WINTHROP -- The Town Council is hosting a community meeting 6-8 p.m. Monday to discuss ways to keep warm this winter in the face of rising energy costs. The forum will be at the Town Office.

Councilor Priscilla Jenkins said the program will provide information on financial support, fuel assistance, energy conservation, public safety and other areas.

Participants and their topics are:

* Rep. Pat Flood, R-Winthrop, legislative leadership and the Governor's Energy Task Force;

* the Rev. Don Hegeman of Winthrop United Methodist Church, volunteer initiatives and community support;

* Donna Staples, Winthrop General Assistance and other local resources;

* Rob Gordon, executive director of the United Way of Kennebec Valley, community resources and programs; and

* Dick Guerette of Winthrop Fuel Company and Maine Oil Dealers Association.

Public safety concerns will be addressed by Winthrop Emergency Medical Services Director John Dovinsky, Fire Chief Dan Brooks and Police Chief Joe Young.

Others will offer information on conservation, efficiency and consumer information, the Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program and the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program; as well as special issues for the elderly.