PORTLAND

DEERING HIGH SCHOOL students Jean McCabe, Keleigh O’Neil and Brian Pedro have been named candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Of the 3,000 candidates chosen nationwide, up to 141 will be selected for the program. Also, McCabe, Nicholas Delving of Deering High School and Maggie Eismeier of Casco Bay High School have been chosen as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. About half of the 15,000 finalist will receive Merit Scholarships.

TYLER JOHNSON, a 2002 Deering High School graduate who works as an intern architect at WBRC Architects/Engineers, is mentoring about a dozen current high school students about architecture, engineering and construction careers. Students in the program meet regularly with professionals in those fields and visit building projects. Most recently, the students met after school to work on building and testing bridges. At the end of the year, students in the program have the opportunity to win scholarships.

PORTLAND PUBLIC SERVICES is kicking off its third annual composting promotion by offering compost bins, wing diggers, kitchen waste pails and rain barrels at discounted prices. Last year, more than 500 compost bins, wing diggers, kitchen pails and rain barrels were sold through the program. The city is endorsing compost as an environmentally responsible alternative to fertilizing lawns and gardens and an efficient way to manage organic waste. About 25 percent of household waste consists of yard trimmings and kitchen scraps, which can easily be composted. This year’s compost bin and how-to guide is available for $40, original price was $100. 

Kitchen waste pails are available for $8 and wing diggers can be purchased for $17. Rain barrels with a 55 gallon capacity are available for $57. Orders will be takeat Department of Public Services, 55 Portland St. Portland, ME, 04101. Order forms are also available by visiting http://publicworks.portlandmaine.gov/compostform.pdf. For more information, call 874-8801.

WAYSIDE SOUP KITCHEN and Food Rescue has collaborated with Hope.Gate.Way to serve community meals in the Parkside neighborhood. A planning dinner was held in February to share the organizations vision of the meals for Portland’s neighborhoods with 50 individuals. One dinner and one lunch per week will be scheduled through Wayside at the Hope.Gate.Way church. Wayside is moving away from the traditional soup kitchen model and into this neighborhood model to reach aging adults, people with disabilities, children and other. For more information, call Wayside at 775-4939 or visit www.waysidesoupkitchen.org.

WINNER OF THIS YEAR’S Great Chili and Chowder Challenge to benefit Altrusa International of Portland were Fire & Water, Fish & Chop House Marriott Hotel, first place; Cafe Stroudwater Embassy Suites, second, and Holiday in by the Bay, third. For chowder, judges awarded first to Gilbert’s Chowder House, second to Free Range Fish & Lobster Co. and third to RiRa The Irish Pub. People picked the same three restaurants for the chowder challenge, but ranking Free Range Fish & Lobster Co first and Gilbert’s Chowder House second. The people also chose Fire & Water, Fish & Chop House Marriott Hotel for first place in the chili challenge, but picked Chicago Dogs second and El Rayo Taqueria for third.  Next year’s challenge is scheduled for Feb. 13.

SCARBOROUGH

SCARBOROUGH TERRACE recently celebrated  Mardi Gras. Festivities included a community parade, traditional King Cakes and dancing with entertainer Phil Huff. With the mission to create unique activities, there will be a number of events throughout the month, including weekly exercise, wine and cheese social, Wii bowling competition, cooking classes and more.