With cold, snowy weather like this, folks in the Machias area are fortunate that “community movers and shakers, including hospital corporators, have worked diligently throughout Washington County” to bring you “Sounds of Spring.”

Ruth Leubecker informs us that “the popular local Union River Band will combine forces with nationally known folk musicians Curtis Teague and Loretta Simonet” in a benefit concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the University of Maine Machias Performing Arts Center.

Through the fund-raising leadership of Annie Dickinson of East Machias, Leubecker wrote, “area businesses and individuals have already contributed” more than $4,000 to cover expenses of the concert, which will help raise funds to enable DECH to purchase a new digital X-ray system.

“Many hospital corporators have worked tirelessly” on the fund-raiser, Leubecker wrote, while congratulating the volunteers who have put together “a fabulous folk-art musical event.”

Admission to the concert is $12 for adults and $6 for children.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, and you can also purchase a Washington County Mug for $20.

Joel Pratt is one of the prime organizers of the concert, which brings “Curtis & Loretta” to Maine from Minnesota.

According to biographical information on their Web site, the “acoustic folk music duo” has been acclaimed throughout the country for its “exquisite harmonies, incisive songwriting and skill on an array of stringed instruments, including Celtic harp, mandocello, mandolin, guitar, clawhammer banjo and ukulele.”

The husband and wife met on a California beach in the late 1970s and have been performing together ever since, sharing billing with folk artists such as Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger.

You might enjoy knowing that Loretta grew up in the historic river town of Stillwater, which is described as the “Birthplace of Minnesota.”

I’ve visited her Stillwater, a community that, in many ways, reminds me more of Bangor than our Stillwater.

Its historic downtown district is delightful, and its vertical-lift Stillwater Bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, spans the St. Croix River, connecting Stillwater with Houlton, Wis.

Do you suppose that, when Paul Bunyan migrated from Maine to Minnesota, he dropped a few of our place names along the way? For sure, Loretta should feel quite at home when she is here!

In addition to their Saturday concert, “Curtis & Loretta” will preside over two workshops for Washington County schoolchildren on Friday, April 4.

For more information about the concert or workshops, call Pratt at 255-4740.

You are invited to a “Fool’s Fair” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Charlotte Elementary School.

Sponsored by the CES “School Friends,” the penny carnival features games from the mouse bounce and tic-tac-toe to cake walks and the beanbag toss.

With prizes awarded for all games and activities, no admission will be charged to attend, and you will find lots of “fair food” on sale in the form of hot dogs, popcorn, beverages and sweets.

Back in July 1997, I wrote how thrilled 88-year-old Madeline Rollins of Guilford was to join three of her children in celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries together.

Of her four children, three married in 1947.

Today, the 93-year-old Rollins resides with daughter Charlene Deane in Millinocket, and is just as thrilled to join in the celebration of her fourth child’s golden wedding anniversary.

Family and friends are invited to attend an open house from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Masonic Hall in Guilford to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Herbert and Dorothy Flint. Dorothy’s proud and happy mother will be there to welcome you.

Penquis Valley High School Jobs for Maine’s Graduates Career Association is hosting a bowlathon from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at Northern Lights in Dover-Foxcroft to raise funds for non-profit organizations in the area.

The $40 team entry fee also enters your organization in a raffle, with the drawing being held at the close of the bowlathon. The amount of the winnings will depend on the participation.

If your organization would like to be entered in the raffle, but cannot participate in the bowlathon, for an additional $5 a member of the PVCA will bowl for you. For complete details, call Carl Wilson, JMG Specialist, between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 943-7346, Ext. 210.

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