Vegetarian cooking

NORWAY — Plant-based cooking classes will be held at 5:30 p.m. Mondays starting June 18 at Taste of Eden Vegan Cafe.

June 18: Planning ahead for a healthy breakfast; June 25: Cooking in a crock pot; July 2: How to make dessert healthy; July 9: Making your favorite meals gluten-free and vegan; July 16: Bread-making class.

The classes are sponsored by Eden Lifestyle Sanctuary.

Admission is free. Preregister for any or all classes by calling 739-6090.

Solstice hike is June 21

BRIDGTON — The annual Solstice Hike at Bald Pate Mountain Preserve will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 21.  Join Loon Echo Land Trust for their traditional hike up the Bob Chase Trail at Bald Pate Mountain Preserve in South Bridgton to celebrate the first day of summer. A short hike of 20 to 30 minutes, with 300 feet of elevation gain, brings hikers to the rocky summit of Bald Pate Mountain which affords views of the surrounding lakes and hills.

Participants are invited to play a musical instrument, read a poem or express a thought about summer or their connection to the environment.

Participants should meet in the Bald Pate parking lot in South Bridgton, just past Five Fields Farm on Route 107. Bring water, snacks, hiking boots, a rain jacket, bug spray and snacks. The hike will be cancelled if it there is a thunderstorm or moderate to heavy rain.

All Loon Echo hikes are free; however, donations are always welcome. For more information about this hike contact Jon Evans at jon@lelt.org or call 647-4352.

Historical group meeting

PARIS — On June 21, at 7 p.m. the Paris Cape Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting at 77 High St., South Paris. After a brief business meeting William D. Andrews of Newry, president of the Bethel Historical Society, will speak about the mystery novels he has written, both of which will be available for purchase.

His latest novel, “Breaking Ground,” revolves around Julie Williamson, a puzzle-loving director of a small-town historical society, who sets out to solve the murder of a well-known benefactor. This suspenseful novel is filled with Maine characters and history. Andrews has also written “Stealing History,” which also features Julie Williamson, Maine characters and history.

Refreshments will be served. The meeting room is accessible to all, and the public is welcome to attend.

Potluck dinner, meeting

WEST PARIS — West Paris Historical Society will hold a pot luck dinner at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 18 . A short business meeting will held at 7 p.m. and a schedule made for the annual hall and yard sale on July 29.

Donations are still being accepted for the sale.

For more information, call Betty Jones at 674-2507.

Lunch social, book swap

OTISFIELD — The Otisfield Community Lunch Social and Book Swap will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, at Otisfield Community Hall, Route 121. Free; donations accepted.

Menu includes beans, salads, dessert, coffee, tea, punch. Call Nancy Coombs at 627-4374 if you need a ride.

Bring a book; take a book.

For more information call Dave at 539-4368 or Elaine at 539-4846.

Otisfield food pantry

OTISFIELD — The Food Pantry will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, June 22, at East Otisfield Free Baptist Church, Rayville Road.

The pantry is open on the fourth Friday of every month. For more information, call 539-4619.

Retired teachers meet

NORWAY — On Friday, June 22, retired teachers will have a meeting at 10:30 a.m. followed by a 11 a.m. social and a noon business meeting and lunch, at the Second Congregational Church.

The day will end with a program at 12:45 p.m. titled, “Stories I Learned at My Mother’s Knee and Lower Joints,” presented by Rodney Abbott. This is a fundraiser and an extended yard sale. To reserve a lunch call 743-7677.

Baptist Church scholarships

OTISFIELD — On May 27, the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church Scholarship Committee member Ann Watson announced the awarding of scholarships for the second semester of the 2012-13 school year.

Recipients are Frank Montana of Mechanic Falls, son of Arthur and Carol Montana; Megan and Rachel Wandishin of Casco, daughters of Betsey Mayo and Ted Wandishin; Dorothy Dyer of Otisfield, daughter of Garry and Deborah Dyer; Christopher Alberi of Otisfield, son of James and Susan Alberi; Zane and Zeb Duffany of Otisfield, sons of Deborah Peaco; and Nicole Donnellan of Otisfield, daughter of James and Denise Donnellan.

The East Otisfield Free Baptist Church began a scholarship fund at the request of the late Rev. Gertrude DeCoteau and Miss Marian Culbert. Fundraising began with needlepoint covered brick door stops made by Marian and sold for $5 each.

In 1987 the first scholarship was awarded. The church has been able to provide scholarships to 16 students each year of their college careers.

Summer Salad Festival

PARIS — A Summer Salad Festival with roast turkey and baked ham and homemade ice cream with fresh strawberries will be held on Saturday, June 23 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at the Deering Memorial Methodist Church, 39 Main St. The cost is $8 and $4 for children under 12. Ample parking is available behind the library and Town Office.

Dowsing to be topic

HEBRON — The Hebron Historical Society will hear Wayne Holmquist of Raymond speak on the ancient art of dowsing at its meeting Tuesday, June 26, at the Hebron town office. The presentation will be at 7:30 p.m. This will be preceded by the society’s annual membership meeting at 7.

Holmquist can not only identify water locations and old wells but can provide considerable information on old cemetery plots to include the number and gender of those buried there. This should be of special interest to those with private family burial grounds on their property.

Senior citizen picnic

FRYEBURG — The annual Oxford County Sheriff’s Office TRIAD Senior Citizen Picnic will take place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 29, at Fryeburg Fair Grounds.

The day will begin with coffee and doughnuts. Lunch will be hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, cole slaw, ice cream and cookies, water and ice tea. There Will be information booths, live music, 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction, donation jar, door prizes and a book, puzzle and fudge sale. All proceeds go to future events for seniors.

Benefit for Paul family

NAPLES — A benefit dance for the family of Darren and Jodi Paul will be held Saturday, June 30, at the American Legion Hall, Route 11, from 8 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $10 per person. Music will be provided by the Country Ridge Riders.

Cash bar and light refreshments will be available for purchase. A $1000 raffle will be drawn at 10 p.m. To purchase raffle tickets or for information, call 286-1247 or 650-4244. A Tea Cup raffle will also be held the night of the dance.

Darren is battling stage four rectal cancer. He was born and raised in the Naples area. Darren and Jodi are the parents of three daughters, ages 13, 14 and 19. Friends and family are raising money to help with some of the expenses related to his illness.

American Legion karaoke

NORWAY — Karaoke with professional DJ Tom, T.J. the D.J., will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at American Legion Post 82.

The cost is $6. No food will be available.