainchild of the late attorney Robert L. Couturier, who during his lifetime, left a legacy of accomplishments to this community, the Franco-American population as well as the foundation. The foundation was created to provide financial assistance to high school graduates of Franco-American ancestry pursuing higher education at colleges, universities, community colleges or vocational schools.
The foundation was initially funded by the generous gift from Lucien and Georgianna Martin, the former owners of Lewiston Crushed Stone. Other benefactors included Roland and Theresa Rodrigue, Rose Couturier, Albert Cote and Maurice Hemond. Susan Lagueux, president, Roger Couturier, Rachel Maier, Gisele Couturier, Jeffrey Gosselin and Camden Martin head the board of directors. Monique Couturier is a recent retiree from the board.
Applications are available online at The Franco American Education Foundation website: https://francoamericanfdn.org/apply/. -- Roger, no town
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a local high school art teacher seeking donations of craft supplies. I would love any unwanted wire (thin or soft enough to bend by hand), fabric, yarn, sewing equipment and small scraps of wood. You can contact me at [email protected] and I can meet you for pickup. Thanks! -- Ellen, no town
ANSWER: This will be fun to hear about what you manage to collect. You can depend on Sun Spotters to be generous and inventive. Let's put together some items for Ellen and see what she does with them!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have some World War II memorabilia, local surveying maps and other historical items that I would like to donate or give away. I don't want to just toss it all. Please contact me at 333-2228 if you are interested. -- Johanna, no town
ANSWER: I'll be curious about where your items find a new home. Keep us posted.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: My children are old enough now to take them raspberry picking. Are there any places close by to go? -- Mary, no town
ANSWER: Raspberry picking is currently available at Goss Berry Farm, 311 Elm St. in Mechanic Falls (346-6811), according to their website. Pineland Farms in New Gloucester also offers pick-your-own raspberries. Wallingford's Fruit House in Auburn is another option with raspberries ready for picking, according to their Facebook page. Chick's Apple & Berry Farm at 571 Main St. in Monmouth is another choice.
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