Scholarships and awards

The Grand Lodge of Maine Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekah Assembly of Maine scholarship applications are now available for any high school graduate to apply as well as any student already in a nursing program in the state of Maine. To qualify for the coming academic year the student must be a resident of the state of Maine, must attend a college in the state of Maine and must be actively enrolled in a major field of study leading to a degree in nursing here in the state of Maine.

The W. Scott Reid Nurses Scholarship Fund was one man’s dream to have his life’s money keep on giving, remembering the nursing care that his wife received that reflected respect, kindness and comfort. At his death in 1996 he left to the care of the Odd Fellows a sum of money to support a nursing scholarship program to be administrated by three trustees. This fund has delivered 22 to 24 scholarships annually of $20,000 to $25,000 at $1,000 per student approved for the award.

The Ellen Washburn Award was first started with a single thought by Ellen Washburn, a past president of the Rebekah Assembly of Maine. This scholarship program has grown since its inception in 1957 and over the years with donations and hard work from the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs in Maine it was possible last year to grant to 12 students $1,200 each. With proper management of the Rebekahs and Odd Fellows this fund will continue to serve the communities for many more years. In its beginning scholarships ranged from $100 to $400 when costs of living and education were much different than now.

Applications for the above are available at the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows IOOF, 80 Caron Lane, Auburn, ME 04210 or online through a Google search for W. Scott Reid Scholarship Fund Application and Washburn Nurses Applicatrion Grand Lodge of Maine IOOF or call the Grand Secretary, 207-786-3638.

The Rebekah Assembly Nursing Award is for nurses programs leading to registered nursing licensure — state of Maine schools only. Applications may be requested from Joyce Young, 6 Juniper Circle, Gorham, ME 04038 or call her at 207-839-4723. No applications will be accepted after April 15 of each year. — Submitted by Esther Tucker, Liberty Rebekah Lodge.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The other day I heard someone saying that they had been looking for Maine Gourmet Chocolates that was originally at 5 Park St. in Lewiston. This is to tell everyone that they are at 170 Main St., Auburn, next to Top It Frozen Yogurt Bar in the first floor of the Roak Block.

Thanks so much for the help you give to the people who ask you so many things. I enjoy your column. — Ernest Arsenault, Oxford.

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