JAY – Selectmen voted Monday to reduce transfer and recycling station hours for the winter, beginning Jan. 8, 2005. On Saturdays, the hours will change to 8 a.m. to noon.

Night Out’

FARMINGTON – University of Maine at Farmington’s Alpha Gamma Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Omega will sponsor a “Parents’ Night Out” on Friday, Dec. 10, at Ricker Addition on the UMF campus. Parents can drop their children off starting at 5 p.m. and pick them up at 9 p.m. Games and movies are planned for the children while parents can do some Christmas shopping or just relax. The cost is $5 per child or $15 for families of three or more. For more information, people can call Alpha Phi Omega, 778-8135.

Genealogy group

FARMINGTON – The Sandy River Valley chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Farmington Public Library. The program will be on the plantations and the unorganized towns in Franklin County and how they relate to genealogy research. Anyone with an interest in genealogy is welcome to attend.

Singer rehearsals

WILTON – The churches of the Wilton Ecumenical Ministry are preparing a concert of Christmas carols and readings for Sunday, Dec. 19. Open rehearsals will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on two Saturdays, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, in the United Methodist Church on Main Street. Anyone in the community who wishes to sing in the concert is welcome to attend these rehearsals. The concert will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, in the United Methodist Church. Richard Joseph will direct a combined choir from the First Congregational Church, St. Luke’s Church and the United Methodist Church. Kathryn Systma will be accompanying on the church organ. The program will include traditional favorite carols. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, people can call 645-2639.

Christmas party

FARMINGTON – The public is invited to attend a birthday party for Jesus at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, in the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church on the corner of Main and Academy streets. The party will include favorite Christmas carols, a story about a blind shepherd boy, and a birthday cake. This is a special event for children of all ages, organizers said. All are welcome. More information may be obtained by calling 778-2163.

Church program

NEW PORTLAND – There will be a musical Christmas celebration at the North New Portland Community Church at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. The celebration will feature musical offerings by local artists, carols, favorite Christmas readings and candlelighting. A reception and light refreshments will follow the celebration. All are welcome. For more information, people can call 778-4705 or 628-3421.

History group

FARMINGTON – The Historical Society will meet Monday, Dec. 13, in the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church. There will be a potluck supper at 6 p.m. followed by a business meeting and a Christmas carol singalong with Emily Floyd at the piano.

Firefighter group plans meeting

KINGFIELD – The Franklin County Firemen’s Association will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at the Kingfield Fire Station. The regular order of business will be followed by the program, refreshments and a drawing for door prizes. All member fire departments should be represented as important business will be discussed, organizers said. Any interested persons or guests are also invited to attend.

Blacksmithing will be taught

WILTON – The Historical Society is accepting sign-ups for its winter blacksmithing classes. For more information, people can call 645-2261.

SAD 58 offers driver course

SALEM – The SAD 58 adult education program will offer a driver education class beginning Jan. 21 at Mount Abram High School. The class will be 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for three weeks. The driving portion will take place as soon as weather permits. The instructor is Fulton Ryan. Interested students, age 15 or older, are asked to preregister by Jan. 14. A $250 deposit must be made by the start of class. The cost is $500, which includes a $10 permit, car rental, insurance and gas. At registration, students must provide an original birth certificate and a photocopy of their Social Security card. The maximum number for the class will be 20, so early registration is recommended. To register or obtain more information, people can call the Mount Abram Community Education Center, 678-2701, extension 226.