City Renews Fajita Grill's Liquor License

PPH:

City officials renewed the liquor license for the popular Fajita Grill on
Monday, after determining that their decision could not take into account
pending federal charges against the owner of the Mexican restaurant. Guillermo
Fuentes, 36, was arrested Sept. 21 on charges of conspiracy to harbor illegal
immigrants and employment of illegal immigrants. City Solicitor Bill Dale told
city councilors and the mayor that pending charges are not listed in the city’s
ordinance or state statute as a reason for denying a liquor license.

- John C.L. Morgan

Vocational Center Hosts Trades Demonstration for High School Girls

PPH:

[Westbrook High student Paige] Fogg was among the girls getting a taste of
firefighting Friday from Westbrook firefighter Rachael Welsh at the Totally
Trades Conference. The event, organized by the training group Women, Work and
Community, aimed to expose girls to jobs typically held by men. About 75 girls
from several high schools participated in the event at Westbrook Regional
Vocational Center.

- John C.L. Morgan

UMaine Celebrates Rudy Vallee Day

BDN:

The late entertainer and one-time University of Maine student Rudy Vallee was
remembered Wednesday afternoon on the steps of Fogler Library. Members of
UMaine’s four honor societies--All Maine Women, the Senior Skull Society, the
Sophomore Eagles Society and the Sophomore Owls Society--gathered there to sing
the “Maine Stein Song,” which Vallee popularized.

- John C.L. Morgan

Catching Up

- President Obama referred to the damage on Westbrook's Cumberland Street bridge as a reason for why Congress should pass the American Jobs Act. (October 6)

- The Seventh-day Adventist Church bought the former Warren Memorial Library building and plan to make it the regional headquarters of the organization. (October 5)

- Chipotle is planning to open a new shop in the Westbrook Crossing shopping plaza. (September 29)

- Fajita Grill re-opened about a week after being raided by federal agents for allegedly employing illegal aliens. (September 28)

- City Council wrestled over the regulation of fireworks within city limits. (September 28)

- Long-distance swimmer Pat Gallant-Charette was featured in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd." (September 26)

- School Committee adopted a new policy on laptops issued by Westbrook schools. (September 21)

- Hassan Faraj, an Iraqi immigrant, plans to open a new convenience store in the location of the former Salvation Army building downtown. (September 14)

- John C.L. Morgan