ORONO – The Bicentennial Committee is gearing up for the town’s 200th birthday to be celebrated in 2006.

The town was founded March 12, 1806, but committee members said they hope to extend the birthday celebration throughout the year.

“One thing we want to do is instead of just having a celebration on the [founding] day is having monthly celebrations throughout the year,” Jo Carol Alford, Orono town councilor and committee member, said Wednesday.

Committee members are in the planning stages and will kick off fund raising at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, with a lecture on antique clocks at Alford’s home at 23 Pond St.

Alford’s father, Carroll Rosamond, is an avid antique clock collector and a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.

In addition to showing the family’s collection and demonstrating how to care for antique clocks, Rosamond will hold an “Antique Road Show”-like question and answer period to talk to attendants about the value and history of their clocks.

“Our charge from the Town Council is to have the year 2006 have an impact on how life is in Orono today and in the future,” Committee Co-Chairwoman Virginia Whitaker said Wednesday. “So that’s what we’re hoping to do.

“We hope people will come out of that year knowing more about Orono, knowing what it’s like to live in a town like this.”

Other possible fund-raising events include a townwide yard sale to be held next year, the creation and sale of a recipe book with recipes compiled by residents, and the sale of other items listed on the committee’s Web site.

Committee members said they are excited about the event and hope to get residents of all ages involved.

“A lot of community effort seems to be around organizing to oppose something, or protect yourself against something or lower taxes,” Whitaker said. “This is something we think will be a lot of fun.”

Committee members plan to attend the Dec. 13 council meeting with a sign-up sheet for volunteers.

“I think the important thing about it is just to involve everyone and to involve all organizations, churches, and all groups,” Alford said. “I think years from now we want every child from Orono to be able to look back and say ‘I remember 2006 and the bicentennial celebration.'”

The committee’s Web site, www.orono2006.com, also contains information on the antique clock lecture, volunteering, fund raising, and possible events for the birthday celebration.

The next Bicentennial Committee planning meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at the Town Hall. To volunteer and share ideas, residents can visit the committee’s Web site or e-mail ginnywhitaker @hotmail.com.

Tickets for the clock lecture are $5 per person at the door or may be ordered in advance by calling 866-7517.