Lew Dalessio of Winthrop reminded me in a recent letter that three years ago, readers responded amazingly well to his request for used wheelchairs to be shipped to needy individuals in Costa Rica.

In an update of his continuing efforts, Dalessio wrote that “today, we still get some wheelchairs and parts from the Bangor area.”

Currently, he added, he and his supporters “begin our fourth year and fifth shipment, of wheelchairs” to that Central American country.

Each shipment, he explained, consists of between 115 and 120 wheelchairs, “thus improving the lives of many people.”

And while the “day-to-day operation is still pretty much a one-person project,” with assistance from many different sources, “every single chair is taken apart and completely renovated,” he wrote.

Dalessio still travels to Costa Rica for “live follow-up and deliveries,” and reports that “accidents, illnesses, dreaded polio and snake bites still take their toll in rendering people immobile, thus the list of needy among the poor remains long.

“Wheelchair cost still places purchase beyond the reach of nearly all the poor,” he added.

And, he reminds readers, “an unused wheelchair can change the lives of an entire family.” As do unused crutches, canes and walkers.

If you have a wheelchair or other aid you are no longer using, he wants you to know, “We pick up. We renovate. We send, free, to the needy. We know how to get it there from here. We don’t ask for money.”

If you can help, or if you have questions about this wonderful effort, call Dalessio at 377-8695 or e-mail ldeeto@aol.com; call Rebecca Roos at 897-4235 or e-mail rbd7@megalink.net, or call Phil McSweeney, 377-2483.

You are invited to hear Deb Chapman, director of community services for Eastern Agency on Aging, discuss “Stress Management Tools for Those Who Do Too Much!”

The discussion, presented by the Bangor Alzheimer’s Association’s Family Caregiver Support Group, is 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Westgate Manor, 750 Union St. in Bangor.

For more information about this meeting, or the support group, call Westgate at 942-7336 and ask for Tammy Leland or Kristie Miner.

Headed for Portland at the end of the week?

If so, you might take in “A Night of Blues,” featuring Rockin’ George Leh and His Band in a concert to benefit Maine Handicapped Skiing and the Iris Network.

The concert is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at First Parish Church, 425 Congress St. in Portland.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door, and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

For tickets, call MHS (800) 639-7770 or the Iris Network, 774-6273.

Michelle Harmon of Reflections of Angels Down Syndrome Support reminds readers October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

In cooperation with UCP of Maine, Reflections of Angels invites you to participate in a Buddy Walk to show recognition and support for families living with a member who has Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk and attendant activities will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at Cascade Park in Bangor.

The free event features a picnic, a bounce house, music, and much fun for everyone.

After the Buddy Walk, a raffle will offer participants the opportunity to win two tickets to the Rascal Flatts concert later this month at the Bangor Auditorium.

The winner not only receives the tickets, but also gets backstage passes to meet that trio and Brian McComas, plus a prize package with CDs and autographed photos of some of the top country acts.

Raffle tickets are $5 each, and all proceeds benefit next year’s Buddy Walk.

Harmon reports that “this is a sold-out show,” so she hopes “you will take a chance on winning this incredible prize package” when you attend the Buddy Walk.

For more information about the walk or Reflections of Angels, call Harmon at 478-1274.

Volunteers are needed for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks being held Sunday, Oct. 19, in Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth and Damariscotta.

To learn more about volunteering or participating, call the American Cancer Society, (800) 464-3102 and press 3, or call 373-37-03.

Vaughn and Marie Bradstreet of Milo thank their family members and friends who “made it a special day” when the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last month at the United Baptist Church in Milo.

“We had a great day,” she said.

“One we will never forget.”

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