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Bangor

History Races On

The Bangor Museum and Center for History will sponsor its first annual “History Races On: A Family Day at Bass Park” at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Activities planned are a petting zoo, barn tours, cider press, Penobscot birch bark canoe and how to build one, photos with horse and sulky, win a pace-car ride, a 50-50 raffle and horse racing. Post time is 1:30 p.m. Box seats and sponsorships are available. For information, call 942-1900.

Art exhibits at the library

Three exhibits have opened at Bangor Public Library.

. VSA Arts of Maine’s “A Matter of Perception 2006: Exhibition by Artists with Disabilities.” Maine artists display their watercolors, acrylics, oils, textiles and sculptures in the library’s Lecture Hall.

. Bangor photographer Page Eastman, who has shown in many area venues. “Maine Scenes and Wildlife,” is in the Stairwell Gallery.

. Bangor 3-D artist Cheryl Beitzell, in the showcase in the library’s Round Reading Room. Beitzell’s exhibit is “Scraps of Leftover Dreams.”

Mural dedication

The public is invited to celebrate the dedication of a mural, “The War Inside Me,” at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the learning center of the city’s Park Woods Transitional Housing Complex, 11 Bolling Drive. The mural was painted by artists Rob Shetterly, Patricia Wheeler, Maureen Block and Doug Rawlings.

The project is based on drawings done by children from Park Woods during an exercise led by Shetterly and Wheeler. The drawings were incorporated into the mural and text selected to illustrate the story from the theme that emerged. One child drew two wolves, and the artists selected the Cherokee legend of the two wolves that live inside each of us. One wolf is good, living in harmony with all around him. The other fights all the time for no reason. Both try to dominate and the one that wins is the one that is fed.

At the Park Woods community, former military housing is provided to homeless families who need a chance to rebuild, reclaim and retool their lives and the lives of their children.

Scholarship auction, dinner

Eastern Maine Community College’s Catch the Energy annual scholarship fundraiser is anything but typical this 10th anniversary year, beginning with a distinctive energy theme, “The Power of Choice.”

“Choice” doesn’t heat a home or keep the refrigerator running, but it is the power that gets people places and creates possibility. And so, the auction will fund scholarships to create options for people.

The fundraiser will be held today in EMCC’s Johnston Gym. A silent auction at 5 p.m. is accompanied by appetizers and a cash bar, followed by a traditional Italian harvest dinner. The live auction will begin at 7 p.m. with auctioneer Kevin Tilton and master of ceremonies Danny Williams.

For more information or reservations for a seat or table, call Terri Adam at 974-4691. Tickets are $45 per person or $320 for a table of eight.

Kitchen Tour

The Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary will hold its second annual Kitchen Tour noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. The tour will feature six uniquely styled kitchens that incorporate a variety of antiques and modern conveniences. Light refreshments by local caterers will be offered.

Tickets are $20 at the Grasshopper Shop, EMMC Gift Shop and Pharmacy, Westgate Pharmacy at the Eastern Maine Healthcare Mall on Union Street, Airline Pharmacy in Brewer, Patrick’s Hallmark in Bangor and Hampden Natural Foods. Proceeds benefit the Rosen Neonatal Care Unit.

Candidates forum

The Bangor Public Library will present its annual candidates forum on Thursday, Oct. 19, in the Lecture Hall. Meet the candidates for the Bangor school committee from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Meet the candidates for the Bangor City Council 6:45-7:45 p.m. Each candidate will make prepared remarks, followed by questions.

Light refreshments, courtesy of the Friends of the Bangor Public Library, will be served.

‘Living in a Stepfamily’

“Living in a Stepfamily” is a three-part parenting series set for 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 17 and 24, and Nov. 7, at the Cooperative Extension Office, 307 Maine Ave. The presenter is Louise O. Kirkland, certified family living educator. The fee is $25.

Attendees will explore the differences between biological and stepfamilies. Tips on communication will be discussed to build a strong couple relationship. Learn to understand the changes children experience in stepfamilies and develop realistic expectations as adults.

For more information and registration, call 942-7396.

Lead-based paint course

Penquis Community Action Program will hold a free lead-based paint homeowners awareness course 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, at Penquis CAP, 262 Harlow St. Pizza and drinks will be provided. There is no cost, but registration is required.

The class will provide information for homeowners, tenants and landlords who intend to do painting, repairs or renovation themselves in their homes where lead paint could be present. This is not a professional contractor class.

For information or registration, call Penquis CAP at 973-3553 or (800) 215-4942.

Peace vigil anniversary

The public is invited to the fifth anniversary of the Bangor Peace Vigil 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. l7, in front of the Federal Building on Harlow Street.

Cider and cookies will be served to commemorate the weekly peace vigil, one of many held in Maine communities since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Peace-loving people are invited to join the vigil to call for an end to the war in Iraq and to say no to future pre-emptive wars, organizers said. For more information, call 942-9343.

Literacy Volunteers

Literacy Volunteers of Bangor seeks volunteers who wish to welcome foreign-born community residents to the area. Specifically, volunteers interested in being trained as English language tutors are needed in the Bangor area. As diversity in the area increases, so does the need for volunteers to help others adjust to the area.

English language tutor classes start at the end of October. Call the Literacy Volunteers of Bangor at 947-8451 to sign up for a one-hour Introduction to Literacy seminar at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, or noon Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Winter Weekend 2007

The kick-off meeting for Bangor Winter Weekend 2007 will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Sea Dog restaurant, 26 Front St. The event will take place Feb. 22-24.

Singing for peace

Women with Wings, Sviata Duma (Balkan Trio), Voices for Peace and Women Rising will sing for peace at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Union Street Brick Church. Admission is a donation of $10. Proceeds benefit the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine.

Halloween party

The Bangor Parks and Recreation Department will hold a Halloween party 5-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at the facility, 647 Main St. The event is open to children in kindergarten to fifth grade. Activities will include games, prizes, costume contest and haunted house. For more information, call 992-4490.

Guest soloist

Kristyn Murphy will be the guest soloist at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at Forest Avenue Congregational Church, 300 Forest Ave., during its Sunday service. She has been described as having “a sweet voice and a passion for music.” Murphy aspires to start a music camp for young musicians, and wants to be a success in the music world and have her own CDs.

Early childhood learning

BANGOR – The Penquis CAP Resource Development Center is offering Early Childhood Learning Guidelines for child care professionals on seven dates beginning Nov. 13 at Penquis CAP, 262 Harlow St.

Maine’s Early Childhood Learning Guidelines have been approved by the state, and pertain to children age 3 to 5. The class is open to family child care, center-based, nursery school, Head Start and public pre-kindergarten programs. There is a $15 registration fee. for information or registration, call 973-3533.

Grants workshop

The National Endowment for the Arts will sponsor a grants workshop for local arts organizations 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Bangor City Hall. For more information, call Darrell Bulmer, 287-6746.

Brewer

Basket bingo for OHI

The public is invited to Basket Bingo at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Brewer Eagles Club, 22 Atlantic Ave., to raise funds for people with disabilities and to have fun winning Longaberger baskets. More than $2,500 worth of baskets and prizes will be available.

Tickets are $10 at the door for 15 bingo games and 20 chances to win door prizes. There will be two “cover all” games and two raffles in addition to the 15 games.

OHI, sponsor of the event, is raising funds for people with developmental disabilities. OHI is a social service nonprofit helping people with disabilities to live and work in their communities.

Bucksport

Benefit fish fry

The Knights of Columbus Council 5756 will sponsor its first annual benefit fish fry at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Central and Franklin streets. The cost is $7 for a meal of haddock, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, dessert and beverage.

The event will support Theo’s Work, a nonprofit organization founded by Maine native the Rev. Marc Boisvert in 1998 to support humanitarian efforts for impoverished Haitian children. Donations may made at the supper or mailed to: Knights of Columbus, ATTN: Theo’s Work Inc., 211 U.S. Route 1, Bucksport 04416.

For more information, visit www.theoswork.org, or call 469-7204.

Eddington

Historical society meeting

The Eddington Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the East Eddington Community Church. Identification of old photographs is on the agenda. For information, call Richard Bowden, 989-5792.

Variety show

The third annual variety show featuring music, comedy, dance, skits and recitations will be held Saturday, Oct. 14, at Comins Hall, 1387 Main Road. The first show will be performed at 1 p.m., the second at 6 p.m. Admission is $5, $1 for children. To obtain advance tickets, call 843-5233. Tickets also will be available at the door. Proceeds benefit the Comins Hall preservation fund.

Hampden

Keeping the mind sharp

A seminar this evening will teach tips and techniques on how to use mnemonics to remember everything from a grocery list to scientific information. Whether you’re a senior citizen who wants to keep your mind sharp or a high school senior prepping for a physics exam, there are sure-fire ways to remember almost anything.

The seminar is open to learners of all ages 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at SAD 22 Adult Education, Reeds Brook Middle School, 28A Main Road South. The speaker will be Dottie VanHorn. For more information or registration, call Bette Tibbetts, 862-6422.

Irish music concert

The Hampden Congregational Church, 101 Main Road North, will offer an Irish music concert and public supper at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21.

The menu will feature country baked ham with a full assortment of hearty side dishes and seasonal desserts.

Two Old Friends, a duo from Kennebunk, will perform a variety of songs from Ireland, the mountains and the sea at a concert immediately after the supper. Mac McHale and Emery Hutchins have been playing together for 17 years and were the original founders of Northeast Winds.

Their repertoire includes many favorite and traditional sea songs and a good number of hot-picking instrumentals and great sing-alongs.

Tickets for the supper are $7. Concert tickets are $8. A special price of $12 is available for those who plan to attend both events, and $3 to children age 5 and under for each event. Tickets are available at the door.

Hudson

Leadership academy

Maine Rep. Bob Duchesne of Hudson has returned from a fellowship to the Robert J. Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy where he studied policy issues facing state governments in 2006 with 35 other state government leaders from around the country.

“States are taking on a larger and larger role in making policy, and the opportunity to learn about creative solutions for Maine people will help to keep us on the cutting edge,” Duchesne said. “Maine people deserve the best, and this fellowship provided an opportunity to learn from some of the nation’s top leaders and then come home and do just that.”

Duchesne arrived at the conference Sept. 17 and spent the week at the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government. Supported by the Council of State Governments and the Fels Institute, the seminar brought together lawmakers and state officials from all branches of government from the Northeast, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Quebec and Ontario.

This year’s conference focused on leadership, regionalism and ethics in government. Special attention was given to health care and education.

Old Town

Concert for Life: a tribute

Concert For Life: A Tribute to Elliot Larson” will be held noon-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Elliot Larson, a 16-year-old Old Town High student, died in a car accident in March.

“Elliot was a wonderful person and an excellent musician. He is greatly missed. We hope to celebrate his life and honor his memory with this event,” said Leonard Middle School music teacher Shianne Wheeler.

Seven bands will perform throughout the day – Old Town High School Jazz Ensemble, Dead River, Zebuesk, SoundBender, Nealley’s Corner, Dugen and the Queen City Big Band. Between bands, there will be the opportunity for friends and family to perform or speak. Admission is $5. Refreshments will be sold. Proceeds benefit the Larson family and the Elliot Larson Music Scholarship Fund.

Orono

Contra dance

The Marsh Island Band will begin its 27th season of contra dances at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Keith Anderson Community Center, Bennoch Road. An optional beginner’s session will begin at 7:30 p.m. Partners are not necessary and all dances are taught during the evening. Admission is $6. For more information, call Joe or Kyle at 866-3126.

Lake association

The Greater Pushaw Lake Association will hold its annual meeting and pizza supper, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the Treadwell Building, 8 Bennoch Road. The association works to improve water quality at the lake. For more information, call 827-2696.

Project Graduation

A fundraiser for Orono High School Project Graduation will be held 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at Orono High School. Multiple vendors will be under one roof. Attendees will find house and kitchen ware, health and beauty aids, toys, crafts, food, refreshments and a raffle. Free coffee and tea. Admission is $1.

Winterport

American Legion auxiliary

An informational meeting to start a Ladies Auxiliary for the American Legion will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Victoria Grant Civic Center, 40 Park Drive.

Refreshments will be served, and babysitting will be available. For information, contact Tammy Higgins at 223-2519.

Areawide

Fire departments

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced $91.8 million in direct assistance grants to 860 fire departments and first responder organizations through the department’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Grants have been made to:

. Town of Levant Fire Department, vehicle acquisition, $237,500.

. Stetson Volunteer Fire Department, vehicle acquisition, $228,000.

Valley Arts Alliance

The Valley Arts Alliance will hold its second annual Open Studio Days 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays until mid-December.

Not every studio is open each Saturday. The full schedule is posted at valleyartsalliance.org. For more information, call Jane Briggs, VAA secretary, at the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce, 368-4698.