Whether you live near or far, you can put a touch of “home” in your Christmas season by participating in the Millinocket Regional Hospital Auxiliary 12th annual Love Light tree project.

Between now and Saturday, Dec. 10, you can purchase one or more colored lights for the tree outside the MRH main lobby entrance. The cost is one light for $3, two for $5, three for $8 and on up.

The light color indicates whether the lights were purchased in memory of someone, in honor of someone, in honor of a child or in honor of a friendship.

The public is invited to the tree lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. Thursday Dec. 1, at the entrance to the MRH main lobby.

Proceeds provide three, $500 auxiliary scholarships for graduating seniors at Stearns High School in Millinocket, Schenck High School in East Millinocket and Katahdin High School in Stacyville who are pursuing medical careers, and other scholarships for future health care providers, wrote MRHA president Joyce Given.

Last year, $2,300 was raised and the goal for 2005 “is to exceed that amount,” she added.

Requests can be sent to Terry Given, MRHA treasurer, 106 Prospect St., Millinocket 04462.

Order forms are available at Millinocket Floral Shop and the MRH Lobby in Millinocket and at the East Millinocket Library.

For those of you who still smoke, I remind you the Great American Smokeout is tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 17.

At the Bangor Daily News, smokers are being urged to try quitting for just 24 hours to prove to yourself that you can do it.

I am sure other workplaces are doing what the NEWS is doing to encourage you to make this lifestyle change by offering snacks and other goodies to help smokers “take a break” from the habit.

To those who accept this challenge during the Great American Smokeout, I offer my heartiest congratulations and best wishes for success.

The Waldo County General Hospital Community Wellness Program’s eighth annual holiday fair is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, in the WCGH Education Center, 118 Northport Ave. in Belfast.

There is no admission, and items range from handmade crafts to ornaments, stationery and greenery arrangements.

Seamstress Rose Dudley will have handmade textiles available, and she will also take your special holiday order.

Proceeds benefit the hospital Community Wellness Program and its Surgical Services Capital Campaign.

Jack Clifford, who has taught in SAD 48 since 1968, serving residents of Corinna, Hartland, Newport, Palmyra, Plymouth and St. Albans, “has given thousands of youngsters immeasurable happiness by starting their very first musical experience with an instrument,” wrote Steve Hoekstra of this beloved music teacher who was recently diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

To assist with some of the expenses related to his treatment, Clifford’s fellow teacher, Bruce Brown and his band, Loose Change, is hosting an adults-only concert from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Sebasticook Valley Community Center, 81 North St. in Newport.

Admission is by donation, Hoekstra wrote, adding that there will be another fundraiser for Clifford, “for the kids to participate in,” in early December at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport.

If you would like to help, but cannot attend any event, donations can be sent to MSAD 48 Superintendent’s Office, Attn: Jack Clifford Benefit, P.O. Box 40, Newport 04953.

For more information about efforts to help Clifford during this difficult time, call Hoekstra, 368-5570, or Joan Leavit, 368-5467.

Alisha Durrell reports the Newburgh Elementary School Parents-Teachers-Friends annual holiday fair is 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the school, 2220 Western Ave. in Newburgh.

Proceeds from the event will benefit pupils attending NES.

Local crafters, home-baked goods, a book fair, raffles, entertainment and a children’s room are among the many features of this PTF fundraiser.

Fair director Eunice Finley of Dover-Foxcroft wrote me the 28th annual Christmas craft fair is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at SeDoMoCha Middle School in Dover-Foxcroft.

Finely wrote admission is free, and that more than 100 Maine crafters will be displaying their artwork “for your shopping pleasure.”

The SeDoMoCha Student Council will be selling refreshments and, Finley added, members of the Foxcroft Academy “senior class will have a booth, selling their FA canvas bags, blankets and homemade pies.”

Your purchases at this booth will benefit FA Class of 2006 Project Graduation.

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