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Bangor

Coats & Toys for Kids

WLBZ-TV will broadcast live Coats & Toys for Kids Days from seven locations. Locally, drop off a coat or a toy Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6, and meet NewsCenter personalities at:

. Hannaford Supermarkets at the Airport Mall, Bangor.

. Shaw’s in Ellsworth.

The two-day event kicks off the Coats for Kids and Toys for Kids appeals. The live broadcasts are noon-7 p.m. Dec. 5, and 7:30-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

Coats may be dropped off at any Hannaford Supermarket or Shaw’s Supermarket statewide through Dec. 31.

Toys must be dropped off at the supermarkets no later than Monday, Dec. 15, so they can be picked up by The Salvation Army and shared with families in time for the holidays.

Free bus rides on Fridays

Gov. John E. Baldacci announced a holiday season return to Free Fare Fridays.

The promotion, which provides a free introduction to mass transit in Maine, is returning for a third time this month after success last summer and the 2007 holidays.

Free Fare Fridays is a month-long campaign for Mainers to explore low-cost transit options.

Free Fare Fridays is a partnership between MaineDOT, the GO MAINE commuter program and local bus providers. Local buses will be free to ride on Fridays, Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26.

During previous Free Fare Friday campaigns, Bangor’s BAT experienced an increase of more than 10 percent.

“People have tried public transit and continue to use it,” Baldacci.

In addition, commuters are flocking to the GO MAINE commuter Web site at www.gomaine.org – more than 1 million hits this year as Mainers try to find carpool partners and vanpool availability. The GO MAINE commuter database has grown by more than 100 percent since the beginning of the year.

For more information about Free Fare Fridays and the GO MAINE commuter assistance program, call 800-280-RIDE.

Pathfinders Facilitators Reunion

November was Volunteer Appreciation Month.

Linda Boyle and Vicki Trundy have trained more than 100 volunteer facilitators in the past 10 years for Pathfinders, the bereavement program for children. In addition, at least 30 more volunteers were trained during the first few years of the program founded by Maria Brountas and the late Barbara Eames for a total of 130 volunteers since the program began.

“We decided to pull everyone together to celebrate that remarkable milestone with a Pathfinders Facilitator Reunion,” Trundy said. The reunion for all volunteer facilitators who have worked with Pathfinders has been scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at the current site, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 540 Essex St.

“Come as you are for light fare and great company,” said Trundy and Boyle. Those who did not receive a mailed invitation may provide a current address to Vicki Trundy at 942-0887 or Linda Boyle at 947-2011.

‘Frog and Toad’ fun

The Penobscot Theatre will feature “A Year with Frog and Toad,” based on the books by Arnold Lobel, as its holiday family musical. The show will run Dec. 10-23 and is appropriate for ages 3 and up.

Ben Layman, who plays Snail in the production, will read selections from Lobel’s classic favorites, share a song from the show, and serve cookies and bookmarks to “Frog and Toad” fans at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Bangor Public Library. All are welcome.

Art at the library

Karen Littlefield will exhibit her art during December in the Bangor Public Library’s Stairwell Gallery and Extension. The exhibit, “Pinhole Photography meets the Digital World,” will include photos taken with a pinhole camera – a box with a pinhole in it – along with photos that have been digitally altered.

Closing of boardwalk

Orono Bog Boardwalk in Bangor and Orono closed on Nov. 30 and will not reopen until May 1, 2009.

Boardwalk volunteers gathered to put protective covers on the interpretative stations, cover the trailhead kiosk and in general make the facility ready for winter.

Volunteers said that preliminary data indicated it was another high-use year with an estimated 25,000-30,000 visits to the boardwalk.

The boardwalk, which is supported solely by donations, benefited from the generosity of users, who made cash donations or bought boardwalk items such as T-shirts, calendars and note cards to raise more than $3,000.

To follow the activities of the Boardwalk, visit the Web site www.oronobogwalk.org, which contains information on how the public can support the boardwalk financially and as volunteers.

The director, Jim Bird, and Management Committee members Jerry Longcore, Orono Land Trust; John Daigle, University of Maine; and Tracy Willette, city of Bangor, extend thanks to the public in the area and to volunteers who contributed to making it another successful season for the boardwalk.

Party for families and pets

A holiday party for families and their pets will be held noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in the College Center on the University College of Bangor campus, sponsored by the UCB Veterinary Technician Organization.

Activities include pictures of pets and children with Santa, a bake sale with items for humans and animals, goodie bags for children and pets, a raffle of a Build-A-Bear animal, face painting for children, and animal ornaments for sale with proceeds going to the animal shelter of the buyer’s choice.

There also will be handouts on things to consider when thinking about getting a new pet during the holiday season. The party is free and open to all. For information, contact Chantalle at preciousadina@yahoo.com.

Red Scarf project

National WomenHeart is supporting the Red Scarf project designed to support women heart patients. Knitters and crocheters are invited to design a scarf made from red yarn.

The Red Scarf project originated in California and spread to states such as Maine.

Each red scarf is placed in a pretty bag with information about heart disease and given to women heart patients who are in the hospital.

Those who make red scarves may drop them off at Mrs. Snippy’s Beauty Shop and Country Side, Corinth; Swett’s Service Center and Convenience, Citgo Hogan Road and The Cotton Cupboard quilt shop, Bangor.

Those who wish to volunteer to be a drop-off point for the scarves, to sew WomenHeart labels on the scarves or to help with the WomenHeart bags may call Alice Page at 285-7592.

Advent Lessons and Carols

The Parish Choir of St. John’s Episcopal Church will offer its service of Advent Lessons and Carols at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at 225 French St.

Based on a medieval vigil service, the candlelight celebration is adapted from the century-old tradition established at King’s College, Cambridge, England, where it is performed every Christmas Eve to standing-room-only crowds and broadcast worldwide.

It consists of readings from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, traditional Anglican prayers, responses and carols related to Advent and birth of Christ. After each reading, the choir sings one or more carols whose text relates to the readings. Afterward, an Advent Tea will be served by the ladies of the church in the Undercroft.

St. John’s is wheelchair accessible, child care is provided and admission is free. An offering will help provide heating assistance to families in need.

Directed by Travis LaCombe, organist-choirmaster, the mixed choir of adults and children is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music and has made four tours abroad.

Dinner fundraiser for Curran Homestead

Curran Homestead Living History Farm and Museum volunteers will be the wait-staff for an Oriental Jade Restaurant buffet fundraiser on Monday, Dec. 8. The buffet features a large selection of Oriental and American food choices. A portion of proceeds will benefit the museum’s restoration and education projects.

Reservations are required by Dec. 4. Tickets are limited for seatings at 5 and 6:15 p.m. The cost for the buffet is $14, $7 age 12 and under. Two door prize drawings will be conducted at each seating.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet Bob Schmick and his family. Schmick is the Curran Farm’s new volunteer director of education programs. He has a doctorate in education and a background in museum operations.

Schmick grew up on a farm in New York and has written and taught extensively about farm history. He will share his thoughts for helping school teachers with farm-oriented history lesson plans that can include a field trip to Curran Farm at Fields Pond. He also will talk about plans for gathering oral history about the Curran Farm and farming and rural life in Maine.

For tickets and information, call Irv Marsters at Bangor Letter Shop at 945-9311, e-mail irv@bangorlettershop.com, e-mail John Mugnai of Center Drive School in Orrington at jmugnai@cds.u91.k12.me.us or call Karen Marsters at 947-0749.

Art Factory Fun Day

Art Factory Fun Day will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the University of Maine Museum of Art, 40 Harlow St. Bring the whole family to an art-making event. Drop by the museum any time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Different stations will be set up for art projects. Take the results home to give as holiday presents.

All the supplies are free and instruction will be given throughout the day. For information, call 561-3360 or visit the Calendar section at www.umma.umaine.edu.

The museum is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is wheelchair accessible.

Holiday auction

The St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary will hold its holiday luncheon and auction at noon Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the St. John’s Catholic Church hall, York Street. The Rev. Robert Carlson will be auctioneer.

Admission is $5, or bring an item for the auction and be admitted free of charge.

RSVP by Friday by calling Mary Searway at 942-1693 or Babe Hopkins at 947-8546.

Christian Women’s club

The Bangor-Brewer Christian Women’s Club invites the gentlemen to join them noon-2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Spectacular Event Center for a program to help with Christmas shopping. Everyone gets three drawing tickets for Christmas gifts with paid admission of $10, which includes a buffet lunch. Also on the program is music by Zac Field and Amy Naier and a speaker. For reservations, call 989-5796.

‘Carols in the Round’

Carols in the Round, a candlelight a cappella presentation by the Mount View High School Chamber Singers, will highlight the holidays at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at Grace United Methodist Church, 193 Union St. Admission is free, but an offering will help the group continue its music program and charitable activities. Call 942-8320 for information.

The Mount View Chamber Singers have toured from Scotland to El Salvador and from Ground Zero in New York City to the White House.

Contributions at their concerts support their travels and the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund. Celebrating their 18th season, the singers will perform in 26 locations. There is no admission charge for the concerts; contributions are appreciated.

Altrusa Club news

The November meeting of Altrusa International of Greater Bangor had as its guest Dr. Ann Babbitt, governor-elect from the Portland club. She addressed Altrusa members, giving news and information of the club’s activities and goals. The meeting was the club’s anniversary celebration marking the club’s 52nd year.

Altrusa International is a community-oriented organization whose purpose is to inspire members to greater responsibility in the community and to provide opportunities for leadership development and growth. The club meets twice each month on Tuesday evenings. Ongoing projects are the annual book purchase for local school libraries, assistance at local retirement homes, Big Brothers Big Sisters bowlathon, scholarships for college students and other projects.

For more information, call President Margaret Brown at 825-3178 or membership chairwoman Dr. Clara Swan at 947-0678.

Fundraiser for local family

Ten percent of sales at Texas Roadhouse on Monday, Dec. 8, will benefit the Peterson family of Glenburn, who lost their house to fire on Nov. 18. A badly burned member of the family is receiving treatment in Boston.

Brewer

Hanging of the Greens

The “Hanging of the Greens and Christmas Tree Introduction” will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Second Congregational Church, 607 South Main St.

Come celebrate Advent as the parish explores the meaning of the Chrismon symbols and other decorations of the season and enjoy wonderful music. For more information, call 989-7930.

Carmel

Library drawing winner

Tena Delgado of Carmel was the winner of Simpson Memorial Library’s Club 20 drawing. She won a Spruce Run tote bag filled with books, sweets, a holiday decoration and gift wrap. Borders of Bangor donated the wrapping paper.

Club 20 participants had one year to read 20 books from a predetermined list. Those who turned in their reading log with 20 books on it were eligible.

This year the Carmel library is offering Book Bingo for interested adults. See librarian Becky Ames for details. Call 848-7145 for information.

Hampden

Tree lighting ceremony

The town of Hampden will hold its Christmas tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Hampden Kiwanis Club, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Municipal Building on Western Avenue. Join friends and neighbors for caroling and refreshments. Santa Claus will be on hand to find out who has been naughty or nice.

Fun with Frog and Toad

Have some fun with Frog and Toad at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Edythe Dyer Library in Hampden. There will be stories, games, crafts and cookies.

Orland

Christmas Greens Gathering

Find your holiday tree the old-fashioned way at the Christmas Greens Gathering, noon-3 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 7 and 14, at the Great Pond Mountain Wildlands in East Orland.

Cut your own free-range, organic Christmas tree and enjoy a hayride, bonfire, hot cocoa and home-baked goodies. The cost is $25 a family. Pre-cut trees, along with cutting and loading help, will be available.

Proceeds benefit Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. The Great Pond Mountain Wildlands’ South Gate is located on Route 1 in East Orland just south of the Route 176 intersection.

The North Gate is located on Bald Mountain Road in North Orland, 0.2 mile west of Winkumpaugh Road.

This year, both gates will be open and the event will be held on the Wildlands’ Valley Road at Great Meadow Trail, 3.3 miles in from South Gate and 1.1 mile in from North Gate. Watch for the signs. For more information, call 469-7190, e-mail cdomina@midmaine.com. No reservations needed.

The event will be canceled in the case of rain or heavy snow.

University of Maine

Holiday party, gift workshop for children

For families concerned about keeping their holidays affordable during these economic hard times, two special events can take us back to the simpler joys of the past.

An Old-Fashioned Holiday Party will be held 6-8 p.m. Dec. 5, at Page Farm and Home Museum, University of Maine. Visitors young and old may create traditional ornaments to take home or hang on the museum’s Victorian tree.

There will be carols, delicious holiday treats and even a chat with Santa at this popular annual event. Admission is by donation.

Young holiday-makers are invited to make gifts during the the Children’s Holiday Workshop, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Page Farm and Home Museum. Children age 6 and up will use traditional folk art techniques to create handmade gifts for the special adults and children in their lives. Admission is $5 per child, including a healthy snack and all materials. Space is limited, so reservations are required.

Parents or caregivers are welcome to browse the museum during the workshop, but no peeking! To obtain information or make reservations for the Children’s Holiday Workshop, call 581-4100.

Museum Holiday Shoppe fair

The UMaine Page Farm and Home Museum will hold its annual Holiday Shoppe craft fair 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

The old-fashioned shoppe brings together Maine crafters and artisans to display and offer unique goods for sale. The event is free to the public with plenty of free parking, said museum director Patricia Henner.

Among this year’s offerings are wrought-iron Christmas ornaments, hooks and stocking hangers forged by a blacksmith from Eddington, items hand-knitted and felted by the Friday Fiber Friends, wreaths, reproduction toys and soaps.

Edibles such as fresh cow and goat cheeses from Olde Oak Farm in Orono will be available. And Black Dinah Chocolatiers of Isle au Haut will sell scrumptious hand-crafted chocolates, Henner said.

More information is available by calling the Page Farm and Home Museum at 581-4100.

Holiday tree sale

ORONO – The University of Maine School of Forest Resources is holding its longstanding annual holiday tree sale for scholarships through Dec. 14 in front of the Nutting Hall courtyard on campus.

Forestry students expect to sell more than 100 Fraser fir or balsam trees, 4-feet-tall and up, for $16-$36, said Louis Morin, forest resources instructor. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund for forestry and wildlife students’ summer field camp training programs.

The trees, from UM alumnus Toby Hall and his wife Cynthia’s Hall’s Christmas Tree Farm in Sangerville, will be available on campus 3 p.m. to dark Thursday, Dec. 4; and Monday through Thursday, Dec. 8-11; noon to sunset Fridays, Dec. 5 and 12; and 9 a.m. to dark, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14.

For information, Morin can be reached at 581-2854. The annual holiday tree sale at UMaine began in the 1950s.

Orono

Blue Christmas

Blue Christmas, a quiet service for people entering the Christmas season after a death or other loss, will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at the Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main St. For more information, call the church office at 866-3655.

Orrington

Christmas tree lighting

The lighting of the community Christmas tree will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at East Orrington Congregational Church, 38 Johnson Mill Road. Sing Christmas carols, drink hot cocoa and wassail, and partake of holiday desserts.