RUMFORD – People may purchase ducks for the upcoming duck derby at many locations. They can buy them at the Chamber of Commerce booth at the Moontide Water Festival this week or at the following businesses: Mexico Pet and Agway, Erik Designs, All That Jazz, Mexico Town Office, Community Energy, Sun Journal, Davis Florist, Rumford Falls Times, Mountain Valley Sports, State Farm Insurance, Port to Port, River Valley Chiropractic, Log Cabin Craftworks, Sam’s, WF Porter’s, Kirn, Everett and Cameron, Hannaford, Paradise Day Spa, Red Hill Foods, Rumford Information Center, and the chamber office. These new “All American” regulation derby ducks are $5 each. The first duck across the finish line will win his owner $1,000 in cash, second-place winner will receive $200, and the third place will get $100. People who would like more information may contact the chamber office at 364-3241.

SAD 43 committee

RUMFORD – The SAD 43 Superintendent Search Committee plans to meet in a closed session from 12:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 27, at the River Valley Business Resource Center.

‘Life’s Challenges’

PERU – A Bible study, “Growing Through Life’s Challenges,” will take place Sunday evenings through the summer at the United Baptist Church. Rejection, overwhelming responsibilities, doubts, grief, and anger are a few of the challenges that cofront each person. This study explores 11 challenges common to people in the Bible and to present-day. By observing how people in the Bible brought their fears and-frustrations to God, each participant will be challenged to do the same. The study would be helpful for adults and teenagers who desire to expand their knowledge of God and the Bible, according to the organizers. The Bible study will be Sundays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. The Sunday, June 22, session will be an introduction, with the first study taking place on June 29. For more information call Pastor Paul Collins at 562-0933.

Education opportunities

GORHAM, N.H. – The White Mountain National Forest invites all summer program directors, teachers, clubs and community organizations to take advantage of environmental education opportunities now available through the Androscoggin ranger station in Gorham. Programs are held in and around the visitor center at the Ranger Station, or may be scheduled at community and forest locations as well.

Presentations include topics such as wildlife, plants and trees in the White Mountain National Forest; Leave No Trace low-impact techniques; hiking safely, and history. These topics and others may be tailored to suit a variety of age groups.

A history program about the Civilian Conservation Corps will be presented at the ranger station at 1 p.m. Friday, June 27. All ages are invited to come and learn about the CCC role in this area and explore the visitor center displays, including the new life-sized CCC bunk corner. To learn more about these environmental education opportunities, phone Emily Beers at the Androscoggin Ranger station at (603) 466-2713 extension 203, TTY (603) 466-2856 or e-mail ebeers@fs.fed.us

Coffee House performance

DIXFIELD – Wingnuts Improv Troupe will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Dixfield Coffee House, Dixfield Congregational Church, Church on the Hill, High Street. The coffee house has been presenting family entertainment once a month in the annex of the Dixfield Congregational Church and will finish its season this year with the unique comedy stylings of Wingnuts. Coffee and soda and luscious desserts are sold before and during the show. The atmosphere is causal and family friendly with large table seating but early arrival is recommended. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Cost for adults and high school students is $5 and middle school age and younger free when accompanied by a parent.

Wingnuts has been performing comedy throughout Maine for five years but will be debuting a new nut at the Dixfield show.

BETHEL – The Dr. Moses Mason House will open for the 2003 season on Tuesday, July 1, and be open until Labor Day. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Volunteer guides are still needed. Those interested in learning about the history of the area and the Mason House should phone the office at 824-2908 or 1-800-824-2908. A training session will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 30, at the Dr. Moses Mason House.

A new exhibit, Middle Ground: Exploring the Need for Wood and Woods in Today’s Society, will open July 1 at the O’Neil Robinson House following the Fourth of July Community Picnic. The exhibit is free and open to anyone interested in learning about the concerns of those living and working in a forested environment in transition.

Visitors are invited to share their opinions on how best to achieve a balance between the desire for wood and woods.

Community picnic

BETHEL – The 11th annual Community Picnic will be held on the grounds of the Bethel Historical Society’s Dr. Moses Mason House on the Fourth of July, beginning around noon. Those attending should bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while listening to a concert by the Portland Brass Quintet, which will play a variety of music during their two-hour concert. If the weather is rainy, the concert will be held at the historic Middle Intervale Meetinghouse on Intervale Road. There is no admission charge and the event is open to the public. Those wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to support the appearance of the Portland Brass Quintet are invited to do so by sending a gift to the Society at PO Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012.

Cheerleading camp

RUMFORD – Area girls and boys entering grades one through eight are being invited to attend the M.J.T. summer cheerleading camp. The location will be the Mountain Valley Middle School gymnasium. The date will be July 7-11 and July 14-16. The times will be 9-10 a.m. for grades one to five and 10-11:30 a.m. for grades six to eight. For more information call Linda Burns at 364-7064.

Business expo

RUMFORD- This is the last week to receive the extended early registration discount for the River Valley Expo 2003, being held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27.

Businesses may receive a visit from a committee member if they have not yet registered. They will explain the advantages of participating in the expo. For information contact the chamber office at 364-3241.