The soldiers who identify as members of the transgender community serve our country and protect our freedoms in the U.S. military. Patriot hero soldiers from the LGBTQ+ community have given their lives or have come home from many wars with arms or legs blown off.

The employees of Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union recently made a donation to the Aliza Jean Family Cancer Foundation. The organization was chosen as a recipient of the Credit Union’s Caring for Community fundraiser.

This week I extend last week's conversation with Tammy Estes, owner of Estes Consultant of Travel based in Augusta. Tammy has been a great help to me in understanding "deaf culture;" how deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) people communicate within the "deaf culture" and with the "hearing culture."

Nikki Hamilton has always been an athlete. When she was a kid you’d likely see her exploring the woods, playing sports or riding her horse Blackjack. No sitting around indoors for her! One winter when she was 12 years old her dad, Kirk, encouraged her to consider ice racing.

Elizabeth Rosner, the daughter of two Holocaust survivors, will present via video “Understanding and Transforming the Legacy of Intergenerational Trauma” on Thursday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. at The Commons at Central Hall. Her program is part of the Healing Trauma Summit from Sounds True and is presented by NAMI Piscataquis County.

Josh Harvey’s big meal Wednesday reflected his continuing weight cut in advance of Friday night’s NEF 37 mixed martial arts show at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

A two-division format for eight-player football involving 10 schools that would begin play next fall gained the approval of the Maine Principals’ Association football committee Thursday, Jan. 31.

Kelli Black, a member of Foxcroft Academy’s Class of 2021 and president of the Key Club, has been elected lieutenant governor for Division 2 of the New England & Bermuda District of Key Clubs for 2019-20. She is the seventh student from Foxcroft Academy to be elected to this prestigious position.

The American Red Cross of Maine and Emera Maine are partnering with the Milo Fire Department to prevent home fire deaths by installing free smoke alarms and providing safety education in Milo. Milo residents can make an appointment to have smoke alarms installed in their homes free of charge by calling 874-1192 ext. 113 or by registering at SoundTheAlarm.org/Maine.

So, I've been a bit hard on the new liberal regime in Augusta recently. I've been giving Gov. Janet Mills and her allies in the Legislature unsolicited advice, telling them to do things that I am well aware they will never have any intention of doing. Things like controlling spending, lowering taxes and continuing to guard Maine's fiscal health.