In 1820 Maine became the 23rd state, separating from Massachusetts, and the Grand Lodge of Masons in Maine was established. The first Governor of the State of Maine, William King, was also the first Grand Master of Masons in Maine. In recognition and celebration of these historic events Chris Russell, District Deputy Grand Master of Maine’s 5th Masonic District, has organized a celebration for Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds.

The United Way of Eastern Maine invites the public to a Fall Day of Caring at the Piscataquis Regional Food Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. Those taking part will spruce up the grounds to help create a welcoming space for people receiving food assistance.

On Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. at The Commons at Central Hall, “The Effect of Toxicity on Mental Health and Cognitive Decline and How to Overcome It” will be presented by NAMI Piscataquis County. This video will examine the extent of the toxicity problem today and share the natural and safe ways to detoxify your body to improve your mental and overall health. This program is free and open to anyone interested in the topic.

We walk around with a computer in our back pocket. We have answers to almost any question, almost instantly. Information is literally at our fingertips. But what’s missing? Human interaction. The small moments. This October, the Thompson Free Library in offers so many ways to interact and connect, to be heard and to listen -- and to have fun.

On Thursday, Oct. 10 from 10 until 11:30 a.m. the Dexter Age-Friendly Community Committee will hold its first "Tea Talks" session at the "Gathering 4 Main Street" community center at 4 Main Street.

Peter M. Smith, president of the Maine Genealogical Society, will be the featured speaker at the Sunday, Oct. 6 meeting of the Wassebec Genealogical Society, to be held at 2 p.m. in the Piscataquis Room at Mayo Regional Hospital.

Dover-Foxcroft Kiwanis Charities announces that the Kiwanis Park pond, directly adjacent to the Piscataquis Regional YMCA, has been stocked with trout for the month of October for the fishing pleasure of ages 15 and under.

Upcoming events around the region.

The Dover Low Vision Group will meet at the Thayer Parkway Community Room, 33 Thayer Parkway, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. We will discuss plans for the White Cane Walk.

Settle back in Wayside Theatre’s red, cushy seats for a night of the Delta, Ragtime, Louisiana, Zydeco, Cajun, Texas and Country Blues with the Old Blues Kats on Saturday Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. Tailgaters welcome. America’s longest musical tradition is alive and well in the hands of David “DW” Gill on harmonica and vocals along with Doug Wainoris on guitar and vocals.

The Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society will be holding its final meeting of 2019 on Wednesday evening, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at The Commons at Central Hall.

Elaine’s Bakery is well known in Piscataquis County, not simply because their finger-licking products can be found in convenience stores, cafes and markets across the state of Maine but because of the bakery’s owner Elaine Poulin. Most would say of Elaine, “to know her is to love her.”

An entry level program will teach you how to make your own robot that you will be able to take home. Ron Apel will walk you through the basics of coding (it’s easy) as well as assembling the parts.

Fall is just around the corner and the Piscataquis Regional YMCA is excited to announce a refreshed fall schedule, including new fitness classes, personal training, health and safety programs and the 2019 Sportsman’s Raffle.

An 8-week class will run from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept 29 to Nov. 17 at The Commons at Central Hall, 152 East Main Street, and will cover fundamental concepts of drawing in a relaxed atmosphere while also encouraging experimentation.

The final blacksmith demonstration of 2019 will be held at the Dunham Forge, on the Dawes Road next to the Blacksmith Shop Museum, on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Upcoming events around the region.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lousia May Alcott's beloved book, the Center Theatre and the Slightly Off-Center Players will be performing the Broadway version of “Little Women” in December. They are inviting anyone who would like to be part of the Center Theatre's production to the upcoming auditions.The auditions will be at the Center Theatre on Saturday, Sep. 21 from 3-6 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.