Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disease commonly known as brittle bone disease.

For 5-year-old Storm Lavway of Clinton, it means a lifetime of broken bones, multiple trips to hospitals in Montreal, Springfield, Boston and Bangor; two body casts and, come January, another trip to Boston to have rods placed in his left leg.

Dr. James M. Green of Maine Pediatric Orthopaedics in Bangor reports, “Storm has been followed through my office since birth” for this disease.

“He has also received evaluation through Eastern Maine’s Genetics Clinic and the Shriner’s system including Montreal and Springfield, Massachusetts.

“From an orthopaedic perspective, he has sustained multiple fractures, all treated conservatively. Storm needs ongoing orthopaedic and medical management” of his disease which “would include continuing genetics evaluation.”

Friends and family are trying to raise money to purchase a van and to help with expenses for treatment of his condition, his mother, Mary Spencer, told me.

To assist in that effort, a spaghetti dinner benefit will be held 4:30-7 tonight, at United Methodist Church in Clinton. Food to go, door prizes and a silent auction are included in the fundraiser.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12.

Tickets can be obtained at the door, and more information is available by calling 649-4291 or 426-8203.

For those who cannot attend but would like to help the family acquire a handicapped-equipped van, donations can be made to the Storm Lavway Special Needs Trust and mailed to Eaton & Peabody Law Office, c/o Nathaniel Putnam, P.O. Box 1210, Bangor 04402-1210.

A public baked bean and casserole supper with live entertainment at 5 p.m. today, at Sedgwick Elementary School, benefits the Christmas Is For Kids program.

Entertainers include Wade Dow and Friends, Pard and Lisa Higgins, Dick Philbrook and The Frye Mountain Band and Danny Harper and Band.

Admission is $8 for the meal, $8 for the entertainment, $14 for both.

For more information, call 374-5489.

Simpson Memorial Library in Carmel holds its annual tree lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3.

The tree was donated by Piper Mountain Christmas Tree Farm and cut by kindergarten pupils at Carmel Elementary School

The event includes caroling and light refreshments, and the opportunity to meet the new librarian, Becky Ames.

The Merryspring Nature Center’s annual Holiday Bazaar is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, in Ross Center at Merryspring Park in Camden.

Gifts and holiday decorations will be available. For more information, call 236-2239.

Bill Shook and the New Renaissance Singers invite you to join them as they “celebrate 15 years of joyous song” during their Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Union Street Brick Church in Bangor.

Shook wants you to know that while “the music and ambiance will reflect the traditional warmth and beauty of Christmas, this year’s concert will be anything but commonplace.”

Some of the songs you will hear in celebration of its 15th year include the Russian version of “Rejoice, O Virgin,” the French version of “The Shepherds’ Farewell,” and Bach’s “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star,” as well as other carols in a performance conducted by the group’s artistic director, Laura Green.

Violinist Anatole Weick and cellist Nathanial Kellogg will join accompanist Dora Rexrode.

In addition to solo performances, the audience will join in singing carols.

A gift basket will be raffled, and one program will offer a key to winning a floral arrangement from Chapel Hill Floral. Refreshments will be served after the concert.

Nancy Herr e-mailed that the second annual Ruggles House Christmas Tea and Sale is 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the circa 1818 historic house museum, 146 Main St., Columbia Falls.

Herr wrote that “the Society will be decorating” the facility for the holidays, and she invites you to “join us for tea, served with light refreshments,” adding that you will find “a selection of decorations and gifts for your holiday shopping.”

Admission to the tea is $3.

For more information about the tea or the facility, call 546-7903 or visit www.ruggleshouse.org.

Barbara Braverman informs us the Hanukkah Gift and Book Sale will be held 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday Dec. 3, in the Epstein Room at Beth Israel Synagogue, 144 York St., Bangor.

A synagogue youth group will hold a cookie sale and offer a gift-wrapping service; the sale will feature a lunch cafe and local vendors; and the new “Sisterhood Cookbook,” along with “many new, yummy recipes,” will be available for purchase.

“For your convenience,” Braverman added, the sale continues from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, beginning Monday, Dec. 4, and ending Thursday, Dec. 21.

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