The Piscataquis Regional YMCA 11th annual Edgar “Bud” Prouty Sr. Golf Tournament is a special event because it offers participants the choice of playing one of five courses.

And, although you can register right up to the start of play at 2 p.m. at any of those sites, if you want to be eligible for the big hole-in-one contest, you must register with the YMCA by Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 30 Park St. in Dover-Foxcroft, or by calling the YMCA at 564-7111.

Players will tee off at either Foxcroft Golf Club in Dover-Foxcroft, Katahdin Country Club in Milo, Piscataquis Country Club in Guilford, White Tail Golf Club in Charleston or Dexter Municipal Golf Course in Dexter.

The registration fee is $25 for non-course members, or $20 for those who play their home courses.

Mixed teams are encouraged, according to YMCA associate executive director Jere White, but no four-person team can have more than one “A” player or two “B” players and you have to have a handicap to participate, so check with your local pro if you have questions about that.

The Hole-in-One contest, with prizes of $10,000 and $1,000, is sponsored by Prouty Ford of Dover-Foxcroft.

Information or registration applications can be obtained at the YMCA, any of the five golf courses or Prouty Ford.

There will be complimentary gifts and the opportunity to win prizes for all who participate, while the winning teams will receive a travelling trophy, merchandise certificates and a chance to participate in a playoff at 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, at White Tail Golf Club.

John Spruce, president of the Piscataquis Regional YMCA board of directors, writes that “all proceeds are used to support the many programs we offer in our area for young and old alike.”

So, to help support the work of the YMCA, and to have a great round of golf on the course of your choice, call today and register for this fun event.

The United Way of Eastern Maine needs used clothing, books and furniture for a yard sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, Saturday, Sept. 1, and Sunday, Sept. 2, at the Old Town Shop ‘n Save on Stillwater Avenue.

Proceeds benefit UWEM’s Read for Success Program.

Donations can be left at area Shop ‘n Save stores now through Wednesday, Aug. 29.

The event features a silent auction with items donated by Old Town Canoe and Bangor Ski Rack. You also can purchase hot dogs, books and food; and the kids will enjoy face painting and other children’s activities.

Read for Success involves 100 volunteers reading to thousands of youngsters. For more information about the event, the program or UWEM, call 941-2800 or visit www.unitedwayem.org.

The American Association of Retired Persons is offering a four-part financial seminar series for women age 45 and older.

“Women, It’s Time: Secure a Better Financial Future” is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11; Thursday, Sept. 13; Tuesday, Sept. 18, and Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, 44 Hogan Road in Bangor.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The $20 nonrefundable registration fee covers seminar material and light refreshments.

Carol Mower, AARP facilitator, reports all registrations must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 4. Registrations can be made by calling, toll-free, (877)-926-8300.

More information about the seminar can be obtained by calling Mower at 866-2697.

The series features financial and legal experts discussing the basics of personal financing, investments and estate planning.

It was with great sadness that I read the obituary of Ethel Sezak of Orono, who died earlier this month at the age of 91.

Like thousands of others associated with the University of Maine, I had known Ethel and her late husband, Sam, since college days.

But it was when I joined the NEWS sports staff in 1979 that my friendship with that wonderful couple grew. Both were active with the UM Alumni Association, and often called upon me to write about activities pertaining to that group.

I remember, and still have, one of the light blue “M” scarves they got everyone to wave at football games.

Ethel Sezak was a whirlwind. She did more in a day than many people do in a month.

She worked tirelessly for the good of her loving extended family, the youth whose lives she touched through school, camp and community; and the lives of people from all parts of the state and the country whom she called “friend.”

As the first woman to become an honorary member of the University of Maine Graduate M Club, Ethel graciously welcomed me with open arms into her “company of one” a few years later.

I was as proud to follow Ethel into that organization as I was of her being the first female so honored.

Ethel also kept me up to date on the activities of her equestrienne daughter, Mary Anne Davis of Orono, about whom we had many wonderful conversations and communications.

That such a happy person could overcome great sadness in life is a tribute to Ethel’s love of late son, Tom, and her late husband.

Ethel did not let the loss of loved ones stand in her way. She simply moved on with life, and continued to be an integral part of it until the day she died.

To her immediate and extended family, and all who loved her dearly and held her in such high esteem, I extend my sincerest condolences.

Perhaps without ever really intending to be, Ethel Sezak was a role model of female intergenerational adaptation.

She maneuvered her way through life in a variety of positions – from career woman to wife to mother to community volunteer – with an ease and graciousness to be emulated and admired. She will be missed.

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