Last year, the Emmaus Homeless Shelter’s first Spring Fest Concert and Auction raised $13,330, reported Sister Lucille MacDonald, director of the Ellsworth organization.

It is sincerely hoped this year’s fundraiser will exceed that amount.

Local pianist Masanobu Ikemiya returns for the second Spring Fest Concert and Auction from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at St. Joseph Hall on the corner of Main and High streets in Ellsworth.

Tickets are $30 each or two for $45 and are available at Emmaus on the corner of Main and Water streets in Ellsworth. More information can be obtained by calling 469-6771 or 664-0245.

Ikemiya’s “exceptional mastery of classical and ragtime music totally enchanted and gifted our audience, last year, with his exuberance, innocence, humor and energy,” Sister Lucille wrote of the musician to whom she is “extremely grateful” for “his commitment in helping the homeless.”

She described the pianist, who recently returned from performing benefits in Cambodia, Japan and Taiwan, as “one of the foremost exponents of his adopted American genre, ragtime.”

Sister Lucille wants readers to know “many wonderful, live and silent auction items” have been provided by local business owners, and that there will be “another wonderful selection of delicious hot and cold dishes and pastries for all to sample.”

The importance of this fundraiser cannot be overly stressed, however.

“Due to the fact that the Emmaus budget continues to increase, each year, and the state and federal distributions continue to decrease,” Sister Lucille wrote, “we need to surpass” the amount raised during last year’s benefit.

If you cannot attend this fundraiser, but wish to help Emmaus continue providing assistance to the homeless, send your checks to Emmaus Shelter, P.O. Box 811, Ellsworth 04605.

Here’s a reminder that the fifth annual Dressing for Success event, sponsored by the Business Studies Department of Washington County Community College, is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both today and Thursday, April 26, in the WCCC Assembly Room on the WCCC campus in Calais.

WCCC instructor Rhonda French also wants readers to know that “this has been a very popular event at our college for the past four years” and that, this year, it is open to the public on Thursday.

It is expected that “shoppers” should be able to find business and medical-type clothing of all sizes for men and women, as well as ties, shoes and accessories.

The public is invited to attend a slide show presentation and discussion of the Al Gore documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” from 2:30 to 5:20 p.m. Thursday, April 26, in Matthieu Auditorium in Schoodic Hall on the campus of Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor.

The presenter is Cindy Thomashow, director of environmental education/teacher certification of the Department of Environment Studies for Antioch University of New England.

According to information provided by Robb Freeman, the EMCC instructor organizing the event, Thomashow is one of “hundreds of presenters around the country” trained by former Vice President Gore “as part of his effort to get the public more informed about global warming.”

A question and answer period follows the presentation, and Freeman reports “all are welcome” to attend.

The Maine Alzheimer’s Association invites you to take part in its Thank You and Kick Off 2007 for its annual Memory Walk that raises funds to help support Maine people with Alzheimer’s disease, and their families.

The MAA Thank You and Kick Off 2007 is 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at the Maine Veterans Home, 44 Hogan Road in Bangor.

During the social hour, you will join the association in welcoming its new executive director, Mary Brant.

Attendees are invited to bring a guest and register for Memory Walk 2007, which is planned for Oct. 6, at the Bangor Raceway.

Sponsored by the Maine Veterans Home, Westgate Manor and Woodlands Assisted Living of Brewer, the event will feature entertainment provided by the Spontaneous Jazz Ensemble of Thornton Merriam, Steve McKay, Paul Reichmann and Andy Laidman.

Members of the River City Cinema Society cordially invite you to view “The Queen” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, in Wellman Commons, 300 Union St., on the former campus of Bangor Theological Seminary.

Admission is $5, and refreshments will be available.

I really enjoyed “The Queen,” and, especially the performance of Helen Mirren, who won the Academy Award for best actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II.

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