Obviously, the work needed to be done, and that is why Judy Markowsky extends her sincere thanks to the 30 Audubon cleanup volunteers who picked up trash along the banks of the Penjajawoc Stream near the Bangor Mall last Saturday.

Their efforts, she wrote, helped “improve the habitat” for the “muskrat, woodchuck, song sparrows, ducks, cormorant and a sharp-shinned hawk” which they saw, and “improve the stream-side aesthetics for people.”

Audubon cleanup leader Jim Bird’s crew, working “on the Shop ‘n Save side” of the stream, collected 21 bags of trash while the other Audubon cleanup leader, Joyce Rumery, reported that her group collected 21 bags of trash along “one section of fence on the Borders side” of the stream.

And, as promised, Kenduskeag Stream Race standup canoeist Zip Kellogg helped both crews after paddling 161/2 miles earlier in the morning in the 33rd edition of that annual event!

Now, Markowsky writes, she is seeking another group of volunteers to participate in a springtime cleanup from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Fields Pond Audubon Center on Fields Pond Road in Holden.

Also needed are “a few strong volunteers, with ropes, to pull a washed-out log bridge back into its former position so people can cross a small stream,” she added.

If you need directions to the site, call 989-2591.

Proceeds from the Spring-O-Rama, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Sprague’s Nursery on Outer Union Street in Bangor, will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network of Eastern Maine Healthcare.

The $2-per-person admission does not include food, cookie decorating or the “Ducks on the Pond” game.

Other features include a wide variety of children’s games, plus demonstrations by members of the Back Door Dance Studio.

It’s one of this area’s most popular, pet-friendly events.

The Animal Orphanage 2003 5K Pet Run-Walk begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Old Town-Orono YMCA on Stillwater Avenue.

Registration is 9 a.m. for the event, which benefits the shelter’s work.

The event is open to competitive runners as well as walkers of all “paces,” reports Kay Hyatt, and pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

Prizes will be awarded in age groups ranging from 4 to 70-plus, and special awards will be presented to participating pets.

The registration fee is $9 for individuals and $5 per family.

You can preregister at the YMCA and at Timberland Animal Hospital in Orono, or by calling race director and Animal Orphanage president Roberta Fowler at 827-2658.

Readers have at least two sites in Eastern Maine to choose from to participate in March of Dimes WalkAmerica events.

The Ellsworth March of Dimes WalkAmerica begins with registration at 8 a.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Ellsworth Middle School cafeteria.

Anyone interested in participating in that walk can call Cindy Bunker at Dwight Brown Agency, 667-2516, or Melissa Clark, KeyBank, 667-5522.

In Rockland, the walk begins at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Rockland Elks Club on Rankin Street. Registration packets are available at Hannaford stores, Camden National Bank branches, Kalloch Fuel, the Camden Farmers Union and Rockland City Hall.

More information can be obtained from Norma Hill, 832-7482 or online at normah@clinic.net.

I’ve heard people talking about it, so I hope you have your tickets for the Altrusa International Inc. of Greater Bangor’s annual fashion review at 7 p.m. Monday, April 28, at Husson College Campus Center in Bangor.

Tickets are $12 each, and are available at the door or, in advance, by calling 942-5775.

Margaret Brown reports “delicious homemade refreshments will be served” at the event, which benefits Altrusa’s Scholarship Fund.

Eastern Agency on Aging and AARP offer the AARP Safe Driving Class from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, at the Eastern Agency’s 450 Essex St. office in Bangor.

The eight-hour course addresses physical changes that may affect the driving ability of a person age 55 and older.

There are no driving or written tests, and those who complete the class receive a two-year certificate that may allow discounts from several automobile insurance companies.

The cost of the course is $10, and it is limited to 25 participants.

You can register by calling EAA at 941-2865 or (800) 432-7812.

For more information, call Sylvia Smith, 942-4579.

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