Singing together since 1991, The River City Harmonizers will share their love of barbershop-style music with the public this holiday season in a benefit for the Hampden Congregational Church.

The group of more than 20 women from communities from Bangor to Belfast will appear at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, in the sanctuary of the church on Main Street in Hampden.

Tickets are $3 each and may be purchased from church members or by calling Linda Reese of Searsport at 548-9920 or Judy LeClair of Bangor at 942-1491.

The program will include such holiday favorites as “Home for Christmas,” “Silver Bells” and “White Christmas,” and will close with what director Mary Gaudreau describes as “a moving patriotic segment.”

The benefit is the Harmonizers’ way of saying “thank you” to the Hampden congregation “in appreciation of the wonderful rehearsal space that the church provides each week,” Gaudreau wrote.

The group meets at 6:30 p.m. each Thursday at the church, where “laughter as well as song can be heard as members practice their repertoire of traditional, patriotic and upbeat tunes in four-part harmony,” she explained.

Their a capella performances have been enjoyed by many through the years, as they’ve sung at nursing homes, hospitals, churches, community fairs, festivals, reunions and for anniversary, retirement and birthday parties.

For those who might be less familiar with this style of music, Gaudreau offers the explanation that barbershop singing is performed “without any instrumental accompaniment.

“Leads sing the melody, while tenors harmonize in a higher register,” she said. “Basses anchor the chords, and baritones pick up the odd notes that characterize barbershop style.

“While the individual parts solo on occasion,” she added, “it’s the blend and that perfect chord we’re looking for.”

And they’re always on the lookout for new members to be part of their “easygoing approach” that includes an informal audition.

“Women singers do not need experience or have to be able to read music,” Gaudreau said, “but they should enjoy singing close harmony.”

The Harmonizers’ final performance of the year will be at Belfast’s “New Year’s By the Bay” celebration at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, at the United Methodist Church, 37 Miller St., Belfast.

Their appearance marks the second year the River City Harmonizers have been part of this annual chem-free event.

Last month, members of the Levant Fire Department hosted a benefit supper for volunteer firefighter Kenny Light, who recently underwent emergency back surgery and is unable to work.

Light recently wrote to the NEWS “to thank all of my friends and family for all their kindness in helping me during this transition in my life.”

He thanks people for their “visits to the hospital, to help pass the time,” and for building a wheelchair ramp “so that I would be able to come home.”

Light extends his sincerest thanks to members of the fire department for the benefit supper, which will “help pay my expenses.” He also wants you to know he appreciates the “hello, how are you doing?” phone calls he receives.

“Each and every act of kindness has meant more to me than you will ever know,” he wrote.

The public is invited to the United Methodist Women’s annual Christmas coffee from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St., Bangor.

Donations are requested for the refreshments that will be served. You can also purchase crafts and goodies at the event.

Eighth-graders at Gouldsboro Grammar School are working hard to fund their class trip and graduation, and you can help.

The class is hosting a Chinese auction beginning at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Gouldsboro Community Center on Route 195 in Gouldsboro.

The drawings will be held at 5:30 p.m., but you don’t have to be present to win one of the many prizes, which include a new chain saw with case and a hard-carved wooden bear. Refreshments also will be available.

Susan Soper and Stephanie Young are co-chairing the event.

If you are unable to participate but would like to help the youths with this project, call Soper at 963-7801 or Young at 963-2246 for more information.

We have lost one of the most beloved members of our community family, and our lives will never again be quite the same.

The life of G. Peirce Webber was one of our greatest gifts, and we will continue to reap the rewards of that gift for generations to come.

Peirce was a man devoted to those he loved, and he loved us all.

That devotion manifested itself in numerous ways, both publicly and privately, as he shared his wealth and wisdom through philanthropic efforts and community volunteerism that were the hallmarks of his life.

A man who knew both great happiness and great sorrow, he managed to live life to the fullest, with a twinkle in his eye that endeared him to us all.

In his presence, you always felt comfortable and welcome, and he had a marvelous capacity for remembering something special about each and every one of us.

Peirce Webber was, simply, one of the dearest, kindest, most generous men I have ever known and I, as you do, deeply mourn his passing.

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