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.

Twenty two boats showed up to paddle in the annual Sebec Fourth of July canoe race this year.

A new book about a fascinating man who moved to Monson in 1895 has caught the attention of historians and reviewers on a national scale. Based on a true story “Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte” by Maine author and historian Jeffrey Ryan, weaves a tale almost too fantastic to be believed.

A six-week Introduction to Drawing class will be offered at The Commons at Central Hall from 4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays from July 12 to Aug. 16. There will also be a Young at Heart Rounds Singing Class, led by Lauralyn Buie, offered from 11 a.m. to noon on Fridays from July 12 to Aug. 16.

The Fourth of July, Independence Day, celebration begins at our home on the third of July, with house cleaning and grocery shopping. Before the sun set on July 3, however, I paddled out onto Bear Pond on our trusty stand up paddle board, dropped my flat rock anchor, and snorkeled awhile in the cool, refreshing water.