Train the trainer

SOUTH PORTLAND – Southern Maine Community College will host the first in a series of National Fire Prevention Academy “Risk Watch Train-the-Trainer” workshops on Thursday, Oct. 18.

The workshop will be offered free to fire and life safety educators and public safety personnel. Participants must preregister by Oct. 11 and space is limited. For preregistration and other information, contact Steve Willis at [email protected] or call 741-5808.

The workshop will train fire and life safety educators and public safety personnel to prepare fellow professionals to deliver the comprehensive injury prevention program in Maine schools.

Ishkanian named chairman

AUGUSTA – Mark Ishkanian has been elected chairman of the American Lung Association of Maine’s Leadership Board.

Ishkanian has been a board member since 2001. He has participated in the organization’s annual bicycle Trek Across Maine fundraiser since 1993.

Ishkanian is director of corporate communications for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine and lives with his wife, Ginger, in Readfield.

Princess sought

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., seeks candidates for Maine’s Cherry Blossom princess to represent the state and the society in the 61st annual National Cherry Blossom Festival from April 6 through 12, 2008.

Neither a beauty pageant nor talent competition, the festival is an opportunity for a young Maine woman to represent Maine and the society in the nation’s capital.

Candidates must be at least 19 and not have reached their 25th birthday at the time of the festival, be a Maine native or the daughter, granddaughter, sister or niece of a Maine native, or have other longtime, significant Maine connections, be at least a high school graduate and knowledgeable about Maine, have never been married, have no children and must be available for the entire festival week.

Information and princess applications may be obtained from the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., 3434 Upside Court, Falls Church, Va. 22042-4019 (703-237-1031). Completed applications must be received by the society not later than Dec. 21.