PARIS – The Progress Center Inc. of Norway and Oxford County ARC of Rumford will host the 3rd annual Track and Field Special Challenge Thursday, June 19, at the Gouin Athletic Complex on Alpine Street in South Paris. The Track and Field Special Challenge is organized for local athletes who do not participate in Special Olympics, but who wish to complete in athletic events such as softball throws, standing long jumps, 25 meter walks, 50 meter dashes, etc. Following the competition, the athletes will convene at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School for dinner and dancing. Last year’s event attracted approximately 100 athletes. In the event of rain, this event will be held Saturday, June 20.

Benefit supper

PARIS – The Trinity Lutheran Church will hold a benefit supper for Ray Hakala from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the church on Route 117. The menu will include casseroles, salads and desserts. Donations of food are appreciated. Ray is challenged with an illness and is out of work. For more information call 743-7482.

Open House

BUCKFIELD – The Boxberry School, an independent elementary school for grades kindergarten to three, will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the Zadoc Long Free Library. The public is invited to meet the staff and ask questions. For more information call 836-2285.

Open garden

WATERFORD – David Neufeld of North Star Garden Design will hold an open garden from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, at the 2-acre garden on Blackguard Road just one mile from Route 35/37, off Sweden Road. Visitors will be invited to wander along paths, get ideas and ask questions. Visit www.northstargarden.com for a map and directions.

Spiritual healing

PARIS – Spiritual Healing and How to Do It will be offered in a workshop from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the Center for Hope and Healing at 52 High St., South Paris, behind Moore Park. Registration in advance is $10, students $5; $12 at the door. Seating is limited so preregistration is advised. To register or for more information call 583-2029.

Arts speaker

NORWAY – Alden Wilson, executive director of the Maine Arts Commission, will present a talk at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at Fare Share Commons on Main Street. Wilson is a member of Governor Baldacci’s task force on cultural development in the state. The task force is embracing the ideas explored by Richard Florida in his book The rise of the Creative Class. The book is a look at human creativity as a driving force for economic growth. Florida argues that businesses are attracted to places where there are talented, educated and creative work force, and that these individuals are in turn attracted to places that offer a high quality of life with vibrant and inclusive downtowns and neighborhoods. Norway Downtown Revitalization has identified the arts and culture as key assets of downtown Norway, and will make it a priority to develop these assets to bring greater vitality to the area. Admission to this event is free. For more information phone 739-2215.

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