Recently I heard from Janet Varnum, vice president of the board of directors of Island Connections in Bar Harbor.

She wants readers to know that this “nonprofit organization and network of volunteers on Mount Desert Island is dedicated to providing free transportation to seniors and those who are disabled so that they can continue to live independently.”

Rides to medical and hair appointments, and grocery shopping, even visits to the Bangor Garden Show or tea and popovers at Jordan Pond House, are just some of the ways these MDI neighbors help each other, she explained.

And to support these activities, she said, “Island Connections is running an online auction through May 31 at www.islconnections.cmarket.com.

“Many wonderful items have been donated by area businesses and individuals and are now up for bid,” Varnum wrote. They range from jewelry to bed-and-breakfast packages.

And, she added, in urging you to “join in the fun of our online auction, you may even donate an item for yourself” or you can make a cash donation by clicking on the Cash Donate Now button.

For more information, call Island Connections at 288-5547.

From the executive director of the Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center in Bangor comes word that women’s health care nurse practitioner Terry Marley-DeRosier will be honored “for her health care services to thousands of Maine women.”

Ruth Lockhart said the Mabel Sine Wadsworth Women’s Health Achievement Award will be presented during the organization’s annual dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at Spectacular Event Center in Bangor.

Preregistration is required and complimentary tickets are available by calling 947-5337, ext. 105, for more information.

“We know there are many, many people in Bangor whose lives have been touched and positively changed by Terry’s very special and caring ways,” Lockhart wrote in inviting “anyone who wishes to participate” in this special event to attend.

The evening also includes a “silent auction with lots of interesting items” Lockhart said.

Kate Dzurec wants you to know that just “a small donation gets you in the door” to participate in the Rotary auction and The Next Step Chocolate Fest from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at the Ellsworth Holiday Inn Convention Center on High Street.

Dzurec wrote that the event, “traditionally the biggest fundraiser for both groups,” features “live music, scrumptious chowder and other great food, a cash bar and, of course, chocolate!”

Union Trust Bank and China Hill Restaurant are major sponsors, with several local businesses serving as table, cash and in-kind sponsors.

With generous commitment from community members and business owners, The Next Step Domestic Violence Project director Laurie Fogleman estimates that some 200 items will be up for bid, a fact she believes “speaks volumes about the respect local businesses have for this annual event.”

How pleased followers of the popular local band Gilpin Railroad Incident will be to learn that these performers, including BDN colleague Becky Bowden, will be the opening act for an Oxford Networks presentation, “Country for a Cause,” featuring Lewiston native and Nashville recording artist Jeff Caron.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee, 190 Birch St., Lewiston. Proceeds benefit the Maine Cancer Foundation.

Tickets are $20 and may be bought by calling 877-GO-TIX-GO or at www.thecolisee.com.

Bowden explained that she and fellow band members Chris Soper, Brad Radley, Wayne Gross and Sharla Hamor are best known “for their original acoustic hillbilly stomp rock sound that can best be categorized as American roots music.”

On behalf of Bangor High School Class of 1977, Holly Houston reminds classmates their 30th class reunion officially begins with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at the Sea Dog on the Bangor Waterfront. The cost is $25 per person.

However, she added, “we are going to start the weekend off with a Downtown Walk Around, taking in any of the downtown pubs and restaurants.”

Saturday morning, Bangor Municipal Golf Course is offering class members reduced greens fees, but tee times are required. For those who don’t golf, Houston suggests breakfast at the Bangor Muni restaurant.

Class members will also receive reduced-rate accommodations at The Best Inn and The Charles Inn in Bangor.

For complete details, e-mail bhs1977reunion@gmail.com or call Houston at 945-9719.

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