Two months before she died of breast cancer at the age of 28, Beth Charczynski Wright of Addison established the Choose Life Foundation, which helps cancer patients and their families in that town and neighboring communities.
A major fund-raiser for the foundation was the Beth C. Wright Walk for Life last May, which raised more than $50,000 through the participation of 500 walkers.
And while that total might not be reached this year, it would certainly be wonderful if it did.
The Second Annual Beth C. Wright Walk for Life event begins with a light breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4, rain or shine, at Addison Town Hall.
The walk begins at 10 a.m. at the Town Hall, where all the day’s activities take place.
However, to be able to participate in the walk, you must pre-register by Monday, April 15, by calling Lynn Toppin, 483-6104, or Angel Alley, 483-2326.
Walkers may pick up brochures at local banks and stores, reports Toppin, who is president of the foundation started by her sister. Walkers who raise $1,000 or more in pledges will receive special recognition, she said.
The foundation “just created its mission statement,” Toppin said of the “charitable organization that provides cancer patients and families, in our communities, with hope, encouragement, and spiritual inspiration through educational materials and financial support.”
As mentioned above, the Walk for Life is more than just the walk.
“We have 50/50 raffles, a children’s playhouse has been built for us, and we’ll have a big Chinese auction,” Toppin said.
The event also includes a craft fair, bake sale, children’s games, a bounce house, a lobster dinner and a barbecue.
Toppin reported the foundation has made several donations this year, including contributions to the hospitals in Machias and Ellsworth, a $1,000 donation to the Maine Lymphedema Network, and $1,000 donations “to many individuals with cancer. We’ve been doing a lot with the money,” Toppin said.
She hopes many people will plan to participate in the walk “in memory of our loved ones.”
The 5-mile route along Route 1, she said, “comes back down Ridge Road and passes the cemetery, where walkers can lay a flower on Beth’s grave.”
If you cannot participate, but would like to make a direct contribution to the Choose Life Foundation, send your donation to CLF, P.O. Box 107, Addison 04606.
A memorial service for Dr. Christopher Seitz, a well-known radiation oncologist who lived in North Yarmouth but came regularly to The Aroostook Medial Center in Presque Isle to treat patients, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7, in the McCain Conference Room at TAMC.
Seitz was tragically killed recently in an avalanche while skiing in British Columbia, Canada.
He was a partner in the Spectrum Medical Group in southern Maine, and had family ties in Presque Isle.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Thibodeau Seitz of North Yarmouth; his children, Jennifer, Andrew and Gregory; two brothers and a sister; and Lawrence and Audrey Thibodeau of Presque Isle.
Contributions in his memory may be made to memorial funds that have been established in his name at Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland 04101 and The Aroostook Medical Center, P.O. Box 151, Presque Isle 04769.
Representatives of organizations including fire and police departments, members of the military, health groups and nonprofit service organizations are participating in a Child Safety Seat Checkup from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, April 8, at Bangor Fire Department, 289 Main St.
Parents and caregivers arriving in their vehicles should bring their child safety seats and their children to the site. No appointment is necessary.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Association reports traffic accidents are the No. 1 cause of death of children ages from birth to 14, and that child safety seats, when correctly installed and used, are very effective in saving their lives.
It is estimated proper use of a car seat reduces the risk of death by as much as 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for children ages 1-5.
To ensure you are using your child seat correctly, plan to attend this event, which might just help save your child’s life.
Members of the Bucksport High School National Honor Society are conducting a food drive to benefit the local food pantry, Bucksport Community Concerns.
The NHS is accepting any nonperishable food item as well as financial contributions.
Contributions may be made weekdays between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the lobby of the high school and will be accepted until Friday, April 12.
According to Nancy Ziegenbein of Bangor, “we have the best seats in the house – second, third and fourth row center tables” for the upcoming Boston Symphony Pops concert, “An American Salute,” scheduled for the evening of Saturday, June 15, at Symphony Hall in Boston.
Friends of the Symphony is sponsoring the overnight bus trip, which leaves Bangor at 7 a.m. Saturday, June 15, with prearranged stops along Interstate 95 south of Bangor.
The cost for the excursion, which was sold out last year, is $249 for the general public or $239 for Friends of the Symphony members.
The trip includes visits to historic sites in the Greater Boston area, a 100-minute boat tour of Boston Harbor, live theater, dining out, shopping and an opportunity to enjoy the directing of newly appointed Principal Pops Guest Conductor Bruce Hagen, who will lead the orchestra “in a stirring program of patriotic melodies,” Ziegenbein wrote.
Seats at only four tables remain. The reservation deadline is Friday, April 12.
For information call Ziegenbein at 947-7965.
Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.
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