Not only did Robert and Stephanie Seccareccia and their four sons lose all their belongings when their Eddington home burned on May 1, they also lost their three family pets, a dog and two cats.

During this very difficult and emotional time, the Seccareccias are being supported by kind and gracious family members, friends, neighbors and community members.

Among the activities planned to help the family is a Spaghetti Supper and a Mother’s Day Dessert Auction and Silent Auction from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 12, at Eddington Elementary School on Route 9.

Admission is $4 per person or $10 for a family, and all proceeds benefit the Seccareccias.

Jessica McCloskey told me that planners are seeking donations of items for the Silent Auction, and tasty contributions for the Dessert Auction. If you can help, please call her at 843-0520.

For those who cannot attend the fundraiser but who would like to help the family, contributions can be made to the Seccareccia Family Fund, c/o University Credit Union, 977 Union St., Bangor 04401.

President Mary Ann Devoe reminds readers that the Orono Health Association hosts its Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, at the Church of Universal Fellowship on Main Street in Orono.

In addition to a report of the year’s activities and election of new officers for the 2006-2007 year, the guest speaker, Dr. Peter Millard, will discuss bird flu.

Cynthia Jennings, the new director of the Stewart Free Library in Corinna, has announced that Maine children’s author Lynn Plourde, who was born in Dexter, grew up in Skowhegan and now lives in Winthrop, will visit the library at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 11.

Plourde will be reading several of her picture books, and will offer the opportunity to “act out” a story. She will also share techniques for story writing, answer questions about being a Maine author, and sign copies of her books.

For more information about this free event, made possible by a grant from the Rose and Samuel Rudman Library Trust Fund, call the library at 278-2454.

The John Bapst Musicians invite all senior citizens and friends to attend their annual Spring Concert Dress Rehearsal from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Friday, May 12, at John Bapst Memorial High School on Broadway in Bangor.

There is no charge for this concert.

For more information, call the school’s Fine Arts Department, 947-0310.

The Old Town-Orono YMCA invites you to an Open House celebrating its Annual Support Campaign 2005-2006.

Entertainment, food, old cars, boats and some surprises await you from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 12, inside and outside the Y on Stillwater Avenue in Old Town.

Fun activities for the whole family begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 13, followed by a cruise-in from 4 to 7 p.m.

The Open House weekend concludes with a dance for adults 21 and older from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the YMCA. Admission is a $25 donation if paid before Wednesday, May 10.

If space is available, tickets will be $35 at the door.

To make your reservations, call Brian Folster at 827-9622, or e-mail bfolsterotoy@adelphia.net.

On behalf of Anah Shriners and Anah’s Shrine Clubs, Norris Nickerson has announced that the annual Children’s Hospital Screening Clinics are planned for Saturday, May 13, at six locations.

For Aroostook County, the clinic will be from 10 a.m. to noon in Suite 9 of the Millennium Medical Office Building of Horizon Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center, 140 Academy St. in Presque Isle.

In Penobscot County, the clinic will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Anah Shriners, 586 Main St. in Bangor.

The clinic for those in Piscataquis County will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the office of Dr. Richard Swett, 45 Dwelley St. in Dover-Foxcroft.

For Waldo County, the clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Waldo County Shrine Club on Northport Avenue in Belfast.

In Washington County, the clinic will be conducted from 10 a.m. to noon at Calais Regional Hospital.

Another clinic for Washington County residents will be from 10 a.m. to noon at Machias Medical Associates on Route 1 in Machias.

The screenings are for children with orthopedic problems, birth defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate, burn scars or any problem that Shriners hospital staff can treat.

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