Come to the Mardi Gras! On March 5 General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Miosac members were welcomed to a beautifully decorated Mardi Gras table with colorful masks, an antique Queen of Mardi Gras doll, doubloons and beads.

Announcing the first Highlands Death Cafe, an opportunity for conversation about topics related to death while enjoying cake and refreshments. It will be held at The Commons at Central Hall from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 17 and is open to anyone wishing to just be with others to talk about death-related issues.

You have so much to offer – and we need you! Would you like to help people and make a difference in your community? Pine Tree Hospice volunteers offer non-medical support to individuals and families in Piscataquis, Penobscot, and Somerset counties who are dealing with progressive, life-limiting illnesses and/or grief.

At The Commons at Central Hall, there exists a Tai Chi weekly program that aims to put health in your hands. Wayne Ripley, Tai Chi Master, wants everyone to view their body as a garden to be nurtured in every way every day rather than as a machine to be worked until it is broken.

Dr. Deborah Drew, professor and director of counseling and human relations at Husson University and clinical consultant for Pine Tree Hospice will be addressing this topic at the next session of Lunch n’ Learn. Lunch ‘n Learn will take place Tuesday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Dover-Foxcroft and is part of Pine Tree Hospice’s adult grief support program.

The public is cordially invited to this year's Dexter Regional High School spring musical “Annie, Jr.” from March 21-23 in the cafeteria. This shortened version of the well-loved musical includes the well known story of the plucky and positive orphan Annie and all the songs you know in only 60 minutes.

Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville introduced LD 555 “An Act To Reduce Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality by Updating Screening Coverage” late last month to the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee. With this bill, Sen. Davis hopes to remove the reference to the minimum age at which insurance companies must cover colorectal cancer screenings.

Partners for Peace, a domestic violence resource center, will host a 44-hour training in Dover-Foxcroft for anyone interested in volunteering with the organization. The first session begins Thursday, March 28.

Miller’s “Healing in Wholeness” presentation via video will reveal his extensive understanding and experience in the field of trauma recovery. Sponsored by NAMI Piscataquis County and part of the Sounds True Healing Trauma Summit, this program will occur on Thursday, March 14 at 1 p.m. at The Commons at Central Hall in Dover-Foxcroft.

Advance care planning isn’t just for those with life-limiting illnesses – but for all of us. Pine Tree Hospice is offering a free informative seminar at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 17 Church Street, on Saturday, March 16, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Miosac Club met at Thayer Parkway Feb. 19. President Suzanne Raymond welcomed members and asked everyone to sing “Happy Birthday” to Minnie McCormick on her exact day. Cathy Cody was introduced as a guest and possible new member.

The new group beginning in March will be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in Dover-Foxcroft. Participants in the group need not have utilized other Pine Tree Hospice services; the facilitated group is for adults in the community who are experiencing grief due to a death. Please call 564-4346 for more information and to schedule a visit or register for this group.

On Sunday, March 3 at 2 p.m. in the Piscataquis Room at Mayo Regional Hospital, the Wassabec Genealogy Society will be hosting a program by John Battick on tracing your immigrant ancestors. The public is welcome to attend and refreshments will be provided.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Miosac Club is conducting its 2019 Sebec Lake Ice Out Contest for the 43rd consecutive year. Tickets may be purchased from any club member through March 31. Monies raised will be used to maintain a variety of club projects in the Dover-Foxcroft area. The person who guesses the closest date and time the ice will go out of the Narrows at Sebec Lake will receive a $100 check.

The following births were recorded recently at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft

In February, the PRYMCA will begin new session of Water Wellness. This effective program is suitable for members of the community who have arthritis, joint replacements, fibromyalgia, or other neuromuscular complications. Participants are led through a series of warm-water exercises designed to help reduce pain and inflammation and promote increased flexibility and strength.

Mayo Regional Hospital launches its inaugural employee ski day at Big Squaw Mountain in Greenville Junction on Saturday, Feb. 23. In an ongoing effort to encourage staff and community health and fitness, Mayo Regional Hospital is sponsoring a day of free skiing for Mayo employees and their families. “Get out and Get Active” is this year’s theme.

Pine Tree Hospice will be hosting Trivia Night at The Commons at Central Hall, 152 East Main Street, starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8, with a snow date of March 15. Organizers thank event sponsors Will’s Shop ‘n Save and Rowell’s Garage for their generosity in helping bring this event to the community.