Back in August, in our Letters to the Editor section, Ryan Jacques described the status of the Hermon Volunteer Rescue Squad, which has been responding to your emergency requests since 1968.

“We are a nonprofit organization which relies on the generosity of the citizens of Hermon who make donations and attend fundraisers, and the members of the rescue squad who volunteer their time and services,” he wrote on behalf of the organization.

He also informed readers HVRS is “an entirely separate entity, and not affiliated with the governing body” of the town of Hermon.

“The rescue squad is self-sufficient, providing a service to its townspeople.” Although it is a small, local rescue squad, Jacques assured readers the organization “intends on continuing our services for many more years to come.”

Then he wrote that the HVRS “is always accepting new applications” for licensed Emergency Medical Technicians and drivers.

On Wednesday, I received an e-mail from Sherman Mason, who wrote that for this program to remain strong and ready to serve the community, it still needs more volunteers.

Mason wrote the squad is seeking “people who want to help people,” and those who are interested in “caring for the needs of the people in the town of Hermon.”

If you are an EMT, an EMT-1, a paramedic, a nurse who is willing to cross-train, or an individual who wants to take EMT training and help with driving, the HVRS would be very happy to hear from you.

You must have a valid Maine driver’s license and know that your “call time” would constitute “at least 24 hours in a month, and drills,” Mason wrote, adding that “an hourly rate is given for time on calls.”

If you are interested, you are asked to call 848-7185 or 848-3093, or write Hermon Rescue, P.O. Box 6040, Hermon 04402.

In Jacques’ August letter, he wrote, “it has been our goal to provide the best quality and friendly care possible.

“It is our belief that we have met our goals throughout the years.”

He reported the “national average for calls answered is 90 percent, according to the National Emergency Medical Council.”

Members of the HVRS “are proud to say we answered 94 percent of all calls received in 2005.”

By answering this call, you can help the HVRS maintain that outstanding record of service.

Anne Weisheipl wants women to know there is no fee to participate in the Women’s Ski Race beginning with registration at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, in the basement of Maine Bound on the campus of the University of Maine in Orono.

If you have no cross-country skis, you can rent them for $6. The fundraiser offers raffle prizes, hot cocoa and snacks, and all donations benefit local women’s needs through the assistance of student volunteers.

The event takes place no matter what the weather, and includes a skate and classic division for all abilities and all ages.

As part of the “Wintergreen Dreams: Cabin-Fever Poems” program of the Eastport Art Center, Joyce Weber, David Orrell, Linda Sisson and Jonathan Sisson will read “Renascence” by Edna St. Vincent Millay at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at the EAC, 36 Washington St.

There is no admission, and more information is available by calling 853-4574.

Cathy Marquez invites you to “ease the winter doldrums with an evening of good food and scintillating company in a festive atmosphere, served by waiters wearing an array of hats unequaled on this coast” by attending the Church of Universal Fellowship Turkey Supper at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at the church, 82 Main St., in Orono.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $3.50 for children under 12, and are available at the church office or by calling 866-3655.

Diana Giles wrote to let readers know the Anah Shrine Mini-Bikes are again hosting their Valentine’s Day Dance “for the whole family.”

That special event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at the Shrine Hall on Main Street in Bangor, and “all ages are invited to attend,” she wrote.

A disc jockey, clowns, pizza, soda, treats and door prizes will keep the kids entertained, and tickets are just $10 each with children under 2 invited to attend for free.

Tickets and more information are available by calling the Shrine Hall at 942-2254.

Proceeds benefit the Anah Shrine Mini-Bikes.

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