Hike and Bike

POWNAL – MaineShare will host its 14th annual Hike and Bike fund-raiser on Sunday, Sept. 18, at Bradbury Mountain State Park.

Hikers and bikers will travel well-groomed trails, have a potluck meal and hear live acoustic music – while helping MaineShare to continue supporting 35 state-wide charities.

MaineShare has raised and distributed more than $1.6 million to its member charities, ranging from Maine Hospice Council to Maine Federation of Humane Societies.

Participants must raise or donate a minimum of $60. Call MaineShare at 622-0105 or visit www.maineshare.org.

Volunteer session

CASTINE – Maine Maritime Academy will host the Maine North/East First Lego League Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 19, sponsored by Maine Robotics.

The high-tech competition is one of two tournaments scheduled in Maine this year. Thomas Bickford, president and director of Maine Robotics, said volunteers from the community are being sought to assist in all areas of competition organization.

Bickford will hold a public information session for all potential volunteers and interested community members at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, in the Alumni Lecture Hall, Leavitt Hall, on the MMA campus. The public is encouraged to attend.

Potential volunteers can learn more about the First Lego League and its “Ocean Odyssey” robotics competition by visiting the organization’s Web site at http://www.firstlegoleague.org. For information on Maine Robotics, visit http://www.mainerobotics.org or contact Thomas Bickford, director, at 866-4340, or [email protected]

First meeting

CUMBERLAND – The Southern Maine Astronomers is inviting the public to its inaugural meeting on Friday, Sept. 30, at the Congregational Church.

A social hour will be held at 6 p.m. and meeting at 7. Group President Paul Howell will explain the goals and speak on the historical milestones in astronomy.

Visit www.southernmaineastronomers.org for additional information and directions.

Recovery walk

AUGUSTA – The Maine Alliance for Addiction Recovery hopes to recruit supporters statewide to walk near the state capitol in “Maine Walks for Recovery” at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, in Capitol Park. There will be a celebration with live music from the James Mee Band and refreshments before and after the walk.

The alliance is a statewide grassroots organization.

For more information, contact Deb Dettor, MAAR coordinator, at 458-4366.

Military meeting

AUGUSTA – The annual meeting of the Maine Military Historical Society is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Senator Inn. The Red, White and Blue evening will honor combat journalists and photographers.

Guest speaker will be Iraq veteran Bill Nemitz of the Portland Press Herald. Nemitz was embedded with the 133rd Engineer Battalion in Iraq. Social will start at 6 p.m., posting of the colors at 7 followed by a buffet. Cost is $25 a person, tax and tip included.

For a registration form or more information, contact Soraya Thomas at 626-4350. Seating is limited to 150.