One of two coming events to raise funds for Bangor High School Project Graduation 2006 is an alcohol- and chem-free dance for adults from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 18, at the Elks Club in Bangor, and the band might just be one you won’t want to miss.

The Retro Rockerz includes Andy Meade on lead guitar, John Bradford on bass, Eric Taylor on drums, Jim Dowe rhythm-lead guitar, Lee Souweine on keyboard, and Joe Bennett as lead vocalist.

“We play classic rock ‘n’ roll from the ’60s and ’70s,” Bennett said of the group of well-known, local professionals who play “everything from The Doors to the Beatles.”

“It’s a lot of fun,” Bennett said of being part of a group that also features “a little Bruce Springsteen” in its repertoire.

Bennett reported that the members of the Elks Club had “graciously donated the hall” for this event, and that admission will be a requested $5 minimum donation, payable at the door.

Supporters of Project Graduation 2006 will be providing refreshments, and I’ll bet that everyone who attends will have a terrific time whether dancing or just listening to some old favorites played by some local, retro notables.

Heather Robbins of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Blood Donor Program and the Maine Blood Center reports walk-ins are welcome at the “Think Green, Give Red!” blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Bangor YMCA on Hammond Street.

A photo ID is required and, Robbins wrote, you can “save two lives with your blood donation and change another by donating to the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign that provides Y memberships and camp experiences for local children.”

All donors receive a snack, drink and gift, and someone will win a T-shirt signed by troops passing through Bangor International Airport.

Mariaville resident Thomas King has been fighting Hodgkin’s lymphoma “for a few years,” Laura Salisbury of Otis told me, “and he needs to go to Boston for a stem cell transplant.”

Otis, who is a local tile worker, and his wife, Ellen, are raising their 11-year-old granddaughter.

To help with expenses for his treatment, residents of the Otis-Mariaville area are hosting a benefit potluck supper for Thomas King at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Beech Hill School in Otis.

Admission is by donation, and attendees are asked to bring a dish or dessert to share.

The benefit also will include raffles, Salisbury said.

If you cannot attend, but would like to help the Kings, you can obtain more information by calling Salisbury at the Otis town office, 537-2211, or Ann Austin, evenings, at 537-5222.

Sara Cox reports St. Mary’s Parish, in association with the American Red Cross, is sponsoring a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18, in the Parish Center at 768 Ohio St. in Bangor.

This is “an opportunity for regular donors and first-timers to participate,” Cox suggests, and asks that you visit www.bloodpartners.org/stmarysparish to “sign up for the time that works best for you.”

Tickets are still available for the Orono High School Project Graduation 2006 Bingo.

Doors open for this fundraiser at 11 a.m. and games begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at Orono American Legion Post 84 on Park Street.

To get your tickets, call Denise O’Donnell at 866-3610.

Proceeds will help provide a safe, chemical-free party immediately after the graduation ceremony for members the OHS Class of ’06.

Rebecca Hobbs and Margo Batsie of Spruce Run Association invite you to attend its annual Gala Dessert Party and Spectacular Silent Auction from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at University College Campus Center on Texas Avenue in Bangor.

Tickets are $15 and can be obtained by calling 945-5102. They also will be available at the door.

The women remind you that while chocolate is the focal point of this delicious benefit, fruit and vanilla also will be available, and your evening will be made more pleasurable surrounded by the sounds of jazz.

Celebrating 32 years of working for peace at home for Penobscot County residents, the benefit features a wide variety of auction items and desserts prepared by the area’s finest restaurants and private bakers.

The gala is sponsored by Miller Drug, Northeast Reprographics, Brewer Rehabilitation and Living Center, and Jackson Plumbing & Heating.

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