RUMFORD – The local office of Tri-County Mental Health Services invites the public to tour its new facility at 49 Congress St. from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8. A dedication by Executive Director Chris Copeland will be at 4 p.m.

Blood drive

CANTON – The Busy Workers Too will sponsor a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, at the Municipal Building, 36 School St. People may contact the American Red Cross at (800) 482-0743 for more information or an appointment. Donors will receive a T-shirt. A valid ID will be required.

Hoop Shoot

RUMFORD – The Rumford Lodge of Elks will host its annual Hoop Shoot contest Saturday, Dec. 11, at Mountain Valley High School. Registration will be from 8 to 9 a.m. with the shoot-off starting at 9 a.m. There are three age categories for girls and boys: ages 8 and 9; ages 10 and 11; and ages 12 and 13. Anyone 13 years old until April 1, 2005 is eligible. The winners of each division will go to the regional competition, with the opportunity to go to the state and national competitions in Springfield, Mass., if they continue winning. A parent and or legal guardian needs to be present with, and a copy of a birth certificate will be needed. More information may be obtained by calling Dick or Sandee Welch at 364-2548.

ATV safety course

DIXFIELD – An ATV safety course will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Webb River Sportsman Club, Canton Point Road. The course will be for children age 16 and under, who must be accompanied by an adult. It is sponsored by the River Valley Riders ATV Club. People may make reservations by calling 364-7373.

Lunch and Learn

RUMFORD – The next Business Lunch and Learn Seminar will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at the River Valley Technology Center on 60 Lowell St.

The cost is $8 and includes lunch. Preregistration is required by phoning Beverly at 369-0396 or e-mailing [email protected] by Friday, Dec. 10.

The topic will be “Patent Searching and Patent Protection” by Woody Higgins, founding director of the Maine Patent Program.

This seminar will provide inventors and technology-based businesses with education and advice on the basics of patent rights and protections.

Holiday party

RUMFORD – The Oxford County Democrats will hold their annual holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Rumford Eagles Hall. The event will include volunteer recognition for the many individuals who worked during the recent election campaign. A social hour will be held beginning at 5 p.m., followed by a chicken stir fry dinner, and a program. The event is being hosted by state Rep. John Patrick, state Sen. Bruce Bryant and the Oxford County Democratic Committee. There is no charge for the dinner but those planning to attend must call 364-7666 or 875-2116 by Monday, Dec. The January meeting of the County Democratic Committee will be held Jan. 27, at the Norway Town Office Meeting Room.