Make-A-Wish Walk

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine will host its eighth annual Walk for Wishes on Thursday, May 29, at eight locations in Maine: Paul Bunyan Park in Bangor, Festival Park in Auburn, Dennysville Congregational Church, civic center in Houlton, Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield, Payson Park in Portland, Rockland Congregational Church and Thornton Academy in Saco.

Festivities and registration begin at 5 p.m. and the walk begins at 6 p.m.

Blood and platelet donations

BANGOR – The weather, colds and flu affect blood donations, according to officials at the Maine Blood Center, 992 Union St., Suite 6.

There is a need for both platelet and blood donations.

The center is open 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

To schedule an appointment, donate or for information, call 262-8797 or 800-356-6318.

Board changes at EMMC

BANGOR – Eastern Maine Medical Center said goodbye this spring to two volunteer community leaders and hello to two new ones.

Jacob “Jack” A. Palmer III, president and CEO of Kleinschmidt Associates in Pittsfield, and Peter Hoff, former president of the University of Maine, both finished their terms on the EMMC board of trustees. Both men have been tireless supporters of the work being done at the region’s referral specialty center, contributing their expertise to many discussions and decisions.

Those joining the board this spring to fill the vacant seats included Sally Arata, who formerly directed the operation of the EMMC Women’s Center. She is a retired registered professional nurse and is now a Bangor resident well known for her leadership and generous donation of time and talents.

John Vickery, owner of W.S. Emerson in Brewer, brings experience as a businessman and employer and his perspective as a resident of Hancock County to the board room.

In addition, the vice chairman of the board, Michael McInnis, senior vice president of HRH Northern New England, has become the chairman, taking the helm from outgoing chairwoman Virginia Gibson, a retired professor at the University of Maine.

Diabetes Support Group

BANGOR – St. Joseph Healthcare’s daytime Diabetes Support Group will meet at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 5, in the Diabetes and Nutrition Center, Building 1, St. Joseph Healthcare Park, 900 Broadway.

Group members share personal experiences relating to diabetes management, stress reduction and coping skills. June’s program will feature Val Sauda of the Eastern Area Agency on Aging, with an overview of the agency’s services.

An evening support group meets the second Tuesday of the month. The June meeting for this group will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, also at the Diabetes and Nutrition Center. For information about either support group, call St. Joseph Healthcare’s Diabetes and Nutrition Center at 262-1870.

New spinal procedure

BANGOR – The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates there are 1.5 million broken bones attributed to osteoporosis each year in the United States – including 700,000 fractures of the spine called vertebral compression fractures.

Left untreated, one fracture can lead to multiple fractures that can cause severe pain and change the shape of the spine, resulting in a stooped posture. This may make it difficult to walk, sleep or do activities of daily living. Traditional treatments have included bed rest, bracing and management of pain, often with narcotics. Although appropriate in some cases, these measures do not address the deformity that can occur with multiple fractures.

Dr. Peter Thompson of Northeast Pain Management will speak about “balloon kyphoplasty,” a new minimally invasive treatment for vertebral compression fractures, at the next Caring Connections Bone Health Information and Discussion Group.

Balloon kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure in which balloons are used to gently elevate the fractured vertebra to return it to the correct position. Benefits include reduced back pain, improved mobility, quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. The session will take place at noon Thursday, June 5, at the Bangor Y, Second Street.

A calcium-rich snack and recipe will be provided. All are welcome. To attend, call Robin Long at 941-2808.

New time for Al-Anon

BUCKSPORT – The Bucksport-Orland Al-Anon Family Group meeting is now held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Elm Street Congregational Church in Bucksport. Use the wheelchair-ramp door off Franklin Street.

If your father’s, mother’s, husband’s, wife’s, son’s, daughter’s, uncle’s, aunt’s, co-worker’s, neighbor’s or friend’s drinking is bothering you, come join the group.

Al-Anon is a worldwide organization that offers a self-help recovery program for the family and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic seeks help or even recognizes the existence of a drinking problem. Members give and receive comfort and understanding through mutual exchanges of experience and hope. Membership is voluntary, and individuals are protected by a policy of anonymity.