According to information I have received, race organizer Kelley Carter and everyone working on the inaugural Newport Cultural Center 5K Run-Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run are very excited about this event.

“It is something so different from what we have done in the past,” wrote Thalia Webb of the fundraiser sponsored by the Newport Cultural Center.

Activities all begin with registration at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Fun Run at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K Race at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 15, in downtown Newport.

For runners who preregister by Monday, July 10, the race registration fee is $10.

Race day registration is $12, and registration for children under 10 is $5.

To register for the race, or receive more information, call Carter at 852-0647.

T-shirts will be given the first 100 registrants; awards for the top three male and female finishers will be presented in the overall category as well as those 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and over.

The course is described as a fast one that starts at the site of the future NCC, crosses Sebasticook River and follows a long, winding, tree-lined course along the banks of Sebasticook Lake, where the road dead-ends at the halfway point and runners return to the finish line.

Race proceeds will benefit the future NCC, which will house the Newport Public Library and Historical Society Museum.

The race is part of the community’s expanded Summerfest Weekend that includes the Valley Arts Alliance Art Show, games, food, fun rides, a canoe and boat race, horseshoe tournament and many other activities you will want to take advantage of after your run, walk or fun run.

Debbie Melnikas reminds readers that the American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront is Aug. 25-27.

More importantly, she wants to get the word out that 350 volunteer are still needed to help make the 2006 festival a success.

“There are a wide variety of volunteer jobs to choose from,” she wrote, “and the sooner you register, the better your chances are of being scheduled in your preferred” job or jobs.

The minimum time commitment is just that, only 31/2 hours per shift, and all volunteers receive an exclusive festival T-shirt and an invitation to a private party for volunteers, artists and staff.

Many have such fun they volunteer for more than one shift.

To learn more about this wonderful, exciting volunteer opportunity and how you can help support what Melnikas considers a “celebration of arts and culture in your community,” call 992-2630.

For more detailed information about the 2006 festival, visit www.AmericanFolkFestival.com.

Waldo County General Hospital is offering an American Red Cross CPR and Standard First Aid Certification Course on three Tuesdays this month.

The courses, taught by certified ARC instructor Lonie Brown, are Adult CPR, 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 11; Infant & Child CPR, 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 18; and Standard First Aid, 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 25.

All courses will be taught at the WCGH Education Center, 118 Northport Ave., Belfast.

Nicole Heanssler of Waldo County Healthcare Inc. reports the courses are ideal for day care providers and caregivers. Participants receive a certification card upon the successful completion of the course.

The cost is $60 for all three classes, $50 for two and $35 for one.

Since class size is limited, registration is required and can be made by calling the WCGH Education Department at 338-2500, ext. 4154.

The CPR book must be picked up before class between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, at the WCGH Education Department.

My sympathies are extended the family and friends of Evelyn Rice Grant of Bangor, who died last week at 83.

I first became acquainted with Evelyn many years ago when I was a sports columnist for this paper.

Evelyn was a delightful interview, because she was a woman of strong opinions who didn’t mind expressing them and allowing you to quote her.

At the time, that was a rare quality among Maine female athletes.

Evelyn was an outstanding, championship golfer who willingly shared her enthusiasm for the game with younger players who are, today, champions themselves.

We are fortunate her proteges are continuing to share that enthusiasm and encouragement with little girls who could become tomorrow’s champions.

Evelyn’s life was an adventure. She did not shy from it, but, instead, lived it to the fullest.

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