From Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestra volunteer Susan Jonason comes “a reminder for young musicians” that the BSYO will conduct auditions for new members Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Bangor Symphony Orchestra office, 51A Main St. in Bangor.

To audition, e-mail BSYO president Nick Pappas at bsyoboard@roadrunner.com.

“If you aren’t able to make it on Saturday, take heart,” Jonason wrote. “Interested students may be able to schedule a time after an upcoming BSYO rehearsal.”

She suggests you contact Pappas “to discuss options.”

For those unfamiliar with the workings of the BSYO, Jonason explained the orchestra rehearses from 1 to 3:30 p.m. every Sunday at the University of Maine School of Performing Arts in Orono, “and performs concerts twice a year.”

“In addition,” she wrote, “the 70-member group performs in collaboration with” the Bangor Symphony Orchestra “whenever there is an opportunity.”

“Students and their parents travel from all over the region to participate in the orchestra and symphonic band,” which is conducted by Rebecca Edmondson and Gina Provenzano.

“Not only does musicianship develop through the ensemble experience,” Jonason said, “but so do lasting friendships. The BSYO fosters teamwork, poise, respect and professional conduct in a fun and friendly environment.”

Of interest to the parents and guardians is that the BSYO is run by an adult volunteer board and “has a mutually supportive association” with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Jonason wrote.

BSO Maestro Xiao-Lu Li “is known to show up, on occasion, and either conduct or join the string section.”

She suggests that if you have a child now taking private music lessons that “the BSYO is a great place for those lessons to pay off, in more ways than can possibly be counted,” and Jonason should know, since she is the mother of seventh-grade BSYO violist Isabelle Jonason.

Caren Mulford of the Bangor Y invites the public to an Open House, “Rejuvenate in ’08.” with activities beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at both the Bangor Y locations at 127 Hammond St. and 17 Second St.

You are invited “to try any number of group fitness classes being held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.” that day at the 127 Hammond St. facility, or test your skills on the climbing wall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at that facility.

A free lap swim is scheduled for 8 a.m.-1 p.m. that day in the Aloupis Pool at the 17 Second St. facility, and there will be free recreational swimming from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. that day in the Means Pool at that facility.

People who take a tour of either of the Y facilities will receive a free two-week pass, healthful snacks will be provided, and giveaways will include free T-shirts for the first 25 Y members who bring a guest.

For information, call the Bangor Y at 941-2808.

The Bangor Y is a joint operation of the Bangor YMCA and the YWCA Bangor-Brewer.

Nominations are being accepted for the WLBZ 2 and WCSH 6 10th annual Teens Who Care Awards, reports community relations director Charlene Belanger.

The nomination deadline is Friday, Feb. 15.

Teens may be nominated by any adult in their community other than parents or legal guardians, Belanger said.

Six winners will be honored during an April ceremony at the Portland Museum of Art.

The winners will be featured in a short video to be televised later and receive a $2,000 scholarship from Maine Education Services, sponsor of Teens Who Care.

According to the stations’ Web site, Teens Who Care honors “teens who caringly volunteer their time and talents in the service of others. In leadership roles, and in more quiet ways, teens all over the state are living lives that make a difference.”

For information, visit WLBZ2.com or WCSH6.com, go to Community and click on Teens Who Care or call 800-464-1213.

For members of Charlie Company 1-126th Aviation Regiment, Maine Army National Guard, who leave home today for deployment overseas, and those who follow next week, I extend my hopes and prayers for their safety every minute they are there, and for their safe return.

As these soldiers fulfill their duties to their country, their friends, neighbors and community members will fulfill their duties by lending assistance, support and encouragement to the families who await them at home.

You have my admiration and respect, good soldiers, as do your families.

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