For 20 years, reports First Congregational Church of Blue Hill secretary Wendy Ritger, the church’s Christmas Angels have been “spreading their wings” by providing gifts of warm clothing to children in need who live in the Blue Hill Peninsula-Deer Isle area.

If you would like to receive help from this program, call Ritger by Friday, Nov. 21, at 374-2891 or e-mail bhcongo@yahoo.com.

The group welcomes not only cash donations but also “volunteer angels who can shop for gifts,” Ritger wrote.

Each angel is provided a detailed list with the age, clothing size and needs of the child receiving the gifts, and volunteers may shop for one or more children, she added.

In addition, groups, clubs, organizations and businesses can put together a team to shop for one or more children, Ritger explained.

Shopping takes place this month for distribution in early December. The Christmas Angels also are seeking donations of children’s books and new stuffed animals.

To learn more about this program and join others who are “spreading their wings for the 2008 holiday gift-giving season,” call Kathy Soper, 374-2703 or e-mail her at kbj164@verizon.net.

To make a financial donation, which would be most welcome and appreciated, send your check with Christmas Angels on the memo line to Christmas Angels, First Congregational Church of Blue Hill, P.O. Box 444, Blue Hill 04614.

Three Rivers Kiwanis Club of Milo-Brownville President George Barton and members of Joseph P. Chaisson American Legion Post 41 will hold their seventh annual Veterans Day Dinner in honor of veterans of all services and eras.

Doors open for the turkey dinner at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Milo Town Hall with all being seated by 11:45 a.m. for a memorial ceremony conducted by members of Post 41.

Entertainment will be provided by Milo Elementary School pupils directed by Stephanie Gillis.

If you have questions about this Veterans Day event, call Barton at 564-2118 or e-mail Gbartonii@yahoo.com.

Here is a timely, thoughtful invitation for our veterans from Debra Roof and staff of River City Therapy & Wellness Center in Bangor.

“In appreciation for their service to our country,” Roof wrote, “veterans will be honored” with “complimentary massage sessions” between noon and 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the center, 268 State St., Bangor.

Therapists will offer 15-minute chair or table massages, Roof said.

“Professional massage therapy reduces stress, improves circulation and promotes a feeling of well-being,” she said, adding that “all veterans are encouraged to stop in and stay for a massage, or just visit in our relaxed environment.”

Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Roof at 990-0188, ext. 11.

June Fiske reports Old Town Public Library children’s librarian Cindy Seger will present an overview of children’s programs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the library.

Seger will discuss programs which fulfill the needs of girls ages 11-14, Fiske. The Blue Stocking Club and Sisters of Sewing “aim to bring girls together to read, discuss books and how they relate to their growth, their ideas, their fears and their strengths.”

The program is sponsored by the Penobscot Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women.

My Friend’s Place executive director Barbara Fister announces a second informational meeting about Memory Joggers, a new program it is introducing for individuals experiencing early memory loss, is being offered.

The informational meeting is 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St.

Fister wrote the Alzheimer’s Association will present “Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out: One Man’s Story,” featuring a video of retired psychologist and advocate of Alzheimer’s self-care Dr. Richard Taylor, who has lived with a dementia diagnosis for several years.

In addition, Dr. Judy Walker, associate professor and chairwoman of the University of Maine department of communication sciences and disorders, will discuss cognitive retraining of memory.

Call Fister at 945-0122 or e-mail myfriendsplace@verizon.net for more information about the meeting and program.

Ella Waitt invites members of the public to join the Bangor Nature Club when it welcomes Mary Bird at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the First Congregational Church, 35 Church St., Brewer.

Bird will speak about the late Edith Patch, her life and connection to the Bangor Nature Club.

Refreshments will be served.

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