Happenings around the Perham area, March 23-April 2

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.

Infernal Ailments Presentation: The New York Mills Public Library will host a 6:30 p.m. presentation by Missy Hermes, education coordinator for the Otter Tail County Historical Society, on "Infernal Ailments: History of Public Health in Otter Tail County." Free and open to the public, but pre-registration is encouraged. Call the NYM Public Library at 218-385-2436 to sign up.

Trivia Night: Thousand Lakes Brewing Co. in Parkers Prairie will host a Trivia Night, with happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. and trivia rounds starting at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams.

Blue Red Roses Concert: The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center will host a 7:30 p.m. concert by the Battle Lake-based duo Blue Red Roses. Songwriting partners and life partners Mary and Daniel Olson craft melody-laden hooks with an organic groove and nostalgic sound. Light refreshments and cash bar available. Doors open at 7 p.m., music begins at 7:30. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door (member discounts available); student admission is $5. Reserve your seats online at kulcher.org or call 218-385-3339.

Kids Craft Day: Brown Eyed Susans in Pelican Rapids will host a Kids Craft Day from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Free and open to the public. Call 218-863-5200 for more information.

Lakes Area Chorale: This year's spring concert by the Lakes Area Chorale, "Rock 'N Soul Meets Gospel" — with a special appearance by The Fat Cats — will take place at 4 p.m. on the main stage of the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes. Open to the public.

Learn to Play Dungeons and Dragons: Disgruntled Brewing in Perham will host a special introductory session on playing the game Dungeons and Dragons from 12 to 4 p.m. Open to all skill levels, including both beginners and masters of the game. Call 218-346-1662 to register.

Relay for Life Kickoff Event: Perham's Luxe Event Center will host a kickoff event for the 2023 Relay For Life of Otter Tail County, starting at 4 p.m. Enjoy appetizers and beverages (cash bar), get materials and information for putting together a Relay team, set goals and make plans for this year's Relay.

"Hugs Help" Presentation: Randy Stocker, who lost three family members in a car crash, presents "Hugs Help," an intimate perspective on surviving grief, while providing practical and proven words, actions and gestures for those supporting grievers, at 1 p.m. in the Armory Arts and Events Center, 203 Park Ave. S., Park Rapids. This presentation of the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning is free and open to the public.

Technology 101-Intro to Email: The Perham Public Library is hosting an introductory class on how to use email, starting at 2 p.m. Sponsored by Elevate OTC, this is event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is requested; go to elevateotc.org to sign up.

Elevate Exploratory-Strong and Movin' 101: Come to the Perham Area Community Center at 3 p.m. for a special movement class hosted by Elevate OTC. This combo class of strength training and low-impact dance will get you movin’ and burnin’. ALL skill levels are welcome! Cost is $12, and there are just 15 spots available, so sign up online at elevateotc.org .

NYM Wine Mixer: Elevate OTC is hosting a special wine mixer event at the New York Mills Liquor Store from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Adulting is hard. Join us for a break from life while learning a new thing or two; discover your wine palate by tasting some new and exciting flavors — maybe even find a new favorite. No RSVP needed – just join us!

Nosy Neighbor-Cheesemaking: Elevate OTC is hosting a special "Nosy Neighbor" event at the Bongard's plant and retail store in Perham, titled "How is Cheese Made?" From 2 to 3:45 p.m., learn how Bongard's processes over 4 million pounds of milk into cheese and whey products every day. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required, as is proper protective equipment, but that will be provided by Bongard's. Tour involves a lot of walking, including some steps, and the noise level is high. Free and open to the public, but the tour is limited to 20 participants, so sign up today at elevateotc.org. This event was originally scheduled for Feb. 23.

Trivia Night: Thousand Lakes Brewing Co. in Parkers Prairie will host a Trivia Night, with happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. and trivia rounds starting at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams.

Scandinavian Tunes: Scandinavian master musicians Ross Sutter and Art Bjorngjeld will present a special evening of lively tunes and songs performed on accordion, guitar and banjo, including songs from both Sweden and Norway along with history, jokse and stories, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the New York Mills Public Library. This event is co-hosted by the NYM Library and Viking Library System, with funding from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Lenten Fish Fry: The Frazee Knights of Columbus are having their final fish fry dinner fundraiser of the season from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee. Dinner includes fried fish, scalloped potatoes or French fries, green beans, coleslaw, bread and ice cream. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 7-12, and free for kids age six and under. The proceeds will go toward repaying a loan for the church's new roof.

Heart O' Lakes Harmony: The Heart O'Lakes Harmony Men's Chorus will host its spring concert, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Broadway," at 7:30 p.m. in A Center for the Arts, 124 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls. Children age 12 and under are admitted free of charge; tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students, and may be purchased in advance at Victor Lundeen's in Fergus Falls, or at the door.

"Heavy Metal" Exhibit: A new exhibit at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center Gallery, "Heavy Metal," will be on display through April 8. This exhibit features sculptors, blacksmiths, and knife makers. Metal artists included in the exhibit are Tim Cassidy, Paul Albright, Timothy Pierce, Barry Tumberg, Jerry Hobbs, Jessica Woods, Wayne Becker and Jamie Virnala. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; it is closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. The gallery is free and open to the public;, but private tours can also be arranged by emailing info@kulcher.org or calling 218-385-3339.

AARP Volunteer Tax Program-Perham: The AARP Volunteer Tax Program will be preparing taxes for senior citizens, as well as those with low to moderate income, Wednesdays at the New Creation Church on Coney Street. The Perham site will not be taking appointments and will be walk in only. It will only be open on Wednesdays through the end of the tax season. When arriving at the tax site, bring a photo ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax return and any documents needed to prepare an accurate return. If you are interested in volunteering to answer the telephone, take appointments, assist taxpayers with completing documents, or preparing tax returns, please call the district coordinator, Elizabeth Eidal, at 406-781-5047.

AARP Volunteer Tax Program-Fergus Falls: The AARP Volunteer Tax Program will be open three days a week from Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Salvation Army on Vernon Avenue in Fergus Falls. Tax preparation is by appointment only. You can make an appointment by calling 218-739-9692, ext. 3, during the regular hours listed above; the phone will not be answered outside those hours. Please do not call the Salvation Army because their personnel will not be able to assist with appointments nor to answer tax questions. When arriving at the tax site, bring a photo ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax return and any documents needed to prepare an accurate return. If you are interested in volunteering to answer the telephone, take appointments, assist taxpayers with completing documents, or preparing tax returns, please call the district coordinator, Elizabeth Eidal, at 406-781-5047.

Homeschool Hangouts: All area home-schooled students are invited to the Otter Cove Children's Museum, 105 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, from 9 a.m. to noon every Friday, for a "Homeschool Hangout" event. For more information call 218-998-5437 or email ottercoveff@gmail.com .

Sit-n-Stitch: A weekly gathering of fiber artists takes place from 5 to 7 p.m., every Thursday at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. Free and open to all who are interested in learning about fiber arts, or enhancing their knowledge. All ages and experience levels welcome.

Baby Bin: Come look through the baby bin at Crosspoint Alliance Church, 600 8th St. NE, Perham, on the first Tuesday of every month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All WIC participants receive one pack of diapers and wet wipes. Everyone may look through our children's clothing, sizes 0-10.

Quilting: The Calvary Cut-Ups quilting group meets from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. Questions? Contact Brenda Halvorson at 320-493-0802.

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.

Progressive Bingo: Every Tuesday, 6-7 p.m., Thumper Pond, Ottertail.

Tuesday Trivia Night: Billy's Corner Bar & Grill in Vergas will be offering Trivia Night every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Open to the public.

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.

Mah Jongg at Calvary Lutheran: Men and women are welcome and play Mah Jongg at Perham's Calvary Lutheran Church on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in the library. No prior experience necessary, as experienced players will teach the game to newcomers.

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.