STRONG – Paula Varney, a registered nurse and administrator of the Strong Nursing Home, was honored recently by the staff for her devotion to patients and her commitment to the staff and facility.

The staff surprised her with an appreciation day to honor her for going above and beyond in her every day dealings at the nursing home. Varney has been at the nursing home for eight years.

Food donations

FARMINGTON FALLS – The ancient practice of pounding the pastor took place at the Farmington Falls Union Baptist Church on Nov. 23. The Rev. John R. Tolman says the event gives parishioners the opportunity to contribute pounds of food for the food cupboard.

A Christmas carol hymn sing will be celebrated at the morning worship service on Sunday, Dec. 14. David Hovey and his father, Maurice, will accompany the congregation.

Children’s pageant

VIENNA – The North Vienna United Methodist Church on the Tower Road will hold a special children’s pageant during the 9 a.m. worship on Sunday, Dec. 21. At 7 p.m. that day there will be a “Hard-to-be-Merry Christmas” service.

A Christmas Eve service is scheduled at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24. Participants can bring a bell to ring.

The church offers regular Sunday services at 9 a.m. with Sunday School for all ages at 9:15. The church also offers a free after-school faith-based program called “Creation Station” for children in the Vienna, New Sharon, Mt. Vernon region in grades kindergarten to six at the Vienna Community Building on Wednesdays during the school year. The program takes place after school until 5 p.m. (except holidays, early release, and when school is closed due to poor weather).

Eagle Scout

NEW VINEYARD – Andrew E. Merrill, son of Thomas and CJ Merrill of Kempner, Texas, and grandson of Edward and Carolee Merrill of New Vineyard, was awarded the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor recently in Texas.

He entered Scouting in 1995. His older brother, Jeffrey, also earned the rank of Eagle Scout two years ago.