Believe it or not, it is time for the historic Bangor Band Summer Concert Series, which kicks off its 2007 season at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, at the Bangor Public Library on Harlow Street.

Noting that in 2009 the band celebrates “150 years of community service, having been organized on Jan. 29, 1859,” member Bob Pentland wrote, “Having been in continuous existence since that date, we are one of the very oldest, continuous community bands in America!”

He added that “in the early 20th century community bands thrived and there were thousands nationwide,” but the concept waned in later years, and nearly disappeared.

But the Bangor Band, he wrote, “has been proud to perform” for so many continuous years, “and looks forward to carrying the tradition forward.”

Pentland also wants you to know that the Bangor Band’s “esteemed conductor, Dr. Frederic Goldrich, has, once again, compiled a variety of musical selections to please most any musical pal-ate.”

The programs will feature “a mix of marches, show tunes, big band swing, light overtures, cornet and other instrument solos, and a variety of other foot-tapping music.”

Pentland invites “young and old to bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on, and enjoy a warm, summer evening on the lawn, listening to us play.”

He does remind you that “all concerts are ‘weather permitting,'” and wants area musicians to know if they “have an interest in joining us, please speak to one of our members at a concert.”

Bangor Band concerts are 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, at the Bandstand in Paul Bunyan Park on Main Street; 9:45 a.m. Saturday, June 30, for R.B. Hall Day at the Gazebo in Fairfield; 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, at Fairmount Park; the Fourth of July Parade in Bangor and then at 7 p.m., that evening, Wednesday, July 4, at the Bandstand in Paul Bunyan Park.

The remaining concerts are 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, at the Bandstand; 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, at the Bandstand; 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, at Chapin Park; 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, on the Bangor Waterfront; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the Bandstand; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, at the Bandstand; and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, at the Old Town Library.

If you can’t get to Bangor, Gaynor Reynolds reports that, “once again, Ecotat Gardens is hosting a series of events throughout the gardening season,” which you will certainly enjoy.

The Sebasticook Valley Community Band appears in concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, at Ecotat Gardens, which is located at the intersection of 2699 Route 2 and Annis Road in Hermon.

The rain date is Tuesday, June 26.

No admission is charged, but donations are certainly welcome.

You should bring your own lawn chair, and are asked to leave your vehicles in the Annis Road parking area.

“We invite and encourage people to arrive early, to allow for a few minutes to walk through, and enjoy, the gardens,” Reynolds added.

Adam Lacher of WERU e-mailed to announce the WERU Summer Solstice Celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at the Belfast Boathouse, 34 Commercial Street.

The cost is $12 for the general public, $10 for WERU members and free for children under 12.

The celebration features The Jason Spooner Trio, Lindsey Ray and Great Highlands Bagpiper Ted Hensley in the program that benefits WERU Community Radio.

For more information, call 469-6600.

All too often, we are apt to neglect the importance of educators in our lives: But not Roland and Linda Jandreau of Presque Isle.

Parents of three children who “had the good fortune” to be “educated, inspired and nurtured by the administrators, faculty and staff of the Presque Isle School District,” the Jandreaus wrote they “thank you once” for Michael, PIHS 2000; “thank you twice,” for Kevin, PIHS 2003 and “thank you thrice,” for Whitney PIHS 2007.

“Thank you for your dedication, focus and professionalism. Thank you for your compassion, kindness and humanity. Thank you for your artistry, creativity and imagination. Thank you for your guidance, patience and persistence. Thank you for caring for our children as if they were your own.

“To each and every one of you who have touched their lives in countless, positive ways, we humbly offer our sincere gratitude and everlasting admiration.

“Way to go Presque Isle schools.

“You rock our world!”

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