OXFORD – The Oxford Hills Reading is Fundamental Read-a-thon program begins Monday, March 1, coordinator Dorene Vail said. The program provides free books for students. Students ask sponsors for a donation for each book read or for a one-time gift. The read-a-thon is in conjunction with Read Across America that also supports literacy. Each school relies on volunteers and community organizations for support. The program will continue through March 26.

Economic forum

PARIS – The Growth Council of Oxford Hills, the Lake Region Development Council and the Maine Arts Commission invite the public to attend a Creative Economy Forum from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. There is no admission fee. The forum will present the creative economy concept that is the topic of the May 2004 Blaine House Conference scheduled for May 6 and 7 at the Bates Mill Complex in Lewiston. A film, “Downside Up,” documenting the transformation of North Adams, Mass., will be shown. For more information or to register contact the Growth Council of Oxford Hills [email protected] or call 743-8830, or Lake Region Development Council [email protected] or call 655-2700, or contact the Maine Arts Commission [email protected] or call 287-2710.

Lenten lunch

PARIS – The Lenten Luncheon series continues at noon, Thursday, March 4, at the Deering Memorial United Methodist Church. The sermonette will be delivered by the Rev. Walter Webb, pastor of the church. The menu will offer soup, salad and a sandwich.

The sermon title for Sunday’s 10 a.m. March 7 church service is “Compassion for a Tree,” presented by Webb. The church is located at the corner of Main and Church streets.

Potluck supper

HARTFORD – A public potluck supper will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, March 5, at the Hartford Town Hall on Main Street, Route 140. Admission is a dish to share. The suppers are planned for the first Friday of each month. For information or to help with planning the suppers call Lee at 388-2510.

Women’s network

NORWAY – The Maine Women’s Network will meet from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at the Trolley House on Main Street. Special guest will be author Sharon Bouchard of Paris who will present “Laughter: How it Got Me From There to Here!” Cost for all events is $5 per person, payable at the door. For information or to register e-mail [email protected], [email protected] or call Tally at 743-6715. Check out the Web site at www.mainewomensnetwork.com.

Extension program

OXFORD – The Women of Oxford Extension Homemakers is inviting the public of all ages to visit or join them the second Tuesday of each month for crafts, education, nutrition, community service and much more. It will be held at 10 a.m. at the Anderson Staples Legion Hall on Route 121 unless otherwise stated. The extension is through the University of Maine. For information phone Jan Spencer at 998-5205.

Basket bingo

NORWAY – Sprouting Seeds Daycare is holding a basket bingo at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at the Norway Legion Hall on Main Street. Proceeds will be used for playground equipment and toys for the children. For information phone Veronica Poland at 674-2040.