Letters contest

PORTLAND – The Maine Humanities Council is sponsoring a national essay contest, Letters About Literature. The free annual contest is open to all students from grades four to 12 and invites participants to write a short letter to an author, living or dead, explaining how that author’s book changed their way of viewing the world and themselves. The deadline for entries is Dec. 6.

Applications, samples of winning letters and a sheet of tips and resources for teachers and interested students are available online at www.mainehumanities.org or by contacting the Maine Humanities Council at 773-5051.

A panel of Maine educators and community leaders will review the Maine semifinalists and select the winners in early spring.

Cancer conference

SACO – Breast cancer survivors and their loved ones are invited to attend a one-day Sexuality After Breast Cancer Conference from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center.

The conference will address the effects of a breast cancer diagnosis on sexuality; explore critical realities of the diagnosis, including fertility issues; and identify ways patients and partners can restore intimacy and wholeness to their lives.

Attendees will participate in a variety of talk sessions, have the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences and stories with others touched by breast cancer.

Preregistration is required by Nov. 10, as is a $10 a person fee. To learn more about the conference or to register, contact Peggy Belanger at Southern Maine Medical Center by phone at 283-7575, or by e-mail, [email protected].

Charismatic meeting

BREWER – The 13th annual Maine State Charismatic Conference will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at St. Joseph Church. Theme is “Forward in Hope” and will feature Sr. Nancy Kellar, SC, national speaker and author. The Rev. Richard Rice of Bath will lead an afternoon healing service and celebrate Mass.

Cost is $25 an adult and $7 for youth 18 and younger. Lunch is included. All are invited to participate in the day of learning, prayer and fellowship, which will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration forms are available by contacting Mary Livingstone at 965-7867 or e-mail [email protected].