FARMINGTON – The Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District still has a limited number of plants left after filling the original orders. They will be sold on a first-come basis.

Among the items left are apple, pear and cherry trees, crab apples, blueberries, American chestnuts, maple, white pine cedar, Norway pine, white spruce and hemlock trees, lilacs, rhododendrons, lilacs and other flowering shrubs as well as high bush cranberries and red osier dogwood for erosion control practices.

Contact the district office at 778-4279 for a brochure with order form or to place an order or stop by the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District Office at 107 Park St. Supplies are limited.
SAD 58 screening
KINGFIELD – Students starting school in September will participate in kindergarten screening at SAD 58 schools in May.

Parents should call the school nearest them to arrange a time to bring the child to be screened. It is SAD 58’s policy to attempt to locate and screen children between the ages of 3 and 20 who may need special education services.

Anyone aware of someone needing screening should contact the director of special education at the Phillips School at 639-2902, ext. 224.
Host families
FARMINGTON – Maine families can host a Japanese exchange student this summer as part of a two-way exchange program sponsored by 4-H. Nineteen Japanese youngsters will stay with American host families from July 25 to Aug. 20.

The program is open to families in Maine with children close in age to the Japanese participants. Families without children in the age range will be considered as hosts for the adult chaperone from Japan.

“You don’t have to be involved with 4-H to host; you just need a willingness to share your home and your world. There is no need to know Japanese; the students have all studied English and are anxious to use it,” said Jill Coffren of Jay, state coordinator for the program.

“The program gives host families a chance to share their culture, friendship and family life with an exchange student and at the same time learn about Japanese life,” Coffren said. “The homestays only last a month during summer vacation, but the effects last a lifetime.”

Host family applications and brochures about the program are available by contacting the county Extension office at 778-4650 or Coffren 645-3248.
Doggie tests
FAIRFIELD – As part of the Doggie Fair, the Tri-County Obedience Club will hold an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at the Fairfield Community Center. The event is part of a continuing campaign that will promote the benefits of a well-behaved dog.

The AKC two-part program teaches responsible dog ownership to owners and basic good manners to dogs. The test is a non-competitive certification program open to purebred and mixed breed dogs. All dogs passing the test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. The cost is $10 a dog. All dogs must be current on vaccinations, at least 6 months of age and be licensed at their town office.

Those who wish to participate in the testing or want more information on the fair should call Dale Dutill at 397-4105.