Friends are working to help one of this area’s most well-known and highly-respected members of the theater arts and music community, his wife and family, as he recovers from complications after surgery.

A holiday potluck social and fundraiser for Kevin and Katherine Bate and family, of Bangor, is from 7 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Dec. 18, at Peakes Hill Lodge on Upper Dedham Road in Holden.

“We want to do whatever we can to help him and his family, as he has brought such joy to countless numbers in this region, through the arts,” wrote Susan Patten.

The event festivities include karaoke singing, caroling and dancing to the music of the Colin Graebert Trio.

The fundraiser will also feature a bake sale and silent auction. Admission is by donation.

If you cannot attend but want to help this family in its time of need, checks can be made out to Kevin and Katherine Bate and mailed to Penny Weinstein, 15 Chapman Lane, Dedham 04429.

If you can contribute to the bake sale or to the silent auction, call Stephanie Erb, 944-4668, for information.

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Schoodic Arts for All invites you to its Last Friday Coffeehouse of the season, staring nationally-known folk singer and songwriter David Mallett of Sebec.

The performance is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at Hammond Hall, 427 Main St., Winter Harbor.

The suggested donation is $15, and children under 12 will be admitted free.

Desserts will be on sale, and no advance tickets will be sold.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and information is available by calling 963-7670 or at www.davidmallett.com.

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Steve Andrew reports the 42nd annual Winterport Nativity is 7 p.m. both Friday, Dec. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19, “in front of the Winterport Meeting House on Main Street.”

Featuring the “youth of Winterport,” Andrew wrote, this live Nativity “has been a longstanding tradition in the town and we invite everyone to come and share in this wonderful way to celebrate Christmas.”

For information, call Beth Thieme, 223-4088 or e-mail wintgrdns@roadrunner.com.

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Joanna Tarrazi, director of Newport Cultural Center, reports gingerbread houses will be the next activity for children 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 19, at the center, 154 Main St.

Children “will be able to choose from a wide assortment of candy toppings and icing to decorate their house,” Tarrazi wrote.

Youngsters will hear “stories about some adventurous gingerbread men,” and create a gingerbread ornament” during the two-hour program.

Preregistration is requested.

Call Joanne Elwell, 368-2038 or e-mail joanne@newportmaine.net.

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Julie Lisnet reminds readers the final performances of The Robinson Ballet Company presentation of “The Nutcracker” are 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine in Orono.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $36, depending on seat location, and tickets can be obtained by calling 581-1755 or, online at www.collinscenterforthearts.com.

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Congregation Beth Israel announces it is conducting its next Adult Education Coffeehouse at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at 144 York St., Bangor.

Professor Elisa Narin Van Court will discuss “Rediscovering Jews in Medieval and Modern England.”

The public is invited to “join us for an educational evening with friends,” the release states.

Light refreshments will be served. Information is available by calling 945-3433.

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Pine Tree Society of Bath reminds readers this year’s holiday cards feature paintings by Maine artists Jeannine Staples of Topsham and Joyce Eames Steel of Waldoboro.

Proceeds from card sales “help Maine people with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives,” according to the PTS release.

To purchase the cards, visit www.pinetreesociety.org, call 443-3341, or visit PTS at 149 Front St., Bath.

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Oakhurst Dairy has announced it is in the midst of its annual holiday campaign to assist with the work of The Salvation Army of Northern New England by raising money through sales of Oakhurst Dairy Egg Nog.

Oakhurst president Stan Bennett and vice president of logistics John Bennett, with company mascot, Oakie, recently kicked off the company’s 10th campaign at the Maine Mall in South Portland.

For every container of Oakhurst Egg Nog and Light Egg Nog sold now through January 2010, Oakhurst will donate 5 cents of each purchase to The Salvation Army.

For information, visit www.oakhurstdairy.com.

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