Today we pause to remember those whose lives were lost during and after the terrorist attacks three years ago on the World Trade Center in New York City, those who gave their lives to prevent greater damage to Washington, D.C., and those who have, since that horrible day, been killed or injured protecting freedom around the globe.

We pray for peace throughout the world and for the safe return of loved ones to their homes and families.

For Virginia Yarnell of Lincolnville, making a donation to her local fire department was one way “to honor and also to commemorate the brave and heroic acts of those firemen, emergency workers and police that gave their lives on that terrible day.”

Yarnell wrote she had been searching two years for “an appropriate response” to the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001.

“Then, last year I heard about a lobster fisherman from Bar Harbor that gave a percentage of his earnings from that day to his local fire department,” she wrote.

His act inspired her to write a check to help her local fire personnel, and she asks others “join with me in support of these courageous men and women who work for all of us in all of our communities.”

All proceeds from a NASCAR Nextel Cup party sponsored by the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge will benefit members of the 133rd Engineer Battalion of the Maine Army National Guard and their families.

The battalion is serving in Iraq providing logistical support for combat troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The party begins at 7 tonight at the lodge, 11 Silver St., Skowhegan.

A suggested donation is $5 per person. Snacks and door prizes are included, and the event is open to Elks members and guests.

For information, call club manager Harry Kagdis at 474-3111.

With a new academic year just beginning, Mireille Le Gal of the Office of International Programs & National Student Exchange at the University of Maine announces the first meeting of Women of the World, sponsored by her department.

WOW is a support group for international women living in this area, and all women are welcome to attend, as are their young children.

WOW will meet at noon Monday, Sept. 13, at the Church of Universal Fellowship on Main Street in Orono.

Paula Turcotte is hostess for this meeting, which will highlight Dutch cuisine and culture.

The cost is $4 per person and newly arrived international women as well as American women are encouraged and welcome to attend.

For more information about WOW, call Le Gal at 581-3423.

Registration for the newly formed Boy Scout Troop 1776, sponsored by Whitcomb-Baker VFW Post 4633 of Hampden, is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the VFW Post on Canoe Club Road.

This troop will meet on Tuesday evenings under the leadership of Scoutmaster Curt Slininger.

For more information, call him at 862-4619 or e-mail sctmstr1776@yahoo.com.

The fall session of Pathfinders: Support for grieving children, begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, at Bangor Christian Schools.

The 10-week program, providing grief support for children and their families or caregivers who are experiencing the death of a loved one, continues through Monday Dec. 6, at that site.

A $50 per family fee is charged to help defray expenses but, if this fee presents a hardship, a limited number of scholarships is available and Alicia Ward can provide more information at 973-8269.

New families are asked to attend an interview before entering the program.

For an interview appointment or information, call Linda Boyle at the above number.

One of this area’s best-known and most loved community leader, businessman and generous friend, is dealing with a rare form of cancer.

Douglas H. Brown will soon be undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for small intestine cancer at Cancer Care of Maine at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

Hearing from old and new friends, from customers and employees of his former Shop ‘n Save stores, from church and community members, and from those who know him through his many associations in all sectors of the state, would certainly help raise his spirits during this difficult time.

Your prayers, good wishes and encouragement can be sent to Doug Brown, P.O. Box 603, Hampden 04444.

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