Congratulations are extended today to Hampden Academy senior Jenna Shue, who is about to enjoy a memorable experience as she presides over her first-ever book signing.

AuthorHouse of Bloomington, Ind., has published Shue’s first children’s book, “Animal Island,” which was illustrated by Jonesport teenager Inge Herzog.

First written as a two-part series when she was a sixth-grader at Morse Memorial School in Brooks, and published in 2000 by the Waldo County Republican Journal, Shue has polished and refined her story for wider appeal.

She and Herzog will sign first-released copies of the book, and greet members of the public, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at The Briar Patch, 27 Central St. in downtown Bangor.

The book tells the story of a 10-year-old boy’s summer vacation when he, his 4-year-old sister, mother and father sail up the Atlantic coast from New Jersey to Roque Island near Jonesport.

The newly published author credits her Morse Memorial School teacher Eileen Ellis for encouraging her to write, and is excited about her first book signing.

Shue’s galley print was read by members of a second-grade class at the McGraw School in Hampden and fourth-graders at Mary Snow School in Bangor.

The comments from some second-grade “reviewers” are absolutely delightful, and are reprinted here as originally written.

“Your story was asome … I hope you get it publisht soon … I like the part were the wisserd fownd out that the tresher was” one youngster wrote, and I omitted the rest of that sentence to save the suspense!

And, from another second-grader, “Thack you for leting us rede youer book … your book was trifick and keep on writing.”

Shue’s name may be familiar to readers for other activities since the National Honor Society student served as captain of the HA varsity soccer and softball teams, and is an environmental activist who received the 2005 Maine Natural Resources Council Environmental Award.

The public is invited to attend The Brad “4-Speed” Flewelling Scholarship Fund-raiser beginning at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum in Littleton.

The event, which honors the memory of the young, late Monticello tractor-trailer driver who died in a November accident in Maryland, features a spaghetti supper from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; a silent auction until 10 p.m.; and a dance from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., for those 21 and older.

If winning bidders are not present when the silent auction ends, they will be contacted the following day.

Admission to the supper is $6 each or by donation, and includes a 50/50 raffle.

Admission to the dance, with music by Ted Bither and the Boys, is $10 for individuals or $15 for couples, and also includes a 50/50 raffle.

If you would like to donate an item for the auction, or want more information about this event or the scholarship fund, call Heather Campbell, 538-0953; Kent Wotton, 538-7630; or Eric Flewelling, 532-2424.

All proceeds benefit the Flewelling Scholarship in care of Dunn Funeral Home in Houlton.

Denise Ireland and others involved with Hampden Academy Project Graduation 2006 have a stocking stuffer or other December holiday gift suggestion for you.

HA Project Graduation is selling tickets for a Basket Bingo, which is planned for 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan 7, 2006, at the Hampden VFW Hall

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

If you want to place a ticket in the stocking of your favorite bingo player or players, or give one as a gift, you may call Ireland at 947-7923 to purchase advance tickets.

According to a press release from Penquis Community Action Program, high heating costs and limited federal assistance funds are having an adverse affect on Maine families in need, especially this time of year.

Jennifer Giosia of Penquis CAP reports a “significant increase in the number of people” applying for the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program “for the first time.”

And while the state provided $480 per household in heating fuel assistance to 51,000 people last year, the Maine State Housing Authority projects only $435 will be available, per household, this year, she added.

To help needy Mainers keep warm this winter, you are asked to donate to the Good Neighbor Fund by making your check or money order payable to Penquis CAP and mailing it to Good Neighbor Fund, Penquis CAP, P.O. Box 1162, Bangor 04402-1162.

You can also donate online at www.penquiscap.org.

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