Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC), the largest federally qualified health center in Maine, in partnership with the University of Maine School of Nursing, Harrington Family Health Center in Harrington, and Hometown Health Center in Newport and Dexter, has received a four-year grant award to support a nurse practitioner residency program. The $1.7 million grant comes from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and is one of a handful of this kind in the country.

Both will be prominent during this week’s All-Star Game festivities at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, and both are using bats made in Maine.

A Bath man accused of shooting a female relative in Shirley was arrested at gunpoint later on Monday (July 8) morning in Kennebec County after leading a state trooper on a brief chase. Christopher Hallowell, 24, was charged with attempted murder in connection with the early morning shooting at North Point Farm & Garden on Route 15 in Shirley that wounded a woman, according to Chief Deputy Todd Lyford of the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office.

Upcoming events around the region.

Eighteen members of the Piscataquis County Retired Educators met Tuesday, June 25 for a delicious luncheon at The Lakeshore House. Registered Maine Guide and founder of Actor Earth Ways Wendy Weiger shared information on transforming lives while healing Earth. She offers programs on mindful nature walks, nature-focused meditation and celebrations of the seasons. She recently has authored her first book “Heaven Beneath Our Feet.” Though her job at the Appalachian Trail Center in Monson focuses on educating trail hikers, she shared a dozen or more helpful tips for safe, doable hikes for retirees.

Join attendees on Thursday, July 18 at 2 p.m. for this free family friendly concert sponsored by the Abbott Memorial Library. The concert will be held in the basement of the Universalist church, which is adjacent to the library. For more information, please call 924-7292.

Seventy runners took part in the annual Fourth of July 5K on Independence Day morning. Shawn Keenan, 41, won the race a time of 18 minutes, 40 seconds over the 3.1 miles.

The Commons at Central Hall board of directors and members of committees held the annual meeting at the camp of Cherie Stitham White on June 29. Tara Smith is the chief executive officer and she reported progress made this past year in the completion of all but the back area of the building. This past year has been successful with its offerings of activities, events and programs.

A play reading of “Arsenic and Old Lace” takes place at the Wayside Theatre at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 14. Calling all shy, lazy actors. No experience needed, no lines to memorize, no rehearsals, no stage directions or costumes. Just sit on the stage, read a part (or two or three, depending) and have fun. Scripts provided.

The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) recently completed its free, 3-part series of birding workshops.