AUGUSTA — Monmouth and Wayne are among several communities where Central Maine Power Company will be trimming limbs during its $25 million annual vegetation management program aimed at improving the reliability of its transmission and distribution lines.

CMP has more than 23,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines, and trims along one-quarter of its transmission lines and one-fifth of its distribution lines each year, according to a news releae from the company.

In the coming weeks, contractors will trim trees in Auburn, Buckfield, Canton, Durham, Greene, Hartford, Leeds, Lewiston, Lisbon, Livermore, Monmouth, Sabattus, Sumner, Turner, Wales, and Wayne.

Motorists are urged to use caution when they encounter tree crews working alongside Maine roads.

For more information, call 1-800-972-8600.

Event helps Homeless veterans receive services

TOGUS — Veterans Affairs Maine Healthcare System, formerly known as Togus VA Medical Center, will host the 14th Annual Maine Homeless Veterans Stand Down on Saturday.

The stand down — from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — is an opportunity for homeless veterans to receive a bevy of health and social services.

Registration will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Disabled American Veterans’ volunteers will pick up homeless veterans across the state at specific times and locations, including: 7:30 a.m., at the Bread of Life soup kitchen, 157 Water St. and 7:40 a.m., at the Bread of Life shelter, 155 Hospital St., Augusta; 7:30 a.m., at the Mid Maine Homeless Shelter, 28 Ticonic St., Waterville; 7 a.m., at the New Hope Shelter, 111 South Main St., Solon and 7 a.m., at the Trinity Shelter, 12 McClellan St., Skowhegan.

Resources made available include: new clothing, footwear and personal items; showers; haircuts; applications for VA and Social Security benefits and MaineCare insurance; housing information; legal services; medical, mental health, eye and dental assistance; substance abuse assessments and employment services.

For information, call 623-8411, ext. 5408.

Kibbles ‘N Bids Auction in 13th year

AUGUSTA — The 13th annual Kibbles ‘N Bids Auction — Kennebec Valley Humane Society’s largest fundraiser — is Sunday at the Augusta Country Club.

The event features items including an autographed photograph of hockey legend Bobby Orr, new tires, jewelry and home heating oil, to be auctioned for the benefit of animals in need of homes.

“We have so many great items available for bid this year,” Hillary Roberts, the Augusta animal shelter’s executive director, said in a news release. “This event helps us to continue to provide shelter, food, medical care and the second chance for a ‘forever home’ to over 3,000 homeless animals every year.”

The auction, sponsored by Charlie’s Motor Mall, is free to the public, attire is casual and snacks will be provided.

The event begins Sunday at noon with a preview. The live auction starts at 1 p.m.

Items also include several spa packages, a home energy audit, savings bonds, gift certificates to restaurants, home furnishings and art.

For more information, call 626-3491 or visit www.pethavenlane.org.

Augusta Halloween event for kids and dogs

AUGUSTA — Howls & Hounds, a new event featuring a Halloween parade and trick-or-treating, will draw costumed kids and dogs downtown Saturday.

The Augusta Downtown Alliance event, which organizers describe as “a spooky stroll through downtown,” will feature prizes for best dressed dog, child and baby.

The parade starts at the south end of Water Street, in the MaineHousing parking lot.

Events are 1 to 4 p.m. The parade starts just after 1 p.m.

After the parade and trick-or-treating downtown, across the river Old Fort Western will host a “Halloween Horrors Tour,” beginning at 5 p.m.