WATERVILLE VALLEY, N.H. – The Appalachian Mountain Club will host the 34th biennial Appalachian Trail Conference from Saturday, July 26, to Friday, Aug. 1, in Waterville Valley.

The event, which focuses on preserving and protecting the trail, will include more than 160 hikes, ranging from easy to strenuous; 90 workshops for outdoor skills, conservation action and trail management; speakers and slide shows on long-distance trails and trips; and regional excursions from geological wonders to moose tours, plus New England-style entertainment every night.

Cost is $65 for the week, which doesn’t include lodging and food. For more information and registration, people can visit www.atc2003.org.

Bicycle tour

GARDINER – St. Joseph Parish will host the second annual Kennebec River Bicycle Tour – a 10-mile ride along the Kennebec on Saturday, Aug. 16. The ride is $10 and includes a light lunch afterward. Proceeds will benefit the church. For more information or to preregister, people can call Deborah, 582-6710 or 623-4511.

Volunteers needed

TOPSHAM – Volunteers are being sought for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks on Sunday, Oct. 19, in Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth and Damariscotta.

This year, instead of multiple smaller walks in Maine, there will be these three major walks. Planning committees are being formed, and volunteers are needed in Brunswick and Cape Elizabeth. There is an informational meeting from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 23,at the American Cancer Society, 1 Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, or 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at the Maine Medical Center’s Dana Center, Room 2, Portland. Team coordinators are also needed; their job will be to plan the logistics for those getting to the walks from throughout the state.

To learn more or to volunteer, people can call Donna Muto, American Cancer Society, at 800-464-3102, press 3, or at 373-3703.

Glass on display

AUGUSTA – The Maine State Museum has reopened its exhibit of Maine glass objects.

The exhibit, “Reflections of Maine,” features leaded-glass windows, lamps, glass-beaded Native American artifacts and many other glass items used by Maine people. It was closed for several months due to building renovations.

The new state fiscal year also brings new gallery hours and a return of modest admission fees. The exhibit galleries will be closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.

Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission fees are adults, $2; children 6 through 18, $1; children under 6, free; family maximum, $6; and senior citizens 62 and over, $1. Children in organized groups will be admitted free.

Five named

LEWISTON – Bates College President Elaine Tuttle Hansen has announced five appointments to the college’s Board of Trustees: Darrell W. Crate of Beverly Farms, Mass.; Daniel E. Doyle Jr. of West Hartford, Conn.; John D. Gillespie of Guilford, Conn.; Joel H. Goober of Charlestown, Mass.; and Edmund Wilson of Glenview, Ill.

The board has a 15-member Board of Fellows, whose members serve to age 70, and the 25-member Board of Overseers, whose members serve five-year terms. These newly appointed trustees will be overseers.