Battered Women’s Project seeking volunteers

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Although this information comes to you a little on the late side, it might be just in time if you have ever considered becoming a volunteer for the Battered Women’s Project, which is based in Houlton.

Suzie Boutilier of the BWP reports that organization is conducting a free 30-hour hotline training course beginning Tuesday, Aug. 12, and running through Thursday, Sept. 18.

The training is 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays during those weeks in the Atrium of the Shiretown Motel in Houlton.

Although the word has been spread locally, BWP representatives just want to make sure everyone is aware of the training, and welcomes anyone who is interested to contact the BWP about this opportunity.

Topics to be discussed during the training will include the effects of domestic violence on women and children, the dynamics of domestic violence, teen dating violence and safety planning.

Continuing education units will be offered as well.

BWP volunteers reside throughout Aroostook County, and work the hot line from the privacy of their own homes, assisting victims of domestic violence.

More than 6,400 volunteer hours are provided each year and currently just 27 dedicated volunteers are doing that work.

If you can help, or want more information, call the BWP at 532-4004 or (800) 439-2323.

Diabetes Day is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, in the pharmacy at Shaw’s Supermarket on Main Street in Bangor.

The event will help introduce forearm testing for diabetics.

Pharmacist Martin Reiser reports customers can obtain a free meter with the purchase of 100 Freestyle strips. The strips can be purchased with insurance.

Information he provided explains that this is the newest technology, requires the smallest blood sample and has the most alternative test sites.

For more information, call the pharmacy at 945-6550.

The popular annual Church of Universal Fellowship Blueberry Festival & Cabaret is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, in the vestry of the Orono church.

Karen Martin has arranged for the evening’s entertainment, which includes presentations by members of the church’s junior and senior choirs, with soloist Heather MacLeod and the Douglas Trio of the junior choir.

Additional amusing acts are promised for this delightful event coordinated by Mary Ryan.

For $5 per person, you will enjoy not only the music, but also those delicious, homemade blueberry (and other) desserts!

Now through Monday, Sept. 1, customers at Burger King restaurants throughout New England, eastern New York and northern New Jersey are invited to contribute $1 to the Jimmy Fund through the restaurant’s “A Chance for Kids” program.

Contributors will receive a scratch card with a value of $1 or more that can include discounts for Six Flags amusement parks, HomeGoods gift certificates and the top prize, a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Last year, the program raised $790,000. The goal this year is to raise $1 million for the Jimmy Fund, which supports the work of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Participating restaurants in our area are in Augusta, Bangor, Brewer, Calais, Caribou, Ellsworth, Farmington, Houlton, Orono, Palmyra, Presque Isle, Rockland, Skowhegan and Waterville.

The Maine Elks Association will host Youthfest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Augusta Elks Lodge. The free event offers pre-teen, disabled or disadvantaged children a day of fun and entertainment.

Among Maine children’s organizations invited to participate are Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Maine Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House.

MEA Youthfest chairman Wayne Cotterly invites representatives of any organization that serves these children, or any individuals with a disabled or disadvantaged child who might like to attend, to call Wayne or Kathleen Cotterly, 998-2282; Bob Bernier, 778-4597; or Bob Drisko, 582-6659, for more information.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be part of the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon?

You can find out if you volunteer to work at this year’s event, which will be aired on Bangor’s WABI-TV5 beginning 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, and concluding 15 hours later, on Monday, Sept. 1.

Volunteers are needed to answer the telephones and help out behind the scenes for the event, which raises money to support MDA programs that include research, education and services for those affected by more than 40 neuromuscular diseases.

For information about becoming a telethon volunteer, call the MDA office at 878-3749 or email Kim Taylor or Ann Marie Tucker at portlandamedistrict@mdausa.org.

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