Tara McLaughlin of Brownville earned first-place honors in the Milo Historical Society's fourth annual art show with her winning painting "Lupine."

Reminders of “back to school” and autumn bombard us, in stores and online, signaling the dog days of summer are ending. But don’t bury your head in the sand, take advantage of the interesting, informative, and entertaining programs at the Thompson Free Library.

The Brownville–Brownville Junction Historical Society and Parish House Museum volunteers would like to thank all who contributed photos, negatives and offered artwork for use as a basis for the book cover contest announced last month.

Partners for Peace, the domestic violence resource center formerly known as Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance, will provide an art-based support group for anyone affected by domestic abuse or violence. The group will meet at the Partners for Peace Mechanic Street office starting on Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 1–3 p.m. for four consecutive weeks.

Emily Curtis, a senior at Foxcroft Academy, recently published her first poetry collection, “in the absence of the sun.” Curtis, a student-athlete involved in field hockey, swim, and tennis as well as Key Club, National Honor Society, and Student Council, decided to share another of her talents, one that she has kept hidden -- until now.

A new documentary film by Maine filmmaker and musician Tonya Shevenell, “The Home Road,” will be screened at the Center Theatre at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 21. Shevenell and her father Ray will be in attendance for a post-screening discussion.

On Saturday, July 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. the Milo Historical Society will host its fourth annual art show at the Three Rivers Kiwanis Building, on Gerrish Road off outer Park Street. The art show serves as a fundraiser for the historical society, refreshments will be available, and the event showcases the creative spirit of community members.

The Center Theatre, Slightly Off-Center Players, and Center Coffee House will host a paint and sip event at the Center Theatre from 3 to 6 p.m., on Saturday, July 8. The event, which will raise money for live theatrical events at the Center Theatre, is for people of all ages and all abilities who want to gather together with an experienced painter, to practice and enhance their painting skills.

The arts came to life at Piscataquis Community Elementary School (PCES) during a day that more than one student describes as “the best day of school ever.” Principal Anita Wright describes Arts Alive as “a day that clearly demonstrates why we have the word ‘community’ in our school name.”

Dexter Regional High School recently conducted an art competition for the design of the 2017 graduation final assembly program cover.

The Center Theatre for the Performing Arts has announced the hiring of Emily Hutchins to direct the 2017 Children’s Summer Drama Camp. Hutchins is finishing an education degree at the University of Southern Maine and has extensive child care and theatrical experience that she will bring to the program.

The Center Theatre and the Slightly Off-Center Players announce auditions for the upcoming production of “Nunsense” written by Dan Goggin. This hilarious production is being performed by an all-female cast, ranging in ages from the late teens to seniors.

By mid-summer a new book chronicling the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Brownville Junction will be on the market. Author Ken Hatchette is looking for input in deciding the best cover photo or original artwork for the cover theme.

We’ve arrived at the crossroads of summer at the Thompson Free Library. So many possibilities, so many opportunities for all ages -- patrons and the public -- to have fun, learn something new and engage with their community.

Teachers from each of Maine’s 16 counties were honored May 11 at the Statehouse for an annual event in the Hall of Flags announcing the 2017 Maine County Teachers of the Year. Among the group is Kaitlin Young of SeDoMoCha Elementary School. Young teaches music at the school in Dover-Foxcroft.

Last weekend was the opening of “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at the Center Theatre. By all accounts it is a magical performance for the whole family. Over 250 people attended the performance on opening night and according to Patrick Myers, the Center Theatre’s executive Director, they were enchanted.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” opens at the Center Theatre Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Dexter Women's Literary Club held its annual Dexter Regional High School art show and contest at the Abbott Memorial Library March 29 through April 7.