Bangor

Bangor State Fair

Three youths from the Penobscot Valley Homeschoolers Association 4-H Club are working more than 45 hours apiece this week at the Bangor State Fair. They are providing opportunities for children to participate in 4-H projects and working to raise money for a trip to the National 4-H headquarters in Washington.

According to 14-year-old Shane McCutcheon, children visiting the 4-H area in the Civic Center could make a collage or bag puppet, learn about computer graphics, add their thumbprint to the growing art project or take part in several other activities.

Also featured at the Bangor State Fair is Marshall Duhaime of Classic Boatworks of Maine, who is building two rowing prams during the fair.

“I’m putting the bottom on one today,” he said Monday. “Tomorrow, I’ll turn it over, put in the seats and railings, and start on the next one.”

“We have boatbuilding, animating, 4-H projects and scrapbooking, plus the rides, fair food and animal shows. There’s something for everyone at the fair,” said Mike Dyer, director of Bass Park and the Bangor State Fair.

The boatbuilding and 4-H exhibits join nearly a dozen other demonstrations in the climate-controlled Bangor Civic Center.

The Bangor State Fair continues through Sunday, Aug. 7.

Guard Youth Camp

The Board of Directors of the Pine Tree Chapter, Northern and Eastern Maine, of the Military Officers Association of America (formerly the Retired Officers Association) voted recently to donate $400 to the Maine National Guard Youth Camp.

The Guard developed the youth camp six years ago for the children of members of the Maine National Guard. It was accomplished through a lot of volunteer labor.

Children whose parent or parents serve in active military duty are given special consideration.

Nearly 200 campers, ages 9-12, have signed up this year as Kiddy Campers, Junior Counselors or Cadet Corps Campers. More than 80 volunteer staff members will take part.

Two one-week camping sessions will be held at Bog Brook National Guard Training Facility in Bethel. Organizers are trying to raise money for operating costs and to send kids whose families need a little assistance.

The president of the Pine Tree Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America is retired Lt. Col. Urban A. Feero, USAF. The treasurer is retired Col. William J. Deering, USAR.

‘Rendezvous with a Comet’

As NASA continues the return to flight of the Space Shuttle, the Challenger Learning Center of Maine offers to youth and adults the opportunity to experience their own “Return to Flight.”

The next space simulation mission will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at 30 Venture Way on the University College campus.

Work on a team as astronauts, scientists and engineers “Rendezvous with a Comet.”

The event is open to those age 10 and up. Pupils under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for students, and reservations are required. Call 990-2900.

Information on Medicare

Miller Drug will sponsor two free informational clinics, “Medicare is Changing,” 1-3 p.m. Aug. 10 and 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 16, at the store at 210 State St.

Old Town

Bike safety rodeo

The Old Town Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Old Town Police Department, will sponsor a bike safety rodeo, rain or shine, at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Herbert Sargent Community Center.

Activities will include an obstacle course, games and refreshments. For information, call 827-3961.

Stillwater

Garden Gathering IV

Garden Gathering IV will dig in for fun and information Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Demonstration Garden at Rogers Farm on Bennoch Road between Stillwater Avenue and Route 43. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and group sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine. Shelters are provided to protect against hot sun or rain. Admission to the gathering and parking is free. Food will be available for sale.

A new group session topic is making hypertufa containers. Master gardener Robin Betterley will demonstrate the technique.

Jim Dill, pest management specialist with the Extension Service, will discuss “Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners.”

Extension educator Kathy Hopkins will help participants identify pesky weeds.

Master gardener Elliott Scott will demonstrate how to build a cold frame and backyard greenhouse.

Beekeeper Bill Dorrity will offer tips on beekeeping and Frank Drummond, University of Maine entomologist, will talk about pollinators and their value to gardens.

Mark Hutton, extension vegetable specialist, will offer tips on growing vegetables, and extension educator Mark Hutchinson will discuss irrigation for home gardeners.

Master gardener Dusty Cramp will cover an important but often overlooked aspect of gardening – tool care and sharpening. Bob Bangs of Windswept Gardens will give advice on how to prune ornamentals to best advantage.

Neal Lash will give tips on seed saving, and master gardener Lydia Musselman will demonstrate the art of creating tussie mussies.

Garden tours will be offered throughout the day and activities for children will be offered.

For information or a schedule of events, call 942-7396, or (800) 287-1485, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.