Rather than going out for a good time this weekend, Dave Russell, program director for radio station 92.9 WEZQ, hopes you will keep your keys in your pocket and use what’s in your wallet for something different.

Russell hopes you will tune in to the station’s annual Stay-At-Home Ball, which airs from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 6, and enjoy an evening in the comfort of your own home while helping those in need.

Funds raised through the Stay-at-Home Ball benefit Rape Response Services of Bangor, and RRS executive director Kathy Walker will be joining Russell live, on the air, for the broadcast.

“Listeners are encouraged to make a donation to Rape Response Services, and can do so by calling the WEZQ Listener Line at 991-9785,” Russell wrote. “We’re encouraging folks to take the money they would spend going out on a Saturday night and donate, instead, to Rape Response Services.”

Rape Response Services provides support for people in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties who have been affected by rape, incest, childhood sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

If you would like more information about the work of RRS, or how you can help, call 941-2980.

Russell also proudly included information that national radio personality Sheri Lynch of the “Bob & Sheri Show,” which is broadcast on WEZQ, has been honored by American Women in Radio and Television with the prestigious Gracie Allen Award.

The award is named for the late comedienne best remembered for her 1950s sitcom co-starring her late husband, George Burns. Lynch is one of 54 national winners of the award, which she shares this year with media personalities such as Rosie O’Donnell and Paula Zahn.

“We’re very proud of Sheri here at 92.9 WEZQ,” Russell wrote, adding that, starting this month, the “Bob & Sheri Show” airs “a half-hour earlier, every weekday” beginning at 5:30 a.m. on WEZQ.

Gail Menzel and fellow members of the St. Croix Valley International Garden Club are preparing for their 24th season, and they hope you will join them.

The club holds its opening luncheon with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, at the First Congregational Church, 11 Calais Ave. in Calais.

New and renewing members are asked to make their reservations for the meeting by Wednesday, April 10, by calling Treasurer Pat Wyeth at 853-9629.

The cost of the luncheon is $12, and annual dues of $10 will also be collected at the luncheon.

Elizabeth Curran, a member of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener program, will be the guest speaker. Curran will discuss soil composition, composting and amending.

The club meets the third Wednesday of each month, April through December, throughout Washington County and New Brunswick in communities such as Cutler, Campobello, Calais, Roque Bluffs, Pembroke, St. Stephen and Eastport.

A member of the St. Croix District of the Garden Club Federation of Maine and of the National Garden Clubs, officers serving with Wyeth this year are President Mary Wallace, Vice President Joan Edwards, Secretary Ferne Johnson and Corresponding Secretary Nancy Skala.

Gardening topics, plant swaps, garden tours, picnics and field trips are all part of the season’s activities.

The club’s major fund-raiser is its flower show, “The Magic of Gardens,” which is planned for Saturday, July 27, at the Pembroke Elementary School.

For more information about the opening luncheon, the club, or any of its activities, you are invited to call Menzel at 726-4734.

A very special lady will be celebrating a very special birthday next week, and you are not only invited to attend her party, if you wish, you are also invited to send her a card.

Edith Pinkerton was born on April 13, 1902, in Island Falls.

A 100th birthday party is planned for her from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, April 13, at Thayer Parkway in Dover-Foxcroft.

Of her six children, three are living, and all will be in attendance to wish their mother well on this day: Marilyn Cantara of Dover-Foxcroft, Lloyd Pinkerton of Hampden and Violet Dunbar of Texas.

Mrs. Pinkerton, according to her son, “has many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren.”

The widow of Fred Pinkerton, she spent her life as a homemaker and “loves to get cards,” Lloyd Pinkerton said of the centenarian, who is in good health.

“But no gifts, please,” he said. “Just cards.”

If you would like to attend her party, feel free to do so.

If you would like to add your greetings to those coming Edith Pinkerton’s way, send them to her at Room 41, Hibbard Nursing Home, Dover-Foxcroft, 04426.

Tracy Cobb Paul of Veazie wrote me that “Orono High School’s Class of 1982 is planning its 20th (gulp) class reunion” for Saturday, Aug. 3.

“We are having difficulty locating some of our classmates,” she explained, adding that the committee is “asking anyone who hasn’t received information about the reunion to please contact Randy Wadleigh at 942-2593 or govot35@aol.com.”

The NEWS has received a letter, written in pencil, and addressed to “Dear Readers.”

It is from Austin Kolbe, a fifth-grader at West Ridge Elementary School in Harlan, Ind.

His class is studying the geography and history of the United States.

“We would appreciate it if you would send a postcard, souvenir or information about your state. I appreciate your time. Thank you.”

Whatever you can provide Austin to help with this project can be sent to him at West Ridge Elementary School, 1401 19th St., Harlan, Ind.

OOPS! I certainly goofed on this one! The correct time for the Benefit Concert sponsored by the Sumner Memorial High School GEAR Up program, to assist the family of SMHS freshman Joe Cusick, who is receiving treatment for cancer, is 7-11 p.m. tonight at SMHS in East Sullivan.

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