Novel gift ideas are coming from every direction. Here’s one from dance instructor Karen McCall.

“If you’re looking for an unusual, last-minute Christmas gift for loved ones,” she wrote, “or just a fun way to get a good cardiovascular workout yourself, give the gift of dance.”

And, not only do you get to give the gift of dance, you also get to support Bangor Community Theater at the same time.

Since the 1950s, BCT “has been entertaining” audiences in the Bangor area and “now it’s the community’s turn to not only help this volunteer theater group, but earn a lifelong skill, get exercise and have fun at the same time,” McCall wrote.

BCT is offering a six-week session of dance classes on Tuesday evenings, beginning Jan. 9, and continuing through Feb. 13, at Morgan Hill Event Center in Hermon.

The fee for the six-week program is $55 for singles and $95 for couples, and the pre-registration deadline is Saturday, Dec. 30.

A printable registration form is available at www.Have2Dance.com or by calling McCall at 848-7765.

Latin ballroom dances, which will not require a partner, will be taught from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on those Tuesdays.

American ballroom dances, waltz and swing lessons will be taught from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Tuesday.

“Both couples and singles, of all ages, are encouraged to attend,” McCall wrote of the lessons, which are open to the public.

McCall added that by “the end of the session, you’ll be able to waltz and swing or salsa and merengue your way around the dance floor in time for that special Valentine dance.”

And, to those of you who decide to take the course, she thanks you, in advance, “for supporting Bangor Community Theater so that it may continue to entertain” Bangor area audiences.

Youngsters from Downeast Big Brothers-Big Sisters are in for a treat today, when Bugaboo Creek Steak House welcomes them with food and gifts from its staff.

Appearing as Santa Claus will be employee Jeremy White, a lieutenant and executive officer with the Maine Army National Guard’s 133rd Engineer Battalion who recently returned home after two tours in Iraq and Bosnia.

This “Santa” lives up to his busy image: He’s also completing his second degree in accounting at the University of Maine, according to a Bugaboo Creek release.

Earlier this month, the Bangor Daily News received its first “official” request of the school year for information for a “states” project.

The very neatly printed letter on lined paper came in the form of a Letter to the Editor from Jessie Saunders of Puyallup, Wash.

“Each member of our class is working on a project called Parade of States,” Jessie wrote.

“We are responsible for gathering as much information about the state as we can.”

Jessie chose Maine “for my presentation,” and wonders if “any of your readers would help out by sending me pictures, postcards, a used license plate, facts, products, etc., from your state. It would be greatly appreciated.”

State information and items can be sent to Jessie Saunders, 2808 41st St. SE, Puyallup, Wash. 98374.

Toni Amos of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, wrote the NEWS last month that her son was one of a number of “soldiers that had an extended layover at the Bangor airport, due to plane problems. Their stop was only to be one hour. It turned into several.”

Because it was to be a short stop, apparently there had been no plans made “to feed these troops returning from Iraq,” she wrote.

“Our son told of a group of special people that came to the rescue; arms full of food and drinks. What a welcome sight!

“The soldiers appreciated the friendship and food and, as a parent, I just had to say thank you and God bless.”

Joshua Torrance reminds you that this week is your last chance to see the historic Black House, known as Woodlawn Museum, decorated for the holidays.

The museum will be open for holiday visitors on the hour at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, on Surry Road in Ellsworth.

Admission is $7.50 for adults, $3 for children 5-16 and free for youngsters under 5. The Museum Store is open, daily, 1-4 p.m. now through Saturday, Dec. 23, or by special appointment. For information, call the museum at 667-8671.

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