Eastern Agency on Aging executive director Noelle Merrill has a suggestion for high school or college students “in search of something to do this winter” or those who “want to make a positive impact in your community.”

She asks you to just “look around your neighborhood and see if there are houses that haven’t been shoveled out.”

“You would be giving a great gift to those in need by clearing a path in and out” of those homes, she wrote.

Merrill reminds students many elderly residents “are finding this year to be one of the most challenging on record because of fuel prices, which affect being able to secure other necessities of life, such as food and medicine.

“In many cases,” she continued, “older people don’t have family living in the area to help them.”

If you can offer your assistance in other ways, Merrill asks that you call EAA at 941-2865.

“We could quickly put your good will to work in our EAA-Z Fix program where we could direct you quickly to seniors who need the help most,” Merrill wrote.

“Your help is needed on many levels, so please give us a call.”

George Maxsimic, vice president of the Bangor Lions Club, reports its 2008 Gourmet Club books are now available.

These popular purchases make great holiday gifts, Maxsimic said, and all proceeds benefit local nonprofit charities.

Proceeds particularly enable this club, which Maxsimic reminds you “has been serving the Bangor community since 1923,” to achieve its primary mission of supporting sight-related charities that help purchase eyeglasses for community members of all ages who are unable to afford them.

The Gourmet Club books, which entitle the holder to a discount at a variety of area restaurants, are $20 each and are available at many local businesses, through Lions Club members or by calling 852-9091.

The sale of the Gourmet Books is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year.

Maxsimic extends his appreciation to the “restaurant owners who agree to participate” in the fundraiser and to “all merchants who are selling our books.”

As the board of directors, supporters and members of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra welcome their new executive director, David Whitehill, they also remind you that the BSO has many offers for special concert deals, Nutcrackers items, gift certificates and other suggestions that might just help you with your holiday shopping.

For information, call 800-639-3221 or 942-5555, or visit the BSO at 51A Main St. in Bangor.

A recent e-mail from Susan Darling regarding activities at Corinth United Methodist Church contained this announcement, which will be of interest to families with children.

The young members of CUMC who participate in the puppet ministry under the direction of Patti Rollins and Chrissy Bean will be performing for the Christmas Eve family service at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24, at the church, located at 275 Main St.

Church members, especially the puppeteers, cordially invite you to attend.

For information, call the church at 285-3557.

This handwritten letter certainly came directly from the heart.

Everett and Freda Cook of Milo wrote that the 11th annual Christmas dinner will be served from noon to 2 p.m. Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25, at the Milo town hall.

“All are welcome,” the Cooks wrote of this very special, free holiday meal, which is served by them “and many friends.”

Here is an important message for anyone who is in contact with members of Old Town High School Class of 1958.

Jeannine Peters reports OTHS ’58 will celebrate its 50th class reunion in August 2008.

And while the reunion committee has located most classmates, there is still a good list of those who are “missing.”

The OTHS ’58 reunion committee is seeking current addresses for Carol Como, Linwood Cox, Dale Dupuis Sulinski and Bernard Duplessie, Ernest Gallant, Walter Goodwin, George Jackson, Anne LaPoint Lord, Marie LePage, Vinal Michaud, Richard Murphy and Bernadette Woodard Tate.

“If you can help us find any of these friends,” Peters wrote, please call 990-2207 or 827-5223.

Bangor Savings Bank reminds you the 2008 Maine National Guard calendars are on sale for $10 at BSB branches and other locations throughout Maine.

All proceeds benefit the Maine National Guard Foundation.

For information, call BSB vice president of community relations and communications, Carol Colson, 990-6465, or e-mail carol.colson@bangor.com.

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