Steven and Jean Tir and their infant son, Steven George Andrew Tir, fly out of Bangor International Airport this morning on the first leg of a flight that will return them to their home in Kosice, Slovakia.

They make this journey with high hopes that when they next visit Jean’s parents, George and Elaine Potter of Bangor, the Potters’ grandson will be the proud holder of triple citizenship: American-Canadian-Slovakian.

The unusual opportunity for little Steven to hold triple citizenship is a result of what Jean and Steven believe was their destiny. The two, teachers and missionaries with the United Pentecostal Church International, met in Kosice.

Steven Tir, a native of Yugoslavia, moved to Kingsville, Ontario, at the age of 12 and is a Canadian citizen. Jean, who graduated from Bangor High School in 1973 is, of course, American.

“We met in Kosice in 1993 where we were both doing the same work,” Jean explained of teaching English and Bible studies at the New Life Center, a recently opened school in the Slovakian city of 300,000.

“I was going to be his replacement when he went back to Canada to work for a few months. He did go back but, when he returned, we had time overlapping and, in those months, we fell in love and were married in August of 1994. We do believe Kosice was our destiny. Even the mayor, who is a former ambassador to Canada, met with us.”

By birth, little Steven holds dual Canadian-American citizenship. All that remains now to complete the circle of love for the family and its countries is for him to be granted citizenship by the country of his birth, where his parents met and married.

“We’re working to obtain it for him and have been told by a lawyer that he should be able to receive it,” Jean said of the last hurdle the couple must cross to ensure that little Steven will, one day, be a man of three countries.

Congratulations to Fran Neubauer of Orono, winner of the “Day of Beauty” provided by HeadQuarters, a hair, skin and nail salon in Bangor.

Neubauer was one of many clients and staff who participated in the salon’s holiday food drive for The Great Bangor Area Shelter and local food banks.

The successful fund-raiser surpassed last year’s total of 27 bags of food distributed, filling boxes as well as bags to help the less fortunate enjoy a holiday meal.

On behalf of the HeadQuarters staff, Pamela Tuell extends “sincere appreciation to everyone who donated this year” and a wish for “a very healthy and happy New Year.”

Public thanks are extended to Post Commander Don Hashey and members of the American Legion Post No. 84 in Orono for the generous contribuion of $500 to the Orono Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

Orono D.A.R.E officer Robert Bryant says the funds will be used for educational materials for the program which “will help in assisting kids to resist drugs and violence.”

“Once again, the veterans step forward to fight another war for the community. This time it’s the war against drugs and violence.”

For the post’s help, Bryant salutes “a caring and sincere organization.”

The family of the late Deedra Alley of Jonesport, who died last fall at the age of 13 after a courageous battle with cancer, is grateful to everyone who sent cards, flowers, gifts, food, and donations, or who made phone calls and expressed their concern not only during Deedra’s illness, but since her death as well.

Included among those Shelley Alley and family express their gratitude to are the doctors, nurses and staff members of Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, who cared for Deedra.

The Standpipe, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.