According to Cheri Goodspeed, representing the Moosehead Lake Area Snofest, the most important aspect of the two-week Celebration of Winter Sports is its “combination of both motorized and nonmotorized sports.”

With much of the public’s attention focused on “the future of the Maine woods” right now, Goodspeed is pleased several different groups are involved with this event.

The Snofest participants include the Appalachian Mountain Club, Natural Resource Education Center, Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club and the towns of Greenville and Brownville.

Many of the events “will have a crossover,” she said, citing “sled dogs using protected properties and snowmobilers being utilized in the outbacks of the Sled Dog Race.

“We just feel it’s important to include all of the sports and different groups that encompass all that is going on in this area for winter fun, either with snowshoes or snowmobiles.”

Finally, Goodspeed said the Snofest will help “spread the word about this area being a destination for all sports.”

The Moosehead Lake Area Snofest kicks off with the New Trad Septet big band swing music concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at Greenville High School.

Sponsored by a grant from Maine Partners in Arts and Learning, admission is free, but donations will be accepted for the school music programs.

Snofest activities include the 100-Mile Wilderness Dog Sled Race beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, on Lincoln Street, and the American Legion Mushers Breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. Both events take place in Greenville.

A Chili and Chowder Festival is planned for Friday, Feb. 18; several snowmobile events will take place on Saturday, Feb. 19; and a Chocolate Festival, a Chinese Auction, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and a Dog Sledding Expo are planned for Sunday, Feb. 20.

Events continue with an outdoor tracking session and slide presentation Tuesday Feb. 22; a Deer Yard Tour, Thursday, Feb. 24; and a Fun Day on the Ice Friday, Feb. 25, at Prong Pond.

For times and costs of any or all events, call the Moosehead Chamber of Commerce at 695-2702.

I’m really enjoying the weekly updates of the Healthy Hancock Lose and Win program provided by Iris Simon.

She wrote that Thursday dates seem to have a “black cloud” over them since, once again last week they braved “snow, sleet and whatever here on the coast,” to attend the weekly meeting.

But what fun they had during Week 5, celebrating the 51 teams’ accomplishment of breaking a ton – their accumulated weight loss is 2,263 pounds – which is just terrific.

Averaging the most pounds lost for the week and accepting the Victory Stick were The Diet Divas, followed by The Otis Optimists, Lean Generation Babes, Boggy Brook Badgers, Hips Ahoy, Last Resort and Tennis Team.

At today’s 5:45 p.m. meeting at Mount Desert Island High School, Sen. Sean Faircloth will address how corporate promotion affects obesity.

The physical activity features MDI Hospital wellness director Laurie Jones presenting “Rock the Body.”

The public is invited to attend for $2, and admission is free for participants wearing Lose and Win buttons.

For years, the all-volunteer Katahdin Area Support Group has been helping people in the Millinocket area who have serious illnesses and need transportation to treatment centers or the loan of medical equipment.

Jackie McAdam of KASG reports that the organization’s primary fund-raiser, the 17th annual Great Chocolate Escape, is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the American Legion Hall on Central Street in Millinocket.

The event features a delightful array of homemade sweets that are chocolate, nonchocolate and dietetic, as well as a baked goods table, raffle items and a door prize, all for just $5 per person.

For information about KASG, call McAdam at 723-9253.

The Church of Universal Fellowship will host a Valentine’s Day Chocolate Buffet 5-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the church on Main Street in Orono.

The event benefits the Boiler Fund for Crossroads Ministries in Old Town.

Trudy Tremblay reports the buffet will feature “candlelight, romantic music and lots of elegant desserts.”

The cost is $5 per person. Additional contributions will be graciously accepted, and takeout orders will be available.

For information and reservations, call the church at 866-3655 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. now through Friday.

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