Have you heard the news? Foxcroft Academy is an IB World School. Our inaugural first semester is in the rearview mirror and we are on to the second semester filled with challenging learning and new experiences. If you’re interested in learning more and possibly joining the program, there will be an informational meeting for students and parents/guardians about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at 6 p.m. n Wednesday, Feb. 5 at Foxcroft Academy in Room 211 (the Washburn Parkman Room).

The public is cordially invited to a concert of classical music performed by The Highlands Classical Chamber Ensemble at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sangerville and Dover-Foxcroft, located on the corner of Church St. and Rt. 23.

On Monday, Jan. 27, Brownville Elementary held a Winter Carnival as part of the last week of activities for the WinterKids Winter Games competition.

It is with deep regret that organizers announce that this year’s Wilderness Sled Dog Race will be canceled, the event had been scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1.

Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville visited the home of Phyllis and Harlan Spaulding of Dover-Foxcroft and presented him with an Honorable Service Coin and a certificate from the State of Maine.

Eighth-grader Izzy Story earned top honors at the 10th annual SeDoMoCha Middle School District Spelling Bee on the evening of Jan. 23. Story will now go on to represent Piscataquis County at the Maine State Spelling Bee, sponsored by the Portland Press Herald and scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, March 21 at the University of Southern Maine in Portland.

For more than 20 years -- since I first caught the fly fishing bug and began traveling up to the East Outlet of the Kennebec River every chance I got -- I’ve looked forward to regular visits to downtown Greenville, and to the fly shop that sits just a few long casts from Moosehead Lake.

Dover-Foxcroft native Jesse Havea -- best known among her many fans as the high-energy New York City drag queen Brita Filter -- is among the 13 queens announced for season 12 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” set to premiere Feb. 28 on VH1.

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine recently spent the day in Piscataquis County to visit small businesses, speaking with folks at the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, and learning more about the Piscataquis Regional Food Center in Dover-Foxcroft.

Upcoming events around the region.

Famed mythologist and storyteller Joseph Campbell once said, “Your sacred space is where you can find yourself over and over again.” This February make the Thompson Free Library (TFL) in Dover-Foxcroft your special place for learning, connection, information and fun.

A Community Climate Conversation potluck will be at The Commons at Central Hall from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31.

On Monday, Jan. 21 the United Bikers of Maine, Piscataquis County presented Heather Sylvia, of PAWS in Milo, with a check for $850 at the Bear’s Den in Dover-Foxcroft.

The honorees are Caleb Leighton, kindergarten; Dahlia Stone, grade 1; Jameson Kennedy, grade 2;  Khloey Merrill, grade 3; Jack Gallagher, grade 4; Noah Bury, elementary unified arts; Kaycie Bishop, grade 5; Grayson Bruyette, grade 6; Eli Lane, grade 7; Karson Tibbetts, grade 8; and  Jacob Johnson, middle school unified arts.

Virginia Macomber of Sebec served as an orientation team leader at Susquehanna University.

There’s a new brewpub coming to the area this spring. Threshers Brewing Company, based in Searsmont, plans to open a pub in the vacant building across the street from the Greenville Junction Post Office.

Upcoming area blood drives will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Grace Bible Church, 40 Douty Hill Road in Sangerville; 1-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6 at Dexter Regional High School, 12 Abbott Hill Road; and 1-5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Milo Town Hall, 6 Pleasant St.

The Sangerville Historical Society will hold its January meeting  in the Community Room at the town hall at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28.