Bangor

September is Literacy Month

On a radio broadcast at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, from Borders, on Cumulus station WEZQ 92.9, Bangor Mayor Frank Farrington will proclaim September as Literacy Month to kick off Literacy Volunteers of Bangor’s fall tutor and student recruitment campaign.

The three-day “Listeners for Literacy” radio broadcast will interview guests and supporters of literacy, including past and current adult students who receive literacy services, volunteers and tutors, donors and members of the business community.

More than 15 percent or 150,000 Maine adults have low literacy skills that severely limit ability to function in today’s world. Low literacy is closely linked with poverty and decreased economic opportunities. It affects economic development, health and well-being, and future generations.

Those interested in supporting Literacy Volunteers of Bangor may listen to the broadcast and make a pledge; make a purchase at Borders Wish List Books for its program Thursday and Friday, Sept. 29 and 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1; call to learn about volunteering; or call 947-8451 for information about services.

Literacy Volunteers of Bangor will offer English Language Learners Tutor Training for volunteers interested in helping adults speak English and understand American culture and customs. The 18-hour training will be held at United Technologies Center on the Hogan Road. The schedule is:

. 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18.

. 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.

. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22.

. 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25.

. 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27.

Those interested must call Literacy Volunteers of Bangor at 947-8451 by Wednesday, Oct. 12, to register. Course materials are $20. Scholarships are available for those who can’t afford the fee.

Last year, LV-Bangor volunteers donated more than 11,300 hours of service.

LV-Bangor is also accepting applications from adults who want to improve their English speaking skills. Call LV-Bangor at 947-8451 for more information.

Technology Demo Day

A Technology Demo Day will be held 3-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at the Bangor Career Center, 45 Oak St. The event is aimed at those who have an interest in knowing how technology can aid those who are blind or visually impaired. The public, employers, health agencies and social service agencies are urged to attend and view the adaptive device display, the CCTV vendor display, the GPS demonstration, and to browse the catalog and brochure table.

The event is sponsored by the Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the IRIS Network, and the Catholic Charities Maine Education Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Children.

For more information, call (888) 545-8811.

Hurricane relief

The YMCA Alliance of Maine Executive Cabinet, consisting of YMCA executive directors from 17 YMCAs in Maine and one in New Hampshire, voted recently to donate collectively $5,000 to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The YMCA Alliance of Maine gift will be matched by YMCA of the USA bringing the gift to $10,000.

The funds will be used to help YMCAs in the Gulf Coast region as they handle the current crisis, get YMCAs back on their feet, assist displaced YMCA staff and help YMCAs respond to urgent needs in their communities.

“The YMCA family extends far beyond our local communities and we hope our gift will help in some small way,” said Rob Reeves, chief executive officer of the Bangor Y and chairman of the YMCA Alliance of Maine Executive Cabinet. “Several YMCAs in the Gulf Coast region were devastated by the hurricane, and others that were not damaged are now overrun with the pressing needs of displaced persons. We hope these funds provide some relief.”

YMCA of the USA issued a statement earlier in the week to YMCAs nationwide that they would match gifts from local YMCAs to the relief effort. The YMCA is helping not only with relocation of evacuees but also is providing child care to evacuees. Many YMCA retired executives will be called on to go south to help to help in this effort. For more information, call Robert D. Reeves, Bangor Y, 941-2815, or e-mail rreeves@bangory.org.

Financial planning event

The Bangor Y will host Straight Scoop on Fiscal Fitness, a free financial planning and consultation event, 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, in the Isaac Farrar Mansion, corner of Union Street and Second Street. The public is invited to attend the informal gathering at no cost, enjoy an ice cream, and learn more about planning finances now and for the future.

Certified financial planner Judy Groth will be available to answer questions and provide resources on financial planning and becoming more fiscally responsible. Similar Straight Scoop on Fiscal Fitness events will be held simultaneously at 11 New England YWCAs and are sponsored by the Financial Planning Association to celebrate Financial Planning Week.

To obtain information or to register, call Tish Baron at the Bangor Y, 941-2808, e-mail tbaron@bangory.org, or register on-line at www.bangorY.org.

Career training

Women, Work, & Community will offer a free 10-week training program, “Creating Your Future: Learn and Earn Your Way to Success,” 9 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, Oct. 12-Dec. 14, at the Bangor Center. An orientation will be held Friday, Oct. 7. Training includes career, education, and financial goals.

Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Call 262-7842, or (800) 442-2092 to register.

CAPs to merge

Coastal Community Action Program in Rockland and Penquis Community Action Program Inc., in Bangor will merge. The boards of directors of both organizations approved the consolidation in separate meetings on Sept. 20 and 21. The target effective date of the merger is Oct. 1.

Coastal Community Action Program. Its programs and services into Penquis Community Action Program. According to Mona Stearns, interim executive director Coastal CAP, there will be no interruption in services. “Not only will people continue to have access to current services, but, over time, we expect that Penquis CAP will be able to increase the programming that is available to area residents.”

Enhancing existing services, strengthening operational capacity, increasing efficiency and reducing overhead are among the expected benefits. “The merger has a very real long-term advantages to both organizations,” said Charles Newton, executive director of Penquis CAP. “Penquis CAP programs and subsidiaries will be able to bring services to additional communities and Coastal CAP will realize its goal of providing an expanded array of services to the Coast region.”

Parenting classes

Parenting With Dignity classes, facilitated by The GEAR Parent Network, will meet beginning 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, at the UCP Center, 700 Mount Hope Ave., Suite 320. To register for the class, call Helen at 564-3361.

Peace vigil anniversary

The fourth anniversary of peace vigils that began in Maine in October 2001 will be commemorated 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, in front of the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building, Harlow Street.

Peace vigils have been held around the state since Sept. 11, 2001, and have called for peaceful resolution to conflict, supporting U.S. troops by bringing them home, a multinational peace keeping force, health care rather than warfare, jobs and education rather than war, and hurricane relief rather than war.

Brown Bag lectures

Are you looking for a way to express yourself? The Bangor Public Library is offering a series of Brown Bag lectures featuring artists and artisans demonstrating and talking about their work.

The series begins at noon Wednesday, Oct. 5, when artist John LeBlanc will introduce the joys of sketching and painting. Other lectures, including sessions on wood carving, jewelry making, braiding and hooking rugs, book arts, and stained-glass will take place on successive Wednesday’s. Participants are invited to bring a lunch and their creative impulses.

Autumn celebration

Bangor Center Corp. will sponsor a fall season celebration noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1.

Free music will be offered in Pickering Square, with the Aurora Jazz Project playing progressive jazz from noon to 2 p.m. The Frozen Swamp Choppers will play a mix of folk, country, blues and jazz from 2 to 4 p.m.

Food also will be sold in Pickering Square.

A beer garden operated by Whig and Courier Pub will be set up in West Market Square. In that area, accordion music will entertain visitors.

To obtain more information, call 992-4234.

Bradley

Living History Days

The public is invited to a 1790s weekend during Living History Days 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1-2, at Leonard’s Mills, Route 178.

Attractions include up-and-down water powered sawmill, horse-drawn wagon rides, bean hole beans and reflector oven biscuits, black-smithing, weaving, spinning, woodcrafts, shake splitting, apple press, oxen, bateau rides, re-enactors, museum gift shop, lunch wagon, traditional music, storytelling, and a Lombard log hauler display.

Admission is $7, $2 children ages 2-12. To learn more about Living History Days, call 581-2871, or visit www.leonardsmills.com.

Bradley

18th century wedding

Visitors may view an 18th century-style wedding at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, in the mill yard during Living History Days at Leonard’s Mills. The couple to be united in wedlock are Sandy Beagle and Kevin Dunham, caretakers of Leonard’s Mills.

The bride will wear an ivory satin dress, remade to resemble a period dress, ivory satin shoes and a flower wreath instead of a veil. Her nine bridesmaids and four flower girls will wear 18th century-style dresses and flower wreaths.

The groom will be attired in an ivory satin colonial-style shirt, black jacket, knee breeches, vest and shoes with buckles. His nine groomsmen will be similarly attired, but their shirts will be of white muslin.

Many of the wedding guests have opted to wear 18th century costumes.

The wedding feast, which is a private reception and is not open to the public, will feature venison, pork, fowl, cheese, bread, cider and groom’s cake.

The groom brewed his own beer, wine and champagne for to accompany the feast.

To learn more about Living History Days, call Vicky Blanchette at 581-2871.

Brewer

AWANA

Children age 3 through sixth grade are invited to join the AWANA club, which meets 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sundays at Twin City Baptist Church, 599 North Main Street, Brewer. AWANA is a nondenominational youth ministry. The program teaches Bible memory verses, has an award program and includes game time. To obtain more information, call Pastor Gary Turgeon at 989-5119, or 989-6852.

Bucksport

The Young Americans

The Young Americans, a group of touring performers who encourage music education and the use of the arts to strengthen character and self-esteem in young people, will be in Bucksport Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 10-12.

The troupe will teach vocal and dance techniques, stage movement, vocal ensemble performance techniques and performance evaluation to Bucksport’s fourth- to 12th-graders. The workshops will culminate in a performance at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Bucksport High School gymnasium.

Workshops will be offered 4-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11; and 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12.

Joe Cyr, the son of Joyce Cyr of Bucksport, has been a member of the Young Americans since 2002 .

The Young Americans will conduct similar workshops and give performances on Oct. 15 in Hermon, Oct. 19 in Newport and Oct. 22 in Orono.

To learn more about the Young Americans’ workshops, call Joyce Cyr at 469-6598.

Clifton

Snowmobile club

The Clifton Area Snowmobile Club will hold a membership drive 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, on Route 9, across from the Scotts Point Road in Clifton. Those who join the club will receive a free lunch and other free merchandise. Call 843-5331 for more information.

Eddington

Actors needed

The Phoenix Players of Eddington need three actors, two female and one male, in order to stage “Dr. Jekyll, No Place to Hyde.”

Final auditions will be held 2-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1-2, at Comins Hall.

For information, call Shauna Stratton-Meier at 989-2458.

Hampden

Hurricane Relief

The weekend Sept. 3-4, the parishioners of St. Gabriel’s of Winterport and St. Matthew’s of Hampden were challenged to pray about responding to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. The following weekend the parishes began to respond, inviting area churches and the Catholic parishes of the area to do the same. Here’s what happened:

In four days, Sept. 10-13, the church community filled three tractor-trailers with clothes, food, toys, beds and other much-needed supplies. Two trucks went to Opelousas, La., and one truck went to Ponchatula, La.

Parishioners donated money for gas for the tractor-trailers and many others gave generously of money and supplies. The church collected $30,000 from people who dropped by the parking lot, where the trucks were being loaded, to make donations. That money paid for gas, 100 mattresses, extra toiletries and clothing. In addition, the following donations were made:

. $5,000 went to Our Lady, Queen of Angels Church, Opelousas, La. Eleven thousand evacuees from New Orleans were sent there.

. $5,000 went to First Baptist Church, Ponchatoula, La. Seven thousand evacuees were sheltered there.

. $5,000 went to St. Anthony Church, in Baton Rouge, La., a Catholic Vietnamese Church which ministers to 320 Catholic Vietnamese from New Orleans.

. $4,000 went to St. John the Evangelist Church, Gulfport, Miss. This church was severely damaged in the hurricane and rectory roof was lost. The money also will assist the homeless in that area.

Hermon

New history of Hermon

Mary Gaudreau, Rosanne Gray and Bernice Heath have been working for more than six years on a 500-page history of Hermon titled “Hermon Maine: Then and Now.”

The book is at the printer’s and should be released in late November, in time for Christmas giving. The 81/2-inch-by-11-inch history, which has good-sized print, covers settlements, early families, military, railroad, churches, cemeteries and organizations.

It includes a list of teachers who taught in the town’s one-room schoolhouses, and the names of military veterans from the Civil War to the present.

The cost for the book is $65 plus $3.25 Maine sales tax. For orders of four or more books, the price will be $60 each plus $3 sales tax. Having a book mailed requires insurance, so the shipping cost is $9 a book. However, purchasers may avoid the mailing cost by noting on the order that they will pick up the book when it is ready.

Send checks to Mary Gaudreau, 35 Swan Road, Hermon, ME 04401.

Orono

ASTROFEST 2005 adventures

The pubic is invited to spend the day on the University of Maine campus Saturday, Oct. 8, to explore the universe at ASTROFEST 2005. The Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium at Wingate Hall and the Penobscot Valley Star Gazers club will sponsor family activities beginning at 2 p.m., which will run into the evening.

Free Sky Tours at the planetarium will offer a look at the colors in the Crab Nebula, and take visitors out under the night sky to see what deep space objects look like through binoculars and telescopes.

The amateur astronomers of the Penobscot Valley Star Gazers club will offer a telescope clinic at the Jordan Observatory throughout the day.

Other activities include a Phun with Physics demonstration show at the UMaine Physics Department, a Solar Walk through the solar system model, a 3D slide show of the planets, and activities for little hands to explore space and the sky. Free refreshments will available at various locations throughout the tour.

The Maynard Jordan Observatory will be open throughout the day for tours. It will hold a Star Party 7- 11 p.m., if the sky is clear. Several telescopes will be open to observers.

It is not necessary to own a telescope to enjoy the telescope demonstrations. Topics discussed at telescope talks will include the power and uses of a telescope, how to choose the best telescope for your needs, and how to shop for one. Club members will offer advice to those who want to better understand their own telescopes.

For more information, call 581-1341, visit umainesky.com/astrofest.htm, or e-mail info@umainesky.com.

Adoption information

Maine Adoption Placement Service will hold an informational meeting 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Orono High School. RSVP to Orono Adult Education office at 866-4119. To obtain more information, visit www.mapsadopr.org.

Orono Historical Society

The Orono Historical Society will meet at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, downstairs in the Treadwell Building on Bennoch Road. There will be an update on the society’s role in the 2006 Orono Bicentennial activities. Friends are welcome to attend meetings.

Bonsai talk

The Page Farm and Home Museum, University of Maine, will sponsor Benjamin Crocker, who will give a free lecture on the art of sculpting miniature trees at noon Friday, Sept. 30, at the museum.

Crocker is a senior at UMaine in the landscape horticultural design program. In his talk he discuss how to grow and care for bonsai plants. Bonsai is the art of growing full-size trees and shrubs on a miniature scale and making them appear as aged and weathered as an ancient full-size tree growing in the wild.

For more information, call 581-4100.