March of Dimes pumpkins

BREWER – Picking a pumpkin is one way everyone can help save babies from prematurity. The March of Dimes is partnering with Shaw’s Supermarkets throughout Maine from Oct. 1 to 17 to raise funds for the March of Dimes. More than 200 Shaw’s Supermarkets will sell March of Dimes paper pumpkins. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the March of Dimes in its fight to save the lives of babies.

Shaw’s Supermarkets will be decorate stores with personalized orange pumpkins to show customers the importance of supporting the March of Dimes mission of improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Paper pumpkin cutouts may be purchased for $1 each. Those who purchase a paper pumpkin may write on it the name of a special baby or child who has been touched by the mission of the March of Dimes.

The Coca-Cola Co. New England division also is supporting the March of Dimes Pick-a-Pumpkin campaign by offering a $1 off coupon on their new C2 beverages to those who purchase a paper pumpkin.

One in eight babies is born prematurely. Every year in the United States, nearly a half-million babies are born prematurely, some so small their lives hang in the balance. Premature birth is the leading cause of neonatal death, and yet 50 percent of all premature births have no known cause. The March of Dimes works to find answers by funding research into understanding the causes of preterm birth and ways to prevent it from happening.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save the lives of babies. In 2003 it launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit www.marchofdimes.

com, or call (800) 287-6346.

Flu shot clinics

BANGOR – St. Joseph Healthcare has partnered with Bangor Public Health, Bangor Area Visiting Nurses and Community Health and Counseling Services to offer a series of public flu clinics in the area to help members of the community stay healthy throughout the winter months.

Flu shots will be provided to individuals at a cost of $20. Accepted forms of payment include cash and personal checks. Those with Medicare coverage will receive the vaccine at no cost with their Medicare card. Clinics are scheduled for:

. 5-7 p.m. Oct. 14, Willette Conference Center, Building 1, St. Joseph Healthcare Park, 900 Broadway.

. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 21, Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Road.

. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 2, First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St.

For information, call the flu information hot line at 262-6441.

South Beach Diet

BANGOR – Eastern Maine Medical Center and Northeast Cardiology Associates will sponsor a presentation by the author of “The South Beach Diet,” Dr. Arthur Agatston, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Spectacular Event Center, Griffin Road.

Agatston will review the basics of the diet and explain how to enjoy normal-size meals of meat, eggs, low-fat cheese, nuts and vegetables. He also will discuss how to lose stubborn belly fat. The cost of admission is $5, which must be paid in advance.

Mail registration and payment to Registrar, Education and Training, EMMC, 489 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401. For information, call 973-7320 or 973-7302.

Alzheimer’s care workshop

BANGOR – My Friend’s Place will sponsor the workshop “Best Friend’s Approach to Alzheimer’s Care,” 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 4 and 18, at First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St. Workshop topics will include understanding the illness, assessment of a person’s strengths, looking at the art of friendship, enhancing the value of communication and engaging individuals in meaningful activities. There is no charge for the workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch. Beverages will be served. Those who complete the 12-hour workshop will receive a certificate.

My Friend’s Place is a program that works with individuals who are socially isolated, including those suffering from frailty, memory loss, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis and the after-effects of stroke. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

To register for the workshop or to obtain more information, call 945-0122.

Parkinson’s disease

STURBRIDGE, Mass. – The American Parkinson Disease Association will present a two-day conference for people with Parkinson’s disease and their family members. Experts will share information on the latest research, therapies and programs to treat Parkinson’s.

The event will be held 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, at Sturbridge Host Hotel. The cost is $20, lunch and refreshments included. For information, contact (888) 400-2732 or visit www.apdama.org.

Mental illness awareness

BANGOR – Mental Health Awareness Week will be observed in Bangor the week of Oct. 3-9. The goal of the week is to educate the public about mental illness and to work to decrease the stigma associated with biologically based mental illness.

OHI, Community Health and Counseling Services, Acadia Hospital, Bangor Mental Health Institute, the River Coalition and NAMI-Maine will sponsor a walk at noon Sunday, Oct. 3, to begin at OHI’s Twin City Plaza location in Brewer.

In addition, education presentations are scheduled during the week that are free and open to the public. The week will wrap up with an open mic night at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, at the old brick church, corner of First and Union streets in Bangor.

To learn more about the event, to obtain a calendar of events and to register for the walk, call 947-0366, ext. 260, or visit www.mentalillness

awareness-me.org.