BANGOR — Due to the national public health emergency caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the temporary suspension of past-due debt collections and foreclosures for distressed borrowers under the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Direct Farm Loan programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). USDA will […]

REGION — United Way of the Tri-Valley Area has launched the United Way Care Card program to show appreciation for front-line workers, including, but not limited to grocery store clerks; teachers; and health care workers. Cards will also be distributed to individuals in nursing homes and other health care facilities throughout Greater Franklin County as […]

REGION — Don’t miss out this Wednesday, February 10! United Way is having a Valentine’s Pop-Up Auction. This one-day Facebook auction features great gifts for Valentine’s Day. Examples include: $100 gift certificate to Jordan Lumber in Kingfield for that ‘Honey Do’ list; beautiful jewelry from Pearls in the Pines in Livermore Falls; baked goods and […]

REGION — The University of Maine at Augusta will host a webinar featuring a panel of experts on trans health, health equity, and healthcare inequalities in Maine. Titled Health Equity Dialogues: Healthcare & Health Equity in Transgender Communities, the event is Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 12-1:30 p.m. as a virtual webinar. This event is open […]

REGION — United Way’s Deck the Halls event was fun and provided a safe way for families to enjoy the holiday spirit. Sponsored by Merrill’s Garage and Sterling Electric, participants signed up online for the contest. Categories included Best Lights (winner: Daigle residence in Jay), Best Decorations (winner: Knight residence in Phillips) and Best Overall. […]

REGION — University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H is offering a second session of the 4-H for All club for youth ages 5–13 who are new, or interested in becoming, 4-H members. Meetings will be held online from 6–7 p.m. starting Feb. 17, and continuing March 17 and April 21. The 4-H for All club […]

REGION — Interested in advocating for the best interests of a Maine child? The Maine Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program is holding its spring training for volunteer advocates on March 23-26, 2021. This four-day, online training is free and is designed to prepare attendees for certification as volunteer guardians ad litem in the Maine […]

REGION — University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering a free, online nutrition series for families in Washington, Hancock, Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties from 3:30–4:30 p.m. starting Feb. 11 and continuing each Thursday through April 1.   “Create Family Meals” will include healthy recipes and tips for making healthy meal choices. Participants who join four or […]

REGION — SeniorsPlus has announced its Online Education Center classes for February 2021. Due to the pandemic and current CDC guidelines, all classes are held virtually at this time. Classes and workshops are free, unless noted. Please register by emailing [email protected] or calling 795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241. For more information, visit seniorsplus.org/education-center. CLASSES Banking in 2021 […]

REGION – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging the public to use added caution when heating their homes this winter. Home heating equipment is the leading cause of U.S. home fires during the months of December, January and February, when nearly half (48 percent) of all U.S. home heating equipment fires occur. January is […]