Individuals who are 60 or older and living on a limited income have a marvelous opportunity to help fellow seniors by joining the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program.

On Monday, I spoke with Ruth Emmett, the program coordinator for Waldo, Penobscot, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox and Lincoln counties, who said the organization “always has a need” for paid volunteers to visit the elderly through participation in this program.

“We also have Senior Companion Programs in Somerset, Washington, Oxford and Androscoggin counties,” she added, explaining paid volunteers are needed for those programs as well.

Senior Companions are reimbursed for mileage, earn paid sick days and vacation time and, if you qualify, receive a tax-free stipend.

And, of course, training for this program is provided.

Emmett reminds potential Senior Companions “there are many isolated senior citizens who are in need of companionship,” and by becoming part of this program, “you could make a difference in your life and the lives of homebound elderly citizens.”

For information, call Emmett at 800-287-1426, 342-5971 or the Extension’s SCP office at TDD 800-287-8957.

Josh Clement and fellow students who are raising funds for the Penquis Valley High School trip to Spain for the Class of 2009 cordially invite you to attend a Country Western Jamboree from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Milo town hall.

Admission is by donation at the door. The fundraiser will feature a 50-50 raffle; and hot dogs, soda and other refreshments will be for sale.

Clement e-mailed that Ron Knowles has amassed “some of the area’s finest amateur country western artists” for you to enjoy as you help these dedicated PVHS students take the trip of a lifetime.

And please, when you make your donation at the door, be as generous as you can.

And while we have our attention focused on activities involving young people in the Milo area, let’s add to that another announcement by the same Josh Clement, who is president of the Penquis Valley High School Key Club.

That organization is holding its first dance marathon, with registration beginning at 6 p.m. and dancing at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, also at the Milo town hall.

Admission is $10 for a “dancing couple,” and spectators are welcome to attend.

Food and drink will be available.

Clement and other club members are looking forward to discovering who can stay on their feet the longest, and they promise you that breaks will be allowed.

If you have questions about this particular fundraiser, call Clement at 965-8603.

Susan Darling e-mailed that members of Corinth United Methodist Church are having a very active holiday season.

In addition to its puppet ministry, consisting of young church members led by Patti Rollins and Chrissy Bean recently performing, and serving a meal at Manna Ministries in Bangor, the church choir is busy as well.

“Every year the choir spends hours practicing for their annual cantata,” Darling wrote.

Not only will the choir visit an area nursing home, but it also will perform for everyone who would enjoy hearing them at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the church, 275 Main St. in Corinth.

The choir is led by Ellie Beckwith, and Darling hopes you will attend the cantata to add joy to your holiday season.

For information, call 285-3557.

With thoughts of college costs filling the heads of high school seniors just about now, Wayne Cotterly of the Maine Elks Association wants seniors to know applications are available to compete in the Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student scholarship contest.

Applicants compete for top awards ranging from $8,000 over four years to $60,000 over four years, Cotterly explained, adding that the remaining 482 runners-up will receive scholarships of $4,000 over four years.

Cotterly explained any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen is eligible to apply, and that you “do not need to be related to a member of the Elks” to apply.

“Males and females compete separately and are judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need,” he wrote.

Completed applications must be turned in to the applicant’s nearest Elks Lodge no later than Friday, Jan. 11.

Applications are available at Elks lodges, local high schools, at www.elks.org/enf/scholars or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60614-2256.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.