Mid-winter always finds local chapters of the American Red Cross extremely busy, meeting the needs of individuals and families suffering from a variety of disasters.

From her Bangor office, Suzan Bell, executive director of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross, has asked that our readers remember that “all local disaster relief funds come from local donors.”

Pine Tree Chapter responded to eight home disasters between Feb. 17 and 20. They assisted a Dover-Foxcroft family whose roof caved in under the weight of snow; two home fires, on the same day, in Lubec; and home fires in South Thomaston, Belfast, Glenburn, Cherryfield and Millinocket.

During this difficult time of year, the Red Cross “is ready to respond, and is responding, with money for shelter, food and clothing,” Bell reported, adding that “demand on the chapter’s resources is increasing” and she hopes “the public will respond with financial contributions which will help neighbors and loved ones cope with disasters like the ones we have been dealing with.”

Last week, I spoke with Pine Tree development director Mickey Sirota, who expanded on Bell’s statement by re-emphasizing that the local chapter relies solely on your contributions.

“We receive no local, state or federal funding,” he said of money to support this chapter’s work. “It all comes from donations.”

Sirota also asked me to kindly remind readers that the Red Cross can only accept financial contributions, since it is not physically set up to receive any other type of donation or contribution.

If you can help the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross at this time, please send a check to Pine Tree Chapter, 33 Mildred Ave., Bangor 04401, or make a donation online at www.pinetree.redcross.org.

If you have questions about making a contribution to the Red Cross, please call Sirota at 941-2903.

Waldo County area residents interested in learning about Reiki, a relaxation and stress relief technique, can attend a free monthly adult Reiki Clinic.

The first session is 3-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Massage Therapy and Reiki Clinic in Room 205 on the second floor of Waldo County General Hospital at 118 Northport Ave. in Belfast.

You can drop in any time and receive a brief introduction to the concept and how it might improve your health.

The sessions will be led by Cynthia Swan.

Other Reiki practitioners are welcome, and more information is available by calling Swan at 930-2549.

Relatives raising children affected by addiction and substance abuse are invited to attend a three-part Maine Kids-Kin series, Addiction: Understanding its Roots and Learning About its Affects.

The first presentation, The Roots of Addiction, will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Families and Children Together, 304B Hancock St., Bangor.

Maine Kids-Kin is a program of FACT. This first program in the series features a video about biological and environmental reasons people become addicted to a variety of substances. Licensed clinical professional counselor Susan Burgess will answer questions following the video.

The series continues March 28 and April 25.

The presentations are free, but registration is required. Child care is available on site by request.

For more information, or to register, call Janelle Wuoristo, (866) 298-0896 or 941-2347.

Last month I heard from Chris Olsen of Bangor about an idea the Bangor Noon Kiwanis has for a fundraiser.

The club is considering hosting a “giant crafts and collectibles show sometime this spring,” Olsen wrote of the event that would serve as a fundraiser for the club’s charities, as well as a way to make people aware of community facilities the club supports, such as the Police Athletic League Center.

Olsen is asking anyone involved with crafts and collectibles, “whether it’s Beanie Babies, baseball cards, scrapbooking, stamp collecting, woodcrafts” or anything else, to get in contact with him.

If you are interested in such a venture, call Olsen at 745-1287 or email chrisolsenbangorrealtor@yahoo.com.

Boyd Bowden of Presque Isle wants readers to know that the 2007 reunion of the USS Springfield is April 26-29 at the Omni Hotel in Newport News, Va.

The contact person for this 16th annual event is John W. Adams, 71 Brookview Road, Windham, N.H. 03087-1780.

His telephone number is (603) 598-2806, and his email is johnmrwillie@aol.com.

If you would like to discuss the reunion with Bowden, you can write him at 9 Lombard St., Presque Isle, 04769-2447, or call him at 764-1833.

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