Those kind, dedicated, hardworking members of the Manly Men group of East Orrington Congregational Church are at it again, lending a hand to those affected by some of life’s more difficult situations.

The public is invited to attend a “Chowdah Suppah Fundraiser” at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the church, 38 Johnson Mill Road in Orrington.

The event benefits the family of Nathan Robichaud, who has been diagnosed with Duschene’s muscular dystrophy.

Nathan, who will be 6 years old in April, is the son of Leanna Breau and Lester Robichaud of Alton.

The kindergartner attends Alton Elementary School with his 8-year-old sister, Nicole, but, because of his illness, he is able to attend only a half-day. Nathan and his mom spend much of their time traveling to Bangor where he receives treatment and therapy.

The children are well-known to members of the EOCC community, because they attend services there with grandparents Mike and Maggie Conary of Milford.

This fund-raiser, however, is more than just a church supper. It offers door prizes, a silent auction, and raffle items that include heating oil, movie tickets, restaurant certificates and much more.

And, while you eat, you will be enjoying the bluegrass music of Billy, Jim and Breathless.

And what will you eat?

Well, name your chowdah: fish, clam or corn!

Admission to the fund-raiser is just a $5 donation but, as I am always eager to point out, if you can contribute more, you know it will be greatly appreciated.

If you cannot attend but would like to help Nathan and his family deal with this devastating disease, you can make contributions to East Orrington Congregational Church, Attention: Nathan Robichaud Fund, 38 Johnson Mill Road, Orrington 04474.

From Johnna Lacey of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra staff comes this word for local student musicians.

Before his Sunday, March 7, appearance with the BSO at Maine Center for the Arts in Orono, guest soloist Alexander Fiterstein will conduct a master class and “informance” that includes a clarinet choir of local musicians.

The class begins at 6 p.m. Friday, March 5, in Minsky Recital Hall on the University of Maine campus in Orono.

The event is free and open to the public.

UMaine clarinet professor Beth Wiemann and BSO musician Jim Higgins will assist.

After class, Fiterstein will play, talk about his performance experiences, and answer questions.

Students interested in participating must contact their band directors or the BSO office because, if you do choose to perform, you must attend a rehearsal at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in Minsky Hall.

For more information, call the BSO box office at (800) 639-3221 or 942-5555, or visit bangorsymphony.com.

Carol Higgins of Eastern Agency on Aging in Bangor reports the AARP Driver Safety Program is being offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, and Thursday, March 4, at EAA, 450 Essex St. in Bangor.

The eight-hour course addresses physical changes that may affect the driving abilities of people age 55 or older. Attendees will review the current driving manual, discuss challenges they face when driving, and learn how others deal with them.

Included in the course are suggestions on how to compensate for changes in vision, hearing and reaction time; handling problem situations ranging from left turns to being confronted by an aggressive driver; and how medications may affect driving.

There is no test to pass, and those who complete the course will receive a three-year certificate that allows for discounts from automobile insurance companies.

Sylvia Smith will serve as facilitator for the program.

The $10 cost, to cover materials, is payable the first day of class. To register, call EAA at 941-2865 or (800) 432-7812.

Friends and members of the Bangor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Auxiliary honored Frieda Miller and her late husband, Abe, last Sunday during a tea in which Frieda was presented with a plaque that accompanies a photograph of the couple that now graces the entrance to the facility.

The photograph and plaque honor the Millers for their many years of dedication and support of the facility.

To everyone who worked with her and her late husband over the years to support the Bangor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Frieda Miller extends a most sincere “thank you.”

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