This week, after two years of hard work, parents and friends of pupils at the Helen S. Dunn School in Greenbush are putting in their order for much-needed playground equipment.

Unfortunately, that is all they are able to do: Order it.

The group doesn’t have the means, or the money, to pay for shipment, and there are no school funds available for that purpose, either.

“We are ordering from GameTime, which is located in Fort Payne, Alabama,” parent Stacie Madden reported. “I am told that is not too far from Chattanooga, Tennessee. It will take approximately three weeks, from the time we order for the equipment to be ready. They will package it for shipping so it will be ready to go.”

But, once it’s packed and ready for shipment, how does it get here?

That’s a stumper.

“We were wondering if any other municipality or recreation department, or anyone, [with supplies or equipment] is coming back to this area who could give us a discount,” on the shipment, Madden said.

“But what we’re really looking for is free shipping from someone” who might have an empty trailer-truck coming back from that area, she admitted.

That special need, it seems to me, presents a perfect opportunity for some long-haul trucker to become the Santa Claus of Greenbush!

If you can help, you are asked to call Madden at 942-5501, ext. 164.

Woody Woodman and his Band, the John Bapst Jazz Band and the Hampden Academy Jazz Band are featured in a swing dance and concert from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, in the John Bapst Memorial High School Auditorium, 100 Broadway St. in Bangor.

Tickets are $10 per person, $15 per couple and $5 for students. They are available at the door or at the fine arts office from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. now through Friday, Nov. 22, at JBMHS. Free dance lessons precede the dance from 7 to 8 p.m., courtesy of Back Door Dance Studio in Bangor.

I am sure JBHMS music director Julie Ewing would want readers to know dancing is an option!

You are cordially invited to just listen to the terrific sounds of these talented, local musicians of all ages.

Customers who purchase specific items at McDonald’s Restaurants in Maine today can participate in World Children’s Day and help improve the lives of local children.

For specially designated purchases you make at McDonald’s today, McDonald’s will donate $1 to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

A McDonald’s media representative reports 75 percent of the funds raised will remain locally to benefit the Maine Chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Inez Boyd of Bangor wrote that the Greater Pushaw Lake Association History Committee is still active, and that a special meeting of the group is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at Boyd’s home, 251 French St., Bangor. She hopes those involved will plan to attend.

University of Maine archaeologist Dr. David Sanger, “who has conducted extensive Indian digs on Pushaw Stream,” she wrote, will offer a colored slide presentation on the elements that have led to the formation of Pushaw Lake. It is the expectation of this group to publish a history of Pushaw Lake.

If you have information that would enhance this effort, call Boyd at 947-7700.

Local radio personality Bob Duchesne will host the fourth annual Evening of Bluegrass Music at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Hermon High School on Route 2.

Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Children under age 12 will be admitted free.

The event is sponsored by the Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilitation and all proceeds will be donated to the Brain Injury Association of Maine.

Featured in this delightful evening of musical entertainment are the bands Northstar, Sweet Grass and Midnight Flyer.

The annual Mount Desert Island Hospital Auxiliary Christmas fair, luncheon and boutique is this week.

The boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, and Friday, Nov. 22, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Bar Harbor Gift Shop, 113 Main St.

Boutique items include nearly new clothing, handbags and accessories.

The Christmas fair and luncheon is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at the Masonic Hall on High Street. This event include two $50 door prizes and raffle items, as well as handicrafts, white elephant items, baked goods and fudge. The luncheon menu features chicken salad and crabmeat sandwiches.

Since 1995, the hospital has been able to purchase more that $65,000 worth of equipment and medical supplies with funds raised by the MDI Auxiliary.

For more information about this event, call Karen Dillon, 288-3777, or Cheri Belsan, 288-9950.

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