Registration is open for Army Strong, a physical fitness challenge co-sponsored by the U.S. Army and Gold’s Gym that is planned for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at Gold’s Gym, 424 Odlin Road in Bangor.

Gold’s general manager Travis York said the event coincides with a new U.S. Army recruiting campaign, and features four male and four female age-group fitness challenge categories ranging from 15 to 42 and older.

The top two finishers from each group move on to compete in the finals with the overall winner determined using the U.S. Army physical training standards for age-sex groups.

The fitness challenge winner receives prizes including a one-year membership to Gold’s Gym.

Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the U.S. Army from a recruiter; there will be an open forum to ask questions; and Q106.5 FM will broadcast from the event.

Each age-sex group will have its own coach-judge for the challenge, York said.

“We’ll have vendors and lunch, and there is no fee” to participate, he stated.

“The gym is free that day, and we will offer child care along with membership specials.”

York believes the event is a good match between Gold’s and the military, offering people the opportunity to test their physical skills and abilities in activities that include sit-ups, squats, jumping jacks and a treadmill run.

To register, visit Gold’s between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, in Bangor.

You also can register at the U.S. Army recruiting office between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, at 667 Hogan Road in Bangor.

You are invited to attend a community preview of the HBO special “Addiction” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at Acadia Hospital, 268 Stillwater Ave., Bangor.

Seating is limited. To register, call 973-6119, or e-mail sdoughty@emh.org.

Offered by Acadia Hospital and the Close to Home Opiate Awareness Campaign, this free, educational program previews the 14-part HBO series that begins Thursday, March 15.

A panel of community leaders familiar with the impact that addiction has here in Maine, particularly opiate addiction, will be featured, and audience members will participate in a question-and-answer session with the panelists.

Stearns High School band director Kris Vigue invites you to enjoy two days of “great jazz.”

The Maine Music Educators Association State High School Instrumental Jazz Festival is 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, March 16; and 11 a.m. to late afternoon, with evening finals beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at Stearns High School in Millinocket.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors and $15 for families.

Concessions will be available for purchase both days in the cafeteria.

Vigue is understandably proud of Stearns being the host school for this event.

“Stearns High School’s jazz band is not very big,” Vigue wrote, “but they are dedicated,” practicing at 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday throughout the school year.

She also pointed out that the two-day event will bring many bands to the area, and that the festival “should be lively and entertaining.”

Everyone who has been in rehearsal for the 11th annual Waldo County Healthcare Dessert Cabaret is looking forward to entertaining you at 7 p.m. Friday, March 16, at Belfast Area High School.

Although admission is free, a donation is requested. Desserts and other foods can be purchased when doors open at 5:30 p.m. and during intermission.

Sandra Gordon of WCH e-mailed that the program features “many new performers” including the Searsport Cub Scouts; Evil Alchemy, a high school band; middle school students Kelly Walker, Kaylee Pickering and Madison Pickering; hospital staff members and dancers Courtney Porter and Larry Dutch. The finale features “Captain and Tennille.”

Returning performers include Katherine Hall, Heidi Peterson, Lois Donaghy and Roger Rowlands.

During intermission of the variety show, gift certificates for local businesses will be drawn as door prizes and, before the show ends, someone will win half the proceeds of a 50-50 raffle.

Proceeds benefit free wellness events offered by WCH such as the Family Wellness Fair, the Medication Safety Fair, Reiki clinics, diabetes and hypertension screening, a prostate clinic and women’s health screenings.

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