Fall’s coming – time to Stuff the Bus for kids

Once again, radio station Z107.3 FM, Penquis Community Action Program, Cyr Bus Lines and Wal-Mart Supercenter in Brewer have joined together to host a Stuff the Bus campaign for children residing in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties who need help obtaining supplies for school this fall.

Jennifer Brooks of Penquis CAP reports Stuff the Bus runs from Wednesday, Aug. 8, through Friday, Aug. 10, at the Brewer Wal-Mart Supercenter.

The goal, as always, is “to Stuff the Bus (graciously donated by Cyr Bus Lines) with as many school supplies as we can to help families” in these counties, Brooks reported of the benefit from which Z107.3 FM will be broadcasting live.

According to estimates by the National Retail Federation, parents will spend more than $550 per child this year for back-to-school items, and Brooks reminds readers that, for many parents, finding dollars to make those purchases “can be an incredible hardship.”

Donations of school supplies (such as backpacks, pencils, markers, activity and craft books, scissors and glue sticks) can be left at the Brewer Wal-Mart Supercenter or at any Penquis CAP office in Penobscot or Piscataquis counties.

If you have questions about this program or want more information, call Brooks at 973-3558 or 800-215-4942.

Seniors in the Blue Hill area who would like to participate in a free osteoporosis exercise program are encouraged to register today when the first class of this six-month program meets from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at Parker Ridge Residential Community in Blue Hill.

Alma Mote, activities coordinator for Parker Ridge, reports this first meeting is a time to get the necessary paperwork done and learn about the program, so it’s not too late for you to sign up and plan to participate.

Sponsored by the University of Maine Center on Aging and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Washington counties, the program is conducted by volunteer trainers at donated sites so there is no charge to participate.

The classes include balance and strength-training exercises and discussions of nutrition, health and lifestyle issues. They are open to men and women.

The program requires a physician’s statement of medical clearance and a commitment to complete the six-month program.

For information, call Mote at 374-5789 or RSVP at 581-4412.

Now through Friday, Aug. 10, reports Gaile Nicholson of Katahdin Valley Health Center in Patten, you are invited to celebrate National Community Health Center Week.

Events include a pediatric eye health program by Dr. Jessica Philbrook and Dr. Bob Ellis, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at KVHC’s Island Falls clinic, 1300 Crystal Road.

The optometrists will help parents understand what they should know about their children’s eye health.

An explanation of patient assistance and new Medicare prescription benefits by Stacie Sparkman of Eastern Agency on Aging is planned for noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at the KVHC Millinocket facility, 180 Aroostook Ave.

Sparkman will discuss changes in Medicare Part D for the open enrollment Nov. 15-Dec. 31.

State Rep. Herbert Clark will be recognized for his affordable health care advocacy, and Dr. Lisa Jacob will discuss when your child should see a dentist.

Blood pressure checks, a presentation by Stan Pettegrow about mental health and substance abuse, and a presentation by Tammy DeLong of Aroostook Agency on Aging about patient assistance and new Medicare prescription benefits takes place noon-1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, at the KVHC Patten facility, 30 Houlton St.

The public is invited to all of the presentations, where you can enjoy grilled hot dogs and sandwich wraps served by KVHC employees.

Ann Caswell wrote that the Calais High School Class of 1957 is holding its 50th reunion Aug. 10-12 in conjunction with the 34th annual International Homecoming Festival now through Sunday, Aug. 12, in the border towns of Calais and St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

Reunion activities include a Friday evening get-together at the home of Mary Hooper Stone, where alumni will decorate a float to participate in the homecoming parade that begins at noon Saturday, Aug. 11, at Johnson’s True Value in Calais.

A dinner will be held at 5 p.m. at the restaurant at Redclyffe Shore Motor Inn in Robbinston.

CHS Class of ’57 reunion activities conclude with a noon barbecue Sunday, July 12, at the cottage of Jim Clark outside St. Stephen, N.B., Caswell wrote.

For information, call Caswell at 454-3191 or Fran Cody at 214-4862, or e-mail sashac05@yahoo.com.

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