How proud members of the American Association of University Women should be to proclaim they are hosting their More-Than-50th Book Sale 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main St., Orono.

That bit of information was provided by member Phyllis Borns, who also reports that “for a $10 fee, early bird buyers may enter at 8 a.m.” For the rest of us, “the sale is open to all at no charge.”

And while members are calling it the “more than 50th” such event, my research indicates it might well be the 57th since in my column of April 4, 2006, Anne Hathaway reported that sale was the 55th.

As always, there will be books of many genres, including special interest books about Maine and by Maine authors, Borns wrote, along with audiotapes, music albums and videos.

You certainly won’t want to miss the lunches, snacks, desserts and beverages, knowing that committee is chaired by chef Peggy Hallee, and that proceeds from those purchases will “help fund scholarships for area high school senior women and book awards for nontraditional students already in college,” according to Borns.

The lunch menu is outstanding, ranging from Maine crabmeat chowder to Philadelphia gourmet salad served with homemade fruit breads and special combination lunches as well.

Whether it’s ham, chicken, turkey, homemade herb finger rolls, fruit, subs or vegetarian scalloped potatoes a la Julia Child, you know everything will be delicious, and you won’t leave hungry. If you don’t have time for lunch, though, just take it to go.

It also is noteworthy to mention that this AAUW branch now has “some members who have become honorary 50-year members,” Borns wrote.

That special group includes Hathaway, Jane Ann Cooper, Kathryn Richards and Cynthia Dunlap and, at the organization’s May meeting, Borns added, they will be joined by the “newest honorary member, Margaret Radke.”

Congratulations to these women for their continued dedication to this organization and its support of young women seeking to further their education.

Tom Testa, president of Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust Inc.-Downeast Scenic Railroad, sent by e-mail a copy of the organization’s spring 2008 newsletter to inform readers of coming volunteer opportunities.

The Downeast Scenic Railroad Volunteer Days begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Washington Junction, and information may be obtained by visiting www.downeastscenicrail.org and clicking on “DRHPT-DSRR Volunteer Information.”

Information also is available by calling 866-449-RAIL or writing DSRR, P.O. Box 950, Bar Harbor 04609.

Ivy Turner and members of Perry Congregational Church invite you to attend their Giant Indoor Yard Sale 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the church on Shore Road in Perry.

Turner wrote the event also will feature a bake sale, lunch and “church cookbooks, plates and mugs.”

Waldo County General Hospital announces its 24th annual family wellness fair. It will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12, in the gymnasium of Troy Howard Middle School on Lincolnville Avenue, Route 52 in Belfast.

The free fair offers a variety of exhibits “on a wide range of health topics for adults and children,” explained Sandra Gordon of the hospital, and includes “many practitioners new to the fair this year.”

The public is invited to attend, and door prizes will be awarded.

Health screenings for blood pressure, spinal analysis, cholesterol, hearing and pulse rate will be offered free.

Health discussions, exhibits and demonstrations are included, and many booths are interactive.

Free health and beauty samples will be offered by the Belfast Co-op, and children can participate in face painting, stamp art, play dough and coloring. You also will be able to purchase luncheon foods from Bell The Cat.

For information, call fair coordinator Lois Dutch at 338-2500, ext. 4154.

Irv Marsters invites you to attend a raffle and dessert auction this weekend for 4-year-old David Sites, who is receiving treatment for a birth defect. David’s parents are Joe and Karen Sites of Bangor.

Marsters says the auction will be 4-7 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Road in Bangor.

David has spina bifida, a birth defect affecting the spinal column. He is receiving treatment at the Family Hope Center in Philadelphia. Proceeds from this benefit will help the family with tremendous expenses associated with this process.

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