Organizers of the Central Aroostook Vigil, in recognition of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, are hoping “that we have a big turnout,” said Sharon Campbell-St. Peter, a volunteer with the Battered Women’s Project of Aroostook County.

“And if people can’t come,” she added, “that they please light a luminary in their own yard” as another way of participating in the event.

The Central Aroostook Vigil for Presque Isle, she said, is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, on the corner of Academy and Main streets.

“We will have a short program and light luminaries on three blocks on Main Street, and stand vigil to recognize the need for awareness, and to celebrate the survivors and mourn the victims of domestic violence,” she explained

Campbell-St. Peter added that many other community events are planned during the month, and on Thursday windows at the University of Maine Presque Isle, The Aroostook Medical Center and other places of employment will be lit with luminaries in an effort to help raise awareness of domestic violence.

Spaces are available for people to participate in the first Fall Foliage Poker Run 50-50 Charity Ride.

Registration is 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Wal-Mart in Rockland or Waterville. Stops include Wal-Mart locations in Augusta, Brunswick, Rockland and Waterville.

The registration fee is $10 per player. The event benefits Children’s Miracle Network, and more information can be obtained by calling 877-8774.

Members of the Forest Avenue Congregational Church invite you to join them in celebrating the church’s 100th anniversary at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the church, 300 Forest Ave. in Bangor.

A former pastor, the Rev. Michael Robinson of Smith Mills Congregational Church in So. Dartmouth, Mass., returns as the guest speaker.

A reception follows the celebration.

Downtown Bangor’s fifth annual Oktoberfest is noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.

In West Market Square, you will find a variety of musical acts, including a traditional German band, a steel and ska band, and much more.

Traditional German food and other choices will be available, and there will be many activities for children in Hannibal Hamlin Park.

Having seen the exhibit, I can report it is one that history lovers shouldn’t miss.

Bangor Museum and Center for History is sponsoring a trip to view “Cherished Possessions: A New England Legacy,” at Colby College in Waterville, leaving at noon Sunday, Oct. 19, from its 6 State St. location in Bangor.

Tickets are $25 per person or $20 for BMCH members, including transportation and lunch. Guest lecturers will speak during the trip.

Reservations are required, and can be made by calling the museum at 942-1900.

On behalf of the Bucksport Area Cultural Arts Society, secretary Lisa Whitney invites the public to attend a Dixie Land Jazz Band benefit concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the new Bucksport Area Cultural Arts Center on Miles Lane in Bucksport.

The suggested donation is $5 per person, and proceeds will go toward purchasing an air conditioning system and a grand piano for the new facility.

LifeFlight of Maine celebrates five years of operation during an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Augusta Civic Center.

At the open house, you can view LifeFlight helicopters, talk with flight crews, receive information on injury prevention materials, visit informational displays, and enter a raffle to win a ride in a LifeFlight helicopter.

Child Development Services-Penobscot County hosts a free developmental screening for children ages 3 and 4, plus those age 5 who are not eligible for kindergarten, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Howland.

The screening is limited to those residing in the SAD 31 area: Howland, Enfield, Edinburg, Lowell, Medford, Maxfield, Passadumkeag, Seboeis Plantation and Burlington.

One of Brewer’s oldest residents, 99-year-old Clarence Weston, has moved from his 41 Getchell St. residence to Ross Manor in Bangor, reports his daughter, Thelma Sweet of Holden.

Weston was employed by Thompson Printing for more than 70 years, and is remembered for riding his bicycle to work in all kinds of weather.

Weston’s “spirits are high and his mind is very clear,” Sweet explained, and he would enjoy hearing from old friends.

You can send cards or visit him at Room 103, Ross Manor, 759 Broadway in Bangor.

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