Editor’s note: BeachBits appears regularly in The Islander as a way to promote community awareness. If you have a BeachBit you would like to submit, send it to theislander@gulfcoastnewspapers. Please label: BeachBits.

The contest is open to all, from the most accomplished baker to the novice.

Categories for the contest include Team/Business/Professional, Adult, Teen (13-17), and Youth (12 and under). Contest rules and entry forms are available at the library.

Entry forms must be received by mail, hand delivery, or faxed by Dec. 2. Completed houses must be delivered to the library Dec. 2-3 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Pitsios was born and raised in the village of Tsagarada on the eastern coast of Greece. That same village is the focus of his first novel, The Bellmaker’s House. Based on true events and individuals, the story follows the fictional Nikos Pilios as he returns to his home village in Greece after years living in the United States.

 For more information on this event, or on the Library call 251-981-2923 or visit the Library Web site at orangebeachlibrary.org.

Members of the community are invited to come donate blood, drop off non-perishable food items for charity, and take advantage of a variety of health and wellness services during the event.

Starting at 7 a.m., representatives from LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will be on hand to accept blood donations.

LifeSouth officials say the need for donations is critical, as nearly five million Americans require blood transfusions each year.

Anyone interested in donating blood should be in generally good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17, although 16-year-olds are welcome with written parental permission.

Donors must not have given blood anywhere else within eight weeks prior, and as always, first time donors are welcome.

Please remember to have with you a valid form of photo identification. 

Baldwin EMC will also be collecting non-perishable food items to be donated to Catholic Social Services in Robertsdale.

As a sign of appreciation for your generosity, all blood donors will receive a special Power of Giving T-shirt, and anyone who donates three or more food items will receive a token of appreciation courtesy of Baldwin EMC. 

The drive is scheduled to wrap up at 4 p.m. For more information visit baldwinemc.com, or call 251-989-6247.