Many of you remember my former Bangor Daily News colleague, Donna Fransen of Hampden.

She used to be known as the Newspapers in Education, or NIE, Lady, but now she’s a lapidary!

And, what is a lapidary, you may ask?

Webster’s New World Directory has three definitions of lapidary: A person who cuts, polishes and engraves precious stones; the art of such a person; or an expert in precious stones, collector of or dealer in gems.

But Donna just calls herself a “rockhound,” and she wants you to know the Penobscot Mineral Lapidary Club is hosting a Rock, Mineral and Gem Show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Brewer Auditorium on Wilson Street.

Admission is just $1 for adults and free for children under 12.

“There will be all kinds of rock and mineral demonstrations, a snack bar and a silent auction, with names drawn every hour,” Donna told me. “We are also going to have a digging area for kids to dig in and find rocks and minerals and gems. We’ll have lots of fun, fun things. I just love it.”

Donna said she is a newcomer to the club, having been on just two digs, and compared to other club members knows very little, but recognizes that it is a great hobby, a great way to spend time outside and a great way get lots of good exercise.

She suggests those who are interested in learning more about the PMLC call Donna Tumosa of Ladysmith Studio Gallery in Bangor at 947-6200 or, better yet, just go to the show!

If you wish to attend the Acadian Fall Festival hosted by Hudson Museum Friends, which is 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Page Farm and Home Museum on the University of Maine campus in Orono, you must respond by tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 4.

The cost of the evening of food, fiddles and fun – which features an Acadian Supper, traditional storytelling and music in a comfortable, casual style – is $20 for adults and $12.50 for students.

For your enjoyment before the festival, the Hudson Museum will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Maine Center for the Arts.

Seating for the supper is limited, and more information can be obtained by calling Katie Braggins at 581-1901.

The Greater Bangor Coalition to End Elder Abuse is hosting a conference titled, “The Safety for Our Seniors: What You Can Do About Elder Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation,” from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer.

The fee is $35, and more information can be obtained by calling Shirar Wilder at United Way of Eastern Maine, 941-2800, or e-mailing shirarw@unitedwayem.org.

Although the original registration deadline has passed, people raising a relative’s child who want to learn about school law are invited to attend a seminar from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, on the third floor of Bangor Public Library on Harlow Street.

Attorney Sara Meerse of KIDS Legal Aid of Maine will discuss children’s rights in education and other issues ranging from residency to school discipline during this free seminar sponsored by Family Connections, a program of Families and Children Together. Or F.A.C.T., of Bangor.

If you want to attend, call Noreen Peters at (866) 298-0896 or e-mail npeters@familiesandchildren.org.

From January through September this year, The Sunshine Club for Children has assisted with 60 trips for children and parents to travel to Shriner’s Orthopedic Hospital in Springfield, Mass., or the Shrine Burns Hospital in Boston.

Club transportation chairwomen Norine Holt and Colleen Smith report that expenses for transportation have totaled approximately $15,000.

To help with those efforts, members of the Sunshine Club invite you to their annual Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Anah Shrine Club, 586 Main St. in Bangor.

Fair coordinators Peggy Kaufman and Peggy Holyoke report admission is free; the cafe offers snacks and homemade luncheon specials plus a wide variety of pies for dessert; nearly 50 booths await you; and you can purchase raffle tickets for a quilt made and donated to the club by Vonnie White.

Finally, you are asked to remember that your attendance, and the funds you bring to the Sunshine Club, are all “for the children.”

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