Whenever I have the opportunity to write about activities of the Bangor Band, I do so with great pride, since the special group of musicians is from the area.

They are upholding a tradition that dates to 1859, making the Bangor Band the second-oldest continually performing community band in the United States.

On behalf of this historic organization, its president, Bob Pentland of Lamoine, cordially invites you to its free annual Christmas Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, in the Bangor Civic Center.

He wrote that “conductor Fred Heath has put together a concert of joyous Christmas music,” which Pentland expects will include Handel’s Hallelujah chorus, “Sleigh Ride,” and many other familiar holiday selections.

And he reminds those with little ones that the necessary parking permit has been obtained from the city of Bangor so that Santa Claus can land on the Civic Center roof and magically make his way – without benefit of a chimney – into the building.

On behalf of all Bangor residents and those outside our city who appreciate their efforts, I extend warm holiday wishes to conductor Heath and members of the band and their officers, who include Pentland; my neighbor, Vice President Steve Egland; Treasurer Richard Starke; Secretary Dianna Wyman; and board members Kenneth Kudrak, Don Menninghaus, Billy Miller and Michelle Share.

The list of participants is impressive for the Celebrity Bagging fund-raiser by Wal-Mart Supercenter to benefit Children’s Miracle Network of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems.

The event is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today at Wal-Mart in Brewer.

Carol Lackedy of Wal-Mart reports that individuals who will be working hard for your tips to benefit CMN include state Rep. Dusty Fisher, Brewer Mayor Joe Ferris, Brewer City Manager Steve Bost, Brewer Counselor Gail Kelly and EMHS staff members Jill Reynolds and Nancy Dysart.

Businesses represented at the event include Irving Oil Co., Bangor Federal Credit Union, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Bangor Letter Shop and U.S. Cellular.

Media participants include Cumulus Radio and WABI-TV Channel 5 News.

Organizations sending celebrity baggers are the Korean Veterans, American Red Cross, Anah Temple Shrine, Greater Bangor Area Chamber of Commerce, Maine Search and Rescue and Manna Soup Kitchen.

Additionally, members of the Brewer Police and Fire departments will appreciate your donations to CMN while they bag your purchases.

Here’s a reminder from Lorraine Mitchell: The Calais Lions Club will host its Pancake Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Calais Motor Inn.

Proceeds benefit the Lions Club Santa’s Helper Fund.

“We had a big turnout last year,” Mitchell said, “and we’re expecting more this year.”

Last Christmas, Manna Ministries of Bangor helped 800 people in the Bangor area have a happier holiday.

So far this year, the number of people requesting assistance has reached 860, Manna director Bill Rae said.

“Again, our target population is moms and dads and adults,” he said, “because there are lots of agencies that help out kids, but adults need help, too.”

He added “people are signing up for shoes, coats, hats, pants and necessities, not just something they want.”

Most significant, however, is the fact “we are way behind in donations,” Rae said. “We’re seeing an increase [in the number of requests] because of oil and gas prices.”

And, he noted, many people were laid off last year, and some of them who had some assistance at that time are still seeking work and no longer have other resources available to them.

“We’re also seeing younger people who are totally frustrated because they can’t afford to buy warm clothes for themselves,” he said.

“These people are willing to go to work to keep bread on the table and sacrifice gifts for themselves. But it’s Christmas. Everybody needs a present at Christmas, and we all need to be told we’re doing a good job. We need to say ‘Thank you’ for pumping our gas and serving us our dinner. This is a good way to say thank you to those folks.”

New socks, boots, gloves, jeans, sweaters, scarves and other necessities for adults, of all sizes, along with financial contributions, can be left 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Manna, 629 Main St., Bangor.

In addition, contributions can be made during regular business hours today through Monday, Dec. 20, at Filene’s Court in the Bangor Mall.

For more information, call Manna at 990-2870.

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