Having spoken with Eunice Phillips of Hancock, I can tell you that an upcoming Writing Workshop sponsored by the Hancock Woman’s Club should be a treat.

I enjoyed talking with her and could just tell from the sound of her voice that you will enjoy taking this free course she will be teaching with fellow club member Fran Trefts of Hancock.

The HWC Writing Workshop is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. on Mondays for six weeks beginning Monday, Jan. 13, at the Hancock Community Center.

Phillips, an aspiring author, emphasized the workshop is free and that all ages are welcome.

She explained that one of the main interests of the national woman’s club federation, of which the HWC is a member, “is arts and writing.”

Additionally, Phillips said, “one of the main focuses of our club is education and learning,” which is why the club decided to offer this course to anyone who would like to take it.

All you need to bring with you is pen and paper.

It is hoped that, with practice and good ideas, you will be able to “unlock your hidden creativity.”

No preregistration is required, so you can just show up, ready to learn.

If you do have questions, however, Phillips, at 422-6214, or Trefts, at 422-2259, will be happy to answer them.

Spruce Run in Bangor, which provides services for people affected by domestic violence, is offering an educational program, Personal Economic Planning for Women.

“PEP” will be conducted from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays beginning Jan. 9 and running through Feb. 6, in the Viner Room at the YMCA, 127 Hammond St., Bangor.

Free child care will be provided.

The program will help provide answers to the questions, “Are you tired of working hard and not having enough money? Would you like to make connections with other women and have fun?”

To register, or receive more information, call Spruce Run at (800) 863-9909.

Writing on behalf of the Agape Food Pantry of Island Falls, Joyce Copeland thanks representatives of “area schools, Scout troops, churches” as well as individuals “for their generous donations of food, money and gifts” during the recent holiday season.

“Many families received our help because of your generosity,” she wrote, “and will be helped throughout the coming year.”

To all who contributed to the Agape Food Pantry, Copeland extends the committee’s gratitude, and wishes you a very Happy New Year.

A free holistic Health Fair will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Bangor YMCA, 127 Hammond St., Bangor.

The fair is co-sponsored by the Interfaith Program of St. Joseph Hospital, Bangor Region Partners for Health and the YMCA.

In addition to health screenings that include blood pressure and cholesterol checks, medical professional will be available to answer your health questions.

Information will be provided about your heart, lungs and diet as well as ways to reduce stress levels.

Tai chi and qigong demonstrations, free shoulder massages, music, entertainment, snacks and giveaways are all part of the fair.

The public is cordially invited to attend.

I share the pain, anguish and sorrow of Debbie Peet of Hampden, her children, Jason, Dustan, Noah, their family and all who knew and loved Jeff Peet.

Jeff died following a tragic accident while hiking in Gulf Hagas last week.

I loved Jeff. He was a great guy.

He was, as the old-timers would say, a straight shooter: An honest man who told it like it was, and never steered you wrong.

He was a kind, gentle, thoughtful man who always made you smile.

I last saw him just before Thanksgiving, and he did as he always did: He asked, “How are the kids?”

I replied, and then smiled secretly to myself because, the truth is, Jeff was not that much older than they, and I always thought of him as a kid, too.

That was part of his charm, I think.

He was a happy man who never seemed to age: He maintained a youthful love of life, and wasn’t afraid to share it.

We all will miss Jeff deeply, but we are grateful we had the opportunity to know him.

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