Normally, at this time of year, I would be encouraging parents to enroll their children in the National Youth Sports Program at the University of Maine, which offers free summer camp experiences to area youth.

But I was stunned, recently, to learn from Kay Hyatt that this award-winning program, founded 13 years ago by UMaine professor of education and special education Steve Butterfield, has been eliminated through recent federal budget cuts.

The day camp, a $1,000 value at no cost to participants that included free transportation, medical examinations, breakfast and lunch for six weeks for youngsters 10-16, was a partnership between the U.S. government and participating universities and communities, with oversight by the National Youth Sports Corp.

I wish Butterfield well in his continuing effort working with the Maine congressional delegation to restore NYSP funding for fiscal year 2007.

The public is invited to a scrapbooking fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 12, at the Bangor Elks Club on Odlin Road.

The event is to financially assist Garrett and Katie Guernsey of Bangor so they can attend a Rett syndrome physician and family conference in May in California.

Their 2-year-old daughter, Abby, has been diagnosed with RS which, according to the Internet, is a rare, developmental, neurological disorder.

Reservations are required for the benefit.

The cost of a 4-foot space is $15, and $25 for an 8-foot space.

Door prizes will be drawn throughout the day. You should bring your lunch, but beverages and desserts will be provided.

The benefit is being organized by Lori Strout, Paula Rouleau and Ann Deabay, Eastern Maine Medical Center nurses who worked with Katie before she had to give up her job to care for her ill daughter.

The couple has received a scholarship to attend the conference, but proceeds from this event will assist with airplane costs.

At the conference, they hope to be offered the opportunity to get their daughter into clinical studies, as well as educate themselves about this syndrome, which is very rare among children in Maine.

Reservations for the fundraiser can be made by calling 990-3198.

Chairwoman Linda Laney invites you to attend the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge Luck of the Draw Auction with doors opening 9 a.m. Saturday, March 11, at the lodge, 21 Silver St., Skowhegan.

A light lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when bidding begins.

More than 200 items have been donated by local businesses for the event, which benefits the work of the Elks National Foundation Committee and the Veteran’s National Service Committee.

You are invited to a photograph exhibit hosted by the St. Croix Historical Society from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Calais Methodist Homes Recreation Center on Palmer Street.

The event features a display of old photographs depicting Calais and vicinity in the latter part of the 19th century, and earlier.

You can help identify people and places, and reminisce about the good old days.

Refreshments will be served, and it is suggested that you bring a magnifying glass if you own one. For more information, call Fred Becker at 454-3695 or Al Churchill at 454-2812.

Speaking of cultural activities in that area, Ann Carter of Charlotte reports two upcoming meetings of the St. Croix Valley Amateur Radio Club are open to visitors and newcomers.

The Club breakfast meeting is 7 a.m. Sunday, March 12, at the Wickachee Restaurant in Calais; and its monthly business meeting is 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 19, in the Calais Methodist Homes activities room.

My deepest condolences to the family of Jackie Mahaney Witham, who died March 4 after a long illness.

I first met Jackie when I joined the Junior League of Bangor more than 30 years ago.

As a former president of that organization, I was honored to have been in such fine company.

At one time, several past BJL presidents met, regularly, for lunch.

Jackie looked forward to those gatherings, and got a real kick out of reminiscing about those fun-filled, fulfilling days.

Jackie was a gracious hostess. She had a wonderful smile and a kind heart, which was evident in her volunteer work for her community.

Her love of family and her lifelong friends, and her dedication to the family business, was without question.

Jackie will be missed, and remembered with affection.

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