Rumford Library Friends Secretary Anne Wood points out that the hills around here are full of classic film buffs, but there are no classic film screenings closer to home than Bucksport. If the Friends have their way, that could change.

They’ve been raising money energetically since their founding about two years ago – enough to purchase a wide screen video player. It’s not gathering dust. Its debut, the trial balloon screening of a classic film, is Friday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. in the library’s public room.

The film is Harold Lloyd’s “The Freshman.” A bigger box office draw than Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin, Lloyd was “…the funniest man on the silent screen,” according to PBS radio’s “All Things Considered.”

When a DVD collection of a 1920s film star’s work is issued in 2005, you know Anne Wood is right: Classic films “…continue to mesmerize.”

An important part of the 55-member Library Friends group’s mission is to offer cultural events and activities to the community. They’re off to a great start with Harold Lloyd.

Music, music, music

There’s all kinds of fun to be had this winter in the River Valley. Example: Next weekend you can catch the Harold Lloyd film Friday night, races up at Black Mountain on Saturday, and chamber music Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. in Rumford’s Municipal Auditorium.

Two string ensembles will perform: Mt. Blue String Quartet with Jennie Ferris, Malina Dumas, Louise Huntington and Moira Woloban, and the Monmouth String Trio with Christopher Eldridge, Megan and Ryan Buckley.

The concert is the second in a performance series sponsored by the town of Rumford to benefit Katrina victims. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Encore!

Burt deFrees came up with a great idea: “Let’s have a show.” And with help from some friends, in April 2004, he gave us a pip: mime, operetta music, clowns, Joe Perham, Mahoosuc Music Makers.

Well, good news. “Right Here on Our Stage … Again” is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., and again on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. Bound to be bigger and even better than the first.

Through the spring and into the summer, watch for more performances: another visit from the Monmouth Players, the perennial favorite RAAPA Dinner Theatre, more chamber music, and jazz – that’s just for starters.

Soon, you’ll be able to check out upcoming arts and cultural events on the new River Valley Arts Council Web site. I’ll keep you posted.

Linda Farr Macgregor and her husband, Jim, live in Rumford. She is a freelance writer and and author of “Rumford Stories.” Contact her at [email protected].