Have you been watching the progress of the new Piscataquis County Ice Arena on Route 15? The Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society invites you to the first meeting of the year on Wednesday, June 5. It will be held at 7 p.m. in the Senior Room at The Commons at Central Hall.

Ever wanted to learn quilting, or to pursue the hobby with other quilters? A six-week quilting class will be offered at The Commons at Central Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning on Monday, June 3. During the class, which is geared toward beginners, participants will learn how to cut fabric to piece together, bind, and create a quilt.

Dexter Dover Area Towns in Transition's (DDATT) First Friday meeting at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 7 at the Abbott Memorial Library will feature a video produced by Dr. Alder Stone Fuller titled “Beyond Politics and Economics: Addressing Climate Change Requires More.”

The public is cordially invited to the Foxcroft Academy Spring Student Recital on Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m. at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church (please note the new time).

The Monson Public Library is gearing up for an exciting summer. The library will be changing its hours of operation starting Saturday, June 1. The new hours will be Tuesday 12:30–4:30 p.m., Thursday 2:30–6:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The library is located at the Monson Arts Center, 35 Greenville Road.

The Brownville-Brownville Junction Historical Society held its annual meeting on May 14 at the Parish House Museum. The election of officers retained the same officers from last year: President & Secretary Susan Worcester, Vice President George Dean and Treasurer Lana Washburn.

The Blacksmith Shop Museum, located at 107 Dawes Road in Dover-Foxcroft, will be opening for the season on Memorial Day weekend. The building will be open most days from 9 a.m to sunset -- admission is free.

Sometimes words cannot adequately express one’s grief. Some bereaved individuals would rather not talk about their losses. Allowing grief to express itself through creative processes can be very helpful and fulfilling; it doesn’t require one to talk and share their grief verbally in a group.

For the second year in a row, aircraft will be landing at Lake Wassookeag during the first Saturday of August to benefit Make-A-Wish Maine. The Dexter Town Council learned about the 2019 “Wings on the Waterfront” event planned for Aug. 3 from organizer Jim Crane of Exeter during a May 9 council meeting.

Robin Gardella’s "Moosehead Lake Adventures" coloring book and guide to the Moosehead region book with 22 detailed illustrations of the area is now published. The pen and ink drawings feature some of the most beautiful spots in the region as well as popular activities.

Monson Arts -- a new arts center and artists’ residency program supported by the Libra Foundation -- will open a new exhibit on May 15 at its gallery in downtown Monson. “Artists of the Forest,” curated by folklorist Kathleen Mundell, features the work of six artists from Maine’s Northern Forest who work with one of the region’s most abundant resources- -- wood.

Local author Joe Siccardi will facilitate a second six-week class trying to demystify writing in general and taking the fear out of sharing your written words. The interactive Take the Fear Out of Writing class will begin Monday, June 3 at 1 p.m. at The Commons at Central Hall. It will continue weekly through July 8.

The Center Theatre was full of Seussified Fun Friday, May 3 as The Slightly Off-Center Player Kids took the stage to perform “Seussical Jr.” for the first time. Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and more favorite Dr. Seuss characters sprung to life onstage with exciting songs and colorful costumes.

The ice was declared to be “out” at 9:48 a.m. on Friday, May 3. The winner of this year’s contest is Larry Miller of Howell, New Jersey. His was the closest guess with a time of 10:04 a.m.

Students and staff of Piscataquis Community Elementary School recently announced several public events of interest to families and the community.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)/Miosac Club met at Thayer Parkway April 16 for a spring tea. President Suzanne Raymond called the meeting to order. Vicki Moschella led the Club Collect, Americans Creed and Pledge of Allegiance. She then introduced Pam Pultz who spoke about "senior dogs." Pultz has these pets and she says the dogs are very good to have for companionship and exercise.

The Rose and Samuel Rudman Library Trust of the Maine Community Foundation has awarded grants totaling $22,363 to 30 libraries across the state. The grants, which range from $300 to $1,000, support programs and activities that creatively and practically integrate with a library’s collection.

Clip out this column and pin it to the refrigerator. For online readers, pin your computer to the refrigerator. Eleven birding highlights are about to happen.