The American Red Cross of Maine and Emera Maine are partnering with the Milo Fire Department to prevent home fire deaths by installing free smoke alarms and providing safety education in Milo. Milo residents can make an appointment to have smoke alarms installed in their homes free of charge by calling 874-1192 ext. 113 or by registering at SoundTheAlarm.org/Maine.

Each month outstanding pupils in grades 5-8 at Piscataquis Community Elementary School are honored as Students of the Month. The 10 January honorees were presented with certificates in front of their peers during morning meeting in the cafeteria on Monday, Jan. 28.

The American Legion Post 41 home at 18 West Main Street in Milo is open to all veterans to visit and if you need assistance with veterans benefits we are ready to assist veterans, widows, and next of kin in obtaining discharge records, and placing them in contact with the Department of Maine service officers who will assist in seeking veterans benefits and information. You do not need to be an American Legion member.

The Center Theatre and Slightly Off-Center Players have announced auditions for the spring production of “Seussical Jr.” Auditions will be held on Sunday, Feb. 10 from 1-4 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 11 from 5-7 p.m. Auditions will be held at the Commons Event Center at Central Hall, 152 East Main Street.

The Dexter Music Boosters will sponsor a big band concert featuring Opus One at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10 at Dexter Regional High School. Proceeds will benefit the high school band’s trip to Williamsburg, Virginia for the Fiesta-val Music Festival.

Upcoming events around the region.

Saturday, Feb. 2 songwriter/musician Ted Demille will be in Dexter at Story Teller Guitars from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to talk about his songwriting and performing his songs. Demille is well known in New England bluegrass circles for his well-crafted songs and his pleasant singing style.

The public is cordially invited to the Foxcroft Academy Winter Student Recital, to be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3 at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church (this recital was to have taken place on Jan. 20 but due to the snowstorm it was rescheduled).

The Center Theatre recently announced that after a hiatus of eight years, there will be a formal Valentine's Ball in the newly renovated Commons Event Center at Central Hall. The event will take place from 8-11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9. Very danceable music will be provided by Deb Maynard's Little Big Band. Light hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and a chocolate fountain will be on hand to keep up guests energy levels as well as a cash bar by Pat's Pizza for those who need additional lubrication to join the dance floor.

Helping Hands with Heart (HHH), in partnership with Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) is pleased to announce the 2019 movie schedule. These films are part of the collaborative “Maine Highlands Investment Partnership” which seeks to improve opportunities for economic and human development in our rural region.

On Jan. 16 members of the Dexter Public Health Association gathered to draw the winning tickets for fuel oil from A.E. Robinson. Cathie Frost and Barbara Johnson each won 100 gallons of fuel. Ruth Ann Williams won a $25 gift certificate from Dexter Ace Hardware.

January Students of the Month at Piscataquis Community High School in Guilford are, from left, freshman Isaiah Arno, sophomore Colby Chadwick, junior Caleb Bailey, and senior Caleb Rolfe.

This February let’s go beyond “Be My Valentine” and cute cupid cards. While love may be all we need, connection is arguably even more important, especially these days. The Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft is a great place to connect with people, programs, books, ideas and, yes, even computers.

Ice fishing derbies typically offer participants the chance to engage in some good-natured competition, and to perhaps take home a prize for their efforts. In Greenville, organizers are preparing for a derby that has helped reshape the fishery in the state’s largest lake.

Kim Cavanagh, a local lawyer and Foxcroft Academy alum, was celebrated recently at the Center Theatre for the Performing Arts Board of Director's annual meeting. The meeting was Cavanagh's last after being on the Center Theatre board since 2012.

There’s this phenomenon I’ve heard talked about among outdoorsy folks, that out in the wilderness, food tastes better. During a mountain hike or an ocean paddle, even the simplest fare can be enjoyable and nourishing. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put a little extra thought and effort into what you pack to eat - the opposite, in fact.

Ridge View Community School grade 7 students were recognized for their academics and positive attitude and effort in their learning at the school in Dexter.

Upcoming events around the region.