AUGUSTA – The Secret Society of Happy People has announced that Gov. John Baldacci proclaimed Jan. 15 to 21, as Hunt for Happiness Week in Maine.

“When our nation was founded, one of the cornerstones of our constitution was the right to pursue happiness,” Baldacci said in the proclamation. “I urge all citizens to acknowledge and further their commitment to increase their personal happiness by pursuing happiness during the week.”

Since 2002, Hunt for Happiness Week has been sponsored by the Secret Society of Happy People the third week of every January to encourage people to actively seek happy moments.

The society’s Web site, www.sohp.com, provides I-Spy Coupons, a 31 Types of Happiness Word Search, Happy Inventory and age-appropriate youth activity suggestions for schools or youth organizations.

“Secret Society of Happy People members in Maine are very happy that Gov. Baldacci recognizes the importance of happiness,” said member, Carol Ayer, proclamation coordinator of Maine.

Home study

ORONO – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering a home-study course for beginning investors with small dollar amounts.

“Investing for Your Future: A Cooperative Extension System Basic Investing Home Study Course” was developed for people who are new to investing and may not have much money to start with.

The home study guide was developed by a consortium of six land-grant universities and is available from UMaine Extension’s publications distribution center. Order a copy by calling 581-3792 or 800-287-0274, e-mailing [email protected], or via the Extension’s online books and publications site, http://extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu/.

Classical conclave

FREEPORT – Maine Classical School will hold its first Classical School Conference at Freeport High School on March 24 and 25. The conference, “The Well-Trained Mind: Academic Excellence Through Classical Education,” will feature nationally known author, Susan Wise Bauer.

The program will begin with a keynote address on Friday, March 24. Workshops on Saturday, March 25, will include “A Plan for Teaching Writing, Grades K-12,” “Great Books: History as Literature” and “Educating our Own Minds: How to Teach Ourselves as We Teach our Kids.”

For more detailed information and a registration form, visit www.mainecschool.org or call 865-6820.

Grange trip

AUGUSTA – The Maine State Grange is sponsoring a bus trip to Ohio Amish Country on May 7 to 12. Highlights will include a Roscoe Village living history tour, canal boat ride, visit to Warther’s Carvings, safari at Rolling Ridge Exotic farm, and wedding-style feast in an Amish home.

The cost is $899 for single occupancy, $699 double, $649 triple or $619 quad. Reservations must be made in advance and a $100 deposit a person is due by March 1. Payment in full is due by April 1.

For more information or to reserve a space, contact Maine State Grange Headquarters, 146 State St., Augusta ME 04330, 1-800-464-3421, [email protected]. The complete itinerary is available at http://www.mainestategrange.org/grange_tour.html.