Entries are welcome for the Bangor Art Society’s 2001 annual Open Juried Art Show, which will be on exhibit during regular business hours from Saturday, May 5, to Saturday, May 26, in the Bangor Public Library Lecture Hall at 145 Harlow St.

BAS vice president Jean Oliver of Orrington reports that entries in this show come from all parts of eastern Maine.

Entry forms can be obtained at Bangor Public Library; Old Town Public Library; Penobscot Paint Products Co., Penobscot Plaza, 31 Washington St. in Bangor; and Bangor Frameworks, Maliseet Gardens Plaza, 175 Exchange St.

Entry forms also can be obtained by writing the Bangor Art Society, care of Jean Oliver, P.O. Box 81, Orrington 04474.

Oliver said the four categories for judging include: oil and acrylic; watercolor; “any kind of pastels”; pen-and-ink graphite; and “hand-pulled prints, mixed media.”

The entry fees are $10 for one entry and $15 for two entries, and all entry fees are nonrefundable.

Artists are limited to two entries per medium, Oliver said, “however, you can enter all four categories.”

Oliver also wants artists to know that entries must be delivered to the Bangor Public Library between 9:30 a.m. and noon Saturday, May 5, and the work that is declined for the exhibit must be picked up between 3 and 4 p.m. that day.

An awards reception for the artists is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, at which time the winning artists will receive their ribbons.

“We really want the public to come and see the exhibit,” Oliver said of the annual event, which attracts some of the finest talent in our area.

You’ve read about them right here in our paper: Numerous house fires in our circulation area this year that have left many people with little or nothing.

The Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross reports that it has responded to 11 house fires in the last three months, with the average amount of financial assistance provided to each family approximately $1,400.

Residents of towns such as Machias, Greenville, Newport, Lincoln, Stockton Springs and Presque Isle have sought help from the Red Cross, and that assistance is free, thanks to your donations.

When families need immediate help, they count on their chapter of the Red Cross to be there for them.

The ARC helps provide food, clothing and shelter in emergencies, along with the emotional support and reassurance of trained Red Cross volunteers to help victims cope with devastating losses.

Bill Reed, director of Emergency Services, reports the Pine Tree Chapter has allocated more than $15,000 in disaster assistance during this difficult winter and spring.

To make sure the Red Cross is always there when it is needed, your financial contributions are requested.

Donations can be make to the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross, 33 Mildred Ave., Bangor 04401.

Credit card contributions can be made by calling 941-2903.

Here is a thoughtful letter that should make at least 188 people happy.

Francis and Blanche Cyr of Millinocket wrote the Bangor Daily News to thank state Rep. Joseph Clark and state Senate President Mike Michaud, as well as members of the Maine House of Representatives and Senate “for the wonderful framed certificate in recognition of our 63rd wedding anniversary.”

The couple wrote that they “were very surprised and pleased to receive the certificate and wish to express our appreciation.”

The couple also thanks “all those who sent us cards, gifts and beautiful flowers” in celebration of their special anniversary.

Because preregistration and reading assignments are required, if you are interested in taking the gardening study courses sponsored by the Garden Club Federation of Maine, you must apply now.

This course, sponsored by the GCFM and accredited by the National Council of State Garden Clubs, is Course II, Series VI and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, at the Penobscot County Extension Office, 307 Maine Ave., Bangor.

The cost of the course and exam is $42; $40 for refreshing or without the exam; or $20 per day.

Topics for this session are Understanding Plant Diseases and Garden Pests; Techniques for Growing Vegetables; How New Plants are Developed; Evaluating Wildflowers; and Container Gardening.

Garden club members completing the course and exams become certified Gardening Consultants. Nonmembers receive a certificate of completion.

Open to the public and given twice a year, the courses can be taken in any order.

For more information or to register, write to Gardening Study Course chairwoman Gloria Burrill, 140 Greenbush Road, Corinna 04928, or call her at 278-5994.

The deadline for registration is Tuesday, April 24.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288