PARIS – The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce and American Express Financial Advisors will hold its first in a series of free, no obligation financial seminars. The first is Strategies for Financial Success from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in room E-118. Space is limited. For information phone 743-2281 or e-mail [email protected].

Public forum

NORWAY – A public interest forum titled Lifetime Learning for the Promotion of Democracy and Justice will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Norway Memorial Library on Main Street. There will be a discussion and film about the Highlander Folk School and its founder, Myles Horton, who grew up poor in the Tennessee hills, attended theological school in New York in the 1920s and took the model of the Danish Folk Schools back to Tennessee to form the Highlander School. In its time, the Highlander Folk School served as a catalyst for breaking down the black and white divide for promoting labor rights. The presenter, Jane Courcy grew up in the Oxford Hills. Her interests are community education, youth aspirations, education for social change and literacy. For information phone 743-2183.

Valentine dance

OXFORD – The Rock-O-Dundee Riders Snowmobile Club will hold its annual scholarship fund dance on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14. It will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Staples Community Hall on Route 121 in Welchville village. Music will be by the Bel-Airs. Besides door prizes, there will be a raffle of two Longerberger baskets, a 50/50 drawing and a short auction at intermission, all to benefit the scholarship fund. The club will serve a breakfast immediately after the dance for a fee. The menu includes bacon and eggs. For more information or ticket reservations phone 539-2322 or 539-2616.

Silent auction

PARIS – A silent auction will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the new South Paris Fire Station on Western Avenue. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The auction will include toys, gifts, and Longaberger baskets. More than 200 items will be auctioned, and food will be available. Snow date will be Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Boxberry School in Oxford. Proceeds benefit the school.

Musical program

NORWAY – Musician Kate Schrock will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Fare Share Commons Gallery at 447 Main St. The Maine native is a self-made pianist, singer and songwriter blending folk, jazz, rock and gospel in a passionate fashion. Schrock has shared the stage with Taj Mahal, Stephen Stills and recently has toured with The Grand Song Caravan-Dave Ray from Ontario, Canada, Joe Mannix from New York City, and Paul Hyde from Yorkshire, England. She has produced five CDs on her own label, Kakelane Music. Her most recent is titled “Indiana” recorded in a church in Hamilton, Ontario. Tickets are $12 at the door. Refreshments and coffee will be available. Sponsored by the Commons Music Collective of Norway. For information phone 388-2669 or e-mail [email protected].

Skiing event

PARIS – The Western Foothills Land Trust will hold its annual cross-country ski event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Sunny Croft Farm on the Christian Ridge Road. Sunny Croft Farm features extensive groomed trails, excellent views, a warming hut and port-o-john. A $10 contribution is requested and includes warm drinks, homemade soups and breads that will be offered throughout the day. Proceeds benefit the ongoing land conservation work or the Land Trust. For information phone 743-9019.

Square dance

PARIS – The Swingin’ Bears Square Dance club will host its Valentine Sweetheart Dance, a class plus square dance from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Oxford Hills Middle School on Pine Street. Caller will be Kip Moulton, cuer is Linder Moulton. Everyone is welcome. For information phone Sue Corning at 743-7176 or Eleanor Herrick at 782-4050.

Society meeting

WEST PARIS – The Finnish American Heritage Society will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Heritage Center on Maple Street. Following the business meeting Barbara Payne will present a program of cultural interest. Coffee and fellowship will follow. Storm date will be Sunday, Feb. 22.

Christian women

PARIS – Christian Women United will meet at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the First Congregational Church on East Main Street across from the Fox School. Music will be presented by Phyllis Wright of South Paris. Anyone who has not been contacted, but would like a reservation is asked to call Pearl Anderson at 743-5724.

Beekeeping course

PARIS – The Oxford County Cooperative Extension is offering a three-part beginning beekeeping course from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb, 18, 25 and March 3, at the Extension Office, 9 Olson Road, off Route 26. Local beekeeper Dave Hankins and state apiarist Tony Jadczak will discuss topics on sources of bees, necessary tools, over-wintering bees and controlling diseases. A $5 fee covers course and materials. Preregistration is required by Friday, Feb. 13. For information phone 743-6329 or 1-800-287-2482.