One of the nicest New Year’s resolutions one can make is to help a neighbor in need.

Often, that resolution means giving only of yourself: Your time, your willingness to listen, your thoughtful offer of support for someone in crisis.

Just such an opportunity to fulfill that particular New Year’s resolution is available through Spruce Run Agency, the domestic abuse agency serving Penobscot County.

Naomi Barnum is Spruce Run’s volunteer and human resources coordinator.

She called me last week to report that her agency is “recruiting volunteers who would like to train and work with us on our 24-hour crisis hot line.”

The hot line, (800) 863-9909, is available to anyone affected by domestic abuse, offering callers a chance to talk and explore their options.

Barnum said that the training program begins Monday, Jan. 22, and will be conducted for six consecutive weeks from 5 to 8:30 p.m. each Monday and Thursday evening, in Bangor.

Becoming a Spruce Run Agency hot-line volunteer offers you the opportunity to either volunteer, during the day, by answering hot-line calls at the agency’s office, or working in the evenings from your own home.

No previous experience is necessary and no set skills are required, Barnum said.

However, before you become a hot-line volunteer, you are asked to attend an informal screening to help ensure that this type of volunteer work is what you are looking for.

Hot-line volunteer screening appointments and more information about the crisis hot line and the services it offers can be obtained by calling Spruce Run at 945-5102.

The second of two public presentations of “Maine Grandfamilies, A Documentary Film,” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, in the Lecture Room of the Bangor Public Library on Harlow Street.

This first documentary about extended family members caring for relatives’ children is a 25-minute film created by Catama Film and Video of South Portland.

The film highlights the challenges faced by these newly formed families and is presented by Maine Kids-Kin, a program of Families and Children Together which, in addition to many other services, assists people, primarily grandparents, who are raising relatives’ children.

FACT was one of just four organizations nationwide chosen to receive a federal grant that included resources to produce this documentary.

For more information about the presentation of the film, or about any aspect of Maine Kids-Kin or FACT, call FACT toll-free at (866) 298-0896 or 941-2347.

Now through Feb. 28, the public is invited to view a retrospective exhibit of the work of portraiture artist Paula Dougherty of Brooklin at the Eastern Maine Community College Library Art Gallery on the EMCC campus in Bangor.

For information about gallery hours, call 974-4640.

Dougherty, who has worked in watercolor, oil and pastels since the late 1960s, will discuss her art during a public reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the EMCC Library Gallery.

Hey kids, if you are 8-9, 10-11 or 12-13, you are welcome to participate in the 32nd annual Skowhegan-Madison Elks Hoop Shoot, beginning with signup at 1 p.m. and competition at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, at Madison Memorial High School.

Winners advance to the state championship Sunday, Jan. 21, in Augusta, and winners of that competition advance to regional and national competition.

This event is open to youngsters in SADs 12, 13, 54, 59 and 74.

For more information, call event chairman Roy Bolton at 696-9230.

Our best wishes are added to those who either attended the event or sent greetings to Helen Stanley, who celebrated her 100th birthday Friday, Dec. 29, at Brewer Rehab and Living Center.

Her daughter Sibyl Mahoney of Brewer wrote that Brewer Rehab held “a wonderful party” for her mother during which “many residents, friends and relatives presented her cards, flowers and gifts.” Mahoney added that “the Rehab provided cake, punch and decorations.”

Although a resident of South Portland for 50 years and a Floridian for 20, the new centenarian “returned to Maine in 1995,” her daughter wrote. Her family also includes a son in Indiana, four grandsons and seven great-grandchildren.

“Her family wishes to thank everyone for making her day so special,” Mahoney concluded.

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