The opportunity to recognize contributions of the 12 founders of Womancare-Aegis Association and to celebrate its 25 years assisting people affected by domestic violence in Piscataquis County is encompassed in The Big Tent Event.

The celebration begins with a gathering at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 26, on the grounds of Foxcroft Academy in Dover-Foxcroft.

Gov. John Baldacci will address the attendees as will area legislators, and then the “founding mothers” will be recognized.

The women who volunteered their resources, time and courage to help victims of family violence in Piscataquis County are Susan Bennett, Nina Brawn, Debbie Byron, Cindy Freeman, Eileen LeVasseur, Carolyn Hersey, Adrian Mangan, Judy Segerson, Severn Towl, Sandi Miller, Isabelle Warren and Pat Willey.

Womancare began with group discussions in 1978 about the need for a women’s support group. In early 1979, that group began meeting in the basement of the Congregational Church in Dover-Foxcroft.

In those early years, the founders sheltered women in their own homes and provided child care one another when called out in the middle of the night, according to information provided by Womancare.

And that is what this organization celebrates on the occasion of its quarter-century of service: The grass-roots movement of women committed to ending domestic violence and working toward a nonviolent future.

The event includes a silent auction, a luncheon for those with reservations, a commemorative poster signing by Lisa Laser and music by Amy Therrien and Vaikko Allen.

If you want more information about this event or the services of Womancare, call 564-8165.

Stewart Free Library summer programs are in full swing, reports librarian June Jaworski.

The second event in the Summer Reading Club 2004 features Maine Game Warden Dan Scott at 2 p.m. today, at the library, 8 Levi Stewart Drive in Corinna.

The second event in the Summer Concert Series 2004 is the Brunswick String Band at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at the library.

The Summer Reading Program continues at 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 4, and the Summer Concert Series at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 19.

For a complete schedule, attend one of the events, visit the library, or call Jaworski at 278-2454.

Gates open for the second annual Kingfield POPS and Bangor Symphony Orchestra outdoor performance conducted by Maestro Xiao-Lu Li at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at the Kennedy Farm on Salem Road in Kingfield.

Edith Jones Project appears at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

The event features a chicken barbecue dinner, hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade desserts and more, including fireworks at dusk.

You also can bring your own picnic and should bring a blanket, low-back chairs, sunscreen and bug repellent.

Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youths and free for children under 12.

Tickets at the gate are $25 for adults.

They are available at select United Kingfield Bank branches; Tranten’s, Kingfield; Everyday Music and Mickey’s, Farmington; Layette’s and Birchwood Interiors, Carrabassett Valley; Opera House, Waterville; Fotter’s, Stratton; and Pines Market, Eustis.

You also can call the BSO office between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays, (800) 639-3221 or 942-5555; visit the office, 51A Main St., Bangor; or log on to bangorsymphony.com.

Pauline Sodermark of Corinth wrote to be sure “all military and civilian personnel” who served at Charleston Air Force Station between 1951 and 1981 are aware of the reunion Friday, July 16, through Sunday, July 18, in Bangor.

If you did not receive the Charleston AFS Spring Newsletter, write Woody Breedlove, 211 Maple St., Bangor 04401, or e-mail woodyb@adelphia.net.

Reunion information is also available at www.angelfire.com/theforce/cafs.

Members of Bangor High School Class of 1954 are planning for their 50th Reunion Friday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 8, in Bangor.

Planners, however, have been unable to locate some classmates, and they hope you can help.

Among the BHS ’54 “missing” are Arland Ames, Jeanette Bell Hyman, Jane Breen Dudka, Jane Byers Sanborn, Judy Cantor Horwitz, Mary Ann Cyr Tangway, George Estes, Ramona Fossett Armstrong, Lenore Grindle Jones and Donald Hamilton.

Also, Harlan Henry, Ronald Huntington, Richard Kline, Beatrice Lambert Poliquin, John Lane, Jean McLean Kitchen, Mavis Merrill Perkins, Mary Jane Potter Pope, Clarence Thompson and Richard Seger.

If you can help or have questions, call Nancy Getchell Paul at work, 866-0275, or at home, 866-4803, or Carol Friedman Ware, 945-5089.

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