Many government programs are trying to address Maine’s economic challenges. We have an aging population, more jobs than qualified candidates to fill them, and far too many families struggling to put meals on the table. Government assistance helps, but we cannot rely on it alone.

Looking through the sliding glass doors out over the Atlantic Ocean, 3:15 in the morning, I can see a solitary white light on the dark horizon. It’s probably a commercial fishing boat. The almost full moon, nearly hidden behind clouds, casts moonlight enough to see white foam on cresting, crashing waves roll up the beach and disappear in the sand.

Greenville, with its accessibility to Moosehead Lake and the great North Woods has a lot to offer, and now there’s a new addition to the mix – Chip Gerber, former powerlifting world champion, triathlete and professional fighter.

On Monday, October 21 students in Piscataquis County and members of the community will have the opportunity to enjoy a performance of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra's Juniper String Quartet when the group visits Dover-Foxcroft. The talented musicians will be visiting with school children to both educate and perform before arriving at the Center Theatre for a 7 p.m. performance.

For years now, from elected Augusta officials of either party, we have heard this song before: “We need to be more aggressive and creative in marketing Maine as a hunting and fishing destination.” Yes, it’s an old, familiar score.

Having served 20 years in the U.S. military (submarines), I find the editorial stance of the BDN on Oct. 10 concerning the “Syria withdrawal” troubling. The BDN’s position seems to be in agreement with most of Maine’s congressional delegation that considers the withdrawal to be an abandonment of the Kurds and a dangerous signal to our allies.

For the first time in three years, the Maine Teacher of the Year is from outside Piscataquis County. On Oct. 10 at Gorham Middle School the Maine Department of Education and Educate Maine named alternative education teacher Heather Whitaker Maine’s 2020 Teacher of the Year. She follows SeDoMoCha School music teacher Kaitlin Young in 2018 and Piscataquis Community High School English instructor Joseph Hennessey last year as recent honorees.

In the last competition before Saturday’s Penobscot Valley Conference championships in Searsport, four members of the Foxcroft Academy cross country team ran in three separate races at the Red Riot Challenge on Oct. 12 at Orono High School. Each race covered 2.48 miles

On a recent fall day, the park’s director, Eben Sypitkowski, went on a short hike in the north end of the park. Along the way, he shared some of his thoughts about the future of the park and the challenges that he has faced during his first year as park director.

The Savvy caregiver program will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Thompson Free Library on October 31, November 7, 14 and 21 and December 5 and 12.