SCARBOROUGH – The Knights of Columbus Council of Greater Portland will host its 12th annual picnic on Sunday, July 24. The picnic will start at 10 a.m. with the celebration of the Mass.

The free picnic will be held at Ingleside’s Recreation Area on Haigis Parkway. It is open to all members of the Knights of Columbus, their families and invited guests. If possible, bring some folding chairs.

Adoption meet

PARIS – The Lewiston office of the Department of Health and Human Services will host a public informational meeting about adoption and foster care at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21, in South Paris. For location and to participate, contact A Family For ME at 1-877-505-0545.

Those considering adoption or foster care through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services are encouraged to attend the open, no-obligation meeting.

Rottweiler Day

AUGUSTA – Rottweiler Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Pet Co, Turnpike Mall, when volunteers and dogs from North East Rottweiler Rescue will be available. The organization needs donations, volunteers and foster homes. Call 1-866-392-0102 for more information

Summer talks

ROCKLAND – Summer French conversation gatherings will take place from 7 to 8 a.m. Tuesdays starting July 19 at the Pastry Garden, 313 Main St. For more information, contact Julia Schulz, Penobscot School, a center for language learning and international cultural exchange, at 594-1084

Hosts needed

DURHAM – World Heritage, a public benefit organization, is seeking local families to host high school students from France, Germany, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Norway, Brazil, Russia, China, Switzerland, Denmark and Italy.

Students are already awaiting word on their host family for the 2005-2006 academic school year. Host families provide room, board and guidance for a teenager living thousands of miles from home.

Students are well screened and are selected based on academic performance, English proficiency, teacher recommendations and personal interviews. Couples, single parents and families with or without children at home are encouraged to apply.

The exchange students arrive from their home country shortly before school begins in fall. Each student is fully insured, brings their own personal spending money and expects to bear their share of household responsibilities, as well as being included in normal family activities and lifestyles.

For more information, call Mary Jane Peaco at 1-800-888-9040 or visit the Web at www.world-heritage.org.