Fun for families and their pets, and raising funds for the Bangor Humane Society, is the dual goal of Pet Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24, in the parking lot of Sam’s Club in Bangor.

Cyndi Rollins reports “this is a day to honor our pets and how they help us in our lives.”

At 10:30 a.m. you will meet the police dogs who work with the Bangor and Brewer police departments and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.

And you will meet Logan, the Downeast Toyota service dog and a therapy dog who regularly visits the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor.

Don Hanson of Green Acres Kennel will offer Clicker Training at 11:15 a.m., and all owners can enter their pets in the Mutt Parade at noon.

Members of Penobscot Valley Kennel Club will offer obedience demonstrations at 1 p.m., and you can enter your pet in a “Pet Idol” competition at 1:30 p.m., where he or she will perform his or her best tricks.

“Even stupid pet tricks” are allowed, Rollins reports. In fact, she added, “anything goes.”

Fly Ball and Agility demonstrations begin at 2:45 p.m.

Ongoing activities throughout the day include a Rabies and Heartworm Clinic with Dr. Donald Volk for those who’ve been unable to get their pet to a vet. Be sure to bring your pet records if you have them for the $10 rabies shots and $35 heartworm check.

Approximately 15 vendors offering local services and products for your pet will be on hand, as will representatives of rescue groups for beagles, greyhounds and cocker spaniels.

Visitors will also receive a one-day pass to Sam’s Club that day.

Mike & Mike of KISS 94.5 FM will broadcast live during the fundraiser, and kids will enjoy face-painting, pet-collar decorating and scooping a kitty box for prizes.

Rollins stresses the “importance of bringing well-behaved pets” to this event, adding that “if you have a pet that is not well-behaved, come and learn how to train your animals … so they can come next year.”

Director Cynthia Jennings has announced the Stewart Free Library Summer Reading Club Performances, which all begin at 2 p.m. Wednesdays and run through mid-August.

The first performance is June 21 at the library in Corinna, featuring American Indian flautist Hawk Henries with American Indian music and stories.

The performances continue at the same time each week at the library, with Machine Petting Zoo, June 28; Peter Boie, July 5; Deputy Roy & His Dogs, July 12; Allen Sockabasin, July 19; Open Book Players, July 26; Stuffed Animal Parade, Aug. 2; Chewonki Foundation, Aug. 9 and Zevulon, Aug. 16.

The programs are for people of all ages, and everyone is welcome to attend, but preschool children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Stewart Free Library’s 2006 Summer Reading Club, “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales,” is June 2 through Aug. 16. Registration forms are available at the library.

The public is invited to attend an Open House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Katahdin Valley Health Center Pediatric Medical Center, 180 Aroostook Ave. in Millinocket.

Gaile Nicholson reports the event celebrates the opening of the new KVHC pediatric facility and will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony with representatives of the Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce at noon.

National, state and local officials have been invited, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Alice Redmond and members of Hampden Congregational Church invite you to a concert by Impromptu at 7 p.m. Friday, June 23, at the church, 101 Main Road North in Hampden.

“They will be performing a variety of spirituals, sea songs and impromptu miscellany, true to their name,” she wrote.

The suggested donation is $10 and light refreshments will be served after the concert.

Joyce Schoppe wrote that Maine Coast Memorial Hospital will be holding its Fifth Annual Craft Fair and Silent Auction Sept. 29-30 in Ellsworth to benefit the Maine Coast Life Line Medical Alert Scholarship Program.

She asks that interested individuals mark their calendars for this event, and particularly extends an invitation to any vendors that would like to be part of the fair to call her at 667-8425 or call Terri Swanson at 664-5314 for more information.

Last year’s efforts raised more than $4,500 for the Life Line program.

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