The Annex thrift shop in need of volunteers

While Aunt Nellie’s Attic in Holden closed for the season in the middle of October to be reopened in May, Martha Whitehouse wrote to say The Annex, “which was opened next door for the first time this summer will continue to be open but with reduced hours.”

Whitehouse reports The Annex will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on Route 1A in Holden.

“For those who haven’t visited The Annex yet,” Whitehouse wrote, you “are in for a treat.”

The facility offers “gently used furniture, a room full of costumes for all ages, artwork and new items from airport gift shops all over the United States.”

In fact, “some of those gift shop treasures include trade-name sports clothing, dishes, cards, travel items, children’s clothing, toys and books,” with more stock “yet to be unpacked,” she added.

Additionally, “so as not to leave Aunt Nellie out in the cold this winter, we are transporting a number of her favorite Attic items to The Annex, such as handmade pottery and soft crafts,” made by members of Hammond Street Senior Center in Bangor, which sponsors Aunt Nellie’s and The Annex.

You also will find “newtiques and occasional antiques,” Whitehouse wrote.

“Everyone looking for a fun experience, as well as a bargain, should visit The Annex on a regular basis this winter,” she said.

However, with all this continued activity, Whitehouse reminds readers that “Aunt Nellie’s is always looking for volunteers of all ages, as well as donations of usable thrift-shop treasures.”

Gently used furniture donations are accepted on the days The Annex is open, and other, smaller items are accepted from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at HSSC, 2 Hammond St., Bangor.

Whitehouse reminds contributors that donation forms for tax purposes are available, and that all proceeds from both facilities benefit HSSC.

For information about Aunt Nellie’s, The Annex or HSSC, call 262-5532.

My friend Susan Carlisle, who’s again heading up the annual Maine Discovery Museum fundraising auction set for Saturday, Nov. 3, e-mailed to remind readers if you “want to see the artist-created clocks that will be up for auction” to benefit MDM, you’d “better get going!”

“The clocks will be in downtown windows for just another week,” she wrote, suggesting that you “pick up a locator map at the museum and see them all before we pick them up on Friday, Nov. 2, to get them ready” for the auction.

Sue explained that “the clocks, each created by a Maine artist, are all very different, and they are suitable for children or adults alike!”

“If you see one you’d like to bid on and can’t make it to the auction, online bidding is available at www.mainediscoverymuseum.org or by phone at 262-7200.”

Kelly Whalen has announced U.S. Cellular will conduct another local Family Safety Days program in conjunction with the Brewer Parks and Recreation Department from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at U.S. Cellular, 403 Wilson St., Brewer.

Members of the Brewer Fire Department will be available to teach fire safety to children and parents, and U.S. Cellular associates will offer instruction about how to use cell phones during emergencies.

Karen Cashman of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems reports the Bangor Region Influenza Coalition will hold a public, seasonal flu and pneumococcal shot clinic from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Bangor Civic Center.

A program of the Northeastern Maine Regional Resource Center, the shots are provided first come, first served, and range in cost from $25 to $40 each, with cash, checks and Medicare Part B accepted. Reimbursement receipts will be provided.

For more information about the event, which is sponsored by the city of Bangor and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, call 973-5551 or 992-4550 or visit www.cdc.gov.

Here’s a help-wanted notice from Northeast CONTACT:

Marian Parent, assistant director of Northeast CONTACT, which she describes as “Maine’s consumer organization in Bangor,” reports that the organization needs “part-time volunteers for secretarial duties as soon as possible,” and Parent promises that “parking will not be a problem.”

If you can help, she asks that you write Northeast CONTACT, attn: Marian Parent, 109 State St., Bangor 04401; or call 992-2490 between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday or between 5 and 9 p.m. Mondays.

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