Bless the people of Lincoln. Despite a couple of rough years in which a quarter of their downtown was destroyed by fire, and some anxious months awaiting news of what would become of their paper mill, their attitudes are just fine, thank you very much.

That is evident from two pieces of correspondence I received recently: one regarding Lincoln’s 175th anniversary celebration, which I will tell you more about next week, and another about its fourth annual Lincoln Memorial Library Art & Craft Show.

Although the art and craft show is not until August and the 175th celebration is in July, anyone who wants to enter the show needs to be preparing now because the registration deadline is July 30.

The art and craft show will be held Aug. 16 through Aug. 21 at the library, 21 West Broadway in Lincoln.

“This year we are combining art and craft pieces, as long as it is original work and does not exceed 30 inches in length or width,” wrote show coordinator Janice McCafferty. “We like any medium in art: digital art, photographs or craft pieces.”

She added that crafters “are responsible for their own display, and art must be properly framed and ready to hang.”

Winners will receive $30 in Chamber bucks in categories for professional, amateur and juvenile.

Art and crafts can be dropped off during regular business hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, at the library.

The work can be picked up during those hours Monday, Aug. 23, through Friday, Aug. 27, at the library.

A reception announcing the winners is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, McCafferty wrote. “We will have a delicious buffet at this reception.

“Last year we had a wonderful turnout and [it] seems to get better and better each year.”

Artists and crafters can write the library or call 794-2765 to receive more information about registering for the show.

The second SummerKeys Mary Potterton Memorial Piano Concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, at Lubec Congregational Christian Church, will feature pianist Greg Biss and violinist Lynn Brubaker.

There is no admission charge, but donations to the church’s piano tuning fund would be appreciated.

The “Concert Boat” will bring people from Eastport.

Tickets can be reserved in advance at the Sylvina Beal office on Water Street in Eastport, or by calling 853-2500.

Advance tickets are $12 each. Tickets purchased on concert nights, at the boat, are $15 each. A season boat pass for the 11 concerts is $100.

Jamie Hinson of Clifton invites you to a yard and garage sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday, June 27, at 690 River Road in Orrington.

You can purchase a raffle ticket for Governor’s Restaurant, and bring your returnables to the sale to support Girl Scout Troop 382 serving girls in Holden and Eddington.

Brewer elementary school art teacher Bev Langley and her mother, Vivian Knowles, extend “their sincere appreciation and thanks to everyone for their community of caring spirit, support and attendance” at a recent benefit for them.

The women were temporarily displaced when sewer effluent backed up into the house that is their new Hampden home.

The benefit supper was a “wonderfully uplifting and joyful” experience, Langley wrote, and they are grateful for the “prayers and generosity” that “gave us confidence that recovery and restoration will follow soon.”

They especially thank Bob and Linda Byrum, Jan Libbey, Dusty and Ellen Fisher, Brady Harris and everyone “who donated time and services” for the benefit.

Congratulations are extended to the top writers in the recent 2004 Penobscot County Bar Association Law Day Essay Contest.

Winner Brandi Leathers of Bangor Christian School received $500; Brett Rees of Brewer High School received $250 for his second-place finish; and fellow student Kevin Kotredes received $100 for placing third.

Receiving $50 each for honorable mention were two other Brewer High students, Peter McGuire and Mark Surette.

Sue Hopkins wrote that Hampden Academy Class of 1974 is hosting its 30th Class Reunion at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 31, at Best Western Black Bear Inn in Orono.

However, the locations of some classmates are not known.

Addresses are needed for Eugene Allen, Curtis Bates, Diane Briggs, Kathy Brown, Lewis Dupray, Robert French, Nancy Julian, Walker Keezer, Steven Tenney, Dawn Vigue and John Wilson.

If you can help, call Hopkins, 862-4356, or Carla Lafayette, 862-4882.

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