While this paper has regularly contained information for where workers at the closed Great Northern Paper mills in Millinocket and East Millinocket can receive assistance during this uncertain period, and addresses have been supplied for people to make financial contributions to help those in need, other Maine residents are finding ways to help workers adversely affected by the GNP situation.

The Rev. Kristin Orr of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Brewer called to say the 67 congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine are sponsoring a caravan to deliver items donated by residents from all over Maine on Tuesday, Feb. 4, to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Millinocket.

“We are a collection site,” for that effort, Orr said.

The diocese is asking for contributions of “nonperishable food items, household and personal essentials,” Orr said.

She gave as example, soap, paper towels, toilet tissue, napkins, cleaning supplies or anything “from toothpaste to shampoo.”

“And we shouldn’t forget diapers or pull-ups” for the little ones, she added.

St. Patrick’s will be collecting your contributions from 9 a.m. until noon Monday, Feb. 3, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the church, which is located at 21 Holyoke St. in Brewer, on the corner of North Main Street.

“A lot of good stuff is being done” to help people in the Greater Millinocket area during this time, Orr pointed out, “but this is an opportunity for people who would like to bring macaroni and cheese to do that.”

If you have questions about what would be appropriate for this special caravan, call the church at 989-1308.

If no one is available to take your call, leave a message and it will be returned.

Want to learn about programs offered by the Bangor YMCA?

Plan to attend “A Birthday Celebration and Annual Giving Campaign Kickoff for All Ages” from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, in Cole Gymnasium at the YMCA, 127 Hammond St., Bangor.

After a social hour, presentations including a performance by the Interact Leaders Club youth and a slide show presentation are scheduled for 5:30-6:15 p.m.

Activities to engage young and old will be available, along with hors d’oeuvres and other refreshments, from 6:15 to 7 p.m. as you help celebrate the YMCA’s 135th year in Bangor.

The event also includes YMCA program demonstrations, a preschool climbing area and arts and crafts for the youngsters.

The second Orono Public Library “Cures for Cabin Fever Lecture Series” features internationally known astronomer and author Neil Comins.

A professor of astronomy at the University of Maine since 1978, Comins will speak about “Heavenly Errors: Misconceptions About the Real Nature of the Universe” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the library on Godfrey Drive.

Families with children enrolled in grades three through six in Bangor public schools are encouraged to attend the Camp Bangor camp fair from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Bangor Civic Center.

The United Way of Eastern Maine administers the Libra Scholarship program and will provide you with information about more than 140 camp programs your children can choose from across the state of Maine.

You also have access to the directory in the Children’s Department of the Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St., at the UWEM office on Sylvan Road or at www.unitedwayem.org.

More than 72 camp programs have registered to attend the fair with offerings from sports, arts, environmental studies and faith-based to traditional camp activities.

For more information, call Sara Yasner at UWEM, 941-2800.

Paul Tower of Brewer, coordinator of Hose 5 Fire Museum in Bangor, called to report a few tickets remain for the seventh annual Firemen’s Valentine Ball from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Bangor Conference Center on Hogan Road.

“Ric Tyler of WLBZ television will be our emcee,” Tower said, “and our disc jockey will be Ron Cote.”

Tickets are $60 per couple, and that includes an extensive buffet.

“We’ll have a large Greek salad, marinated mushrooms, rice pilaf, fresh teriyaki chicken tenders, Maine seafood Newburg, baked glazed ham, braised barbecue sirloin tips, vegetable, glazed carrots, fresh baked bread, coffee, tea and dessert selections,” Tower said, “plus a cash bar.”

And, Tower added, “we have made arrangements for special rates at the Bangor Motor Inn, if people would like to stay for the evening.”

Tickets are available at Bangor’s Central Fire Station on Main Street or by calling 942-6335.

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