Going! Going! Gone!

Those are the sweet words members of the Eastern Maine Community College Advisory Council and Eastern Maine Community College Foundation hope to hear for every single item up for bid in the eighth annual Scholarship Auction 2004, which is 5-9 p.m. today at Rangeley Hall on the EMCC campus in Bangor.

But, more importantly, they are the sweet words that apply to tickets for this event which, EMCC director of public relations Elizabeth Clayton told me, is sold out.

Since this fund-raiser began, $167,000 has been raised for endowments, annual scholarships and named scholarships.

Not only does the event assist students attending or planning to attend EMCC, but it also gives other community members a chance to visit the campus of this vital Eastern Maine institution.

“The community has been wonderful in supporting us,” Clayton said, “which is meaningful because we provide such an opportunity for people with so many different interests and goals.”

Attendees at this $40 per person event will not only have a chance to submit bids for a silent auction, but also enjoy the presentation of items by professional auctioneer Kevin Tilton, who has donated his services. Dick Cattelle will serve as master of ceremonies.

Hors d’oeuvres prepared by EMCC Culinary Arts students are sure to be delicious, as is the Italian harvest meal prepared by the college’s catering service, Flik.

An amazing array of items is available at the auction, from an anonymously donated Old Town kayak to N.H. Bragg tools and a variety of collectible books courtesy of the Bangor Daily News.

One of the most unique items up for bid is the naming of a scholarship in honor of a person. Last year, three students benefited from this completely tax-deductible auction item and, perhaps, that number will increase this year, if attendees are true to the college’s catchy theme of “E=mc2 Catch the Energy.”

Jerry Hudson, chairman of the Brewer Republican Committee, has announced that the committee will be collecting items to send to Maine troops serving in Iraq as part of the Compassion Across America Project.

Committee members will collect your donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Brewer Auditorium.

Canned goods, food, phone cards and items for children would be appreciated.

Nancy Dysart, director of Children’s Miracle Network of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, invites families with children ages 3-10 to enjoy the 2004 Enchanted Forest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at Sprague’s Nursery on Union Street in Bangor.

You may bring your children in costume to the Halloween event that will offer them a nonscary, fun-filled environment.

A bounce house, inflatable slide and airplane, hayrides, a hay bale maze, pumpkin painting, cookie decorating and games are all bound to keep the young ones busy.

Hot dogs, cider, popcorn and soda will be available, and all proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

Sharon O’Connell reports “A Fall Festival Fair” is the theme for the Guilford United Methodist Women’s annual church fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, in the Fellowship Hall and upper level of Guilford United Methodist Church.

You are asked to use the School Street entrance.

The fair will feature food, candy, crafts, a cookie walk, men’s and miscellaneous items as well as a Soup & Sandwich Luncheon, including beverage and dessert, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On behalf of the Palermo Library Guild, newly appointed board member Richard Thompson invites the public to attend a book signing featuring another new board member, author Diane Dole.

Her latest novel, “The Huntress,” can be purchased from Apple Valley Books, Barnes and Noble and at the library.

Dole will sign copies of her book from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the library on Route 3 in Palermo

The library is open 2-8 p.m. Tuesdays; 3-5 p.m. Thursdays; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays.

Jim Rattigan of VFW Post No. 4298, and Misty Twilley of its auxiliary, invite current and prospective members to attend its annual Membership Supper at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the VFW Hall on Cedar Street in Dexter.

If you are interested in learning more about this veterans organization and its ladies auxiliary, you are encouraged to attend or call Rattigan, 924-6945, or Twilley, 876-3374.

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