Having grown from a half-day conference hosted by the YWCA Bangor-Brewer in 1996, the annual American Diabetes Association Community Forum now offers people the latest information about diabetes statewide.

This year’s Community Forum, “The Measure of Our Success,” focuses on the theme “Diabetes: What to Know, Head to Toe.”

The first forum begins with registration at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, in Mason Auditorium at Eastern Maine Medical Center, 489 State St. in Bangor.

The second forum begins with registration at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Sheraton Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Road in South Portland.

The registration fee is $10 per person and youngsters under age 12 are free.

Speakers at the Bangor forum include Dr. Tihamer Orban of the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, addressing the issue of prevention and prediction of Type 1 diabetes.

Dr. David Levy of Northeast Nephrology will discuss “You and Your Kidneys,” offering information about how to live healthfully with diabetes. The forums conclude in the midafternoon.

In addition to covering a variety of topics, the forums will feature vendor displays and representatives with diabetes products from insulin pumps to footwear.

Along with discussions of diet and exercise, you will be exposed to the latest information about pharmaceuticals and nutrition.

The object of these Community Forums is to increase awareness among people with diabetes and give them the tools to improve the quality of their lives.

Jennifer Coughlin of Bangor was one of the founders of these forums and she reminds us that since November is American Diabetes Month, this is the perfect opportunity to inform ourselves more fully about a condition affecting thousand of Mainers.

Statistics indicate 70,000 people in our state have been diagnosed with diabetes; an equal number of adults have the disease but do not know it.

Diabetes costs Maine nearly $460 million each year and 1,000 people die from complications of the disease every year.

To register for either the Bangor or Portland forums, call (888) 342-2383, Ext. 3720.

One of the newest ensembles of the United States Air Force Band of Liberty is appearing in the lecture hall at the Bangor Public Library at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5.

The library is located at 145 Harlow St. in Bangor.

The concert is free and open to the public.

The Chamber Winds of the USAF Band of Liberty features soloist and small chamber music and combines the talents of the band’s three chamber groups – the Colonial Brass Quintet, the New England Winds Woodwind Quintet and the Clarinet Quartet.

The music of Chamber Winds ranges from the Baroque and Classical periods of the 18th and 19th centuries to today’s contemporary styles.

Information about this and other library offerings can be obtained by calling the BPL at 947-8336.

Here’s an interesting way to raise funds.

Youngsters at Gateway Elementary School in Van Buren are earning free school playground equipment through a recycling program offered by the Funding Factory.

The youngsters are collecting empty laser and inkjet cartridges from community members to earn points that can be exchanged for recreational products.

The drop-off sites include the Gateway School, 20 Wright St., and the home of Brenda Deveau in Cyr Plantation.

Not only individuals but businesses, as well, are urged to participate in this program. It helps the environment and also helps the youngsters obtain new playground equipment. There is no cost to participate and free, prepaid boxes are sent to return collected cartridges.

To learn more about supporting this program, call Deveau at 868-5469.

Through a special promotion coordinated by Northern Mattress and Furniture Galleries during an October sale, the Maine-based company matched customer donations 2-to-1 and was able to make a $1,200 donation to the Northern New England Division of The Salvation Army which serves Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont through its office in Portland.

Now comes word that Northern Mattress and Furniture is continuing to collect donations through Monday, Nov. 5, at its five locations – Center Street in Auburn, Stillwater Avenue in Bangor, Maine Street in Brunswick, Main Street in Fairfield and Western Avenue in South Portland.

The company will contribute $2 for every dollar raised.

The funds will benefit traditional Salvation Army holiday programs including the distribution of food, toys and clothing.

A portion of the proceeds also will aid Salvation Army disaster recovery efforts in New York City.

For information about this charitable program, speak with any staff member at any of the store locations or call 453-9333.

Officers of the James W. Williams Post 12 of the American Legion in Bangor urge its members, as well as all U.S. military veterans, to march in this year’s Veterans Day parade which begins at 10:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at the Brewer Shopping Plaza.

Veterans who want to join Post 12 are asked to look for its color guard, and be prepared to fall in by 9:45 a.m.

Recognizing that this Veterans Day has even greater meaning because of events after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Post 12 urges veterans to demonstrate their pride in service to their country by participating in the parade.

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