Bangor

Dinner auction

National Basketball Hall of Famer John Wooden, former head men’s basketball coach at UCLA, has recently donated autographed copies of two of his latest books to the March of Dimes Northern Maine Division for its annual dinner auction.

“Coach Wooden’s kindness and generosity will help so much in our auction,” said Northern Maine Division Director Gene Staffiere.

The popular children’s book, “Inch and Miles,” and his most recent book, “My Personal Best,” were received by the March of Dimes Northern Maine office in Brewer last week. In addition, Wooden included a personally signed photo of himself displaying his famous “Pyramid Of Success.”

The fifth annual March of Dimes Dinner Auction will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Elks Club on Odlin Road.

Other items up for auction include an 8-foot rug from Saliba’s, a chest from Stonington’s Furniture and a deacon’s bench from the woodworking program at the Maine State Prison.

Those interested in purchasing a table or individual dinner auction tickets should call the Northern Maine March of Dimes office at 989-3376.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies. In 2003, the organization launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.

Art at the library

The Hammond Street Senior Center exhibit in the Bangor Public Library’s Lecture Hall during September showcases the work of members of the center’s art program.

Media will include drawings, watercolor and oil paintings.

Also during September, in the library’s Stairwell Gallery, Dixmont artist Alan Harzewski presents “Textures,” an exhibit that illustrates his unique approach to photography. Harzewski uses textured papers and collage to transform the ordinary to art.

The Bangor Public Library invites local artists to submit applications to exhibit in the library’s three galleries.

Interested artists should submit an application by Oct. 15.

The library art committee will select artists and groups to exhibit in the library during the following calendar year.

Artists do not need to be a professional to apply.

The committee encourages students of all ages and groups of all types of artists to apply.

The committee also encourages gallery talks and programs on themes relating to exhibits, as well as openings for every new show. For more information, call the library at 947-8336.

Art at Husson College

Wood engravings by Stonington artist Siri Beckman will be on display beginning Monday, Sept. 11, at the Robert E. White Art Gallery in Peabody Hall at Husson College.

A native of Chicago and a graduate of Lake Forest College in Illinois and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Beckman creates wood engravings that are widely known.

She is the owner of Out of the Woods Press and teaches at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts on Deer Isle.

The White Gallery is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Anniversary of 9-11

As the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, approaches, libraries across America are planning activities that will give communities an opportunity to consider and discuss the impact Sept. 11 has had on our lives, our country and our world. Bangor Public Library will take part in the “September Program” by offering several days of relevant presentations and discussions.

. Dr. Richard Powell, University of Maine political science professor, will serve as chairman of a panel of area media representatives who will consider the question, “How the News Has Changed Since 9-11,” at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11. Discussion will follow. At 4 p.m., a panel from the Bangor Peace and Justice Center will be the hosts for a roundtable discussion addressing the question, “Are We More Secure?” At 7 p.m., Dr. Amy Fried, University of Maine political science professor, will present the talk, “The Changing Definition of Patriotism.” Discussion will follow.

. A representative of the Maine Civil Liberties Union and other guests will consider the delicate balance between national security and individual freedoms with discussion following at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. At 7 p.m., Dr. Ginny Holmes and nurse Lois Dvorak will present “Helping Our Children in the Turmoil of Today’s World” in the library’s Story Room.

The events are free and open to the public. Call 947-8336 for more information.

Volunteer tutoring

Volunteers interested in helping adults improve their reading and-or English-speaking skills are encouraged to become involved in Literacy Volunteers of Bangor. Interested volunteers are invited to take first a one-hour Introduction to Literacy overview to learn general information about literacy programming and tutor expectations before enrolling in the certification tutor training course.

Several times and dates are available for the class:

. 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12.

. Noon-1p.m. Monday, Sept. 18.

. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17.

. Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25.

All classes are offered at United Technologies Center, 200 Hogan Road. To register, call 947-8451. For more information about tutor training courses, visit www.lvbangor.

org.

LV-Bangor is an organization that links volunteer tutors with adults who either want to improve their reading or are learning English. Those interested in improving reading skills or learning English may call LV-Bangor at 947-8451 for more information about how to get a tutor.

‘Nutcracker’ auditions

The Robinson Ballet Company announced that it will hold auditions for “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Sept. 16, at River City Dance Center, 107 Union St. Dancers age 12 to adult will audition from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Dancers age 9 to 11 will audition 2-3 p.m. For more information, call 989-7226.

Prayer and meditation

Hammond Street Congregational Church will offer a free eight-week session on prayer beginning 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the church.

Participants will explore several methods of prayer and meditation, such as centering prayer and vocal prayer. The sessions will have prayer, presentations, participation and exercises for connecting with God and one another. Participants may attend as few or as many sessions as they wish.

The group meeting will begin with a light supper and have time to experience prayer and share in small groups.

Presenters Lee F. White and Bill Lagerstrom have extensive backgrounds in facilitating spiritual development groups, workshops and retreats. Call 862-5448 to obtain more information and to register.

Community Bible study

A community Bible study class for women will be offered with a choice of times beginning Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Pilgrim Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 375 Mount Hope Ave.

The first group will meet at 9:30 a.m. with babysitting available, and the second group at 1 p.m. The class will examine the Book of Luke. A study guide is available. For more information, call 944-2038.

Bradley

Blacksmiths’ Round-up

Learn about blacksmithing and try your hand at it at the Blacksmith’s Round-up 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Leonard’s Mills Maine Forest and Logging Museum.

Professional blacksmiths Doug Wilson and Ian Walker will demonstrate 10 a.m.-noon. They have years of experience and lots of enthusiasm for the trade.

In the afternoon, visitors will have a chance to try blacksmithing for themselves. Wilson and Walker will help visitors create an item for use or display.

Admission to the logging museum is $5, $2 children 12 years and younger. Leonard’s Mills is located off Route 178 between Milford and Brewer. For information, call 581-2871.

Brewer

Benefit performance

Blues for the Cure will be held 8 p.m.-midnight Friday, Sept. 15, at Jeff’s Catering, 5 Coffin Ave. Featured musicians will be Dave Mello, The England Brothers, River Bottom Funk and Sista Sadie.

Tickets are $10 and available Monday-Friday at Fast Forms Printing in Bangor, and 4-8 p.m. Sept. 7, 8 and 14; noon-4 p.m. Sept. 9; and 4-7 p.m. Sept. 15, at the Race for the Cure Bangor Mall location. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Maine affiliate. For more information, call 731-5043.

Castine

Wilson Museum exhibits

The John Perkins House, the Blacksmith Shop and Hearse House have closed for the season, but the Wilson Museum remains open through September – and with it the opportunity to view three temporary exhibits.

One presents a look back at Castine souvenirs. Another provides a glimpse into the local surroundings of the museum’s founder, J. Howard Wilson.

The third exhibit is titled “Collecting the Old Stone Age in the Early 20th Century: J. Howard Wilson and the French Paleolithic,” arranged by anthropologist Riva Berleant.

The story of how these Stone Age tool collections were gathered and brought to the United States is an important part of the history of American museums and of the history of Paleolithic studies.

The Wilson Museum is 2-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

The season will wrap up with an end-of-season event on Saturday, Sept. 30. A band will play at 3 p.m. on the museum grounds, and light refreshments will be served.

Eddington

Historical society

The Eddington Historical Society will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at the cottage of Carlene Hamilton on Alamoosook Lake in East Orland.

Luncheon will be served, and attendees will be given the opportunity to tour a small museum on the grounds. For directions or car pooling, call Carline at 469-3366 or Richard Bowden at 989-5792.

Variety show

Performers are needed for the third annual Comins Hall Variety Show planned for Saturday, Oct. 14. All types of performers are needed – musical, comedy, skits, jokes, dance or recitations. Those interested in performing in the show are urged to call 843-5132.

Old Town

Meat raffle

The American Veterans Post 9 of Old Town will hold a meat raffle at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the Legion Hall, 20 Water St. The raffle is open to Amvets, American Legion and VFW members and their guests. Door prizes will be awarded. To obtain more information, call Dick Engstrom at 394-4601 or Don Plummer, 827-6575.

Orono

Women of the World

Women of the World has announced its schedule of monthly topics for its noon luncheons for 2006-2007:

. Sept. 11, Belgium.

. Oct. 9, International Harvest Festival. Bring donations of non-perishable food for local food cupboard.

. Nov. 13, Iberian Peninsula.

. Dec. 11, Swedish Christmas.

. Jan. 8, Soups and Breads of the World.

. Feb. 12, Chocolate Without Boundaries.

. March 12, Japan.

. April 9, Greece.

. May 14, Denmark.

Women of the World is a group of international women, including Americans, who gather once a month around an ethnic lunch. A cultural program featuring the country or theme usually follows.

WOW is a great place to meet women from around the world and the perfect opportunity to learn about new cultures and discover new cuisine. Lunch fees for women and for children over 10 is $4, $2 children 6-10. There is no cost to children under 6, who attend with their mothers.

Lunches are held at the Church of Universal Fellowship, Main Street, Orono.

For more information call Mireille LeGal at 581-3423.

WOW is sponsored by the Office of International Programs and National Student Exchange at the University of Maine.

Remembering 9-11

A memorial ceremony to mark the fifth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11, outside the Orono Fire Department on Main Street.

There will be solemn readings, music and tolling of the bells at the exact times of the attacks.

The “Flag of Honor,” comprising names of all who perished on Sept. 11, and the “Flag of Heroes,” honoring the firefighters, police, Port Authority personnel and volunteers who died trying to rescue people from the Twin Towers, will be displayed.

Original artwork by Orono firefighter Denis Bean will be displayed. For information, call Mary Drew at 866-3832.

Contra dance

The Marsh Island Band will begin its 27th season of contra dances at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Keith Anderson Community House on Bennoch Road. An optional beginner’s session begins at 7:30 p.m. Partners are not necessary and all dances are taught during the evening. Admission is $6. For more information, call Kyle at 866-3126.

Dance lessons

The Mary Drew School of Dance in cooperation with the Orono Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registration for ballet and tap dancing classes which will begin the week of Sept. 19. The fee is $80 for 10 classes plus a $30 costume deposit fee. For more information, call 866-3832 or 866-5065.

Verona Island

Table rental space

Crafts people and artisans interested in renting table space at the Verona Island Women’s Club Christmas Craft Fair should call Cora Webster at 469-3740 or Marlene Smith at 469-7992.

The craft fair will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Verona Island town hall.

Areawide

Home improvement loans

The USDA Rural Development’s Section 504 Loan Program helps homeowners remove health and safety hazards along with providing funding to improve or modernize homeowner’s properties.

The program is for those with very low income who need assistance improving their homes. The program offers a 1-percent interest loan for up to 20 years. The maximum outstanding amount of financing through the program is $20,000.

Examples of what a monthly payment would be, compared to the amount of money financed:

. A $5,000 loan at 1 percent for 20 years would result in a $23 per month payment.

. A $20,000 loan at 1 percent for 20 years would result in a $92 per month payment plus escrow for taxes and insurance.

Loans under $7,500 would not require a mortgage.

There are multiple purposes for 504 loan funds. Examples:

. Repairing or installation of a well and-or septic systems.

. Replacement or repair of roof.

. Replacement of doors and-or windows.

. Replacement or addition of insulation.

. Updating electrical system.

. Updating or purchasing of a central heating system.

. Repairing the foundation.

. Replacing siding.

. Making the home handicap-accessible, and multiple other repairs.

To qualify for a 504 Loan through USDA Rural Development, you must be within the very-low income guidelines and meet other requirements.

Call Jonathan Bell at 990-3676, Ext. 127, or e-mail Jonathan.bell@me.usda.gov for info or application, or visit Rural Development’s eligibility Web site at: http://eligibility.sc.

egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do.