NEWRY – Sunday River collected 2,500 cans of food for the Bethel Food Pantry over the weekend as part of a program that involves ski areas across the state. Guests of the resort were invited to donate at least three cans of food Saturday or Sunday and receive a discount on the price of a daily lift ticket. Erica Penzer, a volunteer with the Bethel Food Pantry, said the organization was overwhelmed by the amount of food donated. “We’re swamped,” she said, “which is good because we have been getting many phone calls now that people don’t have their gardens.” Gould Academy students from Reach Out, a community service committee, were slated to stock the shelves of the pantry Monday afternoon. The pantry is located at the Ethel Bisbee school and is open by appointment only through the town office. It is run solely by volunteers and is part of the community’s District Exchange program.

Child safety seats

MEXICO – The Child Health Center, the Oxford County Chapter of Maine Coalition for SAFE KIDS, recently held a child safety seat inspection at the Mexico Wal-Mart. This was an opportunity for parents, family members and guardians to learn how to install their safety seats properly, what type of seat is appropriate for their vehicle and what seats are appropriate for the child who will use the seat. They were also shown the proper method of buckling the child in the safety seat. The Child Health Center’s ProtectME program offers free child safety seat inspections. To schedule an appointment contact ProtectME at 782-5437.

ProtectME also offers free booster seats for eligible families with children who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds in an effort to help them comply with Maine’s new law, which requires children under the age of 8 and 80 pounds to be properly restrained in a safety seat. To apply for a free seat call 782-5437. To learn more about the Child Health Center’s programs, visit www.childhealthcenter.org or call 743-7035.

Career speakers

DIXFIELD – Seniors at Dirigo High School recently had an opportunity to learn about careers from guest speakers during “Cougar Time,” an extended homeroom period held once a month. Some students listened to Sue Dube, the laboratory manager from Rumford Hospital while others learned about careers in the military from teacher Joseph Knowlton an active reservist. In another classroom, Jordan Ginsberg, representing Sunday River Ski Resort, spoke about career opportunities in the field of hospitality. Another popular speaker was Isaac Libby who talked candidly about starting the Hometown Energy Oil Co. and the importance of being prepared and paying attention to detail.

Dixfield adopts 82nd

DIXFIELD – The town of Dixfield has adopted a unit of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in Iraq and is calling on friends and neighbors in Dixfield who wish to help with the mission. The men and women there would love to receive chocolate chip cookies, Chap Stick, heavy-duty 1 gallon zip-lock bags, eye drops, wipes, Oreo cookies, powdered Gatorade, sun screen, beef jerky, tuna in a pouch, toothpaste, Pringles, cup of noodles, non-scented hand lotion, envelopes, and cards or letters. Monetary donations will help greatly with postage. Drop off your contributions at the Dixfield Town Office by Monday, Dec. 1.

Blazing Star Lodge

RUMFORD – Blazing Star Lodge 30 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons will hold a non-ritual school of instruction Friday, Nov. 21, at the lodge on Route 232. All Master Masons are urged to attend. There will be a supper at 6:30 p.m. and meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Mountain Valley drama

RUMFORD – Mountain Valley High School will present “Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon,” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, at the Muskie Auditorium. The story revolves around three damaged people who join forces in an attempt to live independent and healthier lives. Nancy O. DeMilner directs the students in the production and hopes everyone, teens and older, takes advantage of this opportunity to experience the award-winning script. Cost for tickets is $3 for older students and seniors, and $6 for adults.

Christmas Fair

RUMFORD – St. Athanasius & St. John’s Christmas Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, in the basement of the church and the proceeds will benefit the parish school. There will be crafts, lots of food, raffles for cash and donated prizes, Chinese auction, pine bough wreaths and lunch will be served. All raffles will be drawn at 2 p.m.

Coffee House

DIXFIELD – Jamie Virgin of Dixfield will entertain with an assortment of guitar playing and singing from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Dixfield Coffee House. Cost is $5 at the door. Children under 13 are free when accompanied by an adult. The Coffee House is located on High Street and is adjacent to the Dixfield Congregational Church. For more information call Sharon at 562-4652.

Middle East course

MEXICO – A course on Israel and the Middle East past, present and future will be held at Region 9 Learning Center. The instructor will be Joel Putnam and he will have maps, videos and tapes and there will be a lot of student interaction, plus debates and question and answer sessions. The course will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, and last 8 weeks. The cost is $20. For more information call 364-2012.