Today is Kickoff Day for pupils at Eddington Elementary School, who are launching a monthlong coin drive to benefit tsunami relief in Asia.

Lorraine Powell wrote that “the children and their teachers are very excited at the prospect of helping other people,” and she believes the “teachers are excited” about the prospect of incorporating “some math lessons into the counting.”

The coin drive begins with collections on Thursday, Jan. 20, and culminates “with a Valentine’s Day celebration in the school’s cafeteria,” Powell wrote.

On behalf of the pupils and staff of EES, Powell invites all members of the community “to contribute any loose change they have.”

If you have questions about this project, call principal Don Spencer at 843-6010.

River City Cinema Society presents “Barbarian Invasions” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Park Street, Bangor. Admission is $5.

After the film, Dr. Elizabeth Weiss will discuss death with dignity by commenting on the film and responding to audience questions.

Part of the society’s series of foreign films, this is a story of the reconciliation of an estranged son with his dying father.

Weiss is board-certified in hospice and palliative care medicine and medical director of a local hospice.

More information can be obtained at www.rivercitycinema.com.

Last November, with your help, Brothers Don and Kenneth of Friars Bakehouse on Center Street in Bangor went to Haiti to lend assistance after Hurricane Jeanne, which left an estimated 2,000 people dead and 300,000 homeless.

After the 10 a.m. service Sunday, Jan. 23, at St. John’s Episcopal Church on French Street in Bangor, the brothers are offering a “Haiti Presentation,” which will be an audiovisual recap of their trip.

A Haitian lunch will be served during the presentation, which is open to the public.

Additionally, the Haiti Presentation will include a sermon at the service, which the public is warmly welcome to attend.

Friends, old and new, are invited to share the 85th birthday of former Milbridge resident Sarah Strout, who now makes her home at Narraguagus Estates in Cherryfield.

To celebrate this special day, an open house is planned for Strout from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, in the Phase 4 building of Narraguagus Estates.

Anyone unable to attend but who would like to send birthday wishes can write Strout at Narraguagus Estates, 24 Estates Road, Cherryfield 04622.

Cold weather got you down? Want a great diversion?

You are cordially invited to a multimedia presentation of “The Sights and Sounds of China” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the Bangor Symphony Orchestra office, 51A Main St. in Bangor.

Lee Souweine and Christine Szal will give you an overview of the highlights of last year’s BSO trip to China, complete with slides, video and live music.

After the one-hour presentation, information will be available about the BSO 2005 China trip, which is March 14-25.

If you are unable to attend, but want more information on the coming China trip, call Szal at 947-4330.

Information is also available at bangorsymphony.com.

Logan is a fourth-grader in Gifford, Ill.

She wrote that her class is studying “the United States and we would like your help.”

She requests our readers “send us postcards or letters telling us about your state.”

In a neatly, well-written (not printed) letter, Logan thanks you in advance for your help, and asks that you please send the information to the Fourth Grade U.S.A. Project, Gifford Grade School #188, P.O. Box 70, Gifford, Ill. 61847.

Anyone interested in gardening is welcome to attend the Bangor Garden Club Valentine Potluck Luncheon at noon Monday, Feb. 7, at Hannaford Training Center, 208 Maine Ave. in Bangor.

BJ Bachman requests that you bring your favorite dish to share, and reports the program will feature ideas for a Quick & Easy Valentine Flower Design.

Deb Pickering urges that women interested in heart health plan to attend the 2005 Go Red For Women Conference, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at Spectacular Event Center, 396 Griffin Road, Bangor.

The daylong conference is designed to help women lead a long, “heart-healthy” life.

Seating is limited. General registration is $20, and $40 for health care professionals seeking continuing education credit.

There is no charge for visiting the vendor area. To register, call (800) 937-0944 or e-mail susan.conklin@heart.org.

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