USM lecture

PORTLAND – Dr. Rick Donahue will present a lecture on the health effects of known chemical pollutants in Maine at 6 p.m. Monday, March 19, in the Talbot Auditorium, Luther Bonney Hall, USM’s Portland campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Donahue, a former Maine primary care physician doing research at Harvard University School of Public Health, is active in Physicians for Social Responsibility and has done extensive research into the effects of environmental pollutants on the people of Maine. His topics will include lead from paint, mercury from fish, arsenic in well water and flame retardants in the homes and public buildings.

After his presentation, a panel of community members who work in fields related to health and the environment will respond. Light refreshments will be available.

The event is sponsored by the Sustainability Committee of the USM College of Nursing and Health Professions and students in the graduate nursing health policy course. For more information, contact Helen Peake-Godin at 780-4140.

Husson open house

BANGOR – Husson College will holding spring open house on Saturday, March 24. It is an opportunity for students and parents to tour the campus and meet students, faculty and administrators and to learn first hand about academic and athletic programs, extracurricular activities and financial aid.

Faculty from each academic program will be on hand to talk about their programs and answer questions. Registration will be at 9 a.m. in the Dickerman Dining Commons. Lunch will be at the Dining Commons from noon to 1 p.m.

Questions about open house can be directed to [email protected] or by calling 1-800-4HUSSON.

Biologist to talk

AUGUSTA – Mark McCollough will presents “Endangered Species and Art: How to Combine Both” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at the Pine Tree State Arboretum, 153 Hospital St.

McCollough will present an illustrated program on his work as an artist and a scientist. He is the lead endangered species biologist in Maine for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He is also a wildlife artist. He also illustrated and wrote several books.

McCollough will talk about the delights and dilemmas of reconciling careers in endangered species policy and art. The program is free, but donations are welcome. Refreshments will be served. Call 621-0031 for more information.

Open house

CASTINE – Maine Maritime Academy will host an open house for prospective students and their parents on Saturday, March 31.

Registration will take place in the Harold Alfond Student Center from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. A continental breakfast and lunch will be free to all participants.

Jeffrey C. Wright, director of admissions, and other college officers will conduct programs on academic majors, extracurricular activities and options in student lifestyles. Academy representatives will also lead tours of the campus, waterfront facilities and college vessels. For a reservation, call 1-800-464-6565. To learn more about the academy, visit www.mainemaritime.edu.