On Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. the Abbot Historical Society will host the H.J. Crosby Band at the Abbot Town Hall for an outdoor concert. In case of rain the band will play inside at 7 p.m. Following the concert there will be a free ice cream social.

“I’m going to open doors for you, doors you never dreamed existed.” Rosalind Russell utters those memorable words as she ascends her impossibly lavish and dramatic staircase in the final scene of the wonderful film “Auntie Mame.” This August promises to open new doors -- for all ages -- at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.

Summertime in Maine is typified by fairs and festivals featuring fun, food and raffles. This year at Dexter’s Hot Dog Festival on Saturday, Aug. 10, the Dexter Public Health Association will raffle a summery quilt called “Sidewalk Chalk” by its creator, Rosemarie O’Toole.

The Center Theatre's first Summer Drama Camp in Monson came to a rousing conclusion on Saturday, July 20 during Monson Summerfest with a performance of “Bedbugs,” written by Leah Genuario. The cast of colorful kids and an audience of 70 onlookers ignored the high heat and celebrated the completion of camp.

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.

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.

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

The Guilford Memorial Library will host author and Guilford native Heidi Dellaire at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 26. Dellaire is a 1989 graduate of Piscataquis Community High School. She recently released a book of lyric narrative poems and affirmations called “Roots and Tendrils” in March of 2019. The book delves into the depths of the heart.

Two videos compiled from home movies shot from 1939 into the 1950s around Brownville/Brownville Junction and Maine railroads are available on Youtube under “Michaud family home movies” and will be screened at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 at the Brownville-Brownville Junction Historical Society’s Parish House Museum on Church Street.

Pine Tree Hospice invites children ages 8 through 12 to explore an alternative to “talking through grief” in this free 90-minute workshop facilitated by Terri Kelley Palin a local artist, creative play coach and life stress reduction facilitator. No artistic skills are required.

A blacksmith demonstration will be held at Dunham Forge, 107 Dawes Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. The guest blacksmith will be Dwight King from Orrington.

Join attendees on Thursday, July 18 at 2 p.m. for this free family friendly concert sponsored by the Abbott Memorial Library. The concert will be held in the basement of the Universalist church, which is adjacent to the library. For more information, please call 924-7292.

The Commons at Central Hall board of directors and members of committees held the annual meeting at the camp of Cherie Stitham White on June 29. Tara Smith is the chief executive officer and she reported progress made this past year in the completion of all but the back area of the building. This past year has been successful with its offerings of activities, events and programs.

A play reading of “Arsenic and Old Lace” takes place at the Wayside Theatre at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 14. Calling all shy, lazy actors. No experience needed, no lines to memorize, no rehearsals, no stage directions or costumes. Just sit on the stage, read a part (or two or three, depending) and have fun. Scripts provided.

The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) recently completed its free, 3-part series of birding workshops.

A new book about a fascinating man who moved to Monson in 1895 has caught the attention of historians and reviewers on a national scale. Based on a true story “Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte” by Maine author and historian Jeffrey Ryan, weaves a tale almost too fantastic to be believed.

A six-week Introduction to Drawing class will be offered at The Commons at Central Hall from 4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays from July 12 to Aug. 16. There will also be a Young at Heart Rounds Singing Class, led by Lauralyn Buie, offered from 11 a.m. to noon on Fridays from July 12 to Aug. 16.

A donor board modeled to resemble an old time card catalog has been permanently installed just outside of the Abbott Memorial Library's reading room. Each drawer bears the name or names of a business or individual who donated to the 2018 restoration project for the library in Dexter.