Recently I spoke with Sandi Macomber, regional director of Living Innovations in Newport.

Living Innovations is a MaineCare provider with offices in that community, Augusta, Lewiston and Saco.

It provides a service called the “Individual Service Option” for residents with developmental disabilities.

Macomber explained that ISO is “an alternative to more costly and restrictive group homes,” and it offers “a residential service provided by compassionate and well-trained host families and supportive roommates.”

Living Innovations staff members recruit the caregivers and support them in a multitude of ways covering a variety of tasks that arise, from taking care of required documentation to ensuring respite for the caregivers.

Macomber reports that this year, in partnership with the state of Maine, the service will be expanded, and it is looking for new members to join its team, including ISO home providers and hourly support staff.

“We have begun serving individuals in Ellsworth and Machias, and plan to expand further north and east of Bangor,” Macomber said.

In exchange for sharing their homes and lives, home providers receive a generous stipend, monthly respite and the satisfaction of knowing they are making a difference in the life of a person with a developmental disability, Macomber said.

If you are interested in becoming a part of this program, or if you want information, call Macomber or one of her staff members at the Newport office, 368-5885.

Last week, the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to reports of five separate house or apartment fires affecting seven families and individuals from Lincoln to Bangor. It is continuing to provide them free emergency relief in the form of food, clothing and shelter.

Suzan Bell, executive director of the ARC Pine Tree Chapter, which serves Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington and parts of Waldo counties, hopes you will continue your financial support and help the victims of these and other disasters.

Contributions can be made to the ARC Pine Tree Chapter, 33 Mildred Ave., Bangor 04401, or by calling 941-2903.

Now through Saturday, March 19, you are invited to visit “Our Art Students Exhibit” during regular business hours at the Bangor Mall.

Bangor High School art teacher Kal Elmore reports the volunteer group of art teachers, Art in the Heart of Maine, has hung the work of 60 selected students in a storefront in the Filene’s wing next to the former Disney store in the Bangor Mall.

Juried work from this show becomes part of the University of Maine Hartgen Traveling Art Exhibits 2005-2006 for viewing throughout the state.

Be sure to stop by and enjoy the creativity of our young people. You won’t be disappointed.

If you visit the Bangor Public Library this month, be sure to view the works by 20 local art teachers that are hanging there.

Only a limited number of tickets are available for those who want to attend the Boston Symphony Pops Matinee Concert Sunday, May 22. The nonrefundable reservation deadline is Monday, April 4.

The Penobscot Theatre Guild is sponsoring this trip to “Broadway Legends” performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra with singers from the Theater Division of the Boston Conservatory.

Tickets are $139 per person, and all proceeds benefit Penobscot Theatre Company.

Your reservation includes transportation on the fully accessible coach and lunch at the Wenham Tea House, which is opening especially for this tour group.

Your lunch options are pot roast or Tea House Salad with Chicken.

The coach can be boarded at 7 a.m. for its 7:30 a.m. departure April 4 at the Park and Ride Lot at the corner of Interstate 395 and Odlin Road in Bangor.

Boarding along Interstate 95, south of Bangor, can be prearranged.

Reservations can be made by check, Visa or MasterCard by writing Nancy Ziegenbein, Volunteer Trip Coordinator, 41 Linden St., Bangor 04401, or by calling her, 947-7965, or the PTC office, 942-3333. Indicate your lunch choice.

Former students and staff of Penobscot Job Corps Center are invited to a 25th anniversary Celebration-Homecoming beginning at 2 p.m. Friday, April 1, at PJCC, 1375 Union St. in Bangor.

PJCC teacher Mike Jellison is organizing the event and urges former students and staff to contact him at (800) 949-1937, ext. 263; e-mail him at mikejellison@yahoo.com; contact Renae Muscatell at that number, ext. 268; or e-mail Muscatell.Renae

@jobcorps.org.

If you plan to attend, you are encouraged to call ahead so preparations can be made for your visit.

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