Your loved one did not have to serve in a specific war, or conflict, to be honored with a granite block at the Maine Korean War Memorial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor.

Carol Gilbert of Orland reports the Korean War Veterans Association Burton-Goode-Sargent Chapter 1 is selling the granite block stones “for the benefit of all veterans, from all branches of the military.”

She suggests that “this would be a great time to honor veterans for Father’s Day,” which is Sunday, June 19.

“If orders for remaining spaces are received early enough,” Gilbert wrote, “the stone will be in place for Father’s Day.”

A 6-inch-by-12-inch stone is $125, and a 12-inch-by-12-inch stone is $200.

Purchasers of the stones will receive a card featuring a picture of the Maine Korean War Memorial.

“We have stones made up ‘in memory of’ and ‘in honor of,’ and some made up with name, rank and type of service,” Gilbert wrote

Order forms can be obtained by calling Gilbert at 469-7011, or writing her at Maine Korean War Memorial Fund, 270 Back Ridge Road, Orland 04472.

While we’re on the subject of those serving their country, here’s a way you can help make life better for today’s soldiers.

Wayne Gartwait, owner of the local office of the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, has announced its participation in the company’s nationwide “Support Our Troops” book drive.

Now through income tax day on Friday, April 15, customers and area residents can drop off new or “gently used” books that will be collected by representatives of the Army National Guard and sent to deployed troops.

The business is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. It is located at 611 Hammond St. in Bangor.

Gartwait said donors do not have to be customers to participate in this drive, but any customer who donates a book will receive $10 off tax preparation services.

For more information, visit the office or call Gartwait at 997-9909.

The goal of the drive is to provide members of the military with entertainment to relieve boredom during down time, and provide a sense of comfort that people at home are thinking of those who are serving their country in a foreign land.

The public is invited to attend the Hudson Museum Friends Persian Dinner beginning with wine and traditional hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at Hudson Museum at the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono.

Admission is $40 for Friends members and $50 for nonmembers, and reservations must be made by Monday, March 28, by calling 581-1901

The event offers guests the opportunity to learn about Middle Eastern history and culture from University of Maine associate professor of political science, Bahman Baktiari.

Guests’ names will be entered in a drawing for a handwoven Persian Bakhtiari textile donated by Saliba’s, and enjoy an after-dinner Middle Eastern dance performance.

The Bakhtiari rugs, known for the quality of their wool and elaborate designs, are named for the tribe that lives in the area southwest of Isfahan.

Can’t sleep?

Get help during National Sleep Awareness Week on Monday, March 28, through Sunday, April 3, by participating in a series of events hosted by St. Joseph Healthcare Center for Sleep Medicine in Bangor.

First, call 262-1226 between 1 and 3 p.m. Monday, March 28, and talk with one of three sleep technologists at the sleep center.

Then attend the Community Open House from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the Center for Sleep Medicine, 268 Center St., Bangor.

Tours, educational information and refreshments will be available.

Here’s the best part: Call in or e-mail your own story of dealing with loved ones who snore by entering the “Extreme Snoring Escape” contest conducted throughout the week with Mike & Mike in the Morning on KISS 94.5 FM radio.

Submit your sleep-deprived story by calling Mike and Mike, (800) 339-KISS (5477), e-mailing TheMikeAndMikeShow@hotmail.com or faxing 942-8039.

The winner, to be chosen Friday, April 1, will receive two complimentary consultations with Dr. Roslinde Collins, medical director of the sleep center, a sleep study and, if needed, a complimentary continuous positive airway pressure machine for your loved one.

So, sleepless in eastern Maine, get your story ready!

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