RUMFORD – Students at Mountain Valley High School have until the end of February to apply for the Dr. Edward J. Martin Book Scholarship. Those interested should contact the guidance department at the school.

Weight loss challenge

MEXICO – Dr. Phil McGraw’s weight loss challenge is here in Maine. Anyone interested in the plan may can attend the Earth Spirit Healing Center, 181 Highland Terrace, every Thursday at 1 p.m. with moderators Rhonda Ouellette and Beverly Coolidge, or call 369-9361 or e-mail [email protected]. More information about McGraw’s program may be obtained on the Internet at www.drphil.com. A statewide meeting is held in Augusta the last Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. Moderators are Paula Richards, Yvonne Burris, Tammy Fisher, Jill Worster and Denise Cutler. People can call Paula at (207) 445-3681 or e-mail [email protected].

Hospice plans open house

PARIS – The public is invited to an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. today, at Market Square Health Care Center to tour the comfort suite, the center’s new room for hospice residents and their families. Market Square staff members will give tours and answer questions.

The private hospice suite is equipped with a pull-out couch for families so they can stay in the room, a bathroom, a special patient bed, and a cabinet with supplies like candles, aromatherapy, Bibles and other religious material, and music. More information may be obtained by calling 743-7086.

Lenten luncheon

PARIS – A Lenten luncheon will be offered from noon to 1 p.m. today, at the Deering Memorial United Methodist Church, the stone church at the corner of Church and Main streets. The luncheon will include a 20-minute sermon by the Rev. Dan Johnson. Cost is $5. The Thursday luncheons, with the participation of local clergy for sermons, continue through March 17.