The work going into restoring the historic Colcord House in Stockton Springs “to make it a proper library,” according to Norma Volk, can only be described as a labor of love.

Members of the Stockton Springs Historical Society and the Stockton Springs Community Library Committee are raising funds, “one dollar at a time,” for this long-term project to serve the 1,400 residents of the Waldo County community.

“Whoever can help has been painting and putting up shelves,” Volk said of the work being done inside the Colcord House, “and we’re getting volunteers” who are offering to host bake sales, book sales or sell raffle tickets to raise funds for the library.

A rustic lawn swing by Cedar Works of Maine, valued at $400 with freight included, is the top prize in a raffle to benefit the new library.

The winning ticket will be drawn during a free concert by Flash in the Pans from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 1, at Fort Point State Park in Stockton Springs.

“We’re going to be serving hot dogs and drinks, and there will be a bake sale,” Volk said, “so anyone who is hungry” will be able to find something to eat.

“We also advise people to bring your own chair and bug spray!” she added.

In addition to the top prize, local merchants and artisans have donated 10 additional prizes for the raffle, and ticket holders need not be present to win.

The tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased at Darby’s and the Good Table in Belfast, Periwinkles Bakery in Searsport, and in Stockton Springs at Ikebana Ware (formerly the Bird Works), Just Barb’s, Perry’s Store, the new TREND, Wyman’s Seafood and the Stockton Springs Town Office.

A recent book sale benefited the library, and Volk said volunteers will be selling tickets this weekend “in front of Renys and at the Farmer’s Market in Belfast.”

Although the Community Library in Stockton Springs, which is located “right in the center of town, right next to the town office, is only open Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays,” Volk said, it is a facility that is appreciated by those who visit.

“I ran into a mother and a little girl at Renys,” Volk said, “and the mother told me her daughter loved going to the library. I asked her which library, and she said the Stockton Springs Library! I was so taken by that. And they bought a raffle ticket, too!”

Dollar by dollar, volunteer by volunteer, the Community Library of Stockton Springs is coming to life, and you are invited to share in the celebration of this special project by attending the free concert at Fort Point State Park.

A limited number of spaces are still available for anyone who would like to participate in a benefit breast cancer cruise for the Rockland-based Sail for Hope program.

According to Anne-Marie Tetreault of the sponsoring Maritime Challenge Foundation, Sail for Hope is an at-sea educational program bringing breast cancer survivors in contact with the therapeutic power of the sea, and themselves, to renew their strength and self-confidence.

Sail for Hope encourages women to become active participants in the sailing, and active participants in their own treatment.

The 31/2-hour cruise is from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29, aboard the historic schooner Wendameen docked in Rockland, and includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

The foundation hopes to raise $1,500 to kick off its summer sailing program and help fund sails for women who find themselves with heavy financial burdens during their treatment for cancer.

Space is limited to 20 guests, and the foundation is requesting a minimum donation of $30 per person.

For more information about the benefit, or the program, call Tetreault at the foundation’s office, 594-1800.

On Tuesday, June 11, a celebration was held for the oldest resident of Phillips-Strickland House in Bangor.

“For those at Phillips-Strickland House, and the many friends and relatives who attended the lovely celebration of my 100th birthday, my very sincere thanks,” the centenarian wrote.

“The gifts, beautiful cards, flowers and well wishes are most certainly appreciated.

“To all, most gratefully, I am, Estelle Habenicht.”

The halfway mark has been reached in the $1.95 million fund-raising capital campaign to renovate and expand the Children’s Center in Augusta.

To celebrate this achievement, co-chairmen David Flanagan and Kaye Flanagan will be the featured speakers during groundbreaking ceremonies for this project at 10 a.m. Monday, July 1, at 273 Capital St. Extension.

Construction will begin on Wednesday, July 10, pending final approval by the Augusta Planning Board.

The Children’s Center is a private nonprofit organization providing speech, physical and occupational therapy, enriched preschool, and social services to hundreds of children with disabilities living in central Maine.

To learn how you can help raise the final $900,000 needed for this capital campaign, call the Children’s Center at 621-6395 or email lcchildrenscenter@yahoo.com.

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