While many people are demonstrating their support for our deployed troops with yellow ribbons and offers of assistance to families at home, Glenn Jordan, owner of Impressing Memories in Charleston, decided to take that effort “one step further to show our appreciation” for all members of the military.

Impressing Memories produces personalized products such as T-shirts, bags, mouse pads and clocks, he explained.

But, right now, he’s working on a major project, which he has named “Operation: Mug a Troop.”

The company has created a colorful mug that depicts the American eagle in front of a waving American flag.

Above the eagle and the flag are the words, “We the People” and below are “Appreciate and Thank our Troops.”

The mugs sell for $11 and, for each mug you purchase, Impressing Memories provides a free personalized mug for a serviceman or servicewoman of your choice, or one from a list of more than 1,000 who have requested the mugs, Jordan explained.

Sometimes people know a person in the military whom they want to honor, “and we will take care of that, with the person’s rank and name on the bottom of the mug,” Jordan said.

If you do not know someone in the military, but still want an individual to have a mug, a name will be taken from the list and a mug sent for you.

Jordan was recently requested by the Maine Army National Guard to provide 400 additional free mugs for Maine troops who are scheduled to return home soon from duty in Iraq.

In order to meet that request, he is asking area churches, civic organizations and businesses to help promote this effort by placing orders for the mugs.

The best part, of course, is that both you and a member of the military receive a mug, and the free mug going to the serviceperson is personalized in honor of his or her service to our country and the world.

To order a mug, call 285-3475 or visit the company’s Web site, www.appreciateourtroops.org.

If you prefer to order by mail, send a check, including tax, for $11.55, to Impressing Memories, 253 Main Road, Charleston 04422.

“It would be wonderful to get the 400 right away,” said Jordan who, in the past six weeks has already given out more than 500 mugs. The program is growing very quickly, so you can easily understand why Jordan is eager to fill the most recent orders for those on their way home.

Obviously, he enjoys making a mug for you, but is thrilled when he’s able to add a name to a mug and “get it into the hands of one of our troops.”

Here is a wonderful opportunity for people who have the time and the means to take advantage of it.

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is offering a China Tour with Maestro Xiao-Lu Li, leaving the United States on Thursday, March 18, and returning Monday, March 29.

The trip includes visits to Shanghai, Xian and Beijing, and includes stops at the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs.

You will also have the opportunity to enjoy Maestro Li conducting the China National Symphony Orchestra in Beijing. The cost, $3,000 per person, includes airfare, hotel accommodations, symphony tickets, two special banquets, admission to tourist attractions and most meals.

An informational meeting will be held at 5 tonight at the BSO office, 51A Main St. in Bangor.

To reserve your space, mail a $500 deposit to BSO at the above address.

Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.

For more information, call Christine Szal, 945-3329, or e-mail her at szal@adelphia.net or call the BSO office at (800) 639-3221 or 942-5555.

Everyone looks forward to the Curran Homestead Olde-Fashioned Winter Carnival, which is 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Homestead on Fields Pond in Orrington.

For a $5 donation, you can enjoy all events and refreshments.

President Carroll Adams and the Homestead volunteers know you will enjoy the fourth annual Currier & Ives Sleigh Rally, the third annual Family Ice Fishing Education Program, the live music, singalong and magic with a touch of comedy.

The “old Irishman, Michael Curran,” also known as Brian Higgins, will be there to greet you.

If there is enough snow, you can try out a pair of snowshoes, but, in any event, you’ll enjoy sampling lots of good food and hot drinks.

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