RUMFORD – As part of the March for Meals campaign to raise money for the local Meals on Wheels program, SeniorsPlus will be holding a benefit baked bean supper from 4:30 p.m. until sold out, Thursday, March 25, at the SeniorsPlus dining site on Congress Street. The menu is homemade baked beans, hot dog, steamed brown bread, cole slaw, American chop suey, and a choice of apple crisp a la mode or vanilla ice cream. The cost is $5.

There will also be entertainment by the old-time country music group, Country Side Grass. Members of the group are Lois and Gary Hall and Emery Thompson.

March for Meals is a national campaign to raise money to provide meals to homebound elderly. SeniorsPlus is the area agency on aging that provides Meals on Wheels in Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties. Currently, the program has a waiting list of 73 people who qualify to receive meals but can not get them because there is not enough money to provide the service.

Health expo

RANGELEY – Health and Caregiver Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 2, at Congregational Church Barn Annex. People can learn what services are available to caregivers in Rangeley and the surrounding areas. They will also receive information from a variety of agencies. There will be free bone density testing and blood pressure screening. For more information phone SeniorsPlus 1-800-427-1241 by Friday, March 22.

Fibromyalgia workshop

RUMFORD – Dr. Angella L. Roberts will conduct a second fibromyalgia workshop at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 22, at the Rumford Public Library. It is free and open to the public.

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic condition which causes widespread pain in the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. The pain is often described as aching or burning and is unpredictable in nature. The pain can also be quite severe and disabling at times or it may only cause moderate discomfort. Symptoms may include fatigue, unrefreshed sleep, stiffness, head or facial pain, abdominal discomfort, pelvic pain or discomfort, numbness or tingling, chest wall pain, cognitive disorders, light-headedness or balance problems, sensory sensitivity or emotional responses. For more information phone 369-9138.

Networking in Rumford

RUMFORD – A community networking meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at the conference room of the Rumford Municipal Building downstairs across from the Police Department.

Representative from the American Cancer Society’s Rely for Life will speak. This meeting is also an occasion for other community organizations to share their issues and programs. Refreshments will be served.

The River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition works on local issues that affect health and quality of life. Members of the community decide together which problems to address. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information phone 364-7408.

Daffodils coming

RUMFORD – Bouquets of daffodils will be available for sale from March 24-27 at Hannaford supermarket to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Bunches of 10 will cost $7. Bouquets in vases will be $20 and will be delivered anonymously to cancer patients in hospitals or nursing homes or to others in need. For more information, phone 1-800-464-3102, press 3.

The American Cancer Society’s goal this year is to raise $3 million in New England through daffodil sales, said Ray Kautzman, community executive for development at the American Cancer Society. Money raised during Daffodil Days support the society’s many programs and services.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

County Dems meeting

BUCKFIELD – The Oxford County Democrats will meet Thursday, March 25, at Buckfield High School. A potluck supper will be served at 5:30 p.m.. A discussion of state convention will be led by Aymie Walshe, executive eirector of the Maine Democratic Party at 6:30 p.m. “The Oxford County delegation to the Convention numbers many for whom the experience is new, and we felt an orientation to the convention process would be timely,” said Oxford County Chairperson Cathy Newel..

The meeting will also feature an agenda containing legislative updates by Sen. Bruce Bryant, Rep. John Patrick and Rep. Rosita Gagne-Friel, a report from Congressman Mike Michaud’s office, introduction of candidates for the 2004 election and plans for upcoming events.

Anyone interested in electing Democrats is welcome to attend. Those coming to the supper are asked to bring a hot dish, salad or dessert to share. For more information phone Newell at 875-2116.

Hartford’s survey

HARTFORD – The Comprehensive Planning Board has designed a survey for residents and taxpayers to voice their concerns. People who haven’t received a copy of it can contact the town office at 388-2674. The survey should be submitted to the Town of Hartford, RR 1 Box 220, Canton ME 04221, by Thursday, April 1.

Season finished

RUMFORD – The Rumford Polar Bear Club has announced that all snowmobile trails in Rumford have been closed. All gates will be closed and locked.

Chamber applications

RUMFORD – The Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for its Board of Directors. Those interested may phone the chamber office at 364-3241 for the necessary paperwork.

Annual dinner

RUMFORD – The River Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Meeting and Awards will be held May 1 at the Rumford Eagles Club. The chamber is now accepting nominations for the following awards: Business/Business Person of the Year, Customer Service Award, Volunteer of the Year and NonProfit Organization of the Year. People may contact the chamber for the criteria and nomination forms. All nominations need to be in the chamber office by April 1.

Newry Rootsweb

BETHEL – Mitchell F. Barker of Albuquerque, N.M., has recently taken over as the new Web master of the Newry Rootsweb Internet site. He has put much time into making the site attractive and informative and wishes to have those with knowledge of Newry to contribute any information they may have. At present, he is in the process of transcribing the federal census returns for Newry and Riley Plantation from 1790 on to 1930. He may be reached by writing him at 9204 Cascajo Drive, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111-2206 or e-mail [email protected]