Volunteers fuel annual Kiwanis charity auction

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When they have time and inclination, I wish members of the Orono-Old Town Kiwanis would sit down and compute the collective number of years their present members have given to one of this area’s longest-running public charity auctions.

This year’s edition happens to be the 58th annual Orono-Old Town Kiwanis Charity Auction, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 21, through Saturday, July 23, at the Auction Barn, Outer Forest Avenue in Orono.

The reason I pose that mathematical suggestion is a simple one: Kiwanians such as George Gonyar of Orono have been part of this particular fundraiser for years and years, as have several other well-known local community activists.

I believe the collective years of service, by this very special group, would be quite an impressive number.

But, whether I learn the answer to that question or not, I do know one thing for sure: This is one of the best auctions around, and it is absolutely amazing what you can bring home if you place a winning bid.

The auction includes everything from gift certificates to new and used furniture, cars, bicycles, and televisions.

Of course, there is also a giant raffle; fun-type food is always available; and everybody, young and old alike, just seems to have a great time while they are there.

Best of all, the time given by Kiwanians such as George and Auction Chairman Earl Hannigan to help make this fund-raiser successful are worth every second they put in, because the proceeds help support community projects of this organization which, in turn, helps make this area a better place to live.

Director Jan Cox and members of the Brewer Hometown Band present their Third Summer Concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 21, outside Brewer Auditorium.

“The Band extends a cordial welcome to all,” Cox wrote.

“The weather looks like we’ll have a beautiful event, so bring a chair and all your friends to enjoy lively music.”

Cox promises you “a real toe-tapping program.”

And while the concerts are free, any donations are gratefully accepted.

Charley Earley wrote that the Winterport Union Meeting House is hosting the Kruger Brothers, 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the Meeting House.

Earley describes the event, which is the second annual concert to benefit Meeting House renovation projects, as one featuring “a high-quality mixture of Americana, Bluegrass, Appalachian and Folk Art musical styles” performed by a “very talented group.”

Tickets are $15, and can be purchased by e-mailing him at maineacoustics@adelphia.net or calling 223-4855.

If you prefer to pay by check, make it payable to Winterport Union Meeting House Restoration Concert Series, c/o Charley Early, 1 Silver Lane, Winterport 04496.

Jessica Osgood of Sustainable Harvest International reminds readers that the WERU Full Circle Fair needs volunteers to staff its information table.

“The fair features lots of great music, speakers and vendors, and always proves to be a good time,” she wrote.

The 16th annual Full Circle Summer Fair, “Celebrating Community Radio,” is 2-10 p.m. Saturday, July 23, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, July 24, at Blue Hill Fairgrounds.

Volunteers are needed 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, July 23, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, July 24.

For more information, visit http://fair.weru.org/.

A woman many know as “The Grandmother of Troop Greeters,” but one whom Greater Bangor residents know as a former highly respected legislator and consummate community volunteer, recently celebrated her 90th birthday.

Kay Lebowitz wrote asking me to pass along her thanks to “all the people who were so thoughtful in sending the lovely cards for my birthday.

“I was overwhelmed by the number and the kindness of so many friends,” she added.

And then, as only Kay would write, in her characteristically quiet and humble manner, she added, “I am not the only person in the community reaching my age, and many have passed this milestone.

“Furthermore, many have been more generous in donating to the health and beauty of the city and surroundings we love.”

She concluded her note by indicating that “my gratitude is sincere,” but that the task of thanking everyone, individually, for each kindness extended upon this occasion, “overwhelms me.”

“Many thanks to all,” she wrote in expressing her “appreciation for all the lovely messages and good wishes.”

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