The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, which grants the wishes of Maine children with life-threatening medical conditions, is in need of “Wish Granters” in Greater Bangor.

And while acknowledging that it is “a long hike for Bangor folks,” Eileen Chretien, Make-A-Wish director of volunteers and special events, hopes some local people will consider attending a Wish Granters training session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7, in Westbrook.

“We’d love to have some new faces,” Chretien wrote, adding that “there is an opportunity to car pool, if anyone is interested.”

Wish Granters, Chretien reminds readers, “are our volunteers who go into the homes of our Wish Kids … and help us to grant the greatest wishes of those children, to inject a little hope, strength and joy into their lives.”

Since May of last year, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine fulfilled the wishes of 23 children with life-threatening illnesses living in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington counties.

I learned Monday that the organization is working to fulfill the wishes of 11 other children, most of whom live in Penobscot County.

Obviously, additional Wish Granters would be most helpful in making these wishes become realities.

If you would like more information about becoming a Wish Granter, and about receiving this training, call Chretien at (800) 491-3171.

As the sun shines and people start thinking of picnics and cooking outdoors, Bill Rae of Manna Ministries in Bangor asks you to think of the less fortunate among us for whom a picnic might just be a distant dream when faced with the simple reality of getting through the day without being hungry.

The supplies on the Manna food shelves are running low, and Rae is asking for your help.

When making your regular or picnic purchases, perhaps you can add a few items for Manna to your shopping cart.

For example, Manna needs styrofoam plates to use in its soup kitchen.

The facility also needs cans of baked beans, soup, spaghetti, meat and fruit.

Manna’s help extends to those who are counted among the working poor, the elderly, and families living on fixed incomes.

If you can assist in helping Manna feed others, you are asked to leave your donations, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, at Manna, 180 Center St. in Bangor.

A sincere “well done” is extended to the Brewer High School Class of 1953 50th Reunion Committee for its diligence in locating all but four of their classmates.

Judy Patterson Adams writes that the class is preparing for this very special reunion and would like to find those four they have been unable to trace.

BHS ’53 is seeking information on Marjorie Wray, Claudia Clark, Phyllis Keegan and David Gass.

If you know the whereabouts of these individuals, send your reply to Judy Adams, 1095 North Main St., Brewer 04412.

The first of two June events hosted by the Franklin Historical Society is its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, at the society on Hog Bay Road in Franklin.

The meeting, which is open to the public, features Acadia National Park geologist Kate Petrie, speaking on the geology of Down East Maine.

If you would like more information about this event or the Franklin Historical Society, call president Irene Obermann at 565-3336.

The second event is a bake sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 14, at the Franklin Trading Post.

Individuals who can make something for the bake sale are asked to call Obermann or Debbie Boerger at 565-0905.

I was sincerely saddened to read of the recent death of Arnold “Arnie” Veague, but I do believe in my heart this once vital man is in a better place, no longer bound by the strains of the stroke which forever changed his life.

Although I had seen him in recent years, I prefer to remember Arnie as he was many years ago: a vibrant professional who loved the law and his community, and who served them both so very well.

But, especially, I remember him as the kindly gentleman who, after a single interview, offered a nervous young woman her first “real” job, with the Bangor law firm of which he was a partner: Eaton, Peabody, Bradford and Veague.

Arnie Veague’s contributions to his profession and to his community are extensive, and his consideration for those with whom he worked served as a model for all to follow.

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