Not many opportunities are more enjoyable than attending a local, live-theater production, but when that production benefits two very special causes, that is an opportunity not to be missed.

With that said, you must hurry and make your reservations because the event is this weekend, and seating is limited.

Lamoine Baptist Church is presenting three productions of the melodrama, “Curse You, Jack Dalton,” an Irish comedy by Wilbur Braun, at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3; 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Lamoine Grange Hall.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, and you can make your reservations with Jean Harris, 667-4721.

Proceeds from the performances will benefit the Lamoine Baptist Church Steeple Fund and Jina’s Gym to help build a new gymnasium at the Lamonie Consolidated School in memory of Jina Haslam.

Mary Henry wrote that she had hoped “to see people working together for a common cause, regardless of their faith background,” and added that “it has come to be! We’re making that happen with this wonderful theater production.”

Henry wrote that “dozens of volunteers from all over are involved, contributing time, money, goods and expertise,” and that “the 17 actors, representing an array of faith backgrounds and Maine occupations, are a lovely, talented bunch raring to go.”

The play is directed by Carol Korty and, Henry added, the evening features “theater in an intimate cabaret setting with an extended intermission to enjoy decadent desserts and live jazz provided by Rae Dumont on piano and Otho Knowles on bass.”

Susan Carlisle e-mailed to remind readers Maine Discovery Museum’s Fourth Annual Benefit Dinner Auction, Hold Everything, is 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Road in Bangor.

Featured are more than 75 handmade wooden benches “painted and decorated by some of Maine’s finest artists,” she wrote.

“Many are still on display in downtown storefronts, but people had better hurry to see them before they are removed for the auction.”

A special bench painted and donated by Stephen King will be auctioned on eBay. That auction ends Sunday, Nov. 12.

Call MDM, 262-7200, for ticket or eBay bidding information.

Jeannette Collins and Judy Adams are co-chairing A Jingle Bell Fair 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at North Brewer Eddington United Methodist Church, 31 Main Road, Eddington.

The women wrote that you will find many handmade crafts such as quilts, mittens, fleece hats and socks; homemade jellies, jams, pickles and other baked goods; theme gift baskets, silent auction wreaths, doll clothes, a children’s room and luncheon items.

A real Old Fashioned Fair at Phillips-Strickland House is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at Phillips-Strickland, 21 Boyd St. in Bangor.

With Maine lobster rolls, homemade haddock chowder, chili and hamburgers on the cafe menu, you can enjoy lunch while you shop.

Activities director Linda Nickerson reports six vendors will offer everything from soap to food, and you can order holiday poinsettias as well.

All proceeds from the fair directly benefit residents of the nonprofit Phillips-Strickland House.

Coach Melinda Kenny and Friends of University of Maine Cheering invite you to attend the University of Maine Cheerleaders Benefit Meat Raffle.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the meat raffle, with $1 paddles, begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, in the smoke-free banquet room of Old Town Elks Lodge 1287, 290 North Fourth St.

Meat raffle items include rib eye and sirloin strip steak, beef roast, pork loin, turkey and a mystery raffle.

Of behalf of Orono High School Project Graduation, Julie Balaban announces its second fundraiser for the class of 2007, a Shop-A-Thon from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at OHS.

“In addition to crafts,” she wrote, “multiple vendors will be there, representing companies that offer house and kitchen wares, home decorating, food, health and beauty aids, and more.”

Balaban suggests that “instead of attending numerous house parties, make up a giant holiday shopping list and visit all the vendors under one roof.”

Admission is $1. You can sample foods, enjoy free coffee and tea, or purchase refreshments of your choice.

A raffle includes more than 15 prizes in merchandise or gift certificates, and those tickets are $2 each or three for $5.

For more information, or to purchase raffle ticket in advance, call Balaban at 866-5820.

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