Individuals interested in theater, and those who would like to be part of a special celebration of Easter, should consider answering the casting call for a Passion play.

Gerald Button of Stetson wrote me this week to report that he is the president “of the newly formed Harborside Players.”

This new thespian group has its home at the Union Street Brick Church on the corner of Union and First streets in Bangor, in what was formerly the Unitarian church.

Button explained that the new community theater group was organized this past December, and that its first production will be the Easter show depicting the last seven days of the life of Christ.

“St. Joseph’s Healthcare is the sponsor of our show, which is the first of its kind in New England,” he wrote.

The Passion play “is a 2,000-year-old story that has been performed many times throughout the centuries,” and was brought to the United States after World War I.

Button wrote that the “ageless story can be seen in such places as Spearfish, S.D., Florida and New Jersey. We hope it catches on and become a traditional, annual event.”

The performance is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, and at the same time Wednesday, March 27, through Saturday, March 30, at the Union Street Brick Church.

“At the moment, we need more people,” to appear in the production, Button wrote.

Individuals “of any size, age or gender will do. We need them, mostly, for minor characters in the show,” he explained. “Some will be soldiers, Apostles and townspeople. The more the merrier.”

Individuals interested in being part of this production can call Button at 296-3335.

Information about this organization, about being part of it, or to purchase tickets for the performance, can be obtained by calling 945-9798.

Members of the Skowhegan-Madison Lodge of Elks have a grand tradition to maintain and, with the help of lodge members and guests, expect to do so.

The Elks National Foundation Banquet begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Lodge, 21 Silver St. in Skowhegan.

A roast pork dinner follows at 7 p.m., with ENF pledges from 8:15 to 8:30 p.m., and dancing to the music of Scott LeBlanc’s band after the completion of the pledge portion of the event.

Last year, the Skowhegan-Madison Lodge raised more than $19,000 for the charitable fund, finishing first among Maine’s 22 Elks lodges, and second in the nation in its membership category for per-capita donations.

Under the 27-year leadership of ENF chairman and past Maine Elks Association President Maroon Nemer of Skowhegan, the local lodge has earned numerous awards for its contribution to the ENF since it was chartered in 1975.

This year, past Exalted Ruler Roy Bolton of Madison is stepping in to replace Nemer in this effort as Nemer recuperates from a fractured leg.

To help Bolton continue the Nemer legacy, lodge members and guests are encouraged to attend the dinner and dance, which is just $12 per couple.

Paid-up ENF members, however, will be admitted free of charge, and those who pay on their pledges will be admitted for half-price.

Let’s hope this strong giving tradition continues, and the Skowhegan-Madison Elks again finish among the top contributors to the ENF.

People shopping at Shaw’s Supermarket from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, on Springer Drive in Bangor have an opportunity to help the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and those it serves.

During that time, volunteers will be at an informational table selling paper “houses” for $1 each or six for $5.

Donors can write their names on the houses along with their telephone numbers.

The paper “houses” will be displayed throughout the day and, at the end of the event, they will become tickets in a drawing for prizes that include a hotel stay, a savings bond or a gift certificate.

You also will have the opportunity to speak with BAHS volunteers who will explain the programs offered at the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, which is located on the corner of Main and Cedar streets, across from Davenport Park.

LeeAnne Mallonee of Bangor called to invite the public to attend the opening reception for Art at Boyd Place from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the facility at Phillip Strickland House, 21 Boyd Place in Bangor.

Mallonee said that “because there is not much hanging space” at the facility, the decision was made to use that space for “ongoing art exhibits.”

The Sunday reception offers an opportunity “to talk with the artists, and see their artwork hanging in numerous places throughout Boyd Place,” Mallonee said.

Tea and refreshments will be served as you chat with artists Sally Arata, Ed Nadeau, Jan Owen, Michael Vermette and Diana Young.

For more information about Art at Boyd Place, call 941-2837.

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