LEWISTON – The public is invited to celebrate nature and the outdoors, free of charge, with activities planned by the Stanton Bird Club at the 17th annual “Nature Festival” from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 17, at the Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, 350 Montello St. For details call 795-6134.
Westphal to speak
LEWISTON – University of Maine System Chancellor Joseph W. Westphal, who was appointed in February 2002, will address the challenges and opportunities facing Maine’s university system at the noon meeting of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club on Thursday, May 22, at the Ramada Inn.
Westphal’s topic will be “Higher Education in Maine … Vital to Economic Growth.” A question and answer period will follow the Chancellor’s presentation. Interested members of the public are welcome. However, if not a member, notify Jan Barrett at 783-8171 by Monday, May 19. Tickets of $7 include a luncheon buffet.
Lodge meeting
AUBURN – Ashlar Lodge 105, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 19, at the Auburn Masonic Temple, 1021 Turner St. Refreshments will follow. For more information or for a ride call 777-1728.
Gardening Night
LEWISTON – Community Gardening Nights downtown, which will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday from now until September, will get under way on Tuesday, May 20.
On May 20 and May 27 only participants will meet at 3 p.m. at the Knox Street Garden to prepare and plant the lot. All are invited. For details call Lots to Gardens at 754-056.
Lifeguard course
AUBURN – The YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston will offer a lifeguard certification course on the following dates: May 22, 27, 29, June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 and 24 (if necessary).
Combined classroom and pool time runs about 6:30 to 10 p.m. each class. The course will be taught by Vicki Whorton-Goodman, a certified lifeguard instructor through the American Red Cross.
There are several prerequisites, including a 500-yard swim and a minimum age of 15. Upon completion, the lifeguard certification and first aid are good for three years, and the CPR expires after one year.
Fee is $150, including materials. Class size is limited to eight students. Register at the YMCA, 62 Turner St., or call 795-4095 for details.
Shaker events
NEW GLOUCESTER – Shaker Village nature walks will begin on Saturday, May 31. The two-and-a-half-hour guided walks offered monthly take participants through the east side of Shaker Village.
Two highlights are Loon’s Point on Sabbathday Lake and the footbridge at Aurelia’s Cascade. The walks will be offered at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Reservations are required. The cost is $5 for adults; $1, children; free, under 6. Maximum family fee is $12. There are special rates for schools/groups. Call 926-4597 or usshakers@aol.com.
Choosing and laying out of tools, saws, files and drills will be the topic of a “Hand Tools Workshop” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7. The instructor will be Chris Becksvoort, nationally known furniture maker and author of “The Shaker Legacy.”
The fee is $20. Preregistration is required. For further details contact 926-4597
Easter party
AUBURN – An Easter party was held at the W.T. Twarog Senior Enrichment Center recently, due to the efforts of Twarog staff and Marianne Arthur.
Arthur, a senior home provider, provided the party with a full-course meal. The seniors made fruity pebble cereal “eggs” topped with whipped cream for dessert.
Decorations were made by two staff members, Lori Chapman and Sally Camire. Each person at the center received a personalized plastic egg with a gift inside. Easter bingo was also featured.
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