Upcoming events around the region.

On May 11 91 University of Maine at Fort Kent nursing students graduated from the program, with 32 of them attending the 34th annual UMFK Nurse Pinning Ceremony on campus. Among the 32 was Tricia N. Sherman of Greenville Junction.

Molly Bennett, an eighth-grader at the Ridge View Community School in Dexter, spearheaded a “Veteran's Box” to collect donations for servicemen and women receiving care from the VA.

Maine’s 65 newest police officers graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy on May 18, including Officer Alyshia D. Canwell of the Dexter Police Department.

The area’s track and field teams all had final meets before this coming weekend’s postseason competitions.

Yes, there were frustrations, but on balance, I really enjoyed my 10 years (1989-2000) working as “communications guy” with Republican legislators in the Maine House and Senate. What a great way to learn about the making of state law and how government works. Hired solely on my communication credentials, I came into the State House a clean slate. Never having worked in government or politics, I arrived without prejudice or expectations.

The third annual Moose Mainea 5K and 10K road races, to benefit Destination Moosehead Lake, were held Saturday, May 19.

In the twilight of my life, the Boy Scouts of America – its teachings, its values, and the fun of it all – still evoke a warm glow in my overflowing storehouse of special memories.

Majority rule is the basis of democracies around the world. However, over a century ago, Maine chose to allow state elections to be won with less than a majority of the vote, in order to save the time and expense of runoff elections. Ranked Choice Voting avoids the time and expense of runoff elections while at the same time allowing majority rule.

U.S. Sen. Angus King does not have the people of Maine’s best interests at heart by saying he would vote against Gina Haspel to become director of the CIA. Instead, King has decided to play obstructionist games with our national security.