Fort program

AUGUSTA – Old Fort Western will conduct a program, “Blacks in Early New England,” at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in the Learning Gallery at City Hall, 16 Cony St.

The program will examine the backgrounds, lifestyles, roles and aspirations of African-Americans before and after the American Revolution by engaging the public as participants in six short skits, each of which is based on historical Black New Englanders.

The program is open to all ages but is particularly suited for families with children age 8 and older. Participants will read from copies of the skits. No memorization is required.

Admission is free. Donations in support of educational programs will be accepted. Those who wish to participant should call 626-2385 and include name, phone number and the number of people in the party.

Youth workshop

FARMINGTON – The Maine Youth Action Network is offering a daylong workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 30, on “Partnering for Change: A Training for Youth and Adults Transforming Their Communities.”

The workshop will be held from 8 am. to 2 p.m. at the University of Maine at Farmington. Visit http://myan.org/myan3/projects/YouthandAdult/PartneringforChange2008Schedule.pdf for more information.

The interactive workshop is for any adult who works with youth or wants to learn more about youth involvement and it is for high school youth and motivated middle school students who want to partner with adults to create change.

To register or for more information, contact Chris Gorman at MYAN at [email protected] or 874-0060.

Essay contest

SKOWHEGAN – The Margaret Chase Smith Library has announced the theme of its 12th annual essay contest.

Maine high school seniors will assess whether the ideals of the 19th amendment have been fulfilled and discuss what social and cultural barriers might still remain for women to overcome in the pursuit of political power.

The library will award the following prizes to the top entries: $500, first; $250, second; $125, third; and five $25 honorable mention prizes. Essays are due by April 1, and prizes will be announced on May 1.

To submit entries or for more information about the contest, contact David Richards at the Margaret Chase Smith Library, 56 Norridgewock Ave., Skowhegan, ME 04976 or by telephone 474-7133.