Hermon Mountain Adaptive Skiing program coordinator Kam Atwood called recently, then followed up her call with an e-mail, providing details about the progress of this local program for disabled individuals who want to learn to ski.

Since I last wrote about the program a year ago, Atwood said the number of volunteers increased from six to 17, and all but one will return this season.

The program runs from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays, January through March, or when there is no longer any snow.

HMAS offers training for two-track, four-track, monoskiing and biskiing, and also offers the use of a sit-ski.

Most importantly, the program is free for all athletes who want to participate.

All volunteers are trained and receive free equipment rental and a free lift ticket for the night of service.

Its mission statement proclaims that “Hermon Mountain Adaptive Skiing provides an opportunity for individuals with physical disabilities to learn how to downhill ski.

“Our commitment is to support both our athletes and volunteers in working together in a safe and fun learning environment.

“HMAS aims to enhance the lives of those we touch by helping them reach their goals on the mountain.”

Atwood explained that the program is going so well that “we have enough volunteers for Monday night, but not enough athletes.”

People who do not have use of their legs or do not have enough motor control to use skis can learn to use the biski.

People with the use of their legs, or leg, can learn to ski on skis or a ski. The program is free for all ages.

For information, call Atwood at 299-7994.

“We would also would like to start having programming” from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Atwood wrote, but “we would need more volunteers and more athletes.”

And while volunteers and athletes are busy outside, Atwood said, the program also needs nonskiing volunteers “to help inside the lodge and to assist with fundraising.”

She added that all volunteers must fill out an application form, interview with the program coordinator, “and be cleared in a criminal background check.”

For details about becoming part of this program, as an athlete or a volunteer, visit www.hermonmountainadaptiveski.org or call Atwood at the number above.

It is, indeed, always a pleasure to hear from Jeff Franklin of Presque Isle that the Kiwanis Club of Caribou again will be host for a Christmas dinner “with all the fixings,” for senior citizens so they won’t “be alone on Christmas,” Franklin wrote.

“Couples are invited too,” he added, “and there is no charge.”

The Kiwanis Club of Caribou Christmas Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25, in the cafeteria of Cary Medical Center, 163 Van Buren Road in Caribou.

Here’s a program that may be just what you need after the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Nicole Heanssler of Waldo County Healthcare reports Waldo County General Hospital if offering its free, monthly adult Reiki clinic from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, in the massage therapy and Reiki clinic, Room 205, on the second floor of WCGH at 118 Northport Ave., Belfast.

Reiki (pronounced ray-key), Heanssler wrote, “is an ancient modality, which can be helpful for relaxation and stress relief.”

“Each person will receive a brief introduction to the concept of Reiki and how it is utilized for health, and a free, abbreviated treatment session by a Reiki practitioner.”

Cynthia Swan, a licensed massage therapist, will conduct the sessions, and other Reiki practitioners are welcome to attend.

For information, call Swan at 930-2549.

Karine Senecal, who is a graduate assistant coach for the University of Maine women’s ice hockey program, would like you to mark your calendar for a Longaberger Basket Bingo fundraiser.

The University of Maine Women’s Ice Hockey Longaberger Basket Bingo is 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, in the All-Purpose Room of Memorial Gymnasium on the Orono campus.

The site is accessible by elevator.

Tickets are $15 and can be obtained by calling Senecal at 581-1754.

If she is not available, leave a voice message, or e-mail her at Karine.senecal@umit.Maine.edu.

Senecal reports that basket sponsorships are also available.

All proceeds from the Longaberger Basket Bingo benefit the University of Maine women’s ice hockey program.

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