Jackman supper to benefit cystic fibrosis group

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Glenburn residents Chris and Karen Ellis are looking forward to a very special event that is being planned by his parents for this weekend in his hometown.

Bruce and Claire Ellis of Jackman are hosting a benefit spaghetti dinner for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 13, in the Crystal Ballroom of St. Anthony’s Church in that western Somerset County community.

Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children between ages 5 and 12, and free for youngsters under age 5.

Claire Ellis writes that the family is sponsoring the benefit “to help find a cure for this terrible condition” with which they are now, unexpectedly, all too familiar.

Last May, they learned that their beautiful grandson, Chris and Karen’s son, Trenton Ellis, has cystic fibrosis.

It has been a difficult time for everyone, including Karen’s parents, Dan and Patricia Cyr of Winslow, but things are much better now that 19-month-old Trenton is receiving treatments twice daily.

Chris, who is employed by the city of Bangor at Bangor International Airport, is thrilled with the work being done for this benefit that also includes a raffle.

Several items have been donated by business owners from near and far.

“Telford has donated a seaplane ride,” Chris gave as one example, “and Tuffy’s has donated a $700 recliner.”

And while Trenton’s family hopes many people will attend the benefit for the CF Foundation, Claire Ellis wrote that she realizes “not everyone likes spaghetti.”

So, if you are unable to attend but would still like to contribute to this most worthy cause, you can make out a check for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and mail it to Bruce and Claire Ellis, P.O. Box 213, Jackman 04945.

According to the foundation’s Web site, CF is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States.

A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections.

These thick secretions also obstruct the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and absorb food.

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to support development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis, and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.

The public is invited to attend a reception “for a simulated Fine Arts Museum” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Fruit Street School in Bangor.

Art teacher Wendy Libby explained that each of the 300 pupils in the school will display “at least two pieces of artwork in the show.”

Their work “is based on the styles and techniques of the master artists,” Libby added.

In addition to displaying student artwork, the panels will feature a reproduction, biography, and description of the master artist they are studying to provide viewers with more detailed information about the young artists’ subjects.

Dottie deBruyne of Old Town reports The River Coalition and the Old Town Public Library are sponsoring a Community Talent Show for two nights, each beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13, at Old Town High School.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for students and $1 for children under age 6.

Z107.3 radio personality Dan Cashman will be master of ceremonies for the Friday night show, and WABI-TV reporter Lanie Witt will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the Saturday show.

The family fun night features between 15 and 20 acts, and all proceeds will help finance Canoe Hullabaloo 2004, a weeklong celebration honoring the roles that canoes have played in the history of Old Town area communities.

For more information about the show, call the library, 827-4542, or deBruyne at 827-8126.

Marie Murphy, fund-raising chairwoman of K.T. Seniors, a senior-disabled group, reports that members of the organization are accepting orders for Florida oranges and grapefruit.

The cost is $15 for each 20-pound box, and “there are 30 to 50 oranges per box, and 16 to 24 red grapefruit per box,” Murphy wrote.

The order will be placed Friday, March 26, and Murphy expects to deliver the orders between Wednesday, April 7, and Sunday, April 11.

A $5 deposit is requested. The remaining $10 is due on delivery. Proceeds benefit the organization’s activities fund.

To place an order, call Murphy at 990-0124.

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