A special encore presentation of the polyvagal theory video featuring scientist Stephen Porges, PhD, will be held at The Commons at Central Hall at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 13. As the originator of the theory, Dr. Porges explains that we have the biological imperative to connect with one another because we cannot regulate our physiology in isolation. In short, we need each other to survive.

Each month outstanding pupils in grades 5-8 at are honored as Students of the Month. The last group of honorees for 2018-19 were presented with certificates in front of their peers during an assembly in the cafeteria to start the day on Friday, May 31.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine recently attended the Maine Sports Hall of Fame VIP reception, where she met with this year’s recipients of the 2019 Maine Sports Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Awards. The six students were presented with $5,000 scholarships during the 44th annual awards ceremony on May 19 at Merrill Auditorium.

Some of the wonderful things to enjoy in the Moosehead region, now that the snow has finally retreated, are the many hiking trails in the area. A nearly decade-old plan to improve and expand the trail system in the region continues to be implemented and volunteers are already working to maintain the trails.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)/Miosac Club recently met for the annual meeting as members brought their dinners and visited while eating.

Late last week the Maine Legislature, for a change, did something that I am very happy about. They took action to reform Maine's broken initiative and referendum process.

Health care. Homeless shelters. The military. In school. At work. The Trump administration is further escalating its attack on transgender people, including in situations when people are their most vulnerable.

The town of Monson continues to get a remarkable facelift thanks to the Libra Foundation and the improvement efforts of local small business owners. This year the Monson Business Association will celebrate its second annual Nosin’ ‘Round Monson – a town-wide business open house from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1.

Golfing season is here. Gordon Contracting and Pine Tree Hospice bring you this year’s big fundraiser at Foxcroft Golf Club on Saturday, June 15. This fun event has been a huge success for years – it’s a favorite of so many people who look forward to it.

It was mid-November in the Big Deer Woods. A northeast wind was rocking the hemlock tops and pushing a cold, pelting rain that seemed to penetrate the slicker beneath my wool hunting shirt. The damp, raw day was in my pores. Noon or not, it was time to call it a day.