While driving to a conference on Friday, April 26, Denise Bowden of Surry was critically injured in an automobile accident.

After undergoing surgery for a skull fracture, she remained in a coma and in the intensive care unit for approximately four weeks, according to her sister, Diane Clark.

Last June, Bowden, who had been the accountant for School Union 92 and SAD 26 for 10 years, was moved to a rehabilitation center, where she remains today.

Bowden had made great progress by August when she was able to obey simple commands, hold up her head, write short sentences, communicate verbally, walk with a walker and use a computer keyboard.

However, Clark reports, her sister had a relapse during Labor Day weekend, which is “not unusual for brain-injured people.”

Life has been very unsettled since the accident for Bowden’s husband, Dave, and their children, 13-year-old Nicole and 9-year-old Joshua, who all visit her as often as possible.

However, Clark wrote, the family is “coping well,” thanks to the “the strength, love and support of their family, friends and community,” and the family extends its sincere gratitude to “everyone for their continual support and help during this tough time.”

That support has not diminished, and many people are working to help the family through this most difficult time.

Three benefit suppers in the school district Denise Bowden served are planned, and all are the same time, the same day and the same price, but they’re not the same menu!

Admission for each supper is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children and $15 per family.

A baked bean supper is planned for 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Beech Hill School in Otis. For more information about this supper, or how you can help in any way, call the school at 537-2203.

You can enjoy an Italian supper to benefit the Bowden family from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Trenton Elementary School. For more information about this benefit, or how to help, call the school at 667-8447.

Or, you can feast on a spaghetti supper from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Hancock Elementary School. The number to call there for more information, or to offer your assistance, is 422-6231.

Writing for his fellow trustees, Ben Blodget of Bucksport invites the public to celebrate the 115th birthday of the Buck Memorial Library during a dedication of its new lighting system at 1:30 p.m. today at the library on Main Street.

Historical material and information dating to the dedication of the building will be offered as you join community members in celebrating the facilities that, Blodget writes, “continue to maintain and improve a visible presence on Main Street, and provide service to the reading public.”

You are invited to participate in the seventh annual Celebration of Remembrance with Down East Hospice 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, in the Cobscook Quaker Meetinghouse in Whiting.

An opportunity to pay tribute to loved ones who have died, and a gathering of people whose lives have been touched by hospice, the event includes readings, music, candle lighting and time for reflection.

Refreshments will be served while you share conversation and experiences with your neighbors, and hospice staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions.

You are welcome to bring a favorite candleholder with candle, photos of loved ones who have died, and special writings, poems, songs, thoughts or memories to share.

The meetinghouse is located on Route 189, approximately one-half mile from the intersection of Route 1 at Whiting Corner.

For more information about the event, or about hospice, call 454-7521, Ext. 126, or 726-5087.

Individuals of all ages who would like to learn ballet are invited to attend a free introductory ballet class with ballet professional Robert Steele Friday, Oct. 18, at Harbor House in Southwest Harbor.

Steele, who performed as a principal dancer with the Boston Ballet and a soloist with the Washington Ballet and Royal Danish Ballet, will conduct classes for children and adults of all ages.

To preregister, call 288-3713.

Charlotte Lugdon informs readers that members of the Kenduskeag Union Church will be operating a booth during regular business hours Friday, Oct. 18, at the Bangor Mall on Hogan Road.

Church members will be at the booth “to show and sell, to the wider community, our church plaques, ‘Cat in Hiding’ quilt pattern and the Kenduskeag Historical Coverlet,” Lugdon wrote, as well as “to make folks aware of our steeple restoration fund.”

Church members hope you will stop by the booth while you are shopping or visiting the mall.

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