Happenings around the Perham area, May 12-22

The Perham Focus accepts community calendar items for publication online and in our Thursday print edition, space permitting. Submissions must be made at least a week in advance of the event date, in writing, to either editor@perhamfocus.com or vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com .

Each submission must include the date, time and location of event, whether it is recurring or a one-time happening, and where to go for more information (phone, email and/or website). Also include whether the event is free or paid admission, and how much it costs when applicable.

Tate McLane Live: Musician Tate McLane performs live at 1894 in Perham, starting at 7 p.m. Open to the public.

Cally Nundahl Benefit: A benefit for local resident Cally Nundahl, who is battling cervical cancer, will be held at the Frazee Event Center from 3-7 p.m. Food, fun, a silent auction and games are planned; silent auction items can be dropped off at Harvest Church (806 Frazee Road, Frazee) during daytime hours or call Karen Pifher to arrange evening pick up at 218-255-3919.

Old-Time Variety Dance: Albert Mikesh will provide the music for an Old-Time Variety Dance taking place from 1-4 p.m. in the Frazee Event Center. All are welcome; admission is $5 per person.

LRAC Art Exhibit Opening: The public is invited to a reception for the "Portraits Exhibit" now on display at the Lake Region Arts Council Main Gallery, 137 S. Mill St., Fergus Falls, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This exhibit, dedicated to the art of portraiture, includes portraits in a variety of mediums, created by 30 regional artists. The exhibit will be on display at the gallery through June 30. For more information contact Lake Region Arts Council at 218-739-5780, email lrac4@lracgrants.org , or visit the website at lrac4.org .

Perham DU Sportsman's Bingo: The Perham area chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be hosting Sportsman's Bingo at Big Pine Lodge, 43606 Mosquito Heights Road, Perham, from 6 to 10 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. Purchase tickets at mndu.org (link can also be found on the Perham DU Facebook page ).

Aaron Simmons at 1894: Musician Aaron Simmons , a country-based singer-songwriter from Stewartville, Minn., performs live at 1894 in Perham from 5-7 p.m. Open to the public.

Defensive Driving Class: An 8-hour, in-person defensive driving course will be held from 12:30-4:30 p.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday, May 18-19 at the ITOW (In Their Own Words) Veterans Museum, 805 W. Main, Perham. Cost is $25. This two-day class is for those that have never taken a defensive driving class. To register please call Denise Lillis at 218-346-3336.

Call for Artists: The Lake Region Arts Council is accepting art in all mediums from artists living in Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin counties for an upcoming exhibit. Guest juror Tasha Kubesh will be choosing 15-20 work samples submitted by regional artists for inclusion in this prestigious showing. Deadline to submit is Friday, May 27. For more information contact Lake Region Arts Council at 218-739-5780, email lrac4@lracgrants.org , or visit the website at lrac4.org .

Perham Networking Opportunity: The Nest in Perham will host a one-hour free business networking opportunity on the first Wednesday of every month, starting at 8:15 a.m. Personal introductions, sharing of upcoming events and projects, and a focus presentation. Coffee will be provided by the focus topic presenter.

Library Storytimes: The Perham Area Public Library hosts preschool storytime every Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. Toddler Storytime with Becky is held periodically on Monday evenings at 6 p.m. Visit perhamlibrary.org or call 218-346-4892 for more information.

Old Time Photographs: Stop by the History Museum of East Otter Tail County, at 230 First Ave. North in Perham, and take a trip down memory lane. The museum would like the public's help identifying old photos. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 218-346-7676 for more information.