Chefs in training

The Maine Restaurant Association has awarded culinary scholarships to eight local students, the most in the program’s history. Four scholarships will be awarded from the MeRA Education Foundation’s Russ Casey Scholarship Fund, named in honor of the late sales manager of Jordan Foods Corp. Recipients are: Lauren Jellison of Brewer, who will attend Johnson & Wales University; Nicole Trussell of South China, who will attend Paul Smith’s College; Kelly-Jane Arsenault of Gray, who will attend the New England Culinary Institute; and Alexandar Szczesny of Minot, who will attend either Johnson & Wales University or the Culinary Institute of America. Gritty McDuff’s, The Governor’s restaurants, 99 Restaurant and Pub and DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant donated money for four MeRA restaurant scholarships. These were awarded to Erica Brown of Farmingdale, who will attend either the Culinary Institute of America or Johnson & Wales University; Chad Westleigh of Poland, who is entering his second year at Johnson & Wales; John Costello of Jackman, who will study hospitality management at Husson College; and Megan Moulton, who will attend Southern Maine Community College, the New England Culinary Institute or the Balsams in Dixville Notch, N.H. For information, visit www.mainerestaurant.com.

Kosta’s for a cause

Feast on Greek cuisine and support Penquis Breast and Cervical Health Coalition during a special event at Kosta’s Restaurant at 429 Wilson St. in Brewer. In honor of National Women’s Health Week, Kosta’s will donate 15 percent of all sales between 5 and 9 p.m. this Thursday to the Penquis CAP coalition, which provides outreach and education for women who qualify for free mammograms, breast exams, Pap tests, pelvic exams and diagnostic services the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program. For information, contact Maria Staples at 973-3586 or (800) 215-4942.

Sister-city sustenance

Peace through Inter-American Community Action, or PICA, will celebrate Bangor’s sister-city relationship with Carasque, El Salvador, at a dinner from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 120 Park St. in Bangor. The dinner, which will coincide with a celebration in Carasque, will feature highlights from the 16 years that Bangor and Carasque have been linked. Space is limited and reservations are requested. Though PICA suggests a donation of $10 for adults, $5 for children over 5, and $25 per family, nobody will be turned away for lack of money. For information, call 947-4203 or visit www.pica.ws.

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