The penguin in the sunglasses and Hawaiian shirt is sure to get your attention if you spot the poster for the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary’s third annual winter beach ball, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Bangor Civic Center.
Tickets for “Shake, Rattle and Roll Off the Ice and Snow” are $30 each and may be reserved by calling 973-5055.
Lanie Colson of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems Healthcare Charities reports that a limited number of tables for 10 are available for $300.
“This is a great event that leaves folks wanting more,” Colson wrote of the ball, featuring the Tony Boffa Band, which is,
in one word, incredible, playing hits from the ’50s to today, like the original artist.”
And, she added, “It’s wonderful to see folks all dressed up in summer attire, flip-flops, and all in the dead of winter!”
With light refreshments by Montes International Catering, a cash bar and casual attire, it’s a fun evening for a very worthy cause.
All proceeds benefit CancerCare of Maine, which provides treatment and support for patients and families in northern, central and eastern Maine.
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Librarian Lyn Smith reports the Pittsfield Public Library is changing the days of its story time to Mondays, starting this year, which means the first story time is 10:15 to 11 a.m. today at the Pittsfield Town Office.
Children and their caregivers meet downstairs at the town office, Smith wrote of the program, which includes stories, games, finger plays, songs and crafts.
Smith added that there would be a limited selection of books that can be checked out with a library card at the remote location if children and their caregivers are not able to go to the library after story time.
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Jackie Frisk e-mailed that Bangor High School will hold the Maine All-State Jazz Festival on Thursday, Jan. 8, through Saturday, Jan. 10.
For jazz-loving members of the public, the opportunity to hear these young performers in concert begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan 10, at Peakes Auditorium at the high school on Broadway.
Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and will be available at the door or can be reserved, in advance, by calling 992-5569 today through Friday, Jan. 9.
The festival features 79 students from 32 Maine high schools, Frisk wrote of the young musicians, who were selected by audition and began their festival journey with musical preparation at home.
Included in the festival will be a workshop with guest conductor and trombonist Conrad Herwig.
The festival also will feature a concert with the Portland Jazz Orchestra, featuring Herwig and other guest conductors, Frisk added.
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While your head might still be in the celebratory days just past, prepare for one coming up: Valentine’s Day!
In a joint release by Easter Seals and Friendly’s Ice Cream Corp. came the announcement that today is the launch day for its 28th year of their joint Valentine’s Day Cones for Kids campaign.
Now through Feb. 13, Friendly’s provides restaurant guests with five Valentine’s Day cards, redeemable for free Friendly’s kid cones plus $5 off a $25 purchase coupon for parents, according to the release.
Proceeds benefit local Easter Seals camp programs, and the 2009 campaign goal is to raise more than $1 million to benefit approximately 28 Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s Program locations.
For more information about this program, or Easter Seals Maine, contact Pam Langone at 603-621-3551 or e-mail plangone@eastersealsnh.org.
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Now that we’re into the winter of 2009, here’s a look back at the success of one area event that is helping keep people warm this winter.
Dawn Furbush wrote to thank those who attended the family fuel feast and live auction in November at Stockton Springs Elementary School.
“Master of ceremonies Pete Hardester welcomed everyone to the event,” Furbush wrote, “and town manager Joe Hayes asked everyone to stand and give themselves a round of applause, because they were the reason this event was a success.”
Attendees “feasted on a meal donated and prepared by cooks throughout the community,” Furbush continued, adding that George Skala provided live music to dine by.
Auctioneer Lyn Calista conducted “a lively auction,” featuring more than 80 items donated by area businesses and individuals, and the names of the two winners of the fuel raffle were announced.
When all was said and done, “the real winners are the citizens of Stockton Springs,” Furbush wrote. “Through their generosity, approximately $14,500 has been raised from donations, raffle sales and proceeds from the supper and auction to help keep the heat on in homes in Stockton Springs. Thank you, everyone, for your generosity.”
Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; javerill@bangordailynews.net; 990-8288.