In addition to running a public policy think tank and writing this column every week, I have also been blessed for the last three years to host the morning drive-time radio program on WGAN, southern Maine's biggest news and talk radio station.

The public is cordially invited to this year's Dexter Regional High School spring musical “Annie, Jr.” from March 21-23 in the cafeteria. This shortened version of the well-loved musical includes the well known story of the plucky and positive orphan Annie and all the songs you know in only 60 minutes.

Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville introduced LD 555 “An Act To Reduce Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality by Updating Screening Coverage” late last month to the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee. With this bill, Sen. Davis hopes to remove the reference to the minimum age at which insurance companies must cover colorectal cancer screenings.

Musician and teacher, Susan Ramsey, has said more than once, directly and indirectly, how much she loves living in Piscataquis County. Piscataquis County -- the whole State of Maine -- is fortunate to have Susan Ramsey as one of its own.

Local resident Wendy Weiger is planning an exciting adventure this month. She is embarking on a hike on the relatively new American Discovery Trail (ADT). This trail system of 6,800 miles is, according to the ADT website, “a new breed of national trail — part city, part small town, part forest, part mountains, part desert — all in one trail.” It stretches from the east coast at Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware to Pt. Reyes National Seashore in California.

The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) is calling all artists! The PCSWCD is holding a poster contest for its children’s garden at the Law Farm.

The Center Theatre is closed for three weeks for renovations. However, you can come see the progress, watch a great movie and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime event at the Center Theatre if you attend one of the two showings of the “Titanic Pizza Event” scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.

I was away for much of the month of February, so I just came across the piece by David Farmer in your Feb. 4 edition that used me as a strawman for his criticism of “rich dudes” who might run for president of the United States, governor of Maine or, implicitly, any other public office – unless they run under the banner of Mr. Farmer’s Democratic Party.

It is hard to overcome an emotional response in politics. It’s part of the reason why President Donald Trump is able to maintain the support of his hardcore supporters. He connects with them emotionally – with anger, fear and, often, hatred.

Nothing gets an angler’s heart pumping faster than the sight of an airborne Atlantic salmon dancing atop the water on a flyline. As a slack-jawed kid, I watched these goings on at the legendary Bangor Salmon Pool. Later, as an adult, the late Tom Hennessey helped me land my first silver warrior at the Pipeline Pool in Eddington.