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Alton

Fall cleanup day

The Alton Fall Clean-up will be held Saturday, Oct. 18. Have acceptable material at curbside by 7 a.m. Pile metals separately from bulky waste piles; mixed debris will not be taken.

Unacceptable metals are gas containers, propane cylinders and any metal containing a liquid. Other unacceptable items are auto-related parts such as tire rims, TVs, computer monitors, microwave ovens, mercury vapor tubes and wood waste.

Carpet must be cut into 4-foot sections, rolled and tied. Couches, mattresses and small amounts of sheet rock in bags will be accepted. Before pickup day, Freon must be removed from refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. For information, call Maine Waste Systems at 379-2031 or the town of Alton at 394-2601.

The town will have electronic waste drop-off times during business hours Monday through Thursday, Oct 13-16, and 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the municipal building. For information, call the town office.

Bangor

Bangor Book Festival

The second annual Bangor Book Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3-4.

The festival brings together Maine authors with appreciative readers of all ages. This year’s theme, “Voices at the Threshold,” focuses on a world poised for change. Writers taking part:

. Ellen Booraem.

. Kate Braestrup.

. Lyn Mikel Brown.

. W. Hodding Carter.

. Kathleen Ellis.

. Leonore Hildebrandt.

. Annaliese Jakimides.

. Carrie Jones.

. Robert Klose.

. Lynn Plourde.

. Patricia Ranzoni.

. Catherine Schmitt.

. Jan Schrock.

. Monica Wood.

Kate Braestrup, author of the widely acclaimed memoir, “Here If You Need Me,” will be Friday evening’s keynote speaker at Wellman Commons, on the grounds of the former Bangor Theological School, 300 Union St.

All other Bangor Book Festival readings, panel discussions and author presentations take place at Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. The events are free, and all are welcome.

Books will be available for purchase and autographing at each session and at Bagel Central during festival hours.

For the full festival schedule and information, visit www.bangorbookfest.org.

Meet the authors at a reception for friends and festival donors 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the Isaac Farrar Mansion, Union and Second Street.

At 7:30 p.m., the keynote address by Kate Braestrup will be held at Wellman Commons.

Tickets for the reception are $35 and may be purchased by credit card by calling The Briar Patch bookshop at 941-0255, sending a check payable to the Bangor Book Festival, c/o Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St., Bangor ME 04401.

Roosevelt Andre Credit concert

Gospel and blues singer Roosevelt Andre Credit, in concert with John Haskell and the choirs of First United Methodist Church, will perform at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 703 Essex St. The concert is free, but an offering will be received.

Credit is a multitalented singer, conductor and composer from New York City. He was a member of the award-winning Broadway revival of “Show Boat,” and has performed with Bebe Neuwirth, Whoopie Goldberg, Susan Lucci and others.

Before the concert, a heart-healthful bean and salad supper will be held 5-6 p.m. Tickets are $6, $3 under age 12. Tickets are available at the door.

Spaghetti dinner, auction

A spaghetti dinner will be served 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at St. Mary’s Parish Center, Ohio Street. There will be a silent auction for items including a Maine tourmaline stone and setting, tickets for brunch, massage, themed gift baskets and more.

A live auction of delicious pies will take place at 6 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit Mary LeBlanc, who has breast cancer. Suggested donation is $5, $3 children ages 5 to 12, and free to children under 5.

High Holy Days

Congregation Beth El, Bangor’s Reform synagogue, invites the public to attend High Holy Day Services at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29. Morning service is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30. A family service is at 2 p.m. and Tashlich is at 3 p.m. All are welcome. No tickets required.

A children’s program is offered with morning Rosh Hashanah services for infants through fourth grade. Parents must register their children.

Beth El is an open, welcoming and inclusive Reform synagogue at 183 French St.

For more information, call Beth El at 945-4578 or e-mail bethel@me.acadia.net.

Memory Walk

The public is invited to join the effort to raise awareness and funds for people of all ages affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

The annual Memory Walk will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, at Bangor Raceway at Bass Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

At 9 a.m., brief presentations will be given by:

. Virginia Dwyer, 53, who will inspire participants as she relates her strategy for living with Alzheimer’s disease by taking “one day at a time.”

. Elizabeth Arps, who will share her family’s story of how her father’s diagnosis at age 54 affected the whole family.

. Cindy Blodgett, honorary chairwoman for the walk and coach of the UM Women’s Basketball team, who will help walkers get warmed up, stretched and ready for the 3-mile walk in the neighborhood surrounding Fairmount Park.

Proceeds benefit the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and efforts to provide support and services to people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families in Maine. To register, visit www.alz.org/maine or call 800-272-3900.

More ‘On Golden Pond’

Penobscot Theatre Company is kicking off its 35th season with sold-out houses and standing ovations for its critically acclaimed production of Ernest Thompson’s “On Golden Pond.”

Due to an overwhelming response, Penobscot Theatre is extending its production of this modern classic for an extra week of performances.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25; 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at 131 Main St. Tickets range in price from $10 to $35. Call the box office at 942-3333 or 877-PTC-TIXX, or visit www.penobscottheatre.org for information.

Blues and voter registration

Penobscot Theatre Company in Bangor kicks off the countdown to the 2008 election with an evening of blues with The Eric Green Party at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at the Bangor Opera House, 131 Main St.

To promote voter enrollment and get the word out about its upcoming election season production of the satirical comedy “State of the Union,” Penobscot Theatre will showcase local “mad genius” Eric Green and his special blend of blues, jazz and rock. Voter registration and nonpartisan voter education materials will be available in the lobby.

The Eric Green Party, whose reputation puts them out on the edge of the indie-blues scene, has wowed audiences and critics alike with their soulful and raw sound.

Tickets are $10. Call the box office at 942-3333 or 877-PTC-TIXX for more information.

Ghost Lamp tour

The Bangor Museum and History Center will offer its Ghost Lamp tour of downtown Bangor at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30. Participants will learn about Bangor’s past on the entertaining and educational walk. Meet at the Bangor waterfront parking lot. The cost is $5, free for museum members and children under age 12. Call 942-1900 for more information.

Step out, fight diabetes

“Step Out – Walk to Fight Diabetes” will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Bangor Waterfront.

Step out to the oldies with Rockin’ Ron and the New Society Band.

Choose to walk 3 miles or 1.5 miles. Check-in is at 9 a.m.

For information or to join Rockin’ Ron’s team, call Jim at 735-5454.

Coming Out Party

The Bridge Alliance will hold its second annual Coming Out Party at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Sea Dog Brewing Co.

Tickets are $25 per person and are available from any Bridge Alliance member. For those who do not know a Bridge Alliance member, ticket information is at www.TheBridgeAlliance.org.

Bradley

Living History Days

The Maine Forest and Logging Museum will hold Living History Days 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5, at Leonard’s Mills, Government Road, off Route 178.

It’s a perfect time to enjoy fall foliage at an early lumbering settlement with wagon and bateau rides, freshly pressed apple cider, bean-hole beans, and lots of traditional demonstrations.

The cost of admission is $7, $2 age 12 and younger.

For information, call 581-2871 or e-mail info@leonardsmills.com.

Brewer

Kiwanis Club news

President Jessica Tilton opened a recent meeting of the Brewer Kiwanis Club with one verse of “America,” led by Herb Hopkins. Carlton King gave the invocation. Kiwanians signed up to help with the pancake breakfast for Brewer Days.

The Dover-Foxcroft Kiwanis Club held its 70th anniversary celebration Sept. 6, with a delegation from the Brewer Club planning to attend.

The Brewer Kiwanis Club meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Muddy Rudder.

Corinth

Variety show

The Corinth United Methodist Church, 275 Main St., will hold a variety show at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the church. Many local, talented performers will be featured. An offering will be taken during the show. For information, call the church office at 285-3557.

Eddington

Dance party

The Bridge Alliance will hold its monthly dance party 9 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Sept. 27, at Clewley Farms, 999 Main Road. DJ Terrie will spin the music. A $5 cover charge at the door will benefit future Bridge Alliance community projects. Beverages will be available. Clewley Farms will serve a limited food menu. Credit cards are accepted. For information, visit www.thebridgealliance.org.

Hampden

Jubilation Ringers

The Jubilation Ringers, a five octave handbell choir, based at Hampden Highlands United Methodist Church, has openings for a few new members, experience preferred.

Members of the ensemble share their music at services once a month and perform out in the community for special events. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings. For information, call Jackie Frisk at 947-2545.

Hermon

Girlfriends Unlimited

Girlfriends Unlimited, a ministry, will offer Wild, Wild West GIGG 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, in Hermon. Activities include games, a craft, a photo op, chuck wagon chow, a chili cook-off and a best western costume contest.

Pampering also will be provided, including massage therapy, makeovers, foot spas, facials, hand spas and more. Advance tickets are $10, $15 starting Monday, Sept. 29. For more information, call Jodie Wilson at 223-4888.

Hydrangea wreath workshops

Ecotat Gardens will host hydrangea wreath workshops at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. To register for either workshop for $20 a person, call 848-5946.

Holden

At Fields Pond Center

These activities are available at Fields Pond Audubon Center, 216 Fields Pond Road:

. Drawing from Nature, art lessons for adults, 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 4, with Carolyn Wallace-Zani. $10 a lesson, Audubon members; $12 others.

. Drawing class for children ages 4 to 10, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. The class will introduce children to nature drawing through recognizing basic shapes as the building blocks to creating artistic forms found in nature. Bring favorite art supplies. Carolyn Wallace-Zani. $10 Audubon members, $12 others.

. The Journey to the Great Gray Owl, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct, 7. A look at the trials and errors of nature photography with Laurie Rich. $5 Audubon members, $6 others.

. Book discussion group with Joyce Rumery, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, Dirigo Pines, Orono. Book to be discussed is “Animal, Vegetable Miracle,” by Barbara Kingsolver. No cost to participate. Call 866-3400 for directions to Dirigo Pines.

Old Town

Blessing of the Animals and Fun Dog Show

The Animal Orphanage will give dog lovers a chance to show off their canines at the Blessing of the Animals and Fun Dog Show on Sunday, Sept. 28, at the YMCA in Old Town, in the back at the ball field. If it rains, the events will be held in the Y.

Blessing of the Animals takes place at noon. The Fun Dog Show begins at 1 p.m.

The blessing is free. The dog show costs $1 per category. Enter some or all, including best dressed, longest tail, best trick, musical chairs, waggiest tail and tennis ball pickup. Proceeds go to animal care.

This is the 15th year for the blessing and dog show.

A raffle for a $100 gas card will be held. Refreshments such as hot dogs (pardon the pun), and Animal Orphanage merchandise will be sold.

The Animal Orphanage is a no-kill shelter that takes in strays and houses them until they can be placed in a loving home. Call 827-8777 for information.

Orono

Thought-provoking film

Kicking off the Peace and Justice Center’s fall film series is a film to generate thought and discussion. Offered as a fundraiser for the Peace and Justice Center, “In Search of the Future: What do the wise ones know?” will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, in the DP Corbett Building across the street from the Maine Center for the Arts at the University of Maine. Free parking in the MCA lot. Suggested donation is $5 students, $10 others.

As an added treat, director Andrew Cameron and producer Connie Baxter Marlow will be on hand to engage in discussion after the film.

Cameron was born in England and grew up in South Africa. In 1969, he sailed to America and participated in the consciousness-expansion movement of the 1970s in California and Hawaii. This is his first full-length film. He is working on the sequel, which will feature well-known thinkers and elders from all over the world. Arnold Neptune, Penobscot elder, is featured in the film.

Connie Baxter Marlow was born and raised in Maine in a family of visionary politicians and philanthropists, the family of Gov. Percival Baxter of Baxter State Park. She has created forums for visionary elders to share their understanding of the nature of the universe for 17 years through photography exhibitions, films, lectures and ceremonies across the United States and Mexico.

Blending ancient indigenous wisdom, prophecy, science and western thought, the film tackles questions such as: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going? Are we in the beginning of a grand worldwide consciousness shift?

For information, call 942-9343.

‘The Magic Flute’

Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute,” in English, and only two hours long, will be presented for free at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at D.P. Corbett Hall, University of Maine.

Everyone is welcome, especially young children who like music, said Richard Rhoda, master of The Maine Lodge of Masonic Research, sponsor of the event. The adaptation, he said, was done by the Metropolitan Opera especially for children in December 2006.

As part of the event, one child will win four tickets, free meals and gasoline to the PCA Great Performances Oct. 23 showing of “The Magic Flute” in Portland.

Those who wish to sign up for the drawing for the free tickets must do so in advance at www.mainemason.org/mlr/themagicflute.html.

Veazie

Affordable housing

Penquis and Penquis Housing Inc. announced that a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house were held Sept. 16, at One Flagg Place. The facility in Veazie joins John R. Graham School Senior Housing to address an increasing need for affordable rental housing for Maine’s elderly.

Verona

Christmas Craft Fair

The 22nd Verona Island Christmas Craft Fair will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Verona Island Town Hall, behind JD’s Market on Route 1. Bakery items, custom-made crafts and creative gifts will be on sale. A luncheon will be held and raffle tickets will be available for purchase.

Table rental space is available for $15, $7.50 for half of a table. To arrange table space, call Cora Webster at 469-3740 or Marlene Smith at 469-7992. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund.