Dessert party to raise funds for Spruce Run

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Today I bring two pieces of information about one of our most valuable community resources: Spruce Run Agency.

First is a reminder that tickets are available for Spruce Run’s Gala Dessert Party and Silent Auction, which is 7-9 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at Wellman Commons on the former Bangor Theological Seminary campus.

Tickets are $15 and are available by calling 945-5102.

Tickets also will be available at the door.

Mary Phillips of Hampden, a member of the Spruce Run steering committee, said she knows you will enjoy tasting the delicious dessert creations of this area’s favorite “chocolatiers” and bakers, and the music of The Spontaneous Jazz Ensemble.

For those who prefer fruit, that will be available too, and you also will be able to view the unveiling of Spruce Run’s new logo.

The event, which raises funds for the domestic abuse agency now in its 35th year of serving residents of Penobscot County, is sponsored by Brewer Healthcare, John T. Cyr & Sons, Jackson Plumbing, Miller Drug and Northeast Reprographic.

Concerning where the money goes from fundraisers such as this, consider this information contained in the agency’s most recent newsletter.

In fiscal year 2006, Spruce Run’s Hotline response and advocacy program served 1,153 individuals, for a total of 4,907 hours.

Last year, Spruce Run’s support and education groups assisted 154 individuals, for a total of 2,939 hours.

Emergency shelter was provided to 114 individuals, for a total of 2,697 bed days.

In 2006, Spruce Run Agency offered community education and training for 4,444 individuals, including teachers, clergy, law enforcement, human services caseworkers and health care workers, for a total of 4,307 hours.

Information about healthy relationships and dating abuse was provided to 9,408 students in Penobscot County schools, and transitional housing and services were provided to 21 women and their 20 children.

Spruce Run employees and volunteers should be proud of that service, and Penobscot County residents grateful for it.

For more information about the work of this agency and how you can help, call the number listed or visit www.sprucerun.net.

For 24-hour hot line assistance, call (800) 863-9909.

Music, raffles and a dessert buffet will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 23, at Sedgwick Elementary School.

The event benefits the family of Ray and Nancy Gale of Sedgwick.

The fundraiser features a wide range of desserts, and several items that will be raffled throughout the evening.

Attendees will hear the music of local favorites Wade Dow, Dick Philbrook, and the Higgins Family and Friends.

According to Margaret Bixby, proceeds will help the Gale family deal with extensive medical treatment expenses.

If you are unable to attend the benefit but would like to help, donations can be mailed to Gale Family Fund, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Co., P.O. Box 804, Blue Hill 04614.

More information can be obtained by calling 266-2950 or 359-2277.

Ellsworth Garden Club meetings are open to the public, reports Elaine Fernald, and she hopes you might attend the next one and “bring a friend.”

The group meets at 7 p.m. Monday, March 26, at Ellsworth City Hall.

The program should be interesting: Horticultural Therapy for Children, Seniors and the Physically Challenged.

This program will be presented by its developers, designer Erika Williams and project manager Merideth Torrey, of Atlantic Landscaping.

Refreshments will be served, and more information can be obtained by calling 244-3085.

Even though it is officially spring, the weather is still cold here in Maine, and many people find it difficult to pay their heating bills.

Staff of Penquis Community Action Program, which provides LIHEAP benefits in Knox County, hope you will help ensure its Keep Maine Warm Fund will be able to continue serving residents of that county who need fuel assistance funds.

To help in that effort, Penquis CAP will hold a Tame the Lion Silent Auction from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Carver Hill Gallery in Rockport.

Tickets are $25, and those attending will enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Preregistration is encouraged, but Rachel Davis of Penquis CAP said you also may register at the door.

To register or receive more information, call Davis at (800) 585-1605 or 596-0361, or e-mail Rdavis@penquiscap.org.

The fundraiser is sponsored by TD Banknorth.

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