PARIS – Local historian Wini Mott will speak on Emily Bissell and her life on Paris Hill at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Historical Society building on Tremont Street.

Miss Bissell was well known as an important social reformer in Delaware and honored as the originator of the American TB Christmas Seal. Her life on Paris Hill is perhaps less known, but equally interesting.

Mott will share her research and show a wide variety of Christmas Seals and commemorative first day covers.

Pesto workshop

PARIS – A Pesto-Festo workshop will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the McLaughlin Foundation Garden and Horicultural Center, 97 Main St., South Paris.

The workshop will be presented by Wilton, Maine, garlic and tomato expert Amy Le Blanc who will unlock the secrets of making a variety of fresh pestos from your garden. A fee of $8 includes refreshments and samples to take home.

Preregistration is required. To register or for more information phone 743-8820.

New map and guide

PARIS – The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce has announced its new release of the 2003 Oxford Hills Area Map & Guide. The map itself has many changes with updates by Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments. The map is clean, easy to read, and has 911 updates. It contains information on the arts, history, sightseeing and has an ongoing events calendar. There is also new photos showing green spaces, events, fairs and more. Advertisers have been categorized to make finding products and services easier. The guides are free and available throughout the area, and at the chamber office on Main Street.