BSO close to reaching annual fund-raising goal

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What a wonderful feeling it must be for supporters of the historic Bangor Symphony Orchestra to realize they are just $5,000 shy of their Annual Fund goal.

As of this week, $160,000 has been raised, leaving $5,000 to reach a goal that BSO marketing director Catherine LeClair reports “was raised by $10,000 from last year.”

Visitors or newcomers to our area might be interested in knowing that the 108-year-old BSO is the oldest community orchestra in the United States, providing continuous service after having been established in 1896.

“It’s been a great first year with dynamic new music director and conductor Xiao-Lu Li,” LeClair wrote, “and next year promises more concerts, more educational outreach and exciting new collaborations.”

Hoping to reach the $165,000 mark as soon as possible, LeClair told me that the BSO decided to take the unusual step of informing the public how close the organization is to reaching its goal. It’s their hope that a few more timely gifts could put the campaign over the top.

To make a donation, call the BSO at 942-5555 or (800) 639-3221.

You also can visit bangorsymphony.com for complete details of events on its summer and season concert schedule.

Debbie Paton invites you to the 8th Annual Zonta Club of Bangor Garden Tour from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at four gardens in Hampden and two in Bangor.

Tickets are $12 each and are available at Johnson Florist and Gift in the Airport Mall on Union Street, at Sprague’s Nursery, 1664 Union St. in Bangor or by calling Paton at 848-3663.

In addition to the six gardens, which range from new to mature gardens, two of the properties will have homes open to guests as well.

A portion of the tour proceeds will benefit the Wheelchair Van Fund at Bangor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

“Women’s Ride for Heart Health” begins with registration at 8 a.m. and the race at 9 a.m. Sunday, June 22, at Somerset Sports & Fitness on Route 201 in Skowhegan.

With heart disease being the No. 1 killer among Maine women, reports Kathleen Parker of event sponsor MaineGeneral Health, the purpose of the event is to help encourage physical activity thereby helping reduce heart disease.

Bikers can choose a 5-, 10- or 20-mile ride that all include frequent breaks.

The event is part of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Registration is $10 per person.

Moosehead Historical Museum executive director Dr. Everett Parker invites the public to take docent-guided tours of its Victorian mansion, carriage house and Lumberman’s Museum.

The tours are 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday through Sept. 26.

The museum is located at 444 Pritham Ave. in Greenville Junction.

This year’s exhibit theme is “A Century of Weddings, 1880 to 1980,” and includes special displays in each bedroom of the Eveleth-Crafts-Sheridan Historical House featuring period wedding gowns through the decades.

Both men’s and women’s wedding textiles also will be on display.

Although the Carriage House is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday year-round, the mansion, Lumbermen’s Museum, sunken garden and other displays are open only seasonally.

Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 12 and under.

You are reminded that Moosehead Historical Museum also offers a number of interesting summer bus trips. You can receive more information about all of these activities by calling the Moosehead Historical Museum office at 695-2909. Leave a message if no one is available to take your call.

Oops! My eye saw a 3 that was really an 8, which has made life a bit interesting for Cindy LaFlamme of Bradley.

LaFlamme is one of the organizers of the Old Town High School Class of 1978 25th reunion which is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono.

I reported in a previous column that her committee was seeking 44 classmates.

However, I wrote it was the Class of 1973, not 1978, so LaFlamme told me, “I’ve heard from a lot of members of the Class of ’73,” but she is still waiting to hear from members of the Class of ’78!

Members of OTHS Class of ’78 can write LaFlamme at P.O. Box 435, Bradley 04411, or email claflamme60@msn.com.

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