This year marks the 40th anniversary of Eastern Maine Community College and to commemorate that achievement, “the major celebration emphasis” of the college will be community service, reports Elizabeth Clayton.

“We’re calling this The Year of Community, with a specific goal of, as a college, providing 40 community service projects for the community. We’re calling that goal 40 Years/40 Projects,” Clayton wrote.

To launch its 40th anniversary celebration, the public is invited to “Party Like it’s 1966” and attend the 40 Feet of Food barbecue beginning at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2, on the side lawn of Maine Hall on Sylvan Road in Bangor.

The barbecue is Community Service Project No. 1 of the 40-project goal, and your price of admission is a donation of one canned item to use in stringing together 40 feet of food which will be donated to Cross Roads Ministry Food Pantry in Old Town.

If you can’t lay your hands on a canned product, however, dig into your pocket for the ’60s lunch price of 40 cents, which also will be donated to Cross Roads Ministry.

Your barbecue lunch of burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips, potato salad, homemade lemonade and cake is co-sponsored by Sam’s Club, and you also will have lots of chances to win door prizes.

Attendees are encouraged to dig out their 1960s attire, and show up wearing everything from Nehru jackets to go-go boots and Blues Brothers suits. bouffant hairdos also would be appropriate.

And don’t hesitate to bring lots of canned goods so the goal of 40 feet of food will be met!

Congratulations, Eastern Maine Community College. Enjoy your celebratory year.

On behalf of Ellsworth High School Alumni Association, president Michael Povich invites you to participate in its third annual “Walkin’ to School” fundraiser, which is part of Autumn Gold Weekend.

The five-mile walk passes 15 present and historic Ellsworth school sites, and a two-mile extension passes three more sites.

Proceeds benefit the association and its scholarship endowment fund.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk at 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at the new high school.

Last year’s event raised $13,000. The scholarship endowment fund has reached $309,000 of its $1 million goal.

Registration forms are available at the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ellsworth schools and several Ellsworth businesses.

You also can register by calling 667-2286, e-mailing ehsaa00@yahoo.com or by visiting www.ellsworthmaine.com/

ehsalumni.

The Animal Orphanage in Old Town is hosting its annual Blessing of the Animals & Fun Dog Show beginning with the blessing at noon and the show at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, rain or shine, at the Old Town-Orono YMCA on Stillwater Avenue in Old Town.

Bobbie Fowler reports there are multiple classes for your dog to enter from Best Trick to Waggiest Tail, and the fee to compete is $1 per class entered.

You also will find refreshments, pet supplies, Animal Orphanage merchandise and an Old Town Otter Kayak raffle.

Proceeds benefit the work of the Animal Orphanage.

St. Croix Historical Society is hosting Presidential Wives and Famous Ladies re-enactor Betty Duzen at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2, at the Unobskey School in Calais.

Joni Miller reports that Duzen will offer a “surprise portrayal” during the event, which is free and open to the public.

Refreshments will be served after the program.

Doing some fall cleaning?

If so, you might consider setting aside some items to contribute to the Junior League of Bangor Summer in The City/The Campaign for Dakin Pool Yard Sale, which is 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at 718 Hammond St. in Bangor.

You also will be able to purchase hot dogs, chips and soda from Bangor City Councilor Gerry Palmer.

Clean items, in good condition, can be dropped off between 4 and 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at 718 Hammond St. For your information, the driveway for that address is actually located on Royal Road in Bangor.

League president Dawn England reported that as the JLB approaches its 75th anniversary celebration, it is focusing “on the growing epidemic of childhood obesity,” which is why league members believe “the revitalization of the Dakin Pool is necessary to continue to provide our children and families with a safe and healthy activity during the summer months.”

For more information about this event, call Martha Helfrich on her cell phone at 917-971-8518.

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