Here is an idea you might never have considered: Becoming a “foster parent” for a litter of kittens or pups.

Bangor Humane Society executive director Bev Uhlenhake wrote me to ask if I would pass along the word that BHS is “looking for more foster homes to help us raise this summer’s kittens.”

It might surprise you to know that each year “we receive, literally, thousands of animals,” she wrote. “The majority of them arrive during the summer and early fall, often too young to be placed into our adoption program.”

Uhlenhake considers foster parents the people who “truly save these animals’ lives,” because, she wrote, “while we have some room at the shelter for the litter to grow and develop until they are old enough for adoption, the socialization they can get while in a home is unparalleled.”

And to be truthful, sometimes the shelter runs out of space to house the animals it receives.

Uhlenhake wrote that there are some days, in the summer and early fall, when the BHS receives “close to 50 animals in one day” which means that the sooner some of them are adopted, “the more likely they, and the other animals at the shelter, can stay alive.”

She explained that foster parents would take a litter of kittens or puppies to raise until they reach the age of 8 weeks, with the BHS providing “all the necessities for feeding and care.”

Uhlenhake added that, at times, “we also need temporary homes for those animals, particularly dogs, who need more socialization with experienced, trained foster parents before they should be placed in the foster program.”

To become a humane society foster parent, you must own your own home or have permission from the landlord; must have all your current pets up to date on their vaccinations, and must have the ability, within your home, to separate the foster animals from your own pets.

People who live within 15 minutes of the humane society are preferred, “so we can easily administer vaccinations and assist with transportation,” Uhlenhake added.

If you are interested in becoming a BHS foster parent, you can visit the BHS Web site at www.bangorhumane.org for more information or to obtain an application.

Informational meetings are planned for the spring, and home visits will be required of all applicants.

Congratulations are extended to former Winterport resident Priscilla Platt of Yarmouth, who has received the Maine Public Broadcasting Volunteer of the Year 2002 Award.

A member of the MPBC Community Advisory Board for seven years, and its chairwoman for the past five, Platt’s committee serves in an advisory role to the MPBC board of trustees and MPBC staff, reviewing programming goals and company policies.

Platt was cited by MPBC for her “long hours organizing and guiding the CAB through some challenging times” during which “her support has been invaluable.”

Instrumental in helping develop “new governing policies to improve the effectiveness of the board,” Platt also was recognized for devoting “many hours assisting MPBC staff as they gauged public reaction to programming changes for Maine Public Radio last year.”

This letter, written in pencil, makes a promise we hope the writer can keep!

Damien John King is a fifth-grader at Hart-Ranson School in Modesto, Calif., and has “adopted” Maine as a class project, he wrote.

“I will be doing a report and making a display about Maine.

“In May, my class will be having a ‘state fair.’

“I will be displaying everything I have learned about your state to all of the visitors from our school and community.”

Damien wrote to ask that you provide him with information about Maine, including our “state attractions, maps, brochures, information about wildlife, industry, neat places to visit, statistics, sports teams and any other information and items your readers feel would be helpful.”

In expressing his hope that you can help with his project, Damien promises to send a thank-you “to everyone who sends packages.”

“I am excited about learning about your state and hearing from the people who live there,” and he concludes with a “thank-you from California.”

You can send Maine information to Damien John King, Mrs. Neami’s Class, Hart-Ransom School, 3930 Shoemake Ave., Modesto, Calif. 95358-8577.

In Tuesday’s column, I mistyped the telephone number to call to order the Washington-Hancock Community Agency cookbook, “Recipes from the Road.”

I know that, because I had several callers telling me the number I provided was not in service. So I also know that several people are eager to purchase the book!

The correct toll-free number to order the cookbook is (877) 374-8396.

This one works.

I know because I tried it, so happy reading, happy cooking, and thanks for helping volunteer drivers of the WHCA transportation division get needy elders to medical appointments!

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