Ah...tasty raccoon's on menu; Gourmet coyotes endorse game delicacy.

Byline: Anna L. Griffin

The good news is raccoon is on the menu once again at the Hibernia Community Building event. The fundraiser, held in an Indiana town, has not had raccoon on the menu since 2002, when the chef who cooked the critters retired.

But due to popular demand, he and the raccoon delicacy are returning to the festivities.

Oh joy!

I have eaten raccoon. What does it taste like? Well I could say chicken, but I would be lying. It's a cross between possum and squirrel, red squirrel, that is.

Never had possum or squirrel? You don't know what you're missing. They're mighty tasty. Just ask any coyote - they'll tell you.

Battered Women's Resources Inc. is calling 2007 the Year of Action. With the help of the community members, clients, key stakeholders and friends, BWRI will focus on expanding services for its families through key partnerships, creating a better energy to serve families impacted by violence.

Chief Daniel Bourgeois of the Lunenburg Police Department will be honored with the Aralia Service Award at the sixth annual BWRI event. Under his leadership, Lunenburg has developed an excellent response to the issue of domestic violence and has become a leading example for small towns responding to this social issue.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 21, with cocktails, and dinner following at 7 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton, Erdman Way, Leominster. Masters of ceremony for the event are James Desrosiers and Barbara Roy, with auctioneer David Rogers.

The agency is looking for people to help sponsor the event, as well as those who would like to attend. Items for a silent auction can be donated up until Friday, March 30.

The Jewish War Veterans recently honored students from 87 high schools from around the state at the 52nd annual "Classmates Today - Neighbors Tomorrow" Brotherhood program at the Marriot Hotel, Burlington. Among those receiving an award was Kimberly Hanson of Leominster, a senior at Leominster High School. She received a $500 scholarship.

The thrust of the program is based on humanitarian efforts of students in the high schools of Massachusetts who best exemplify Brotherhood in action. Principals and guidance counselors select the students. Each school submits a resume of the student's activities, explaining in detail the various projects in which the pupil is involved. The resumes show the unusual efforts the students exert in school, community, and other avenues which exemplify Brotherhood in action.

Northeastern University has recognized the following students who have distinguished themselves academically during the school year. They were recently named to the university's dean's list for the fall 2006 semester.

Fitchburg: Anthony DiPasquale, engineering major; Caroline Ryan, human services; Rachael Cruz, psychology; and Andrew Vallee, electrical engineering.

Leominster: Nicole Fanelli, psychology; Michael Ringer, mechanical engineering; Andrea Palmeri, nursing; Megan Richardson, mechanical engineering; Eric Dubrule, engineering; and Samantha Tucker of Leominster, nursing.

Westminster: Kristie Gagnon, athletic training; Mary Little, English; Amber Perenzin, psychology; Anna Dzierzek, business administration; and Morgan Galaznik, engineering.

Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston.

To achieve dean's list status, students must carry a full program of at least four courses, have a quality point average of 3.25 or greater out of a possible 4.0 and carry no single grade lower than C during the course of their college career. Each student receives a letter of commendation and congratulation from their college dean.

Emmanuel College, Boston, recently announced the recipients of its dean's list awards for the fall 2006 semester. Student earning a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher are awarded the distinction of being placed on the list. The students are: Laura Kazanjian, of Fitchburg, and the following students from Leominster - Meghan A. Frazier, Joanna L. Sullivan and Cara E. Treen.

To be placed on the list, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.

Curry College Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculty David Fedo has announced the following students have attained membership to the college dean's list for the fall 2006 semester: James B. Witzgall of Fitchburg and Shawn William Edge of Leominster.

To qualify, students must earn a 3.3 grade-point average, have no incompletes, and have no grade lower than a "C" for the semester. Full-time students must carry 12 or more credits. The Milton college is a four-year liberal arts college with satellite campuses in Plymouth and Worcester.

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ART: PHOTO

CUTLINE: Members of the Jewish War Veterans recently honored students from 87 high schools. From left, Barbara Bayley, Leominster High School guidance counselor; Kimberly Hanson, a senior at the school; Dan Joseph, commander of the post; and past state commander Ira Novoselsky.