Come one, come all is the invitation for a “Christmas Carol Sing and Potluck Supper” at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Prospect Harbor Methodist Church.

The supper is the major holiday event sponsored by Schoodic Arts for All. New SAA director Mary Laury tells us that it’s a wonderful, wonderful time.

A local family raised a 37-pound turkey that they will be bringing to share, others are asked to bring a dish to share with others.

“Musical instruments are also welcome,” Laury said.

We understand last year that the turnout was terrific, with many joining in the festivities.

“We had babies singing with 80 year olds,” Laury said.

The musical portion of the evening is under the direction of Brian Stewart, who will play the piano and lead singers in songs of the holidays.

“Schoodic Arts for All is an arts organization that has a year-round program to bring art and cultural events to residents of Hancock and Washington counties,” Laury said. This Christmas offering is one segment of that program sponsored by this community-oriented group.

“We do a great big arts festival in the summer and we have a monthly Coffee House,” she added.

The Coffee House is held at 7:30 p.m. the last Friday of the month in Prospect Harbor, Laury said.

The Coffee House site changes in the winter so if you would like to attend, call either Laury at 667-8181 or Jeremy Strater at 963-7670 to learn the location.

But in the meantime, Laury and members of the SAA hope you will all come to the Christmas Carol Sing and Potluck Supper.

It is, Laury said, “a wonderful community gathering.”

Members of the public are invited to attend an Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at St. Joseph Hospital’s Maine Center for Osteoporosis Research and Education, 268 Center St. in Bangor.

Free heel ultrasound screening, a simple test to screen for osteoporosis, will be offered.

Dr. Clifford Rosen will be present to answer any questions you may have. Refreshments will be served.

The Open House is sponsored by Proctor & Gamble. If you would like further information about the event or about the center, call Lorii Fowler at 262-1176.

A recent letter from Bette Hoxie, program director for Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine in Old Town, said that Maine foster children, on average, spend more than three years in the foster care system.

Many have been in foster care all their lives.

And while the Maine Department of Human Services is doing what it can to move children into permanent living situations, more needs to be done so that no child is left waiting for a home.

To help us all learn more about children waiting for a home, the Children’s Action Network partnered with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to create a national CBS television special, “A Home for the Holidays.”

The show focuses on sharing personal stories about adoption and how it has affected people’s lives.

Hoxie urges the public to tune in to “A Home for the Holidays,” which airs at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21.

If you would like to learn more about the children in our area waiting for a home, or want to learn more about the adoption process, you are urged to call AFFM at 827-2331, toll free at (800)-833-9876 or visit the Web site at http://adopt.org/me/.

Hampden Academy first-year student Caitlyn Gunn will compete in speed skating in the World Special Olympics in March 2001 in Anchorage, Ala.

The 11-year Special Olympian, has competed previously in both the summer and winter games.

To help Gunn make the trip, a fund has been established in her name at Barco Federal Credit Union in Hampden.

Donations can be made to the Caitlyn Gunn Special Olympic Fund directly at BFCU, 101 Western Avenue in Hampden. It may also be mailed to Judy Gamble, 3 Manning Mill Road, Hampden 04444 or to Frank Coombs, P.O. Box 409, Hampden 04444.

The goal of the volunteers working on the project is to raise $4,000 to cover the estimated cost of the trip.

Any funds raised over that amount will be donated to Maine Special Olympics.

If you have questions about this project, call Gamble at 862-4005, Coombs at 862-4428 or Gerry and Debbie Gunn at 945-0062.

Today, we conclude the holiday wish list compiled by United Way of Eastern Maine for its partner agencies. Individuals or businesses are invited to meet these holiday requests.

OHI is asking for any performing-art passes, winter coats in all adult sizes, winter boots in adult sizes up to 13, gift certificates to restaurants such as McDonald’s and Burger King and any recreational or sporting passes. Call Duane Hall at 848-5803, Ext. 119.

Waldo County Preschool and Family Services needs 20 hats and mittens for infants; 20 hats and mittens, with strings, for toddlers; 30 to 40 hats and mittens for preschoolers; and 30 or more picture books for young children. It also needs warm socks and warm sweat pants for little children; 10 holiday baskets, 20 small packages of holiday candy, holiday decorations, books for toddlers and preschoolers; a microwave and a rocking chair. Call 338-2200.

Wellspring needs scarves and gloves for men and women, Christmas decorations, books, videotapes, stationery, stamps and movie and bowling pass. Call Priscilla Williams at 941-1612, Ext. 202.

United Way of Eastern Maine supports 72 partner agencies in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington counties.

For information about United Way or any of its programs, call 941-2800 or visit its Web site at www.unitedwayem.org.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402;

990-8288.