Toodling

River Valley Farmer's Market

RUMFORD -- Check out the River Valley Farmer's Market, open from 1-7 p.m. on Fridays on Exchange Street in the downtown.

Featured are fresh produce, sweet corn, grass fed beef and lamb, homebaked goods, jams, eggs and cottage crafts.

Now accepted Visa, MC, Disc., EBT and WIC vouchers. Farmer vendors wanted, call 364-3424.

Event for knitters, crocheters

RUMFORD -- Knitters and crocheters are invited to get together from 3:15-4:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 24 in the Rumford Library.

Anyone interested in making baby hats, booties and comfort covers for the hospital are welcomes. Or bring your own project.

For more information, call 364-3997.

Dowsing workshop in Andover

ANDOVER -- A dowsing workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Andover Congregational Church.

Facilitated by Paul W. Knoll, M.A., the cost will be $35 per person. No dowsing experience is necessary and dowsing road will be available for use.

However, reserve your place dowsing rods. Registration will be accepted at the door on Saturday, but there will be no guarantee of dowsing rod or space. Make checks out to: First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 249, Andover, ME 04216.

For more information, call Nancy Lovelace (545-1080) or Sharon Hutchins (392-4351).

Church concert in Carthage

CARTHAGE -- Storme Shaw will be in concert at the Carthage Union Church at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

There will be a love offering taken.

What Not Shop hours

RUMFORD -- The What Not Shop will not be open on Saturday, Oct. 13, but will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20 during Octoberfest.

The What Not Shop is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

RES Craft Fair

RUMFORD -- The Rumford Elementary School will host their annual craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Many crafts for sale. Sponsored by the Parent/Teacher Organization.

Halloween dance

RUMFORD -- A Happy Halloween Dance will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26 at the Hope Association at 85 Lincoln Ave.

Dance to the music of Joe the Music Man. Refreshments available. Donations will be accepted at the door. Costumes optional.

Benefit for Stacey Laliberty

RUMFORD -- A benefit for Stacey Laliberty will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Eagles.

There will be a community yard sale, bake sale, raffles, 50/50, and childrens’ entertainment featuring Scot Grassette from 10-11, and Sammy Angel singing from 1-2 p.m.

Meet the candidate invitation

DIXFIELD -- Lisa Keim, District 93 house candidate, is hosting a meet and greet at the Ludden Memorial Library this Friday.

Stop by anytime from 5- 7 p.m. for a cup of coffee and say hello to Lisa.

Flu clinic in Andover

ANDOVER -- A flu clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Andover Town Hall.

For more information, contact Karen at 392-4031.

Librarian to discuss classic, contemporary children’s books

RUMFORD -- Brenda Sassi, former and beloved elementary-school librarian, will be offering a program in which she will discuss children’s books that also appeal to adults at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24 in the Rumford Library Public Room.

Sassi’s love of books and children infuses her presentations, and her suggestions provide practical gift-giving ideas for every age and occasion. In a recent interview, she wistfully recalled J.M. Barrie’s familiar line from Peter Pan: “Every time a child says ‘I don’t believe in fairies,’ there is a fairy somewhere that falls down dead.”

Books are for sharing, she notes, and they follow us through our lives, giving information, inspiration, and sometimes simple entertainment. A seasoned presenter and an avid reader, Sassi will cover a range of titles from Sam and the Tigers to Caroline Kennedy’s book of poetry, She Walks in Beauty.

Brenda will recall some of the classics, suggest new titles, and welcome recommendations and conversation from the audience. Socializing and light refreshments will follow the program.

The event is sponsored by Friends of the Rumford Library and is free to the public.

Fundraiser for Dick Austin

RUMFORD -- A fundraiser will be held for 81-year-old powerlifter Richard "Dick" Austin from noon to 11 p.m. at 49 Franklin.

The seven-time world champion is heading the Las Vegas to break all the world records for his age level.

There will be a celebrity style roast, live auction, Chinese auction, with live magic and music by Scot Grassette.

A $5 donation will be asked to get into the live auction and cover all the nighttime event. For more information, call 578-2313.

Rumford Historical Society to meet

RUMFORD -- The Rumford Historical Society is sponsoring a public pot luck supper at 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 17 in the basement social room of the St. Anthanasius/St. John’s Church.

All members, guests and the public attending are asked to bring a favorite casserole, salad, dessert, bread or appetizer to share. Anyone bringing a hot dish is asked to bring the dish hot upon arrival. Beverages will be provided. Eating dishes and utensils provided, but it would be appreciated if the donor would bring a serving spoon.

Following the supper, Mark Belanger, church organist for 32 years and Arthur Boivin, long-term member of St. John’s Church and choir member for about 15 years, will present a slide program on the history of St. John’s Church. They will discuss its history from the beginning; the construction of the impressive edifice; the significance of its colorful windows; and include a tour of the Church sanctuary, as well as choir loft and organ areas.

There is a handicapped entrance to the basement on the Franklin Street side of the Church, and parking is available behind the Rectory. After you enter the door, you can turn left to get to the elevator, or if you want to use the stairs, bear slightly right, and you can see the stairs going down to the basement. All individuals are asked to use the Franklin Street entrance to the facility.

Additional parking available on the other side of Franklin Street, and in the school yard on the other side of Maine Avenue.

A special invitation is extended to Catholic friends from Mexico, Dixfield, Roxbury, Byron, Andover and Peru who no longer have their own worship facility, and to the Bethel communicants who are also part of this parish.

Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday

RUMFORD -- The River Valley Rotary and Rumford Hospital will sponsor a Red Cross Blood Drive at the Rumford American Legion on Wednesday from noon until 6 p.m.

There is an urgent need for blood now, especially types O negative, O positive, B negative and A negative.

Although an emergency appeal early in the summer helped to temporarily stop the decrease in blood donations, blood donations over the summer were the lowest they have been in 15 years.

Your blood donation helps ensure that there is blood available for the treatment of cancer patients, people with blood disorders, trauma victims, premature babies and others who face life-threatening illnesses.

Although walk-ins are welcome, donors often get through the process more quickly when they have an appointment. It is particularly important for people who qualify to donate double reds to have an appointment. To make an appointment call Rumford Hospital at 369-1000 or 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-733-2767, specify if you wish to give double reds.

Haunted Halloween Walk

RUMFORD -- The fourth annual Haunted Halloween Walk is being offered at 320 Isthmus Rd. by the Cancer Crusaders and Great Memiers Misfitz.

Dates are Oct. 12-13, 18-20 and 25-28. The time is 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, and 7-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost is $5 per person. Enjoy a snack and warm drink, if you make it out of the dark woods of terror!

And on Saturday, Oct. 20 here from noon to 3 p.m., the Pumpkin Festival will take place. For a child admission of $5, there will be face painting, games, choice of a craft, fishing for a goody bag. At 1 p.m., there will be a costume contest with prizes for best costume (up to age 6, and 7-12). Snacks and drinks available.

All proceeds go to the River Valley Relay For Life. For more information, call Cindi (357-2701), Allison (357-7084) or Jenn (418-7599).

Workshop on fiddle, guitar

SOUTH CARTHAGE -- Instruction will be given in fiddle and guitar will be offered in a workshop from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 at Skye Theatre, 2 Highland Dr. off Winter Hill Road and Rt. 2 in South Carthage.

Call 562-4445 email neceltic@gmail.com for prices and details.

Snowshoe Club dance

RUMFORD -- Members and guests are welcome to attend at Snowshoe Club dance from 7-11 p.m. on Saturday.

A meatloaf supper will be served from 5-6 p.m. Cost is $7 per person, $4 for children age 12 and under.

Mexico Historical Society to meet

MEXICO -- The Mexico Historical Society will host a Native American Night at 5 p.m. Monday in the Calvin Lyons room, entrance at rear of Mexico Town Office.

A Pot Luck supper will be served, followed by honoring the earliest people who lived in this land long before we did. The public is invited all to share in the telling of stories and displaying artifacts.

Mexico Library to host author Monica Wood

MEXICO -- The Mexico Public Library of 134 Main St. will host author Monica Wood at 7 p.m. Wednesday for a public booktalk and booksigning of her most recent book, When we were the Kennedys: a Memoir from Mexico Maine.

Monica is a native of Mexico and is the author of several books. This most recent book is the touching and poignant story of Monica’s growing-up years with her family. It’s also about the Mexico-Rumford area in the 1960s, and the role the paper mill has played in local families’ lives over the years.

There will be a limited number of copies of the book available for purchase that evening. Or if you already have your own copy of the book, bring it along for Monica to sign.

For more information, contact the Library at 364-3281 or e-mail at library@mexicomaine.net.

Harvest dinner

RUMFORD CENTER -- Rumford Grange #115 will have a harvest dinner from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Rumford Center Grange Hall.

The meal will include corned beef, ham, potatoes, vegetables, pickles, biscuits, drinks and those famous homemade pies by the Grange Ladies. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for those under age 12.

Ludden Library adopting Army unit

DIXFIELD -- Ludden Memorial Library has decided to adopt an Army Unit in Afghanistan. There will be a display at the library, and pictures of the troop that they have decided to collect for.

Some of the most commonly requested items items are: beef jerky/Slim Jims; powder drink mix; sunflower/pumpkin seeds; tuna/chicken salad (in foil pouches, not ready-to-eat kits or cans); protein powder and protein bars; lip balm; eye drops, Q-tips and baby wipes.

A full list of items will be posted in the display at Ludden Library. Any monies collected will help to pay for the shipping. Please support our soldiers and visit Ludden Library and donate to a wonderful cause. Any questions, call 562-8838.

Demerritt Cemetery notice

PERU -- The Demerritt Cemetery Association requested that all ornamental items be removed from the lots by Oct. 13.

Fall decorations may be left on, but must be picked up by Nov. 3.

Andover Historical Society Open House

ANDOVER- The Andover Historical Society will host an open house for the East Andover School House and Andover Building on Elm Street from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The theme is Old Kitchen Utensils and Favorite Recipes. If you would like to lend items to display, call Trudy Akers at 392-3157. Items may also be brought to the building the day of the open house. Everyone is welcome.

Senior Fall Frolic Friday

RUMFORD -- The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office TRIAD is sponsoring the Senior Fall Frolic this Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rumford Eagles.

The day will be filled with laughter, music, information and food and the best part it is free.

There will be a Chinese ticket auction, 50/50 drawing, nickel beano, live band, coffee/cider and donuts, and lunch with homemade apple crisp for dessert.

Paper Moon Players announce auditions

RUMFORD -- Paper Moon Players announce auditions for it's second theatrical production, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson. In this hilarious and heart warming Christmas tale, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids, probably the most inventively awful kids in history. Director Keith A. Grassette is seeking six adult women ages 30-60, four adult men ages 30-50, eight boys ages 6-13, and nine girls ages 6-13. Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Performances will be held Dec. 14-15 at 7 p.m. and on Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Mystic Theater at 49 Franklin. Questions, call 369-0129.

SeniorsPlus at Rumford Town Office

RUMFORD -- SeniorsPlus, the Area Agency on Aging, will be at the Rumford Town Office from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, October 24.

They will be on hand to answer questions or concerns. All events are free and open to the public. For further information and to make an appointment, call SeniorsPlus at 1-800-427-1241.

Class of '48 lunch

RUMFORD -- The Stephens High School Class of 1948 will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18 at Sam's.

Classmates and spouses welcome. Call Bev at 364-4085.

Class of '49 lunch

FARMINGTON -- Stephens High School Class of 1949 will meet for their regular monthly luncheon at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17 at the Harvest House.

Stephens Class of '53 lunch

RUMFORD -- Members of the Stephens High School Class of 1953 will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Mexico Chicken Coop.

For more information, call Isabel Duguay at 562-4241.

Class of '55 lunch

MEXICO -- The Stephens High School Class of 1955 will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Chicken Coop.

Class of '58 lunch

RUMFORD -- The Stephens High School Class of 1958 will meet at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at Gatch's.

All classmates and significant others are welcome. This will be the last luncheon on 2012, so try to make it.

For more information, call Carole at 364-8735.

Class of '61 lunch

LEWISTON -- The Stephens High School Class of 1961 will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 19 at the Grid Iron.

For more information, call Louise at 364-3743.

Roxbury cemetery notice

ROXBURY -- The Town of Roxbury cemeteries will be closing for the winter months.

The cemetery committee would like to remind everyone that they need to remove flower arrangements and/or decorations by October 31 or they will be removed.

Turkey supper

RUMFORD CORNER -- There will be a turkey supper at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Blazing Star Lodge on Route 232.

Menu is turkey, mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, coleslaw, macaroni salad, stuffing, cranberry sauce, coffee, punch and pie. Served family style. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for those under age 12. Stair chair on back stairs.

Proceeds to benefit the Rumford Royal Arch Chapter #56

For more information, call Joe Roy at 364-4715, concordpond@roadrunner.com.

Story & Craft hours at Mexico Library

MEXICO -- Story & Craft Hour for preschoolers and homeschoolers at the Mexico Public Library will take place every Monday at 10 a.m. this school year, beginning on Monday.

The only Mondays during the school year that Story & Craft Hour will not be held are Monday holidays, school storm days, or school vacation Mondays. (RSU 10 schedule is followed for the library children’s programming)

For more information, contact the Library at 364-3281 or library@mexicomaine.net.

Preschool Story Time at Rumford Library

RUMFORD -- The weekly story times in the Rumford Public Library Children's room has resumed.

Area youngsters ages 2-5 are invited to attend the preschool story times, which are held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Children who attend will enjoy stories, songs, and activities, as well as make a take home craft that reflects that weeks theme.

This is an excellent opportunity for parents to have their children meet and interact with other preschoolers. Story times will not be held during school vacations or in the event of school cancellations.

Preschool Storytime at Ludden

DIXFIELD -- Preschool Storytime at Ludden Memorial Library has resumed.

It will be held on Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. They will be reading a story, doing a fun craft and having a healthy snack.

This program will run for the entire school year and will be following the same schedule as RSU #10. When school is cancelled due to weather, Storytime will be cancelled also.

Any questions, call 562-8838, or e-mail.

Armory bingo returns

RUMFORD -- The Hope Association's Armory Bingo has resumed on Sundays at 85 Lincoln Ave.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m., with games starting at 1 p.m. Proceeds to benefit non-Medicaid reimbuseable programs provided by Hope Assoc. For more information, call 364-4561.

Monday Produce Days

MEXICO -- Roy's Family Farm and No View Farm & Bakery/Gone Loco Cafe will be at Labonville Parking lot on Mondays from 2 to 6 p.m.

They will be selling a variety of organic produce and herbs, fresh berries, baked goods, pasta and potato salads along with canned items such as jams and jellies, pickles and salsa and mexican items from Gone Loco Cafe.

Need pet food?

RUMFORD -- If you have a need for cat/kitten or dog/puppy food, please stop by Praise Assembly of God Church (89 Congress St.) Tuesday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon or contact the church office and leave a message (364-3856).

The following information is needed: Names of adults in household, address, phone number, number of pets and pet type (cat/kitten or dog/puppy).

Please note we do not deliver just pet food and the availability of pet food varies from month to month.

Volunteers needed for Hope

RUMFORD -- Volunteers are needed to assist at the What Not Shop and various activities throughout Hope Association.

If you have a specific talent or interest that you are willing to share and are interested in helping support this local non-profit organization change the lives of so many, contact Catherine Johnson at 364-4561 for further details.

Rumford Writer's Group

RUMFORD -- The Rumford Writer's Group is open to serious writers of all genres. Do you enjoy writing? Working on a book?

We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Call Brenda Espinoza at 364-2419 to learn about joining and for more information.

Crutches for Africa

RIVER VALLEY -- Donate your used crutches, canes and walkers to Crutches4Africa, a cause sponsored by the River Valley Rotary Club.

For more information, call Bill at 364-2400 or Rich at 357-8023. For wheelchair donations, call for pickup appointment.

Special Olympics fundraiser

RUMFORD -- Team Opportunities is seeking bottles and cans for a Special Olympics fundraiser.

Drop off at 179 Wyman Hill Rd. or call 364-8622 or 357-0098 for pick up.

This is an ongoing fundraiser as the athletes are active in different event all year. Each is responsible for their own entrance fees.