For those who are not aware of it, our historic Bangor Band was established in 1859 and is believed to be the second-oldest, continually performing community band in the United States.

Fred Heath is the conductor, and Don Menninghaus president of the board of directors that includes Steve Egland, vice president, Dianna Wyman, secretary, Michelle Share, treasurer and Bernard Miller, Robert Pentland, Richard Noyes and Ken Kudrak.

During the month of October, Pentland wrote recently that the Bangor Band will hold open rehearsals from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Bangor Parks & Recreation department building, 647 Main St.

“Talented musicians of high school age and older are cordially invited to attend these rehearsals and play with the band,” he wrote.

The band, Pentland explained “consists of members ranging from high school age through senior citizens” who share a goal of playing good music well.

And he continued, “those musicians who attend the October rehearsals as our guests and express an interest in continuing with the band may have an opportunity to join the band.”

Pentland wants “interested parties” to know they are welcome to attend the October rehearsals and if you want more information, you can call Menninghaus at 942-1295.

The Presque Isle Historical Society’s Giant Auction begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Old Firehouse Building on State Street in Presque Isle.

Proceeds from the event will help turn the oldest building in that community into the County Historical and Cultural Center.

A preview is scheduled for 9-11 a.m. Saturday, and items also can be previewed from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the site.

Auction chairwoman Angi Graves and committee member Audrey Thibodeau want you to know “lots of good, homemade food and pies will be available both days,” so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to eat.

Among the auction items are 14-karat gold jewelry, a Majolica teapot, a Pepsi centennial bottle by Tiffany & Co., Wedgwood china, Presque Isle Railroad bonds, Civil War discharge papers, Depression glass, an old surfboard believed to be circa 1950s, and many other interesting items.

Some furniture also will be auctioned.

Wayne Gasper, owner of Fun Time Mini-Golf Course in Ellsworth, has offered the use of his facility for Autumn Gold Saturday to benefit Child & Family Opportunity’s capital campaign drive.

Autumn Gold Saturday is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the facility located at Eastward Bowling Lanes Plaza in Ellsworth.

The cost is $4 per person or $10 per family.

All proceeds will be used to help build a new facility for Child & Family Opportunities of Ellsworth, which provides day-care services and educational programs, including Head Start for children between infancy and kindergarten.

Since the 1970s, the Bangor Noon Kiwanis Club has been holding some type of auction to help finance its charitable works.

The club helps provide funds and support for hundreds of children and young people through a variety of programs ranging from scholarships to Key Clubs to providing warm winter clothing for those in need.

The fourth annual Bangor Noon Dessert Auction is 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Bangor Motor Inn, on Hogan Road.

The event is open to the public. Auction paddles are $5, available at the door, and that fee includes dessert and coffee.

The first 60 attendees will have the opportunity to judge the first Kiwanis “Best Dessert in the Bangor Area” contest.

Participants will taste test several desserts provided by area restaurateurs, then vote for their favorite.

A Western Auction, silent auction and other special events are part of this Kiwanis fund-raiser that features club member Art Tilley as auctioneer.

I extend my sympathy to the family of Mary Smith of Bangor, who died this week at age 70.

I first met Mary when I was a newcomer to this city, more than 30 years ago.

We were members of many of the same organizations; served on several volunteer committees together; and followed the progress and activities of our children who attended school together.

Mary taught me a great deal about the art of politics – valuable lessons that today I pass along to others.

She will be missed, not only by her family, many close friends, and those she served during a long and varied career, but also by old acquaintances.

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