John Bapst auction has amazing items up for bid

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Anyone planning to attend the third annual John Bapst Memorial High School Auction who doesn’t own a computer and is unable to check out the auction items should call a friend who owns a computer, because you’ll be amazed at the list of items up for bid.

Local media personality Ric Tyler returns as auctioneer for the fund-raiser that is 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in the auditorium of John Bapst Memorial High School, 100 Broadway in Bangor.

The event includes hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and door prizes.

Tickets are $5 per person and can be obtained during regular school hours at the school or by calling there at 947-0313, ext. 104.

If you want more information about the auction, you are welcome to call JBMHS development director Melody Weeks at 947-0313, ext. 116.

I visited the John Bapst Web site Thursday and found 154 auction items listed.

It appears to me there is something for everyone.

For example, you can bid on a day of sailing for four, or books autographed by area notables.

Dozens of gift certificates, from restaurants to hotels, are available, as is an opportunity for lunch for two with Gov. John Baldacci and first lady Karen Baldacci at the Blaine House in Augusta.

A Forest Hart bronze sculpture is up for bid, as are theater tickets and handmade items.

You can even bid on a Maine granite bench.

To obtain the list, and perhaps print it out for a friend, visit the John Bapst home page, www.johnbapst.org, click on Quick Links, go to Annual Auction, scroll down to the end of the invitation and “click here for an updated list of items.”

You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the affordability of the items listed and, I must add, impressed with the list of contributors to this fund-raiser.

JBMHS is a nonsectarian, college-preparatory, independent school with 500 students from 50 communities and foreign countries in grades nine through 12.

My co-worker and author Ardeana Hamlin of Hampden is the featured speaker for a New Book Celebration at 7 p.m. Wednesday March 9, at the Orono Public Library.

The American Association of University Women hosts this event in which Hamlin will discuss becoming an author and will sign copies of her new work of historical fiction, “A Dream of Paris.”

Hamlin’s most recent novel, set in 1911, tells the story of a young woman who decides to study art rather than be a traditional Maine housewife.

For more information about OPL programs, call 866-5060.

Linda Gralenski of Pembroke wrote that the next fund-raiser for Down East Hospice is coming right up.

Marilyn Bernardini is opening Bernardini’s Restaurant, for one sitting, at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 13, at the Calais eatery.

Members of Bernardini’s wait staff are donating their time, Gralenski explained, “and the money received for the dinner will be split” with Down East Hospice.

The meal features a choice of chicken Parmesan or vegetable lasagna.

“We did this dinner last year and quickly sold out,” Gralenski wrote, “so we look forward to another successful evening.”

Reservations should be made, Gralenski wrote, and you can do so by calling 454-7521, ext. 126.

Gralenski also reported that the February DEH Be Our Valentine Dinner and Auction, which is held only every other year, “turned out very well,” raising more than $3,000 for the organization.

From its offices in Calais and Machias, DEH offers free support services for terminally ill patients and their families in Washington County.

Dina Eccleston of the Abnaki Girl Scout Council in Brewer reports that its Girl Scout cookies have arrived, and will be on sale through Thursday, March 31.

All proceeds from Girl Scout cookie sales, after paying the baker, she added, stay in northern and eastern Maine.

If you have not ordered your Girl Scout cookies, call (800) 464-3858 or 989-7474.

I believe Erma Verow-Landry of Brewer was speaking for all of us when she wrote the Bangor Daily News to publicly thank “our wonderful neighbors” Stephen and Tabitha King for all they do for our Greater Bangor.

“They are very caring and generous people,” Verow-Landry wrote, citing the many contributions the Kings make that improve the lives of so many people.

She thanks the Kings, especially, for the “wonderful swimming pool in Bangor.”

Verow added that the Kings “may have gargoyles on their fence, but they have hearts of gold.”

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