Bless the folks who are part of the Beech Hill School community in Otis.

They are the most wonderful collection of friends, neighbors and area residents who truly care about one another. If someone is in need, they are right there to help, and they do that more often than you can imagine.

Sherry Baron of Mariaville called me this week to let readers know that members of the Mariaville Volunteer Fire Department; the school’s Parent, Teacher and Community group; and other organizations in the area are holding a benefit Potluck Supper for young Nicholas Hovey and his family at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Beech Hill School.

You are asked to bring a dish to share and make any donation that you can to assist the family.

The fundraiser also will include a 50-50 raffle and a bake sale.

Nicholas, who is one of three children of Tom and Dawn Hovey of Mariaville, has cystic fibrosis.

A third-grader at Beech Hill School, Nicholas was admitted last week to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor to undergo a 28-day treatment for his disease.

His illness, Baron said, has put a great deal of strain on the Hovey family finances, and this benefit is the community’s attempt to help the Hoveys through this difficult time.

If you are unable to attend the supper but would like to help the family in another way, call Baron at 584-2044 or e-mail her at sbaron3083@rivah.net for more information.

On behalf of River City Cinema, Dr. Michael Grillo invites you to screen “Jesus Camp” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, in the Brewer Middle School Auditorium at 5 Somerset St.

“Jesus Camp,” a documentary, has been nominated for an Academy Award.

“The film follows young children being taught at a fundamentalist Christian camp,” Grillo wrote.

The screening will be followed with an open discussion led by Bangor Theological Seminary Professor Cliff Guthrie.

“Admission will be our usual $5,” Grillo added, “with refreshments available.”

Now through income-tax-filing day, low-income and elderly people in the Washington County area can obtain help with their income tax preparation through the Internal Revenue Service’s free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Charlie Fritz and his assistants will be available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesdays, and from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, now through April 15, in Science Room 113 of the Science Building on the campus of the University of Maine in Machias.

The service will not, however, be available the week of Feb. 19-23, when UMM is on winter break.

Student volunteers from UMM professor Pat McCarthy’s income tax class will be assisting Fritz.

These volunteers will help you fill out federal or state income tax forms, or both, as well as answer your questions.

It is also worth noting that for 20 years, Fritz has been graciously volunteering to provide this free service to those in need.

Mary Ann Devoe, president of Orono Health Association, wrote to let readers know the Orono Thrift Shop at the Parker Senior Center is closed until the end of March.

“The contractors hired by the town of Orono have informed the Orono Health Association that, due to extensive renovations, the building cannot be used,” she wrote.

While the Orono Thrift Shop is closed, “donations cannot be accepted,” Devoe emphasized, adding that “a grand-reopening is being planned for the beginning of April.”

Cynthia Magnuson of the American Cancer Society office in Topsham reports the ACS is seeking volunteers in the Penobscot County area to assist with Daffodil Days.

During February and March, the ACS needs volunteers to take orders, and pack and deliver the daffodils.

You can offer your assistance by calling (800) ACS-2345 any time, day or night.

Penobscot County area residents have until Friday, March 2, to place advance orders.

A single bouquet of fresh-cut flowers is $7, or you can make a Gift of Hope donation for $20.

The Gift of Hope is a bouquet of 10 daffodils given anonymously to cancer patients or others in need at local hospitals, nursing homes and community health centers.

In the past 12 years, Daffodil Days has raised nearly $200 million nationwide to assist in the fight against cancer.

In 2006, Daffodil Days in Maine raised more than $225,000 for the ACS.

To place your order, or volunteer, just call the number above.

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