The fund-raising goal is most ambitious, and tickets are still available for the 2001 Bangor Heart Ball to benefit the New England Affiliate of the American Heart Association.

“April in Paris” begins with a social hour and silent auction at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Bangor Civic Center.

A three-course dinner follows at 7:30 p.m., and then guests will dance to the music of Ben Baldwin & The Big Note.

The auction features everything from New England Patriots football tickets to gift certificates and a hockey stick autographed by coach Shawn Walsh and members of the University of Maine men’s ice hockey team.

Dr. Robert Hoffman of Hampden is chairman of the event, and his committee has set $55,000 as its goal. Tickets are $75 each and can be obtained by calling (800) 937-0944.

Cindy Michaels of B97-FM and WABI-AM 910 radio and WLBZ-2 news reporter Ric Tyler will serve as hosts for the event, at which Stanley Freeman Jr. of Orono will be presented the annual AHA 2001 Gold Heart Award, which recognizes individuals for outstanding community service.

Professor emeritus of education at the University of Maine and former vice chancellor for academic affairs, Freeman is a member of the board of trustees for Eastern Maine Medical Center, the board of trustees of Acadia Hospital, and a member of the board of directors of the Maine Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The honoree’s other community activities have included membership on the board of directors of Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Medical Care Development and the Maine Gerontology Society.

Freeman is a past president of the Maine Lung Association, and has served on state advisory committees for long-term care and the Alzheimer’s disease demonstration grant.

Proceeds from the 2001 Bangor Heart Ball will help support lifesaving research, public and professional education and community service initiatives.

In Monday’s column, one number is missing in the toll-free telephone number of the American Cancer Society.

If you are interested in learning about becoming a Reach to Recovery Visitor and attending a training class 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Miller’s Restaurant on Main Street in Bangor, call (800) 464-3102.

Speaking of the American Cancer Society, the ACS and Health-Link/Maine Coast Memorial Hospital are sponsoring a free skin cancer screening from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the Medical Office Building of MCMH as part of the hospital’s Community Health Day.

The screenings are free, no appointment is needed, other screenings will be available, and 25 educational exhibits will be offered.

If you have questions, call Health-Link at 667-2474.

On behalf of the Friends of the Orono Public Library, treasurer Judy Sucec invites members of the public to attend the FOPL annual meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at the library, which is located at Orono High School.

Award-winning children’s author and University of Maine alumna Ellen Bryan Obed will be the featured speaker.

Refreshments and conversation will follow, and anyone interested in learning more about the organization is welcome to stay for the annual meeting.

FOPL president Barbara Nichols will conduct the meeting at which a very special award will be made.

Members of the Hampden VFW are planning to replace the former Veteran’s Honor Roll in that town.

The new memorial would include names of veterans who served in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and Gulf War.

Any individual interested in verifying the names of Hampden veterans, helping with the design or making a financial contribution to the project can do so by contacting Donald Muth, 167 Main Road North, Hampden 04444; Ed Tribou, Box 123, Hampden 04444, or call 862-4481 or 862-3831.

Don’t forget that the March of Dimes WalkAmerica is planned for Sunday, April 29, in Bangor-Brewer, Belfast, Ellsworth, Guilford, Lincoln, Medway-Millinocket, Newport and Rockland.

Pledge forms are available at area Kmart stores.

More information can be obtained by calling (800)-287-6346.

Many volunteer opportunities are available at Spruce Run Association, the domestic violence project serving Penobscot County.

Now in its 28th year, Spruce Run is one of the oldest organizations in the United States for people affected by domestic violence.

Spruce Run provides a 43-hour training course for individuals volunteering to work its hot line.

Those volunteers will be trained to use their listening skills to support and validate the caller’s feelings, help the caller explore options, provide the caller with information, and support and validate the caller’s right to live free from violence. No prior experience is required.

Spruce Run also needs receptionists Monday through Friday to answer office phones, office doors and to perform other office tasks.

If you can help, please call 945-5102.

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