Cancer awareness

AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci has proclaimed Wednesday, Sept. 13, as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Day throughout Maine to make residents aware of the form of cancer.

The issue was brought to Baldacci’s attention by Connie Corrigan, 59, of Stockton Springs, a lifelong Maine resident, whose husband, John, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in late November 2005 and died on April 1, 2006.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 14,500 people will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer this year in the United States. Of these, 13,770 will die.

The symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, weight loss, vomiting and hiccups. There are no early-detection tests to screen for esophageal cancer. Testing is suggested for a person who has experienced years of heartburn, indigestion, gastroesophageal disease (GERD) or Barrett’s esophagus. Tests include upper gastrointestinal X-rays, upper endoscopies, CT scans and MRI scans.

Moody reunion

NOBLEBORO – The 74th Moody reunion will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at the North Nobleboro Community Hall. There will be a potluck luncheon. Norm VanDine will give a presentation on Henry Knox and the Knox mansion. For more information, contact Gail Kennedy, 54 Greenwood Ave., Wakefield, Mass. 01880, [email protected].

Family discussion

PORTLAND – A program, “Attachment and Bonding – 2,” will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Family Workshop, 215 Congress St.

The informal discussion will be a continuation of a conversation with Sharman West and will address tools and strategies to help grandfamilies with creating healthy bonds with the children they are raising.

Child care is available on site by request. Call 1-866-298-0896 or e-mail [email protected].

The Maine Kids-Kin program assists extended family members who are stepping in to care for relatives’ children. Families And Children Together offers legal, educational and financial information to assist the families, answers questions and provides information to support Maine’s grandfamilies.

Landscaping

AUGUSTA – “Native Plants: Shrubs and Groundcovers for the Landscape,” with Lois Berg Stack, will be presented from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Pine Tree State Arboretum.

Participants will learn about native shrubs that have form and natural beauty and provide food and shelter for birds. Native groundcovers also play important roles in the landscape, managing erosion and adding beauty to woodland and full-sun gardens.

Stack is the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s ornamental horticulture specialist. She works with Maine’s nurseries and greenhouses, as well as with home gardeners.

The program,s free to members, $5 for non-members, will be held at the Viles Visitors Center, 153 Hospital St. Call 621-0031 for more information or visit www.pinetreestatearboretum.org.

Telethon donation

PORTLAND – Jinger Duryea, president of C.N. Brown Co., joined the Jerry Lewis National Muscular Dystrophy Telethon to represent the company in recognizing the $263,735, raised this year by the C.N. Brown Co.

The money represents the proceeds from fundraising events held since last year’s telethon.