Fort lectures

AUGUSTA – Old Fort Western’s 20th annual winter lecture series will get under way at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in the learning gallery, city hall, 16 Cony St. The series will feature 10 weekly talks and programs on historical topics.

The first program will be “The Voyage of Archangell – James Rosier’s Account of the Waymouth Voyage of 1605.” The speaker will be author David C. Morey, an avocational historian who lives in Tenants Harbor near the scene of the events in the book and who is overseer for two of the Georges Islands.

The full series schedule is available at www.oldfortwestern.org or by phoning 626-2385. Most programs take place on Thursday evenings but some have been slated for Sunday afternoons. Check the schedule for program time and date.

Junior Grange

AUGUSTA – Sue Hackett, junior director of the Maine State Grange, has announced that there will be a Junior Grange Conference from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, at Maine State Grange Headquarters, 146 State St.

The conference will focus on how to organize a Junior Grange, the 2007 Junior Grange program and contests. Other topics will include Junior Grange ritualistic work, merit badges and crafts.

The Junior Grange has been a part of the Grange since 1888. It teaches its members, who range in age from 5 to 14, individual development and community involvement. Junior Grangers also develop a spirit of respect, cooperation and concern for others.

E-mail Hackett with any questions at [email protected] For more information about the Junior Grange or the Grange in general, visit www.mainestategrange.org.

Boating courses

FARMINGTON – Courses will be offered by the Kennebec River Sail and Power Squadron this spring.

The first class will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning Monday, Feb. 26, at Mt. Blue High School, Farmington. To register, contact Mt. Blue Adult Ed at 778-3460 or Ed and Phyllis Jones at 645-3109. Cost will be $60.

A course will start in March at Lewiston High School. For more information, call Guy Pelletier at 375-4408.

Funds for Genesis

NEWRY – Actor and comedian Lenny Clarke returned to Sunday River Jan. 26 to 28 and helped raise more than $100,000 for the Genesis Fund during the annual Celebrity Ski Classic. More than 250 took part.

The Genesis Fund has raised more than $20 million for New England area children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases. It sponsors other organizations such as the National Birth Defects Center, Therapy and Performing Arts and the Pregnancy Exposure Info Line. Further information is available at www.thegenesisfund.org.

Drivers available

LEWISTON – SeniorsPlus, the local area agency on aging, has available volunteer drivers who will provide grocery shopping services to homebound seniors. SeniorsPlus is looking for consumers who are interested in the grocery shopping program.

There is a small fee for grocery and transportation services. Dates and times the services are available will be arranged in advance. Those who live in Androscoggin, Franklin, or Oxford counties and are interested in receiving the services should contact SeniorsPlus at 795-4010 or 1-800-427-1841 and ask for Linda, ext. 135.

SeniorsPlus is always looking for volunteers to assist with these programs. Mileage is reimbursed. Call for more information.