Fire fundraiser at Russell Park

LEWISTON — The staff, management team and residents at Russell Park Rehab and Living Center invite the public for a Hot Dog Extravaganza/Food Drive from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7,  for those affected by the April 29 Blake Street fire.

Two hot dogs with toppings, including chili or sauerkraut, chips and a soda will cost $5.

Donations of money, nonperishable foods and toiletries will be accepted for those in the community displaced by this disaster.

All proceeds will go directly to the victims of the fire, disbursed by the American Red Cross.

Competitive swimming for kids

LEWISTON — The YWCA announces the Summer Tiger Sharks Swim Club for boys and girls ages 7 to 14.

This is a great opportunity for kids who love to swim and are interested in a more competitive environment. They will learn the basic fundamentals of competitive strokes and being part of a team in a positive and encouraging environment.

Practices will focus on stroke development and technique, breathing techniques, turns, starts and endurance. Each club member will receive a team logo swim cap.

Swim club will begin the week of May 5 and run through June 26. Details of times may be found at www.ywcamaine.org or by calling the YWCA at 795-4050.

5K run for Muscular Dystrophy Assoc.

AUGUSTA — ERA Webb Associates will have their annual 5K run to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 5, starting at the Maine State House parking lot, 353 Water St.

The course is level and runs along the rail trail along the Kennebec River.

The entry fee is $15, and $20 to include a T-shirt. Registration begins at 7 a.m. For more information, call Diane Garcell at 512-6374.

Craft workshops at Haystack

DEER ISLE — The 2013 Workshop Weekend at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts will run from May 9-12.

Each year the Maine Crafts Association is honored to populate the  school with instructors and students for three and a half days in May.

Participants will spend dedicated, creative time in the Haystack studios with exceptional instructors and fellow students, as well as enjoy good food and views. Workshops encompass fiber, wood, clay, metal and jewelry craft.

Participant rate for the three-and-a-half day workshop, meals, cabin and evening programs starts at $650; discounts bring most participants’ fees to between $400 and $500. To register or learn more, contact Sadie Bliss at 207-564-0041 or sbliss@mainecrafts.org. Space in each workshop is limited. Payment plans are available. The April 15 refund deadline has passed; all payments are now final.

Current MCA membership is required to attend. Membership info is available at mainecrafts.org/members/membership.

Theater Project benefit auction

BRUNSWICK — The 5th annual Benefit Auction will be held Friday, May 10, at The Theater Project.

A silent auction will run from 6 to 8 p.m., with a live auction from 8 to 9. There will be a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres by El Camino.

Tickets are $10, and are available by calling the box office at 729-8584.

Maple grading school May 10, 11

SKOWHEGAN — The 10th annual International Maple Grading School will be held May 10-11, led by University of Maine Cooperative Extension educator Kathy Hopkins.

The school is designed for maple producers, bulk syrup buyers, state inspectors and others needing to accurately grade maple syrup or judge maple product entries at fairs and contests. It will provide a strong scientific base, combined with intensive hands-on exercises.

Cost is $135 for the two-day school. Space is limited and preregistration is required. For further information or to request disability accommodations, contact Hopkins at 207-474-9622 or khopkins@maine.edu. Additional information is available at extension.umaine.edu/maple-grading-school.

Migratory birds at Wildlife Park

GRAY — Maine Wildlife Park will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with Larry Barnes, Maine master falconer, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11.

Barnes will share information about the ancient art of falconry. Meet and photograph his live peregrine and hybrid falcons up close, and learn about their life history and ecology.

Questions will be answered at this event which is suitable for young and old alike. Bring a camera for opportunities for close-up shots.

App development course offered

FAIRFIELD — Are you interested in how mobile applications or “apps” are created for smartphones and tablets? Have an idea for your own? Interested in making extra money from home?

Kennebec Valley Community College is offering a new course on mobile app development in the summer semester. The course will cover developing for Android or iOS. You don’t need to own a smartphone or tablet to enroll, and no experience is necessary.

For more information, or to register, call 207-453-5822.

War Trauma Symposium set

PORTLAND — The fifth annual Veterans For Peace War Trauma Symposium will be held Saturday, May 18, at Hannaford Lecture Hall, USM’s Abromson Center. Doors will open at 8 a.m. and the program will begin at 9.

Who would benefit from attending: Health Care professionals, active duty service men and women and their loved ones, veterans, peace and social justice advocates, anyone concerned about the well-being of soldiers and veterans.

Paula J. Caplan, Ph.D., will give the keynote address. Caplan is a clinical and research psychologist, author of books and plays, playwright, actor and director. Her latest book is “When Johnny and Jane Come Marching Home: How All of Us Can Help Veterans.”

Panelist John Eric Baugher is associate professor of sociology at the University of Southern Maine. His expertise is in spiritual care at end-of-life, grief and post-traumatic growth and transformational learning. Panelist Catherine Ryder is the executive director of Tri-County Mental Health Services.

Registration is $50 for health care professionals. Certificates of attendance for CEU’s will be provided. General attendance is $25, with scholarships available. Fees will cover lunch and parking.

Walk to benefit scleroderma care

WESTBROOK — Scleroderma’s “Stepping Out for a Cure” is Maine’s annual fundraising walk-a-thon to support scleroderma patients and to fund medical research. The walk will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18, at Riverbank Park.

There will be a raffle, face-painting for children and snacks.

Scleroderma means “hard skin” and it is a painful, life-altering autoimmune disease which often affects young mothers.

To learn more or to make a tax-deductible donation, go to www.scleroderma.org/site/TR/Events/NewEnglandChapter?fr_id=1410&pg=entry#.UUHxYMWtsut.