Sons of Norway at Wildlife Park

GRAY — A local organization known as the Sons of Norway will educate visitors to the Maine Wildlife Park on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, about Scandinavian countries and the wildlife and conservation practices that are very similar to Maine’s.

Learn about Scandinavian culture from folks in full native dress and see demonstrations of traditional activities like carving, rosemaling, weaving and Viking life. Sample delicious Scandinavian foods like polser, in lompe, lefse and krumbkaka. There will be many ‘make and take’ activities for children and adults, like building Troll, or ‘nisse’ houses.

For more information call the Maine Wildlife Park at 207-657-4977 or visit www.mainewildlifepark.com, www.mefishwildlife.com or on Facebook.

Giant pumpkin plantlet giveaway

DAMARISCOTTA — The public is invited to adopt a pumpkin seedling and grow a giant pumpkin that will become one of the stars of Pumpkinfest. The giveaway will take place Sunday, May 19, at Pinkham’s Plantation, 431 Biscay Road. Bring a five-gallon container to get free super-enriched compost to give the seedling a healthy start.

Pumpkinfest’s Expert Panelists, Bill Clark, Curt Crosby, Tom Lishness, Edwin Pierpont, and Buzz Pinkham — all past Maine State Atlantic Giant Pumpkin champion growers — will be on site to answer questions and provide tips for growing a record-setting giant pumpkin.

Ed DesJardin at Lithgow Library

AUGUSTA — Local singer-songwriter Ed DesJardin will perform from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, as part of Lithgow Public Library’s popular local music series, “Live and Local at the Library.”

The Saturday morning concerts held in the Reading Room are free and open to the public.

DesJardins works as a multi-instrumentalist, music producer and recording engineer from his home studio in Readfield. His writing style is informed by diverse musical influences and his songs have been described as honest, poignant and thought-provoking.

The program continues with homegrown music on June 15 with Mike Ladd.

Lithgow Library is at 45 Winthrop St. For more information, call 626-2415 or visit www.lithgow.lib.me.us.

Rally for Maine’s Middle Class

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, May 22, Mainers will come together to fight back against the Governor’s budget and demand a clear alternative.

Fair Share Now, Rally for Maine’s Middle Class, will take place Wednesday, May 22. At 8 a.m., Lobby Day Training will be at Cross Cafe, Burton Cross Building, 111 Sewall St. At noon will be a rally at the courtyard between the Cross Building and the State House.

RSVP at bit.ly/May22Rally.

It’s time to let our legislators know that we can solve the budget gap by making a few simple, fair changes to our tax system: roll back the LePage tax cuts, make sure the wealthy pay their fair share of income taxes, close corporate loopholes and adjust the lodging tax to the New England average.

Workshop on cancer and faith

SOUTH PORTLAND — Cancer & Faith: Facing the New Normal will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at The Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., Route 1.

Among many reactions, a cancer diagnosis can lead someone deeper into his or her own faith tradition, or inspire one to seek new spiritual resources. The center welcomes three religious professionals who will discuss how their particular traditions can provide guidance, help and support to those affected by cancer.

This workshop welcomes cancer patients, survivors, families and friends. The interfaith panel is comprised of Jennifer Mancini, Buddhist Hospice Chaplain with the RNA Home Health & Hospice; Rosie Wohl, Communal Jewish Chaplain; and Rev. Jill Job Saxby, former executive director of the Maine Council of Churches.

This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Call 774-2200 or email info@CancerCommunityCenter.org.