Heading into Week No. 3 of the Healthy Hancock Lose and Win program, Iris Simon reports the number of teams increased by one, to 45, and a total of 879.81 pounds were lost in the first week of the team challenge.

For your information, 880 pounds “is the weight of an average male polar bear,” Simon added.

You have to love it that “The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Pants” of Mount Desert Island Hospital won last week’s Victory Stick, and that the “Pound Shedders” and “Company Moving Together” also received honors for team losses.

But, I must confess, these people continually amaze me.

You can’t believe what else is happening!

Simon reported “some members of the ‘Trenton Taste Testers’ have also set a goal of quitting smoking during this 10-week challenge. This is a real example of people ready to take charge of their own health,” she added.

I agree. Dieting is one thing. Quitting smoking another. But trying both at the same time? That’s exceptional!

The public is welcome to join Lose and Win team members for the Week No. 3 presentation, featuring Liane Giambalvo of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Diabetes and Nutrition Center, discussing “Emotional Eating” at 5:45 p.m. today at the American Legion Hall in Trenton.

Joyce Weber, president of the board of directors of Eastport Arts Center, invites you to attend an International Dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at its new home, the former Washington Street Baptist Church at 36 Washington St. in Eastport.

Returning after a four-year hiatus for lack of a suitable space, Washington County cooks are encouraged to bake their favorite dish for this special candlelight buffet fundraiser.

Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially since admission is $15 per person, or $5 per person if you bring an ethnic dish.

Each contribution will be labeled with the preparer’s name and that of the dish.

Breads, soups, entrees and desserts are welcome, and all proceeds will help defray the arts center’s operating expenses.

To reserve your space, call Weber at 853-2358.

Erin Rice reports everyone associated with Pine Tree Camp for Handicapped Children and Adults is excited about the prospect of the 2006 Dead River Co. Snowmobile Ride-in surpassing the $3 million mark in raising funds for that facility in Rome.

The Ride-in begins with a preview at 6 p.m. and the Ride-in Auction at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Sebasticook Valley Community Center in Newport.

The Q106.5 Celebrity Egg Ride leaves at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, from the Hungry Hollow ’76ers Clubhouse in Levant, and arrives around 10 a.m. at SVCC, where the Newport Fire Department will host a chicken barbecue luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Snowmobile Parade begins at 3 that afternoon, and proceeds through downtown Newport.

Saturday’s events conclude with an all-you-can-eat Italian Buffet Public Supper 4:30-6 p.m. at SVCC, followed by fireworks.

The final activity is a Public Pancake Breakfast, 7-10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, at Meridian Splendor Masonic Hall in Newport.

Additional sponsors include Q106.5, Sappi Fine Paper and WABI-TV 5.

For information, call 443-3341 or visit www.pinetreesociety.org.

Doors open for the American Legion/Foxcroft Academy Project Graduation Basket Bingo at noon, with games starting at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, at the American Legion hall, 112 Park St. in Dover-Foxcroft.

Featuring Longaberger Baskets, tickets are $10 for a Six-Pack/11 games, and there will be two special “Buy In” games available.

You must be 16 or older to play, lunch will be available, and prizes awarded.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or, in advance, by calling Sue Killam, 997-3364, or Lori Rosebush, 564-3572.

All proceeds benefit Foxcroft Academy Project Graduation 2006’s trip to Six Flags Amusement Park in Springfield, Mass., offering the new grads alumni a safe, supervised, alcohol-free graduation experience.

Today, my husband, Ralph White, and I fly to California to meet our newest grandson, Tobias Aaron Averill.

“Toby” Averill, as he will be known in honor of his late grandfather, was born Wednesday, Jan. 11, in Los Angeles, where he was welcomed with great joy by his father, mother and sister, Steve, Belinda and Olivia Averill.

During our visit, Toby’s aunt, Sue Averill, and many of his California relatives will join us in celebrating this very special event in our lives.

My column returns to this section on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

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