AUGUSTA – Old Fort Western, the 1754 national historic fort, store and house museum on the Kennebec River, will kick off a year-long observance of its 250th anniversary with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4. The open house will be followed by fireworks from the eastside boat landing beginning at 4:30. The observance marks the 250th anniversary of the construction of the fort’s main house, America’s oldest surviving wooden military building. The official anniversary ceremony is scheduled for July 4, 2004.

Admission to the open house and fireworks is free. Donations in support of anniversary events will be accepted. More anniversary news and the full schedule of events are available at www.oldfortwestern.org.

Open house

CASTINE – Maine Maritime Academy will host an open house for prospective students and their parents on Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Sheraton Hotel, South Portland. It will consist of two informational sessions, with registration at 1 and 3:30 p.m.

College officers will conduct programs on academic majors, extracurricular activities and options in student lifestyles. Representatives will also present video tours of the campus and the training vessel. A special workshop will focus on how to apply for financial aid and scholarships. Financial aid advice and admissions interviews will also be available. For a reservation, call 1-800-464-6564 (Maine) or 1-800-227-8465 (out-of-state).

Attend workshop

AUGUSTA – The Maine State Future Business Leaders of America Club held its annual fall leadership workshop on Nov. 3 at the Augusta Armory. Students from across the state attended workshops aimed at improving leadership skills.

The day kicked off with the reading of the FBLA Creed as well as the flag salute and a roll call of the attending schools. Members attended workshops held by the FBLA state officers.

Scholars program

AUBURN – Jan. 31 is the deadline for seniors to submit their applications for the 2004 Papa John’s Scholars Program. Participating restaurants will award hundreds of $1,000 collegiate scholarships this spring. Only seniors attending a high school located in the immediate neighborhood of one of the scholarship-funding Papa John’s restaurants may apply.

Information may be obtained at the Web site, www.papajohnsscholars.com, or from guidance counselors. All seniors are encouraged to apply. Recipients will be notified in May.

Farmers grant

UNITY – The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association has received a $7,500 grant from the King and Jean Cummings Charitable Trust Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. The funding will support the Helping Dairy Farmers to Enter Specialty Markets program.

“This grant will help MOFGA provide technical and business support to Maine dairy farmers seeking innovative ways to stay in dairying in the aftermath of the razing of the Northeast Dairy Compact,” said Russell Libby, association executive director.

The foundation makes grants and provides leadership to strengthen Maine communities. For more information, visit the Web at www.mainecf.org or call toll-free 1-877-6800.

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