What wonderful news we’ve received from Sonia Erskine and members of Dixmont United Methodist Church.

Erskine wrote that the congregation purchased land behind its historic church and plans to move it onto a new foundation.

“This is a very expensive project, and members are working hard, with support from friends and the community, to make it happen,” Erskine explained.

DUMC, designed and constructed in 1834-1835, is one of the oldest churches remaining in Penobscot County and one of the earliest noncoastal churches in Maine. It was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

In need of many structural repairs, the building will get running water, restrooms and a kitchen when it is moved onto its new foundation this summer.

Among the fundraisers planned to help with this most worthwhile project is an auction at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Dixmont Goldcrest Riders Snowmobile Clubhouse.

Items are needed for the auction, and Erskine hopes members of the community will not only contribute to the auction, but will also attend and support the fundraiser.

If you have questions about donating an auction item, call Robin Vile, 234-2451, or Lois Whitcomb, 234-2351.

Erskine added that the clubhouse kitchen will be open all day, and invites you to come early to preview the items, “have some dinner and register for the auction.”

A Blood Drive is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. today in Mason Auditorium at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

A photo ID is required.

All blood stays in Maine; all donors receive a snack, drink and gift; and one donor will win a T-shirt signed by troops passing trough Bangor International Airport.

Walk-ins are welcome.

Many of you may have read about Howard and Holly Hatchell of Stetson who were welcoming their newest daughter last week at a Bangor hospital, while Fire Chief Kim Tracy and members of the Stetson Fire Department, with assistance from the fire departments of Carmel and Etna, were trying to save the Hatchells’ log home.

Unfortunately, despite all the firefighters’ efforts, the home was flattened and the Hatchells, who also have a 2-year-old daughter, lost everything.

To help the young family through this difficult time, a benefit potluck supper is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Stetson Meeting House, next door to the fire station on Route 222.

Hosted by members of the Stetson Fire Department and the Ladies Aid, admission is by donation.

The third in the Orono Bicentennial Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, in the Orono Town Council chambers features local residents Sally Jacobs and Nancy Smith.

Jacobs lives in the William Colburn house, which was built in 1780 and is the oldest home in Orono.

William Colburn was the son of Jeremiah Colburn, one of the first settlers in the area and a veteran of the Revolutionary War.

Smith is a descendent of Orono settler John Marsh, who participated in Benedict Arnold’s March to Quebec City during the Revolution.

Part of Orono’s Bicentennial Celebration, the series is funded by a grant from the Maine Humanities Council.

For a full schedule of Orono Bicentennial events, visit www.orono2006.com.

You are invited to a Wood Burning Safety Seminar at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Brewer Auditorium.

Among the topics will be selecting and burning wood safely and efficiently; proper installation of appliances and accessories; cleaning and inspection; and product displays.

The seminar will conclude with a question-and-answer session addressing specific needs and concerns.

For more information, call Chief Richard Bronson or Lt. Dennis Tinkham at 989-7002.

Plans are under way by members of John Bapst Memorial High School Class of 1966 to host their 40th Reunion Saturday, Sept. 9, at Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono.

However, even using the Internet, organizers have been unable to local several classmates, and are hoping you can help.

The “missing” members of John Bapst ’66, who remember the days when boys were on one side of the school and girls on the other, are Linda Bell LeClair, Brenda Willette Brann, Mary Ellis Bryer, James Bond, Gus Ciano, Owen Connolly, Gerome Kennedy, Nancy Sprague Lynch, Herbert Millett, Pat Mooney, Eileen Morin Foley, Mike McPhee, Tim Sullivan, Mike Thibodeau and Evelyn Campbell Yost.

Anyone with information about these people can call Anne Dougherty Thompson at 848-3277 or e-mail aetdet@adelphia.net or call Ann Rogan Fossett at 843-5857.

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