In my 9/21/18 column, “Give Political Thugs the Bum's Rush,” I told a story of Maine Senate Democrat Leader Beverly Bustin’s 1995 reaction to Maine voters electing Angus King as Governor, and a new Republican majority to the Maine Senate.

Giving talks to rod and gun clubs around the state is enjoyable for me. It's a good chance to rub elbows with good people who share a common interest. I learn a lot and always come away with new insights and topics to write about. Most of the time, the food is good, too.

All of us should be celebrating Maine Forest Products Week, Oct. 20-26. Maine’s forest products industry has a long and successful history in our state. From our earliest days, Maine’s vast timberlands have been an important asset, sought after first for masts for the king’s navy, and today for lumber and paper. The future will include any number of forest products from composites to bio tech to uses that have not even been imagined yet.

In a recent ceremony and reception held at the Abbot Town Hall, Selectman Mickey Knowles presented Abbot’s Boston Post Cane to nonagenarian Thelma Weymouth.

The Dexter Regional High School boys cross country team finished in fourth place among 12 Class C schools at the 2019 Penobscot Valley Conference championships on October 19 at Searsport District High School. The Tigers ended the meet with a score of 152 points.

Maine Game Wardens rescued a group of capsized canoeists in high winds on Ripogenus Lake on Friday, October 18.

Staff at the Hibbard Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dover-Foxcroft want to wish one of their assisted living residents a very happy 100th birthday. Earl Chase was born in Augusta, on October 18, 1919.

Difficulty: Moderate. Out and back, the hike is about 3 miles. The trail climbs gradually but steadily. Watch your step for exposed tree roots and rocks. Footing is especially tricky near the East Spur Overlook. Take your time traveling over the exposed bedrock.

Americans hate taxes and some of us dread the Ides of April on a par with being told we need a root canal. Grumbling about taxes is hardly new. Our ancestors felt exactly the same. Our ancestors protested taxes of all sorts whether the infamous tea tax, poll taxes permitting men to vote, or the ubiquitous real estate taxes.

The Center Theatre is hosting its second annual Mischief Managed fundraiser at the Commons Event Center at Central Hall on Saturday, October 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Harry Potter fans of all ages are encouraged to attend, costumes are encouraged but not required.