TOGUS – The American Legion, Department of Maine, will decorate veterans’ gravesites with holiday wreaths at the Veterans Administration facility cemetery on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Under the direction of Legion State Commander Herman Wright of Bath, volunteers will distribute hundreds of wreaths to the gravesites of fallen comrades at the VA cemetery.

The goal is to decorate every veteran’s gravesite throughout the country. “Our top priority is to Let No One Be Forgotten,” said Wright.

There will be a brief ceremony at 10 a.m. to which all are invited.

Yule party

PARIS – The Down East Country Music Association Inc. Christmas party will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Eldorado’s Banquet Room (formerly Country Way), Route 26, South Paris. There will be a story time, sing-along, entertainment and 50-50 drawing.

There will be no adult gift exchange, but gifts marked for boy or girl and age level can be brought. All extra gifts will be donated to charity. No admission, but donations will be accepted. For more information, call 793-8884 or 539-2366.

Rose society

ROCKPORT – The Mid-Maine Rose Society will meet at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Offshore Restaurant, Route 1. A meeting will follow at 1 p.m.

The program will include the success/failures of the 2003 growing season and rose sale 2004. Financial donations will be accepted for the Christmas project at New Hope for Women.

Light contest

PORTLAND – CMP has selected Literacy Volunteers of Maine and its affiliates as the beneficiary of the proceeds from the company’s sixth annual Holiday Lighting Contest.

For each entry submitted by customers by Dec. 22, CMP will donate $1 to Literacy Volunteers of Maine and its affiliates to support efforts to improve the literacy levels of Maine adults and their families.

For more information, visit www.cmpco.com or look for the special bill insert and entry form in November CMP bills.

Grange service

AUGUSTA – Granges are preparing for a new year of community service work. Recognizing the increased interest in community service among high school students, local Granges are reaching out to area high school students to participate in some events that Granges sponsor.

Examples include organizing food baskets, benefit suppers, community beautification projects, community restoration projects and adopt-a-nursing home. All are open to nonmember participation.

For more information, contact Maine State Grange Headquarters, 146 State St., Augusta ME 04330, 1-800-464-3421 or info@mainestategrange.org.

Scholarships

BRIDGTON – Maine Media Women will offer at $700 scholarship in May. All women residents of Maine attending or about to enter college are eligible to write an essay on “Why I am Inspired to Study a Major in Media.”

The group welcomes interests in journalism, creative writing, desktop publishing, design, photojournalism, photography, videography and communications.

Woman may receive applications, due April 1, from their guidance counselor, financial aid officer, on the Web at (mainemediawomen.org) or by request to Jude Stone, RR 3, Box 1085, Bridgton, ME 04009. For more information call 647-5960.

Distribute book

AUGUSTA – Central Maine Power Co. is putting the latest Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book in public libraries and schools. The company has donated copies of “My Friend Rabbit” by Eric Rohmann to more than 600 public, private and parochial schools and public libraries in its service territory.

It is the fourth donation of a Caldecott Medal-winning book to Maine schools in as many years.

Needs volunteers

FALMOUTH – Maine Audubon needs volunteers to lead “Exploring Nature in Winter and Spring” programs Jan. 26 through March 26 at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center.

The hour and a half programs for groups of all ages are offered Monday through Friday.

Volunteer training sessions will be held 9:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 15; Tuesday, Jan. 20; Thursday, Jan. 22; and Friday, Jan. 23 at Gilsland Farm. No previous knowledge or teaching experience is necessary.

Volunteers planning to attend the training sessions should contact Linda Woodard at 781-2330, extension 213, or e-mail lwoodard@maineaudubon.org.