Now through Friday, Dec. 21, you can support the Mount Desert Island Hospital Auxiliary’s 16th annual Star Project.

Stars are $5 each. They are displayed in the hospital’s reception area, and include the name of the person being honored or remembered, and the name of the donor.

Acknowledgements of gifts can also be sent to family members.

Star order forms are available at the reception desk in the hospital at 10 Wayman Lane in Bar Harbor.

Stars can also be obtained by mailing a check to MDI Hospital Auxiliary, P.O. Box 8, Bar Harbor 04609-0008.

Last year, reported auxiliary member Charlotte Skiff, enough money was raised for the auxiliary to make a donation to the Breast Center “to start our long-awaited Cancer Support Group.”

That group, Skiff wrote, “is still in its infancy, so we are open to any suggestions to get as many people to our meetings as possible.”

The Cancer Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month and if you, or anyone you know, is interested in obtaining more information about the group, call Skiff at 288-3103, or Sue Rouleau at the Behavioral Health Center, 288-8604, ext. 142.

Alexis Jones e-mailed with an opportunity for readers to work at staying healthy this holiday season.

She invites you to attend a “better lifestyle choices and disease prevention class with a focus on healthy holiday desserts,” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Bangor Seventh-day Adventist Church, 42 Orion Way in Hermon.

The event will include “useful information, cooking demonstrations and samples, a free DVD and a door prize. All are welcome,” she wrote.

For more information, call 944-5953 or e-mail hajeij@hotmail.com.

From Sandra Gordon of Waldo County Healthcare, we learn that the annual Holiday Silver Tea, sponsored by the Waldo County General Hospital Aid, is 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the home of Manley and the late Martha Rogers, 27 Church Street in Belfast.

The public is invited to this free event, which offers sandwiches and desserts served by Aid members, and beverages including punch, coffee and tea served from silver services.

A silver bowl will be located near the entrance for any donations to benefit the hospital.

The front entrance is on Church Street, and parking is available along nearby streets.

Also, Gordon wrote, the winning ticket for the Aids’ holiday raffle for a collection of family gifts will be drawn during the tea.

The gifts are displayed in the hospital lobby, and tickets are on sale in the gift shop for $1, or six for $5.

The tea site, Gordon wrote, “is a historical, Greek revival-style house built in 1844 for Belfast merchant James H. Spring” and later purchased by sea captain Josiah Simpson, whose life story you will find most interesting.

For more information, call 930-6739.

Kathy Gagnon writes the Millinocket Historical Society has 2008 calendars for sale that include “vintage photos of the Great Northern Hotel, Oxford Street School, the old railroad station, the 1912 Town Band and more.”

The calendars are $7.50 plus $2.50 for shipping and handling, and can be ordered by sending a check to Millinocket Historical Society, P.O. Box 11, Millinocket 04462.

Gagnon believes the calendars would make great holiday gifts, and wants you to know proceeds from the calendar sales “will go to the fundraising efforts for the museum’s new home.”

Housed in the Millinocket Municipal Building, the museum is open from 1 to 3 p.m. each Thursday, she wrote, adding that “residents and visitors are welcome.”

Eddington Historical Society Newsletter publisher Hilma Adams invites present and former Eddington residents to view the group’s latest newsletter. Go to the Adams Real Estate Web site, www.adams-re.com, scroll down to the lower left and click on the Eddy Monument.

“There are wonderful stories about our folks, Skywatch, the fire department celebrating 60 years and much more,” Adams wrote.

I extend sincerest sympathies to Barbara Brookings of Bangor, and her family, on the recent death of her husband, Dr. John Brookings.

The hardworking father of seven was, perhaps, happiest when he had found the most comfortable spot from which to observe the varied activities involving a multitude of family and friends, who always filled his home, camp or condo.

Generations will remember the retired dentist and community volunteer, and he will be missed by those who loved and cared for him.

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