With residents of Lincoln working to rebuild part of their downtown after the January fire that destroyed two Main Street buildings and displaced six businesses, readers will be pleased to learn that other activities are keeping folks in that area busy as well.

For example, Janice McCafferty writes that the Lincoln Memorial Library is gearing up for its second annual art show, which is planned for Monday, Aug. 19, through Saturday, Aug. 24, at the library, and organizers are inviting artists to submit work for this event.

In fact, the sooner you request entry information the better, since “we’re getting ready to send our packets right out,” she said this week.

This event will feature three categories: professional, amateur, and youth for those ages 18 and younger, McCafferty explained.

However, she added, “due to limitations in space, we are asking for only one work to be submitted, and there is a size limit: Pieces are to be no larger than 18 inches in height or width.”

Members of the viewing public will choose the winners, and each winner, in each category, will receive a $25 gift certificate from Borders bookstores.

“We had a wonderful turnout for this show last year,” McCafferty added, and I certainly hope the same is true this year, especially after Lincoln’s unfortunate experience last winter.

Submitting your special piece of artwork for this show is a wonderful way to help a community in the midst of rebuilding.

Anyone wishing to enter the show can do so by calling the library at 794-2765 and speaking with art show coordinator McCafferty or library director Lisa Auriemma, or by visiting the library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Do you have teen-agers looking for something worthwhile and constructive to do this summer?

Corky Smith, parish administrator for St. John’s Episcopal Church on French Street in Bangor, has a suggestion.

She urges young people to “make a positive impact in your community” by volunteering to help others.

The St. John’s Youth Fellowship is organizing a drive for teens to do volunteer work together with other teens.

For example, young people might appreciate being able to serve and prepare food for the homeless, give love and attention to animals at local shelters, or help out at children’s nature camps.

The St. John’s Youth Fellowship Youth Volunteer Program begins Monday, July 8, and registration is required.

For more information call Stephen Dass, Summer of Service Program, at 947-0156, or visit www.geocities.com/stjohnyouthfellowship.

A newcomer to our area writes that he’s found good people here, and we thank him for expressing that opinion.

Master Sgt. Kevin Smith wrote he is “newly assigned to the Bangor area as an Air Force recruiter,” and over the past couple of weeks he noticed people writing to express the opposite opinion.

“Several weeks ago,” he wrote, “I was towing a heavy trailer and, after driving through a substantial dip, had stopped at a traffic light on Hogan Road.”

It was there that a man ran up to Smith’s vehicle informing him that his trailer had become unhitched.

“Within seconds, the manager of the Exxon station had run over, and two other concerned citizens jumped out of their cars,” Smith wrote, “and the three of them helped me reattach my trailer.”

To those three good Samaritans, Smith says, “Thank you.”

Ron LeClair, chairman of the Winslow July Fourth committee, reminds everyone in that area that Fourth of July festivities there get off to an early start.

He promises one of the “biggest and most exciting” events in Maine, and wants you to know all events will be held rain or shine.

The celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29, with a bean-hole bean supper and pork roast at Fort Halifax Park. The 2002 Miss Fourth of July Pageant follows at 7 that night at Winslow Junior High School.

To participate in the celebration’s first car show, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at Fort Halifax Park, you must register your car by 9:30 that morning.

A 500-seat tent awaits only your lawn chairs for a band concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 1, in the park.

Bring the chairs back for a Golden Afternoon from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, in the park, featuring French and American music. Top off the evening with a street dance from 6 to 11 that night at St. John’s parking lot.

A flyover by the U.S. Air Force and the theme “United We Stand” will highlight a two-mile parade with nearly 4,000 participants beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4, in Winslow.

At noon on the Fourth, head to the park for dozens of activities for people of all ages.

Two band performances, at 5 and 7 p.m., will be followed by a tribute to the Sept. 11 victims and families at 9 p.m. just before fireworks light up the sky at 9:20 p.m. to close out the Winslow Fourth of July celebration.

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