With the approach of fall and all it entails, from closing up camp to preparing the kids for school and struggling with end-of-summer cleaning, the trustees of the Lura E. Hoit Memorial Pool in Hampden have a suggestion of where some of your excess “stuff” could do some good.

Ralph Carr wrote recently informing me that the pool trustees are sponsoring a yard sale to raise money for pool improvements.

They’ve named this event “The Big Splash,” and it includes flea market tables, a food table, a book table and spaces for rent.

The Big Splash is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at the pool, 146 Western Ave. in Hampden. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 17, at the same time and site.

Here is where you can help the pool, and help yourself: The trustees are seeking items for the sale. Contributions for the flea market can include household items, dishes, games, tools, furniture, plants and jewelry but, please, no clothing.

Breads, cakes, cookies, pies, candy, jams, jellies, pickles and any other goodies you make would be appreciated for the food table.

All the books you ever read and wanted to get out of the house are welcome at the book table.

And, if you would like to have your own table from which to sell your items, you are welcome to do so for a fee.

For more information about this splashy fundraiser, call staff at the pool, 862-4305; or call Karen Brooks, 862-3642; Norm Stern, 862-5577; or Kim McNutt, 862-5166.

The public is invited to attend two free workshops hosted by the St. Croix International Quilters Guild.

Sue Dibel will conduct the first workshop, “Stained Glass,” at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at the Methodist Homes Recreation Center on Palmer Street in Calais.

The second, creative workshop, “Exploration of Design and Color,” led by Sue Plachy and Dana Bard, is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the same site.

Elizabeth Clayton of Eastern Maine Community College has announced the EMCC Library Gallery Series is showcasing four Maine artists now through June in the EMCC Library on the second floor of its Campus Center in Bangor.

The first exhibit is “Memories of Moscow,” featuring the etching, mezzotint and linoleum works of Janet Badger Tuesday, Sept. 5, through Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Call 974-4640 for the hours of operation of this exhibit.

A reception for the artist is planned for 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the library.

Two coming events will kick off the 2006 United Way of Eastern Maine Annual Campaign.

Laura Hoovler Mitchell reminds people who plan to attend either event, and who are not registered through their workplaces, that you can do so by calling UWEM at 941-2800, or obtain more details about the events and the campaign at www.unitedwayem.org.

The first kickoff is a themed rally, “A Day at the Races,” in partnership with Bangor Raceway at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Bass Park in Bangor. Hannaford will provide a free lunch for all who attend.

The second event is a “Comedy Night” featuring Chris Quimby, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Darling’s Automall, 16 Kingsland Crossing on Route 3 in Ellsworth. Darling’s will provide food and beverages.

In addition, Darling’s donated a 2006 Nissan Sentra to support the campaign. One donor who gives $5 a week, or more, could win the car or one of the other prizes.

Donors who contribute $3 a week or more could win 500 gallons of R.H. Foster Energy heating oil, and those who contribute $2 a week or more could win a $1,000 LL Bean gift certificate.

Among its other services, UWEM helps fund 65 health and human service programs at partner agencies in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington counties.

It’s time for another Boot Camp for New Dads, a free workshop for first-time fathers-to-be whose wives and partners are in the last trimester of pregnancy.

The Penquis Community Action Program Parents are Teachers, Too, program is 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Penquis CAP, 262 Harlow St. in Bangor.

Pizza and drinks will be served.

Dads-to-be are invited to ask questions of experienced fathers who are present with their own babies.

To register or receive more information, call Wendy Pace, 973-3674 or, toll free, (888) 389-3610.

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