The public is invited to participate in a silent auction sponsored by the Penobscot County 4-H Leaders Association from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb.14, in front of the J.C. Penney store at the Bangor Mall.

Kelly Jo Hamilton of Newburgh, treasurer of the leaders association, told me that the group is hoping to make four figures at this year’s auction in order to be able “to provide opportunities for youth in this county through 4-H and other venues.”

The leaders association provides scholarships and camperships for a variety of programs, including 4-H conferences on the national, regional and state level.

Scholarships also enable young people to participate in science, sport and animal camps, travel exchange programs and many other opportunities.

“We also provide occasions for learning and fun,” Hamilton explained. “We organize free daylong conferences for youth of all ages to sample projects in areas such as science, crafts, theater, art and community service.”

The motto of 4-H is: “To make the best better,” and it emphasizes “leadership and community service along with a ‘learning by doing’ creed,” she added.

The 4-H silent auction features a hockey stick signed by the University of Maine Black Bears, tickets to Bangor Lumberjack baseball games, an Old Town canoe paddle and vest, gift certificates for many local businesses including J.C. Penney, Hannaford, Gold’s Gym, Natural Living Center, AAA, Ramada Inn and much more.

Hamilton reports that the high bidders will be contacted by phone and, “after receipt of payment, all items will be shipped or delivered within the state for free,” which is one aspect of this auction that should be appealing to people who are in town for the basketball tournaments.

The 4-H program was created in 1902 as a youth enrichment program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of its Cooperative Extension service. Today, Hamilton explained, it “is a training group for youth with interests as varied as science, photography, art and agriculture.”

Eastern Maine Basketball Tournament attendees also should know there are lots of things to do outside Bangor Auditorium during the city of Bangor’s Winter Weekend, featuring a variety of events now through Sunday, Feb. 15.

Check out activities such as the unveiling of a giant snowman at 3 p.m. today in West Market Square, an ice sculpture demonstration at noon Saturday, Feb. 14, on Front Street, and the first-ever sled dog race at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, on the waterfront. This event benefits the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter.

Just walk around the city while you’re here, and you’ll find everything from Frisbee golf to live music to interesting exhibits at several sites.

The Maine Basketball Wall of Fame is on display at the Bangor Museum and Center for History, 6 State St., and many activities are planned to help the Maine Discovery Museum on Main Street celebrate its third birthday.

So, for a change of pace from all the basketball action, check out Winter Weekend in the city.

Writing on behalf of everyone associated with the Ricky Craven seventh annual Charity Ride, Nancy Craven and Lauri Matheson send their “sincere appreciation to everyone involved” with this annual snowmobile charity ride.

They reported that this year’s event was a tremendous success with many kind and generous people giving money, materials or service.

The event raised $253,500 for charity.

Give the Kids the World, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network of Eastern Maine Healthcare, The Marrow Foundation and the Travis Roy Foundation each received $48,500.

Also, Greenville High School received $10,000 and the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club received $1,000.

From those who prepared the food to those who prepared the trails and those who drove the more than 600 snowmobiles, Craven’s family thanks you all. But especially, they wrote, “we want our volunteers to know how much we need and appreciate their help.”

If you want to ride next year, mail $125 to Ricky Craven Charity Ride, P.O. Box 2223, Bangor 04402-2223.

The Senior Companion Program of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension needs volunteers for its statewide advisory council.

During a two-year term, members assist in assessing community needs and resources, developing polices and procedures, program evaluation and developing fiscal resources to ensure its viability.

Senior Companions are individuals age 60 or older providing companionship to homebound or isolated elders.

Those interested can call council chairwoman Betsy Lint at 634-2945, or Senior Companion Program project director Carla Ganiel at 581-3326.

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