What a pleasure it is to extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to Miller Drug owner William “Billy” Miller of Bangor on the occasion of his 50th anniversary with our historic Bangor Symphony Orchestra during this, its 112th season.

The BSO will honor Miller during a gala dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Bangor Civic Center but, if you wish to attend, you must make reservations by Friday, Sept. 21.

Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight, and can be reserved by calling the BSO at 942-5555 or 800-639-3221, or visiting the BSO office at 51A Main Street, Bangor.

According to Johanna Lacey of the BSO, Miller, a percussionist, first performed with the orchestra in 1957, “waiting an hour into the concert for his debut,” playing the triangle, “before an audience that included his wife, Gloria,” his parents and brother.

The Miller gala, with Danny Williams as master of ceremonies, will include an opening greeting from Sen. Susan Collins, focusing on Miller’s commitments to the city and the symphony; a BSO ensemble, the Bangor High School Jazz Choir and Combo, the Bangor High School Fiddlers and the Bangor Band.

Henry Fogel, president and CEO of the American Symphony Orchestra League, will deliver the keynote speech. Fogel is coming to the city specifically for this event.

The gala includes a short film tribute to Miller and other surprises, but the highlight of the anniversary celebration is the establishment of the BSO Billy Miller Endowed Chair Fund to support the orchestra’s principal percussionist, with any additional income directed to supporting other orchestra musicians.

To contribute to this fund, contact the BSO at the any of the above numbers, or visit its office.

Robin Long of the Bangor Y reports Lorraine Eldridge, manager of Aqua-Pura for Your Health, is the guest speaker at the Bone Health Information and Discussion Group at 10 a.m. today at the Bangor Y on Second Street.

The talk, about a new approach to health that combines ancient healing techniques with western methods, is free and open to the public. For more information, call 941-2808.

Caring Connections of the Bangor Y and Eastern Maine Medical Center is the program sponsor.

Sue Clifford of the American Cancer Society in Topsham reports the ACS Relay For Life of Old Town planning committee is hosting a meeting at 6 tonight at All Souls Congregational Church, 10 Broadway in Bangor.

The purpose of the meeting is to “share with residents the importance of Relay For Life in saving lives.” The event “is the signature event of the ACS,” she added.

Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, obtain community support, coordinate logistics, find refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment and assist in a number of ways with next spring’s event.

For more information, call 800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

If you have not already done so, today is the deadline to nominate a hard-working woman to be honored by the UPtown Business and Professional Women at its Standing Ovation Luncheon on Oct. 17.

Nominations can be sent to UPtown BPW, Attn: Standing Ovation, P.O. Box 1825, Bangor 04401.

For details about this honor, visit www.bpwuptownbangor.org and click on NBWW.

The Sullivan Women’s Fire Department Auxiliary is hosting a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the town office building to benefit the neutering and spaying of dogs and cats for people in need, and to help lower the cost of the rabies shots offered at its annual rabies clinic in January.

For more information about the event, or the program, call Kristine Guyton, 422-6282.

Phyllis Cohn, associate state director of AARP Maine, reminds those 50 and over that AARP is offering AARP University, a Two-Track program focusing on personal and financial health, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Bangor High School.

The featured speakers are Dr. Erik Steele, addressing strategies for personal empowerment, and Lucie Arbuthnot Ph.D., on staying mentally sharp and physically fit.

You do not need to be an AARP member to attend.

Financial minicourses cover retirement, investment safety and legal tools for health care and financial decision-making, and health minicourses include Tai Chi, managing your mental health and eating happy but healthy.

The $5 fee includes lunch, and you must register to attend by calling 877-926-8300.

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