RUMFORD – The Rumford Community Blood Drive will be held Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on Congress Street. The drive is sponsored by the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Each donor will receive a T-shirt, and have a chance to win two tickets to either a Red Sox game, a Sea Dogs game, or a NASCAR event. A valid ID is required.

Ranger program

GORHAM, N.H. – The White Mountain National Forest’s “Wednesday Night With A Ranger” program on Aug. 11 features conservation educators Clare Long and Rob Fallon presenting “HikeSafe – There and Back.” Participants can learn about the things that can go wrong when walking in the woods.

Ranger programs are presented by the Forest Service every Wednesday beginning at 8 p.m. at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on Route 16, 11 miles south of Gorham.

Programs are free, and all local residents, campers and visitors are welcome. Programs are about an hour long and include time for conversation about the evening’s topic or any other national forest issue. Popcorn is provided.

More information may be obtained by calling the Androscoggin Ranger Station at 603-466-2713 extension 222, TTY 603-466-2856, or the Appalachian Mountain Club at 603-466-2721.

Athletic meetings

RUMFORD – Mountain Valley High School has announced its meetings for parents, athletes and coaches planning to participate in athletic activities this fall. Coaches will outline team rules and expectations. The football team will issue equipment after its meeting. Practices are scheduled to start the week of Aug. 16.

Before the first tryout, students must have completed and submitted the Student Participation-Parental Approval form, medical treatment form, proof of a physical examination, and have no outstanding bills to the district. Forms are available at the high school between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., and should be returned to the high school office by Aug. 13. More information may be obtained by calling 364-4547.

Meetings are: girls soccer, 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12; boys soccer, 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13; cheering, field hockey, football and golf, 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15.

All meetings will start in the high school cafeteria.

Weekly hike

GORHAM, N.H. – This week’s “Trails of the Week” hikes in the White Mountain National Forest will take hikers on the Wild River Trail on Friday, Aug. 13, and to Glen Ellis Falls on Sunday, Aug. 15.

Participants in the hike along the Wild River with rangers Marry Jo Kelly and Matt Schomburg will meet at the Wild River Campground, at the end of Forest Road 12 off Route 113 in Gilead. This easy hike will last about an hour and will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The hike to Glen Ellis Falls on Aug. 15 will traverse the stone steps placed by Civilian Conservation Corps. Ranger Jenny Young will talk about the CCC era and the many contributions made in the White Mountain National Forest. Hikers will meet at the Glen Ellis Falls parking area on Route 16. The hike is six-tenths of a mile round-trip -about 45 minutes – and will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Participants are advised to dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring of plenty of water. Space is limited and reservations must be made in advance. More information may be obtained, and reservations may be made, by calling the Forest Service at 603-466-2713, TTY 603-466-2856.

Flower festival

DIXFIELD – Festival of Flowers show will be held Sunday, Aug. 15, by the Dixfield Historical Society. It runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the society’s headquarters, 63 Main St. There is no entry fee and no admission.

All adult and children flower and plant growers living in the River Valley are invited to enter and display their flowers and plants. Exhibitors are asked to bring their entries to the Dixfield Historical Society from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, for display and judging.

Awards will be made for first, second and third place and honorable mention, and best of show. The public will be asked to cast ballots for the People’s Choice Award.

Greenery or accessories may be used with all entries. Flower and plant exhibits must be picked up from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 15. Festival of Flowers Show information sheets are available at the Rumford, Mexico and Dixfield town offices and libraries. More information may be obtained by calling Esther or Al Larsen at 562-7332.