BIDDEFORD – A lecture, “Divine Justice and Human Order: An Islamic Perspective” by author and law professor Azizah Y. al-Hibri, PhD, is this year’s University of New England Featherman Humanities Lecture.

al-Hibri will speak at noon Monday, Nov. 22, in the Campus Center Pettapiece/Simard/Wescott Rooms, 11 Hills Beach Road. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Maine mother

WINSLOW – A statewide search is in progress for nominations for Maine Mother of the Year 2005. The mother chosen will represent the state at the national convention.

A nominee has to be involved as a member of a church. Nominees must be successful mothers and homemakers, be actively involved in public service and have a sense of responsibility in civic affairs.

American Mothers is a national interfaith, nonprofit, nonpolitical organization in Washington, D.C. The organization seeks to develop and strengthen the morale and spiritual foundation of families, in their homes, communities and the nation.

Anyone or any organization that want to nominate a mother is asked to contact Roseanne Boutin, 37 Halifax St., Winslow, or Anne Giroux, 124 Silver St., Waterville. Any mother interest in joining the organization or obtaining more information is asked to contact Roseanne Boutin or Connie Warren, 2803 Middle Road, Sidney, ME 04330.

Kettle online

PORTLAND – The traditional Salvation Army kettle has entered the electronic age. The Salvation Army of Northern New England has created www.netkettle.com to raise money for toys, clothing and food for the needy. “If you can’t make it to your neighborhood kettle, this is the next best thing,” said Divisional Development Director Tom Fodor.

Visitors to www.netkettle.com can contribute on line, support a local Salvation Army Corps and ask friends or businesses contacts to participate. Contributors can have their name displayed on the Web site to encourage others to give. The organization hopes that site visitors will have fun asking others to participate and inviting others to help the needy.

Visit www.netkettle.com or the main Northern New England Salvation Army site at www.servingnewengland.org.

Man honored

PORTLAND – The Maine Affordable Housing Network honored Maine State Housing Authority Director Michael Finnegan for his outstanding contribution to affordable housing in Maine.

“This award is our gift of appreciation for all the support Mike Finnegan has given affordable housing initiatives in Maine, and for his partnership with the Maine Affordable Housing Network in making Maine people aware of the “Not in My Back Yard” issue,” said network president Don Kniseley.

The award was presented during the network’s housing conference. It is a coalition of affordable housing supporters who provide education and advocacy for affordable housing issues statewide.

Last month the Maine Community Action Association also presented an award to Finnegan in recognition of his efforts on behalf of housing for working families in the state.