SACO

Middle school student selected by talent search

Saco Middle School student Caden Falardeau recently was recognized by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth as one of the brightest middle school students on the planet.

Falardeau was honored for his exceptional performance on the college SAT, ACT or similar tests as part of the 2014-15 CTY Talent Search.

This year, more than 30,648 grade 2 through 8 students representing more than 60 countries took part.

Local Grange recognized for serving community

Saco Grange No. 53 recently was recognized by the Maine State Grange for its community service projects.

The Grange’s community service committee director, Dawn Tarbox, recently was appointed to that committee for the Maine State Grange.

Also, members Amerise Tarbox and Anne Tripp were recognized for their efforts to reinvigorate the local Grange’s 140-year tradition of giving aid to the community. Last year, Grange No. 53 supported the In-a-Pinch Non-food Pantry, Caring Unlimited, the Animal Welfare Society and Coups for Troops.

WINTHROP

Dinner raises $47,000 to help sex assault victims

The Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center raised more than $47,000 to support victims of sexual violence during its 16th annual Celebrity Dinner held recently.

The agency is in its 28th year of providing services to individuals impacted by sexual violence in Kennebec and Somerset counties.

The theme for this year’s event was Masquerade Ball, which is symbolic of the masks that survivors of sexual violence may wear in their everyday lives. To learn more, go to silentnomore.org.

PORTLAND & ELLSWORTH

Leadership groups invited to apply for collaborative

The Maine Community Foundation is seeking applications from Maine-based leadership development organizations and programs to join its Leadership Learning Collaborative.

The one-year program is designed for the staff and directors of leadership programs in Maine. Participants will have the opportunity to develop initiatives to expand their programs and to apply for grants.

The deadline for applications is Dec. 18. Visit mainecf.org or call Maggie Drummond-Bahl at 877-700-6800.

BIDDEFORD

Oldies dance raises almost $5,000 for McDonald House

The Oldies Dance Group has donated $4,929 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine from proceeds of the seventh annual Oldies Benefit Dance held in Biddeford recently.

Ronald McDonald House Charities supports children and families facing hospital stays away from home by offering home-cooked meals and a place to stay while loved ones are undergoing medical treatment.

To date the group has raised more than $15,000 for RMHC of Maine. For more information, visit rmhcmaine.org.

BROOKS

Camp Forest gets grant to help low-income families

United Mid-Coast Charities has granted Camp Forest $1,750 to benefit its campership program.

Camp Forest provides opportunities for children from low-income families to experience summer camp.

Child campership applications for the 2016 season are available by calling 930-8012 or emailing camp@campforestmaine.com.