From the first of the year through the end of September, according to Sunshine Club member Donna Wood, transportation chairperson Kathy Talbot has assisted 35 patients who have made use of the orthopedic Shriners Hospital in Springfield, Mass., or the burn unit in Boston.

“The expense for transportation has totaled approximately $16,000 to date,” wrote Wood of the club’s effort to assist with ground transportation.

That is just one of many reasons members of the Sunshine Club for Children are hopeful you will attend its annual craft fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at the Anah Shrine Hall, 586 Main St. in Bangor.

Wood added that fair coordinators Maggie Hill and Peggy Holyoke “assure us that this year’s crafters will please any holiday shopper.”

There is no admission for the event that features nearly 50 booths. You can get your lunch at the cafe or enjoy a variety of pies for dessert or a snack.

Connie Lozier created the quilt to be raffled this year, which is titled “Stars Over the Garden.”

Wood and everyone associated with the Sunshine Club hope you will attend, and they remind you that it’s for the children.

From Nicole Heanssler of St. Joseph Healthcare comes information that Bangor Public Health, Community Health & Counseling Services and St. Joseph Healthcare are offering four flu clinics in the area.

The first is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Road, Bangor.

The second clinic is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St., Bangor.

The third is 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at St. Matthew’s Church, 70 Western Ave., Hampden; and the last clinic is 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the Willette Conference Center, Building 1, St. Joseph Healthcare Park, 900 Broadway, Bangor.

This information also is available by calling 262-6441.

If you have proof of Medicare Part B coverage, or MaineCare coverage, the shots are free.

All others are asked to pay $15. Cash and checks will be accepted.

Reservations must be made by Friday, Oct. 31, if you want to attend the Salute to Veterans Dinner and Silent Auction at 5 p.m. Friday Nov. 7, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer.

Sponsored by the Penobscot County Republican Committee, admission is $20 per person.

Reservations can be made by calling 848-5028.

Featured speakers include the following retired veterans: Maj. Gen. Nelson Durgin, Maine Air National Guard; Maj. Gen. Ernest Park, U.S. Air Force; Capt. Ted Curtis, U.S. Navy; Maj. Russell Treadwell, U.S. Marines; CWO4 Francis Soares, U.S. Coast Guard; and Sgt. James Bair, U.S. Air Force.

Active military speakers will be Lt. Cmdr. Rose Marie Curtis, U.S. Navy; CWO5 Chris Bowers, Maine Air National Guard and Pfc. William Rogers, U.S. Army.

Lois Bloomer, chairwoman of the committee, reports that patriotic music will be played by pianist Sarah McQuarrie-Sherwin and soloist Ann Dowd.

From Irene Hall of Friends of the Orono Public Library comes word that the Friends are sponsoring their annual book and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the library on Goodridge Drive.

Your contributions of used books and tapes are needed to help make this event a success. A donation box is available at the library.

If you are unable to get to the library, you are welcome to call 866-5060 for help with delivery.

Alice Smith and Carol Mower are heading up the food sale, which promises a “delectable assortment of baked and cooked foods for your refreshment, including breads, rolls and desserts ready for your freezer and holiday meals,” Hall wrote.

Bargain pricing begins at noon when you can fill a bag or box for a special, marked-down price, Hall added.

Since so many children’s books were donated last year, several are still available, she wrote.

There are multiple copies of some paperbacks, which are a good deal for educators.

A raffle to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is being conducted through Friday, Oct. 31, at Day’s Fine Jewelers, 930 Stillwater Ave. in Bangor.

Tickets are $5 each, and the winner receives a pair of 14-karat gold, one-third carat diamond earrings valued at $400.

For more information, call the store at 990-0351.

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