Here’s an offer that people in the Presque Isle area, especially those in a “cleaning out mode,” simply can’t refuse.

Audrey Thibodeau of Presque Isle reports that under the leadership of Angie Graves “a big auction” is planned to raise funds for work needed to turn the oldest building in that community, the 1912 firehouse, into the County Historical and Cultural Center.

The event is planned for Saturday, Sept. 27, and as that date approaches, we’ll provide you with all the particulars.

But in order for the “big auction” to occur, the auction’s sponsor, the Presque Isle Historical Society, needs your help.

“This is important,” Thibodeau said authoritatively.

“We are looking for donations of antiques and collectibles, and we will even clean out your garages and barns for you! … All people have to do is call me, and we will do it.

“At this stage of the game, we’ll take just about anything,” she added.

So if you are looking for a way to rid yourself of things you no longer need or want, Thibodeau would be thrilled to hear from you. She can be reached at 764-1598.

The community effort to “restore the firehouse to its former glory,” as Thibodeau explained in an earlier column, is the first phase of the project.

The second phase will involve renovating the second floor of the building to be used as an educational center for school systems and civic groups.

If you cannot participate in the auction fund-raiser but want to make a pledge or donation to help make this project become a reality, send a contribution to the County Historical and Cultural Center, c/o Linda Smith, P.O. Box 1262, Presque Isle 04769.

Susan Patten, race director for the Susan G. Komen Foundation Maine Race for the Cure, has announced that weekend activities begin with Blues for the Cure from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer.

Featured entertainers are Dave Mellow and two bands, The Night Crawlers and The England Brothers.

A survivors reception is planned for 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Sea Dog restaurant in Bangor, and the Maine Race for the Cure begins with registration at 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Bangor waterfront.

For more information about any of these events, call Patten at 947-9100.

The seventh Pet Appreciation Day is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union St., Bangor.

The event includes a silent auction, which will benefit the Bangor Humane Society, according to Don Hanson of Green Acres.

In fact, the silent auction is under way, and actually concludes Saturday.

The silent auction features more than $3,000 in goods and services for your pets.

Pet Appreciation Day activities include a recall clinic at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and a walking politely clinic at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

To reserve your space in either clinic, call Green Acres at 945-6841.

The $5 clinic registration fee will be donated to the BHS, and walk-ins will be welcome as space permits.

The Fifth Marvelous Mutt Show, for purebreds and mixes, is open to any dog-handler team, and begins at 11 a.m.

Prizes will be offered in several categories, and the $5 entry fee also will be donated to the humane society.

Advance registration is suggested, but walk-ins will be accepted the day of the show as space and time permit.

And, all day, representatives of pet food companies, as well as Green Acres groomers and trainers, will be available to answer any and all questions.

Judith Dodd of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., wrote that her husband, Thomas A. Dodd, greatly enjoyed his surprise 80th birthday party earlier this summer at the Lucerne Inn.

“Much merrymaking, music and the sharing of many memories from family and friends, along with love, was bestowed upon Tom,” she wrote of her husband, “who was born and brought up in Bangor,” and graduated from Bangor High School in 1941.

Tom Dodd would love to hear from old friends and classmates, his wife added.

His address is 15 Fore Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, or you can e-mail tdodd@cfl.rr.com.

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