Although still coping with the shock of the sudden and unexpected death of their dear friend and colleague, Rick Ylagan of Brewer, Bangor High School staff members are organizing a benefit auction for his family beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, in the BHS gymnasium, 885 Broadway, Bangor.

Cary James is chairman of the benefit, and he is hoping that substantial donations and a good turnout will help ease the financial challenge facing Ylagan’s widow, Wendy, and their children, 6-year-old Sidney and 3-year-old Shane.

One of Ylagan’s longtime friends, Kevin Tilton, has agreed to serve as the event’s auctioneer.

Ylagan, 39, taught earth science for nine years at BHS, and helped establish the new astronomical observatory there.

He coached the BHS girls tennis team and then the boys tennis team, which won the 2002 state title.

Known as a devoted family man, he also taught geology, astronomy and kayaking at the Hog Island Maine Audubon Sanctuary. Ylagan died in his sleep at his Brewer home on Jan. 11.

James said donations are being sought for the auction, and any contributions can be picked up, at your convenience, now through Saturday, Feb. 8.

For more information, call James at BHS, 941-6200, at home, 866-3453, or e-mail Cheese967@aol.com.

Because of the popularity of the event, you should reserve your spot, right now, for the Fathers and Daughters, Mothers and Sons, Grandparents and Grandchildren Valentine Dance from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at the Anah Shrine Temple, 586 Main St., Bangor.

Sponsored by the Mini Bike Unit, the cost is $10 per person. Pizza and snacks will be served.

To obtain your tickets, send a check to Peggy Youngblood, 30 Sunset Strip, Brewer 04412, or call her at 989-2190 for more information.

Bangor Police Chief Don Winslow and members of the Domestic Abuse Task Force, along with representatives of Spruce Run, Grace United Methodist Church and the First Congregational Church of Brewer, invite you to participate in a Community Vigil to Remember Victims of Domestic Violence.

The vigil begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Grace United Methodist Church, 193 Union St., Bangor.

The candlelight vigil is an annual event, hosted in collaboration with Spruce Run Association in Bangor, the domestic violence project serving Penobscot County.

During the vigil, The Clothesline Project, featuring T-shirts created by women affected by domestic abuse, will be on display.

Information about Spruce Run also will be available.

Spruce Run’s 24-hour hot line number, (800) 863-9909, is available to anyone affected by domestic abuse. Hot line volunteers offer those affected by domestic abuse the opportunity to talk about their situation and explore their options.

The snow date is Tuesday, Feb. 11. If you feel the need to confirm the date, call 945-5102.

Harriet Hanson graduated from Bangor High School in 1939.

She continues to correspond with her fellow graduates as best she can, she told me of the work she does with the old yearbooks she tries to maintain and update.

Hanson tries to note which class members have died and “keep in touch with the survivors” of that class she said.

Any classmates who have not been in touch with her, or other members of their class for some time, are most welcome to call Hanson at 947-7847 or write her at 1605 Essex St., Bangor 04401.

On the other hand, Marie Loring of Greenbush, who uses old holiday cards to make ornaments for Christmas trees, thanks you very much for sending her your used cards and requests that you no longer mail holiday cards to her.

Loring called earlier this month to report she has “all I need” to make ornaments for some time to come, and thanks each and every one of you who answered her request so promptly.

Representatives of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Maine Chapter Outreach Office invite you to visit the organization’s new home.

An open house is planned for 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 735 Main Road North in Hampden. You are welcome to drop in anytime or be there specifically for the program, which begins at 11:30 a.m.

Light refreshments will be served, and you will have the opportunity to meet a new staff member, Sue Tidd. For more information, call (800) 273-4703.

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