NEW GLOUCESTER – The Cumberland County Commissioners will hold the next in a series of tri-town meetings at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Pineland Center.

Commissioners and county staff will meet with officials from Pownal, North Yarmouth and New Gloucester to discuss ways the towns and county can work together to improve the lives of their citizens and reduce the tax burden.

This is a continuing effort by District 3 Commissioner and board Chairman Al Austin to meet with all of the towns in his district to discuss mutual needs and areas of growth opportunities. The public is invited to participate.

Valentines sought for soldiers

LEWISTON – A local reservist hopes to collects thousands of valentines to be distributed to soldiers in Iraq and to hospitalized veterans in Maine.

Each card is meant to be a simple thank you, said Jerry DeWitt, the Veterans Affairs volunteer services director for the American Red Cross in Maine.

DeWitt has been collecting valentines for soldiers for 29 years, from reams of store-bought cards printed for schoolchildren to elaborate handmade cards.

All that matters is that each one has a hand-written message for a soldier.

People may leave them at the United Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, 137 East Ave., until Feb. 10.

Four days later, on St. Valentine’s Day, DeWitt plans to deliver cards to the VA Hospital at Togus, handing them out to veterans. The rest will be sent to a Red Cross worker in Iraq.

Of course, those won’t get to Iraq in time for the holiday.

No problem. After all, many soldiers are still receiving Christmas cards, he said.

“They’ll get them when they get them,” DeWitt said.

Auburn Dems meeting scheduled

AUBURN – The Auburn City Democratic Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 in the Community Meeting Room of the Auburn Police Station.

A general business session will be followed by planning for the Feb. 26 caucus. Refreshments will be available during and following the meeting.

All registered Democrats who live in the city of Auburn are requested to attend these meetings, which usually are held on the second Tuesday of each month. For more information, call 777-3125.

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