The second Antique Appraisal Show to benefit the Waldo County Humane Society will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Blue Goose Center in Northport.

Center owners and auctioneers Dan and Elsie Andrews have agreed to perform appraisals, which will cost $5 per item, for the event. Each attendee is limited to three items.

Nancy Weser of Northport wrote me a wonderful letter about some of the work being done by the WCHS.

And, she proudly pointed out, “The Andrewses are conducting this benefit show for the sole purpose of raising funds for the society.”

The society’s three main programs, Weser explained, are Spay and Neuter Assistance, the Karl Kirchner (or KLK) Fund and rabies clinics.

To qualify for Spay and Neuter Assistance, the society asks only if you would be “unable to afford to have your pet spayed or neutered without the help of the WCHS.”

The KLK Fund provides assistance to injured animals, paying 40 percent of the bill up to a maximum of $250 for emergency care. This program is also limited to those in need.

The rabies clinics are conducted free of charge in Waldo County towns throughout the year.

Weser wrote that members of the WCHS have been told, “If we spay and neuter a good number of animals in our area for a five-year period, we should see a decline of unwanted animals in the area shelter and in the county.”

Last year, 197 dogs and cats were spayed and neutered and, at last count, 106 have been done this year by the WCHS.

The KLK Fund recently helped a special dog “that belonged to a bipolar teen with suicidal tendencies,” Weser wrote.

The mother was upset because she was unsure how her child would respond if the dog had to be euthanized.

In order to prolong its life, the animal needed a $400 operation and the woman didn’t have that much money.

“The mom didn’t want a free handout,” Weser wrote, “she just wanted some assistance. We paid $240 of the bill.”

In another instance, family members of a senior citizen wanted to “just shoot” the woman’s “dear old companion animals,” Weser wrote.

But the woman wanted them to be comfortably “laid to rest,” so the society humanely euthanized them.

“The lady was very grateful and relieved,” according to Weser.

“These are but a few of the people and their special friends we were able to assist,” Weser added.

And that is why she, and all who support the work of the WCHS, hope you will gather up those antiques you’ve always wondered about, and take them to the Antique Appraisal Show.

Not only will you be extending a helping hand to the Waldo County Humane Society; you might be surprised by what you’re holding in your own hand.

I have been informed that the reservation deadline for the Wellesley in Eastern Maine coach tour next month to Boston to view the John F. Kennedy Library and the exhibit, “Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years,” has been extended to Wednesday, Oct. 17.

The coach boards at 6:30 a.m. at the park and ride lot on Odlin Road and leaves at 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. Arranged stops will be made along Interstate 95.

The $79 per person cost includes exhibit admission and dinner on the return trip in Portland.

Reservations must be made by writing Nancy Ziegenbein, 41 Linden St., Bangor, or by calling her at 947-7965.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mastercuts at the Bangor Mall is doing its part to promote awareness of this disease and fund breast cancer research.

Parents and guardians are urged to bring their children to Mastercuts at the Bangor Mall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, to participate in “Kids Clip for the Cure.”

Mastercuts will charge just $7 for haircuts for children ages 12 and under, and all proceeds benefit breast cancer research.

For more information, call 941-1110.

Members of the Pembroke Historical Society continue to demonstrate they do more than preserve the past: They help take care of those living in the present as well.

The society once again is hosting a “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk beginning with registration from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at its facility on Union Square in Pembroke.

The walk helps fund American Cancer Society health programs while raising awareness about the disease.

The 21/2-mile walk will follow a marked trail along Old County Road, travel along Garnet and Hersey roads and return to the PHS.

There, you will hear guest speakers, enjoy refreshments and participate in a drawing for the chance to win the quilt, “Purple Mammaries” made by members of the St. Croix International Quilters Guild.

If you don’t have your sponsor sheets, you can obtain them at the Pembroke post office.

Anyone raising $50 or more will receive a T-shirt.

For more information, call Ellen Madden, 726-5518, or Bonnie Hunter, 726-5117.

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