Discovery Day for young moms

BANGOR – The third annual Discovery Day for pregnant or parenting moms 21 years old and under is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, April 9, at the Maine Discovery Museum.

The free day of fun and exploration features opportunities for young pregnant and parenting moms to learn new ideas about parenting, discover new things about themselves, find out about community resources and have fun exploring the Maine Discovery Museum.

The day offers assistance with transportation and free child care, and will feature a keynote presentation by Michael Wingfield, “The Rhythm of Life, How We Beat,” and workshops “More with Michael,” “Make Some Noise” and “Fancy Faces.”

Participants will engage in activities they can take home and recreate with their children.

Register by March 28 by calling Laurie at 973-3580 or Crystal at 973-3581, or toll-free (888) 369-3610. Space is limited to the first 60 registrants.

Discovery Day is organized by the Parents Are Teachers, Too Coalition consisting of The Acadia Hospital, Bangor Public Health Nursing, Bangor Region Partners for Health, DHHS Public Health Nursing, Good Samaritan Agency, Maine Discovery Museum, Penquis Parents are Teachers, Too, Penquis Autism Community Services, Penquis Dispute Resolution Center, Penquis Health Services, River Coalition, Spruce Run, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Penobscot County and UM School of Social Work students.

Discovery Day sponsors are: The Acadia Hospital, Bangor Region Partners for Health, Bangor Hydro, Domino’s, Grace United Methodist Church, Maine Discovery Museum, Olive Garden, Penquis CAP, Parents Are Teachers, Too and Unifirst Corporation.

Many local businesses have donated free items in support of the workshops and activities of the day: Bagel Central, Hannaford, Piscataquis Public Health Council, Sam’s Club, Snowman Printing, Spruce Run and UM Cooperative Extension Penobscot County.

Grant for OHI

BANGOR – OHI has received a grant award from the Robert N. Haskell and Gladys M. Stetson Fund of the Maine Community Foundation for $5,000 to fund a technology assessment.

This is a donor-advised fund established by individuals who make recommendations from time to time as to how the income and-or principal is spent.

OHI is a social service agency that has been in operation since 1979, supporting those with developmental disabilities. Many of the people OHI supports have endured abuse and discrimination as a result of their cognitive and developmental challenges.

OHI serves adults, including class members from the Pineland Center, and teenagers ages 12-17 – approximately 400 individuals – through residential support in the Bangor region. The agency’s work and mission is to provide the right support to each individual so they may live life with dignity and be productive members of the community.

KISS Kares for Kids

Each year, KISS 94.5 radio serves as the host for the Children’s Miracle Network of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems’ radiothon. For three days the guys and gals from KISS are on-the-air, starting with Mike and Mike at 6 a.m. Thursday, March 22.

This 31-hour KISS radiothon gives healthcare providers, local celebrities and miracle families an opportunity to share their stories.

The radiothon airs 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 22 and 23; and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 24, broadcast live from center court at the Bangor Mall.

Last year, KISS and the EMHS Children’s Miracle Network raised more than $34,000.

To make a contribution or to volunteer, call 973-5055.

Diabetes fundraiser

BANGOR – Gold’s Gym fitness facilities in communities throughout the country are opening their doors for the first-of-its-kind nationwide Spin-a-Thon charity event on Saturday, March 31, in support of the American Diabetes Association.

Gold’s Gym invites members and non-members to burn calories and have fun in the national Spin-a-Thon event while raising funds to fight diabetes. Local residents will enjoy spinning in unison with individuals from across the United States in a national effort to raise funds in support of diabetes prevention and awareness.

Diabetes is one of the biggest health crisis’ facing the United States, with more than 75 million Americans affected by the disease. It is estimated that nearly 21 million have the disease and another 54 million have pre-diabetes. Staff at Gold’s Gym hope the nationwide event will help educate Americans about the importance of exercise in the fight against the disease.

Those interested in participating in the fundraiser may register online at www.diabetes.org/tour-teamgolds.com or contact a local Gold’s Gym at www.goldsgym.com for event times and information.

For more information on the national Spin-a-Thon and Gold’s commitment to fighting diabetes, call Kristie Rowling at (310) 392-4244 or e-mail krowling@riester.com.