The director of the Northern Maine Division of the March of Dimes has put out the word that the organization needs some very special volunteers.

Gene Staffiere says the March of Dimes is seeking “a group of parents of premature infants” who would like to serve as team ambassadors for March of Dimes WalkAmerica 2003.

According to information Staffiere supplied, the organization asks ambassadors to share their stories “at WalkAmerica events to illustrate the serious problems of premature birth.”

Ambassadors are also asked to speak at events such as the Kickoff Breakfast, Awards Banquet and Dinner Auction, and to permit the organization “to publicize their story and photo in local newspapers and other media.”

The March of Dimes will provide training for parents and families of premature infants who are willing to assist in program and fund-raising efforts.

It asks those who volunteer to “develop a walk team of premature infants and their families to bring awareness of the prevalence and the consequences of being born too small and too soon.”

To obtain more information about becoming a March of Dimes WalkAmerica team ambassador, call Staffiere at (800) 287-6346 or 989-3376, fax 989-5500.

Paula Newcomb informs us the Hampden Historical Society Christmas Bazaar is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Kinsley House, 83 Main Road South, Hampden.

At the sale you can purchase Christmas items, handiwork and foods.

A raffle will feature 100 gallons of oil from R.H. Foster, a gift basket from Schacht’s, gift certificates from Hampden Floral and Hillside Beauty Salon, an afghan made by historical society member Celia Gray, and a decorated cake from Graves Supermarket.

The next week, the historical society will offer a mini fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Kinsley House.

Proceeds will benefit the Hampden Historical Society effort of “trying to keep the house together,” Newcomb explained.

Central High School junior Yolanda Elliott of Corinth has been accepted as a delegate with the People to People Student Ambassador Program, founded by former President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956.

As a representative of Maine and the United States, Elliott and other students will travel for three weeks next July to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales where they will explore the cultural, educational and social viewpoints of the host countries.

A Benefit Supper and Silent Auction to help with expenses for Elliott’s participation in this program is planned for 4:40-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Corinth Methodist Church.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, or to make a donation, call 285-7072.

Another fund-raiser by employees of the town of Hampden to benefit Pat and Kristin Ready Lessard of Ellsworth is coming right up.

A Benefit Spaghetti Supper and Auction is planned, with dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the auction at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the VFW Hall on Canoe Club Road in Hampden.

The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Hampden Fire Department Lt. Frank Coombs will serve as auctioneer.

For the second time in her life, Kristin Lessard, 24, the daughter-in-law of Hampden Town Manger Susan Lessard, is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Nancy Dysart, director of Children’s Miracle Network of Eastern Maine Healthcare, reports the 8th Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Brewer Auditorium.

More than 45 crafters with Maine-made items will be there with Santa Claus and his elves, who will dispense free gifts to every child from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Each attendee will receive a ticket for door-prize drawings, and local volunteers will staff the concession stand featuring home-baked foods.

Admission is $1 and free for children under 12. All proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network of EMH.

And, from everyone with the Children’s Miracle Network, a hearty thank-you for your support of the Enchanted Forest sponsored by Sam’s Club and hosted by Sprague’s Nursery in Bangor, where more than 1,000 children participated in Halloween festivities.

Assisting the youngsters were Carol Lackedy and fellow Sam’s Club associates, Children’s Miracle Network steering committee members, John Bapst Memorial and Brewer High School Key Club members, Aspenledge students and members of Sigma Chi fraternity and Phi Mu sorority at the University of Maine in Orono.

Nearly $8,000 was raised to help acquire specialized pediatric medical equipment for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in this part of Maine.

Monsignor Paul F. Stefanko will offer a Marriage Annulment Workshop at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at St. Joseph’s Parish, 531 North Main St., Brewer.

The purpose of the workshop is to acquaint individuals with the concept of marriage as taught by the Catholic Church, offer an overview of the various reasons for and processes used in granting an annulment, and to address the myths regarding annulments in the church.

A time for questions and discussion is included, and light refreshments will be served. For more information about this workshop, call Pat Elliott at 825-4078.

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