You simply go on, despite whatever overwhelming circumstances befall you.

That is the way it is.

No one knows that better, right now than the family of the late Steve Gray of Dedham.

Having survived several recent cancer operations, and just having learned the good news that all of those operations and treatments were successful, Steve Gray died, unexpectedly, at age 47, on Saturday, March 6, at his home.

With previous plans already in the works for a benefit supper for Steve and his wife, Marilyn “Pokey” Murray Gray, friends and family agreed that the event, to help with expenses incurred by Steve’s recent illness, should go ahead. The benefit spaghetti supper for his family begins at 5 p.m. Saturday March 13, at Dedham School.

Seating will be continuous.

The suggested donation is $10, and the benefit includes a silent auction, door prizes and a raffle drawing that night.

For those unable to attend the calling hours or the funeral, which is 10 a.m. today at Dedham Congregational Church, the benefit supper will be an opportunity to reach out to and support his family during this time of great sorrow.

Gray was the son of Foster and Irene Gray of Dedham.

Irene Gray has countless friends and acquaintances throughout eastern Maine, having worked 50 years for what is now known as United Way of Eastern Maine.

As one of those who knew her well during many of those years, I extend to Irene and Foster, Steve’s wife, his daughters, Brandy Malchiodi and Amanda Gray, his brother Wayne Gray and their families, my deepest and heartfelt sympathy.

Eight Curves Fitness and Weight Loss Centers in the area are participating in the 6th annual “Food for Friends Drive” this month to benefit local food banks.

Last year, the national drive collected more than 4.2 million pounds of food, according to information provided by Austin Griffin and Sandy Laversa who operate Curves centers in our area.

Members of the public can drop off nonperishable food items at any area Curves, Monday through Friday, during March. Anyone joining Curves this week can bring a bag of groceries and have the normal service fee waived. The Curves centers in Bangor are located at 1179 Hammond St. and 89 Hillside Ave. Other sites are at 153 State St., Brewer; 83 Main Road, North, Hampden; 124 Route 1, Bucksport; 496 Stillwater Ave., Old Town; 19 Moosehead Trail, Newport; and 222 West Broadway, Lincoln.

Colleen Guiggey reports Sherman Area Memorial VFW Post 2299 of Stacyville is hosting its annual VFW Ice Fishing Derby beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday, March 13, at Plunkett Pond in Benedicta.

Registration fee is $5, prizes total $2,000 and you can win door prizes or participate in a raffle for a $300 Wal-Mart gift card.

Fish will not be registered after 4 p.m., and all Maine fishing rules apply.

You can also buy hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, coffee and soda at the site, but you do need to bring your own bait since none will be provided.

Proceeds benefit the Sherman Area Memorial VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary. For more information, call 365-4832 or 365-4259.

Speaking of the VFW and its auxiliary, the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 4298 of Dexter will accept donations for care packages for soldiers on active duty overseas from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Shirley B. Carter VFW Hall, Cedar Street, Dexter.

If you have questions about this project, call Auxiliary President Misty Twilley at 876-1145.

David Mitchell, owner and manager of Mitchell’s Antiques in Brewer, wrote the NEWS recently to express his public, heartfelt thanks to members of the Brewer, Holden, Orrington and Dedham fire departments, who were able to contain a fire at his business last January to the retail shop only.

That result was possible, Mitchell wrote, “only due to the hard work from all the fire crews” who responded. The continued support and help from his “family, crew, friends and local businesses has been vital in the wake of the loss.”

With a portable business office trailer on the premises, Mitchell has plans for a new antiques retail shop, which he expects to open this spring or early summer.

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