Because she has been such an integral part of the Greater Springfield community since her arrival 10 years ago to begin her ministerial duties at the Springfield Congregational Church, UCC, those whom she has served can’t let her go without a proper send-off.

The Rev. Priscilla Schumm is retiring and moving out of the area, I was told, and her congregation is planning a retirement-going away celebration to which everyone is invited.

Schumm is described as an exceedingly ecumenical person who has reached out to many individuals and groups in the area. Church members believe there are many others, besides themselves, who would want to wish the pastor well in her new endeavors.

The public potluck supper for the Rev. Schumm will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29, in the Pavilion at the Springfield Fair Grounds. Beverages and utensils will be provided. You are asked to bring a dish to share, and all are welcome.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals of Hancock County will hold a Pet Adoption Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at PETCO on Stillwater Avenue in Bangor.

A variety of unclaimed strays will be available for adoption. The animals are up-to-date on vaccines and, if not already spayed or neutered, will come with a certificate for the procedure. However, you will need to bring specific materials with you if you wish to adopt.

If you are a renter, you must have a signed letter, including a phone number, from your landlord that states you can have a pet. Homeowners must bring proof of home ownership.

If you already have a pet, you must bring verification from a veterinarian that your pet is up to date with vaccines and spayed or neutered.

If you already have a dog, bring proof that the dog is licensed in your town, and you must bring that dog with you to determine if there are any behavioral issues with other animals.

If you have questions about this event, or the procedures, call Doug Radziewicz at the SPCA, 288-0151.

Here’s a reminder of a benefit supper for the Gerald Folster family of Clifton, with seatings at 5 and 5:45 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Clifton Baptist Church on Route 9 in Clifton.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children, and all additional donations for the family who lost their home to fire will be gratefully accepted.

Community members are working to build a new home for the Folster family. Any questions can be directed to Penny Peasley at 843-5553.

Irving Oil and members of Maine law enforcement agencies are combining their efforts for the state’s first “To Serve and Protect” fund-raiser for Maine Special Olympics Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29.

On those days, Irving Oil will donate 5 cents for every gallon of gas sold at participating locations to Special Olympics.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28, members of state law enforcement agencies will be pumping gas and washing windshields with Maine Special Olympics athletes and coaches at 42 Irving stores.

Customers also can make a donation to Special Olympics while they are gassing up.

The “To Serve and Protect” event will be held at specific locations, and can include events ranging from dunk tanks to T-shirt sales, carnival activities, cookouts or car washes.

During the month of August, Irving will sell static clings for $1 each, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics.

From Lorena Fenlason of Bangor, Worthy Matron of the Star In The East, Chapter #17, Order of the Eastern Star of Hampden, we learn that organization recently made “a very unique donation” to the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross in Bangor.

“KID KITS” containing items such as books, small toys, stuffed animals, coloring books, crayons, contact paper, pencils, markers and scissors were collected by chapter officers and members, and placed “in very colorful, drawstring cloth bags,” she wrote. The KITS “will be used to help young children coping with tragedy and crisis in their life,” she added.

“It is our hope that the KITS will help a child smile, and will provide some comfort where there is only fear and despair.”

Fenlason reports the Order of the Eastern Star “is the largest charitable organization in the world in which both men and women can belong” and, if you would like more information about it, she would be happy to hear from you.

You can reach Fenlason at 945-3819.

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