Popular Aunt Nellie’s Attic seeks volunteers

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One month ago today, Aunt Nellie’s Attic in Holden opened its doors to a “rousing reception by the public,” wrote Kathy Bernier, administrator of Hammond Street Senior Center in Bangor, which is sponsoring the project.

“Our great inventory and wonderful location [in the former World Traders site on Route 1A] have combined with our exceptional volunteers to make Nellie’s a great success!” she added.

With the thrift shop’s theme of offering everything “From Minks to Sinks,” you can find gift items, videotapes, furniture and selected clothing.

And while the shop is doing very well, and has proved to be extremely popular, there are two areas in which Aunt Nellie’s could use a little help from you.

One of the concerns “is our busy volunteers’ schedules,” Bernier wrote.

“Therefore, we can always use more volunteers.”

She also wants you to know that, although the facility is run by the HSSC, “you do not have to be a senior to be a volunteer at Aunt Nellie’s.”

“In fact, we have a fantastic high school girl who loves her time spent helping such a worthwhile cause.”

Bernier added that Aunt Nellie’s “other quandary is trying to keep new merchandise coming in, because it sure is going out the door!”

“We can use donations from anyone in the community who wants to help our area seniors enjoy their programs and activities at the Hammond Street Senior Center.”

Donations are welcome from individuals, companies and estates, and all donations are tax-deductible.

If you would like to be a volunteer at Aunt Nellie’s, or contribute items, just call HSSC, Monday through Friday, at 262-5532, and you will be put in touch with someone who can answer your questions.

Bonnie Rittal of Samaritan Inc. Food for Life, based in Bangor, called to report that organization is seeking funds to help provide food for needy families, “and to help us be more accessible to them.”

To assist in that effort, a spaghetti dinner will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Carmel Snowmobile Club on Route 69 in Carmel.

Admission is $4 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 12 and under, and $10 for a family of four.

One of the major concerns of Food for Life, Rittal said, is that its “van, by the grace of God, is just going,” and she is very concerned that it may not keep going much longer.

“All we really rely on is donation jars,” she said of where funds come from to keep the van running.

And the donations “just keeps us in gas,” she said.

If enough money is made at the supper, Rittal thinks the organization could at least begin the search for a secondhand van.

“I’d be happy for anyone to call me with suggestions about where we could get a van or, if they’d like to send a donation, I’d be happy to talk with them, too,” she said.

Rittal can be reached at 947-4968.

Although two mailings have gone out, and 52 people have registered, Polly Sproul McKay of Brewer and Mary Gagnon Searway of Bangor know there are several more members of John Bapst High School Class of 1947 who have not signed up for their 55th reunion.

Members of JBHS ’47 haven’t met since their 50th, McKay said, “and we’re really hoping for a good turnout for this one.”

The JBHS 55th reunion begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 Friday, Aug. 2, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer.

“If people haven’t registered, they can still call us,” McKay said.

You can reach her at 989-4002 or Searway at 942-1693.

On behalf of all members of the Bangor Daily News family, I extend to our colleague Edie Sawyer and her husband, Bob, their family and friends, our deepest sympathy on the death of Edie and Bob’s daughter, Terry Cole of Hampden.

Terry died of metastatic cancer last Sunday at the age of 37.

Although I, like most of you, did not know Terry personally, I knew of her courageous and difficult four-year struggle with cancer, and I grieve over the loss of this mother of two whose life was cut short by this insidious disease.

Those who knew and loved Terry Cole will remember her faith, her courage and her devotion to family and friends.

Others will remember Terry’s graciousness in sharing her story of the effects of cancer and chemotherapy with a NEWS reporter, and her willingness to sit for a NEWS photographer for what became an award-winning photo of a beautiful young woman cradling her bald head in her hand.

Those who wish to remember Terry Cole in a special way can make contributions in her name to the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, c/o Carolyn Begin, 21 Pine St., Old Town 04468.

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