Students in grades three-nine with conditions known as high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome are being offered a spring, summer and fall recreational and educational experience at Camp CaPella in Dedham. It’s being jointly organized by the Maine Junior Engineer Technical Society and Camp CaPella.

Dr. Eva Szillery, founder of MJETS, says the first of the weeklong day programs will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Monday, April 21, at Camp CaPella in Dedham.

Tuition is $290 and some scholarships are available.

“The purpose of these programs” is “to assist HFA and AS students to turn their preoccupations into lifelong interests, recognize their unique potential and to excel in areas where they have their talents, and adjust socially,” Szillery said.

“The week at Camp CaPella is packed with activities in Lego Robotics, mathematical puzzles, constructions in modular origami, nature walks and waterfront activities.”

A portion of the proceeds from program fees will “benefit the mainstream Camp CaPella programs offered for handicapped students,” she added.

The spring faculty includes Szillery and Dr. Rick Eason, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, who has advised the junior engineer programs, is a pilot and lifelong puzzle designer and collector. Students will be grouped in grades three-four, five-six and seven-nine.

For information about this wonderful opportunity for students with HFA or AS, call Szillery, 356-0207, or e-mail evaszillery-mmsets@me.acadia.net.

In later columns, I will have details about the summer and fall programs.

Everyone is welcome to join Jan Parsley and Maryann Johnson for a Women of Faith Program, 3-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at Grace United Methodist Church, 193 Union St., Bangor.

The women wrote that the DVD presentation features inspirational speaker Patsy Clairmont and offers “lively discussion and healthy snacks.”

A Google search informs me that Clairmont is the best-selling author of “Mending Your Heart in a Broken World: Finding Comfort in the Scriptures.”

For information, call 942-8320.

Caring Connections, a cooperative program of the Bangor YMCA and Eastern Maine Medical Center, invites you to hear Deb Storm and Gail Baillargeon discuss current research and new treatments for osteoporosis.

The clinical research coordinators for Acadia Clinical Research will speak at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Bangor Y’s Isaac Farrar Mansion, 17 Second St.

Attendees also will learn about trials being conducted on other health issues such as diabetes and obesity and how to qualify for them.

The session is free and open to anyone interested in these topics.

A calcium-rich snack and recipe will be provided, and information can be obtained by calling Robin Long at 941-2808.

Leigh Butler reports the Bangor Art Society will welcome artist Michael Vermette at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the upstairs meeting room of the Bangor Public Library, and you are invited to attend.

Vermette, who has taught art in public schools for 21 years through Maine Indian Education, according to Butler, “will demonstrate his unique wash techniques on paper and lead a workshop using 100 percent coffee to paint the image.”

Butler added that attendees can “bring a photo or sketch from which to paint their image.”

For information about the BAS, its meetings and activities, call president Kris Whitney at 942-3868.

From Joyce Schelling of Orland we learn the public is invited to hear Dr. Aaron Ahuvia of the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace discuss the psychology of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ahuvia makes his first presentation in our area at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, March 2, at Adas Yoshuron Synagogue, 50 Willow St., Rockland, and his second at 1 p.m. that day, at Congregation Beth El, 183 French St., Bangor.

In one of three Maine appearances, Ahuvia will speak at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave., Portland.

According to the information Schelling provided, Ahuvia “will talk about psychological research and what it can tell us about the conflict and how to get past obstacles to lasting peace. He will also look at a potential role of the American Jewish community in helping Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.”

In its fourth year, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace claims to be “America’s largest Jewish peace group with 37,000 supporters and 40 chapters nationwide” with “chapters beginning to form in Maine.”

For information call Todd Miller, 992-9114, e-mail toddfmiller@gmail.com or visit http://www.btvshalom.org/.

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