Every once in a while, a column request comes across my desk that causes me to pause, furrow my brow, and wonder at the meaning of it all.

Without exception, the explanation leaves me grinning from ear to ear at the creativeness and simple brilliance of the idea.

Such is the case with the Milo PTO Fall Frolic Family Fun event, which is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Milo Elementary School.

It features a costume and pumpkin contest, games, prizes, food, a gourmet raffle and auction.

But, here’s the kicker: Admission is “1 Box of Tissues.”

One box of tissues? What is that all about?

I e-mailed Tami Goodine, and, naturally, the reason for the “admission” is creative and brilliantly simple.

“The school does not purchase tissues,” she explained, “so we divvy up the tissues that we get from the Fall Frolic, among all the classrooms, during the year.

“Last year, we received enough tissues to last until the end of the school year.”

So plan to attend, bring along your box of tissues, and buy a $5 raffle ticket for the chance to win a five-course gourmet candlelight dinner for two prepared and served in your very own home.

Individuals, business owners or organizations wishing to donate items, services or gift certificates for the auction can call Victoria Eastman, 943-2400; Goodine at 564-2212 or e-mail tgoodine@sad41.org or call Tracy Morse, 943-7376, or email tracy.m@verizon.net.

What do windows, doors, energy efficiency, the Home Energy Assistance Program, $1,000 in free fuel and NASCAR have in common?

Pella Windows & Doors, that’s what.

The public is invited to hear Pella experts discuss energy efficiency issues from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at Pella Windows & Doors, 532 Main St. in Bangor.

At the event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you also will be able to see Pella’s No. 5 NASCAR racecar and, if you have a photograph taken with the car, you will help support the Home Energy Assistance Program.

You will also have a chance to win $1,000 in free fuel in a drawing that will be held the next day, Friday, Oct. 28.

For more information, call Lorraine Goodwin or Gerry Grigsby at 990-4027.

Bill Rae and the staff of Manna Ministries have issued a plea for food contributions because the groceries and meals they are distributing are decreasing in amount and size due to of lack of food on the Manna shelves.

They remind you that, as the weather grows colder, more people come to Manna for help as they wrestle with the complexities of balancing the high cost of fuel and providing meals for their families.

You contributions of canned soups, canned meats, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, cereals and Ramen noodles would be most appreciated.

You can bring your contributions between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to Manna at 629 Main St. in Bangor.

Scott Burditt, George Redman and William Bell of the Bangor High School Music Department and members of the Bangor Music Boosters invite you to hear The Airmen of Note, who are considered one of the nation’s best big bands, perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at Bangor High School.

This is a free concert, but tickets are limited to four per request, and to obtain them you must send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Airmen of Note Tickets, Attn: Music Dept., Bangor High School, 885 Broadway, Bangor 04401.

The U.S. Air Force’s Premier Jazz ensemble is based in Washington, D.C.

Everett Parker has been in touch again to inform us that members of Shirley Community Church are “calling all crafters.”

Those folks are seeking participants for the church’s Christmas Craft Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Shirley Town Hall.

Earlier times will be available for crafters to set up their tables, but preregistration is necessary to arrange for you space allocation.

To reserve a table, call church council chairwoman Janet Parker, 695-3163.

You are asked to leave a message if there is no answer.

In addition to the crafts, the event will include homemade baked goods and goodies, a white elephant table, used books and other Christmas theme items in addition to a luncheon of soups, stews, sandwiches and desserts.

The event will be held rain or shine.

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