Congressman to discuss education legislation

Congressman Dennis Moore and local school officials will join Oct. 30 in a town meeting to discuss the effects of federal legislation on schools.

Moore, a Democrat, is the U.S. representative for the 3rd District, which includes the eastern half of Lawrence. Also participating will be Lawrence Schools Supt. Randy Weseman, school board member Leonard Ortiz, New York School principal Sharon Steele and ARC of Douglas County director Barbara Bishop.

The public meeting is billed as “No Dollars Left to Spend; How Federal Legislation Affects Local Schools.” It will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Central Junior High School auditorium, 1400 Mass. The meeting is sponsored by Lawrence for Dean Meetup.

Dinner, lecture to have Central American theme

Elvira Blas and Paul Hernandez from Nicaragua will speak and perform music today at Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave.

A dinner of rice and beans will be served at 6:30 p.m., and the speakers will start at 7 p.m.

Blas and Hernandez will discuss the historical and contemporary circumstances of indigenous peoples in Central America.

The event is sponsored by the Lawrence Coalition for Peace and Justice and Latin American Solidarity.

The event is free to the public, but donations will be accepted for the dinner.

Musical among highlights of Maple Leaf Festival

“The Ballad of Black Jack,” will be performed during the Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin on Oct. 17, 18 and 19. The musical tells the story of events that took place in Douglas County in 1855 and 1856.

Lawrence cast members are Barry and Pamela Landon and their children, Bryce, 16, Brianna, 13, Blaire, 9, and Blythe, 3; Michael Bruce, 11, and his sister Lora, 13, and mother Lynn; and Genee Figuieras.

Performances will be in Baker University’s Rice Auditorium at 7 p.m. Oct. 17; 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18; and 1:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. For ticket information, call (785) 640-0196.