The Penquis Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council collaborated with local businesses and The Piscataquis County Sheriff's Department on Saturday, July 13, to host a one-of-a-kind diaper drive featuring the movie “Spider-man: Far From Home.” When families arrived with their diaper donations, they were greeted by Spider-Man himself.

One thing I noticed years ago after moving to Piscataquis County was the large presence of “crafters” and artists. Coming from New York City I thought at the time it was quaint, a feature of rural living. But I now see it not only as a part of rural culture, but also as a significant element in maintaining longevity and health.

Maine DEP has announced funds for 29 projects across the state, including these local sites. Charleston: Bacon Road, $95,000, and Garland Road, $80,000. Cambridge: Bailey Road and Bridge Road, each $65,000. Dexter: Mill Street, $95,000.

Al Hackett, a member of the University of Maine and State of Maine Baseball Halls of Fame, died at his home in Orono on July 13 after a bout with cancer. He was 88.

David Dodson and The Lowdown will play their folk, rock, blues, jazz and country music at 7 p.m. at the Wayside Theatre at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 27. Tickets are $12. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. No reservations are needed.

A severe thunderstorm that swept through eastern Maine on Sunday afternoon left hundreds of Emera Maine customers without power. Amanda Cummings, a spokeswoman for Emera Maine, said that the storm toppled many trees, leading to the interruption of service to customers in northern Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.

I have family members who have green cards. They work, pay taxes, are productive members of their communities. Does this mean they don’t get counted, because they are not citizens? There must be millions in this status and in varying stages of becoming legal citizens. It is a slow process. Does this mean they don’t count?

The Sangerville Public Library has announced the winners of the scavenger hunt which took place the week of June 24.

In my last column I dealt with family associations. There are other types of associations which can also prove of immense value including DNA studies. These go back in the mists of time. Usually it’s men who are invited to join because their Y-DNA markers show a relationship to other men.

"Chris Pratt is facing criticism over a T-shirt he was pictured wearing featuring a controversial symbol." So read the first line of an article in Yahoo! Entertainment on Tuesday. Actor Chris Pratt, who you may know as Star-Lord from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, apparently wore something that caused him to "face criticism."