She makes me laugh, that Nancy Craven, and I love to hear what she has to say about the Ricky Craven Snowmobile Ride for Charity and also what she has to say about her son.

The Bangor mother of Maine’s only NASCAR Winston Cup driver said this week, “Everything is going wonderfully,” as organizers prepare for the fifth annual event that will raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network of Eastern Maine Healthcare, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Marrow Foundation, the Travis Roy Foundation and the Give Kids the World Foundation.

The Craven charity snowmobile ride begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Greenville High School.

Nancy Craven is confident this fund-raiser is going to be better than ever.

She is very proud of her son’s accomplishments and honors during 2001 and, she said with authority, “I’m even happier, now that’s he’s got a clean ride! I like the T-shirts better!”

For those who are not in the know, Ricky Craven drives the Tide No. 32 car!

With Ricky in the “pole-sitter’s” position for the charity event, the riders leave GHS in 50-sled segments spaced 10 minutes apart.

They follow a route laid out by the Moosehead Trail Riders Snowmobile Club, which brings them back to GHS for more fun, entertainment, raffles and autograph sessions.

It’s always heartwarming to report that thanks to the hard work and commitment of many volunteers and sponsors, 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the five charities.

With last year’s ride raising more than $84,000, Nancy Craven said, “we are ready to outdo what we did last year, that’s for sure. We set our goal, and I think we will make it.”

That goal is $100,00. As of this week, they were well on their way with more than $69,000 raised, she said.

People can register for the ride in advance by calling 338-0770 or 941-9364, or by writing the Ricky Craven Charity Ride, P.O. Box 2223, Bangor 04402-2223.

The cost for the ride, which is sponsored by Arctic Cat and Wallace Associates Financial Services, is $125 for each rider.

Donations in any amount are welcome and encouraged.

Remember that riders must be 13 years old to operate a sled, and checks should be made out to the Ricky Craven Charity Ride.

But, Nancy Craven said, people also can register the day of the race.

“We’re there at 5:30 in the morning,” she said, “and, if they don’t have their credentials then, that’s when they’ll see me. I sit at the very end of the table. We usually have 30 or so people who sign up the day of the event. They have to do that with me.”

Craven had just spoken with her son when I talked with her early this week, “and I told him we’ve finally got some snow up here, so he doesn’t have to stay awake at night and worry about that anymore,” she said.

Seven major raffles will feature prizes ranging from snowmobiles to gun cabinets, and a 50-50 ticket drawing also is expected to offer a prize of more than $500.

We wish them all well, and hope to hear that the Ricky Craven Snowmobile Ride for Charity reached its goal.

Just before Christmas, I told you about the effort by Mark and Tracy Beauregard of Hampden who, with the cooperation of SAD 22, are leading an effort to raise funds to build a handicapped-accessible play structure addition at the Hampden elementary schools.

The parents of a kindergartner with disabilities, the Beauregards recognize the need for their child to be able to enjoy special playtimes with classmates and friends, as do all children with disabilities who visit this special Creative Playground.

I recently heard from Tracy Beauregard that they have raised more than two-thirds of their $15,000 goal, and that they need to raise just $3,000 more.

“Ideally, we would like to have the funds raised by the end of January,” she wrote.

And, she added, “a gentleman here in Hampden even volunteered the labor to put it together.”

If you can help complete this project that benefits not only the children who attend the Earl C. McGraw and Weatherbee schools in Hampden, but all children with disabilities who regularly visit that site, send your donations to McGraw School Playground Fund, attn: Sally LeClair, principal, Hampden 04444.

Congratulations are extended to Elizabeth Barnhart-Rodick of Mount Desert Island, who has qualified as a People to People Student Ambassador for the Class of 2002.

She will be among a group of middle school pupils who will travel to Australia next summer as part of the program founded by former President Dwight Eisenhower.

A high honors pupil at Conners-Emerson School, the sixth-grader now needs to raise $5,000 to participate in the program, for which she will receive high school credit.

Barnhart-Rodick needs to raise that money by Wednesday, May 1, so if you can help or would like more information, write her at 1703 State Highway 102, Bar Harbor 04609, or call 288-4406.

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