One of this state’s most treasured institutions is our own Bangor Symphony Orchestra.

Founded in 1896, its Web site proudly proclaims, “we haven’t missed a season since, making the BSO the oldest continuously operating community orchestra in the U.S.”

As with every organization in these difficult financial times, meeting its annual budget is a challenge.

The first day of this month, the BSO launched 31: A Magic Number, in which the 111-year-old organization is asking 1,000 “music lovers who have never previously contributed” to the BSO’s annual campaign to do so by contributing $31, which is just $1 for each of the 31 days of May.

Actually receiving $31,000 this month would help the BSO meet its annual budget goal, the BSO’s Johnna Lacey told me, but she said late last week that amount is still far from being reached.

It takes more than $31 to fill just about any gas tank these days, but your $31 to the BSO could fill the lives of thousands with the wonderful world of music through the performances of the historic Bangor Symphony Orchestra.

To contribute, visit bangorsymphony.com, call (800) 639-3221 or 942-5555, or send your check for $31 to BSO, P.O. Box 1441, Bangor 04402-1441.

It’s fiddlehead season in the Pine Tree State, and The Rev. Leslie Nesin of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church invites you to its annual Fiddlehead Supper from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, in the church’s Watson Hall at 116 Main St., Houlton.

I’ve been told the menu includes fiddlehead quiche, ham, steamed fiddleheads, potato salad, homemade rolls, drinks and desserts.

The cost is just $7 for adults and $3.50 for children under 12 and, if you want to take something special home, quiches to freeze will be available for $10 each.

As a community service, reports Cherilyn Typaldos, Greater Bangor Seventh-day Adventist Church and Northern Lights Health Education of Bath are conducting a series of free Health, Nutrition and Disease Prevention classes, and the next is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at Bangor Public Library on Harlow Street.

This class features Dr. John Clark discussing osteoporosis, its “often unrecognized causes and what you can do about it,” Typaldos wrote.

Sandra Gordon of Waldo County Healthcare reports the regular monthly meeting of the Waldo County Family Caregiver Education and Support group is noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, in the Education Building next to Waldo County General Hospital, 118 Northport Ave. in Belfast.

All caregivers, friends and family are welcome “to attend and share experiences or concerns,” she wrote.

You may bring your own lunch, and drinks will be provided.

If you would like more information about this meeting or this group, call Margie Spencer-Smith of Waldo County Home Health & Hospice at 338-2268.

Let’s hope for warmer weather for those who attend “Getting Ready for Spring Gardening” at noon Tuesday, May 22, at Page Farm and Home Museum on the University of Maine campus in Orono.

The university invites you to join Lois Stack for the free lunchtime workshop presented by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s ornamental horticulture specialist.

You are welcome to bring your own lunch.

Orono High School art teacher Jessica Andresen invites you to attend the Orono Schools Arts Festival 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, in the gymnasium at Orono High School.

Andresen reports students “in all art classes, from elementary through high school, will have their work showcased” in this exhibit.

The event also includes an Empty Bowls sale. For a minimum donation of $5, you can purchase ceramic bowls created by OHS students.

All proceeds from the sale of the bowls “will be donated to a local food panty in an effort to fight hunger,” Andresen reported.

Additionally, for $2.75 each, you can purchase Art Bars, “which are organic milk chocolate candy bars … made from certifiably organic ingredients,” and each containing a piece of artwork “much like a baseball card,” she explained.

Proceeds from the sale of the Art Bars will benefit art programs for the three Orono schools.

Marion Commeau requests that members of Brewer High School Class of 1941 please write or call her with their addresses “so they can be notified of this summer’s 56th reunion,” she wrote.

You can reach Commeau at 285-7837 or write to her at 305 Notch Road, Corinth 04427-3103.

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