Thanks to the efforts of the Maplewood Cemetery Restoration Committee and its president, Elsie Nester of Orland, the “long forgotten cemetery” is getting some needed attention.

One year ago, Nester knew of 92 people buried at the site, which has withstood “decades of neglect,” she wrote.

She now has discovered 19 more graves “that no one knew about” because they “never had a stone, or marker of any kind at the time of death,” she explained.

The cemetery includes graves of six veterans from the Civil War, one of whom Nester discovered just last winter.

While a temporary marker has been placed above his grave, it will not be until she is able to verify his company that she can “get him a stone that he so well deserves,” she added.

The committee’s goal is to have a stone for each person buried there; repair the fence that surrounds the cemetery; and to lime, loam and seed the grounds.

And while Nester has overseen many fund-raisers and a kind, anonymous person donated $500, more donations of cash and materials are needed to complete the project.

So, another fund-raiser is in the works – one in which the whole family can participate.

Nester said the Star Members, the women’s auxiliary of the local Masonic Lodge, is hosting a benefit dinner from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 27, at the Masonic Hall on Route 15 in Orland.

Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12 and free for youngsters under age 5.

Your good, old-fashioned Maine Sunday dinner will consist of baked ham, mashed potatoes, fresh carrots and peas, assorted cakes, coffee, milk and tea and best of all, this benefit is an “all you can eat affair,” Nester emphasized.

While the Star Members and those working to restore this wonderful piece of Orland history serve you all you can eat, I hope you donate all you can – perhaps a little more than the price of admission – to ensure the success of this commendable effort.

If you have questions about the project or want to know how you can help, write Nester, 337 Leaches Point Road, Orland 04472, or call her at 469-7568.

On behalf of St. Croix International Quilters’ Guild and Washington County Community College, show chairwoman Dana Bard invites you to St. Croix Quilts 2004: Down by the Riverside, 1-8 p.m. Friday, June 25, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 26, in St. Croix Hall on the WCCC campus on Route 1 in Calais.

Traditional to contemporary quilts, plus demonstrations, vendors, crafters, supplies and refreshments are all part of the show.

Profits benefit the WCCC Scholarship Fund and Ronald McDonald House of Bangor.

Coach Bonnie Puls and the University of Maine women’s softball team hope you attend the Friends of Maine Softball Garden Tour at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 26, featuring the gardens of the UM campus in Orono.

Before the morning tour, attendees will receive a $5 coupon toward lunch at the University Marketplace.

The morning session includes the Lyle Littlefield Ornamental Gardens and the Roger Clapp Greenhouse where your host will be Bradly Libby of the UM Horticulture Facilities.

The afternoon session will be at Page Farm Garden and Museum, where you will be greeted by director-curator Patricia Henner.

Your day ends with a walk through the Tom Gasaway Rose Garden.

Tickets are $20 and available at Black Bear Inn, Bell’s IGA in Orono, My Maine Bag at the Bangor Mall and Patrick’s Hallmark shops in the Bangor and Broadway malls.

All proceeds benefit the UM softball program.

On behalf of Pioneer Lodge No. 72 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, secretary David Basley invites the public to a cornerstone laying ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at their Masonic Temple, 32 Plum St. in Ashland.

Basley wrote Most Worshipful Claire Tusch, Grand Master of Masons in Maine, and his suite of grand lodge officers, will conduct the ceremony.

Following a noon buffet, a rededication of the Masonic Temple by the grand lodge officers follows at 1:30 p.m. in the upstairs lodge room.

Chartered on May 5, 1854, Pioneer Lodge No. 72 “is the oldest lodge in Aroostook County,” Basley wrote. “The present Masonic Temple was built in 1904 on land donated by Joshua B. Bartlett. Mr. Bartlett’s grandson, N. Blake Bartlett of Pittsfield, is a third-generation member of Pioneer Lodge.”

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