Hi everyone,
Two weeks ago, I spoke to a mother whose 18-year-old son had been detained by ICE. Jean-Pierre Obiang, who lives in Westbrook, is a student at the University of Southern Maine with no criminal record. His mother describes him as an adorable, intelligent and respectful child with big, ambitious dreams. Now, she's trying to bring him home.
If there's one thing I've learned about Westbrook since I started reporting here, it's that it's a tight-knit community where neighbors show up for each other. That's why I wasn't surprised (but my heart was warmed) to see a local store and artist supporting Jean-Pierre's family, which is struggling with lost wages, legal fees and other expenses.
All profits for @sassquatch_inc sales at Bloom Consignment & Resale will go toward mutual aid for the family. Jean-Pierre's mother even helped design a new piece, Blazing Blue Heart, in his favorite color. The store — located at 90 Bridge St. in Westbrook — is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
In this week's newsletter: Former Westbrook mayoral candidate arrested on domestic violence charge.
Thanks for reading and have a great week, - Salomé Cloteaux |
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People sing while forming a human wall outside of American Roots in Westbrook at the end of the day to protect immigrant workers from ICE as they leave work. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)
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COMMUNITY VOICES/AROUND TOWN |
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The Locker Project is providing free shelf-stable food for anyone to take home on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon in the Youth Program Room at Walker Memorial Library in Westbrook. It is available for anyone, no income requirements. If possible, bring your own reusable bag. Food provided will be a random assortment of shelf-stable goods.
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| THINGS TO DO |
Stephen W. Manchester American Legion Post 62 is hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 13. For an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org. American Legion Post 62 is located next to Riverbank Park at 17 Dunn St. in Westbrook. An A-frame double-sided poster will be placed at Main and Dunn streets.
White Rock Community Club is hosting a baked bean supper 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at 34 Wilson Road in Gorham. The meal will include baked kidney and navy beans, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, biscuits, hot dogs and a dessert. Everything is made from scratch, and all the proceeds are used to maintain the original one-room White Rock School House. The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children younger than 12.
Every first Friday of the month from 3 to 4:30 p.m., bring your knitting, crochet, needlework, etc., and come sit and stitch at Walker Memorial Library. This is not a class, but a group for crafters of all ages to meet up and spend time together, or just to enjoy crafting in our historic wing. Child crafters are welcome, but ages 8 and younger must be with an adult. The event will take place on Feb. 6 at 800 Main St. in Westbrook. |
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Salomé Cloteaux is a community reporter covering Scarborough and Westbrook. She was born in France but lived in Indiana for most of her life before moving to Portland in November 2025. Salomé has a degree in journalism from Indiana University, and she previously reported for the Indiana Daily Student and the Morgan County Correspondent. You can support this newsletter by encouraging friends and family to sign up and explore our other newsletters.
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