A blood drive will be held from 1-6 p.m. on Monday, May 11 at the Dexter Unitarian Universalist Church, 35 Church St.

As the state of Maine slowly reopens businesses and public spaces this spring and summer, it may be confusing at times to figure out exactly what’s open and available -- and what’s not. To help you enjoy the outdoors safely, and with minimal frustration, we’ve compiled information about outdoor destinations and recreational opportunities, focusing on the month of May. 

Readers of this column know that I am a historian as well as a genealogist. Today’s column is about current events that are making history and will be part of future genealogists’ research.  

The Eastern Area Agency on Aging has experienced a significant increase in demand for its Meals on Wheels program since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in Maine. Meals on Wheels volunteers delivered 10,897 meals to older residents of Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington counties in March compared to 8,192 in February -- a 25 percent month-to-month increase.

Minority Republicans in the Maine Legislature want to reconvene and end the coronavirus state of emergency declared by Gov. Janet Mills, which would allow all businesses to reopen but would require unlikely Democratic support.

On April 30 the Maine Sporting Camp Association (MSCA) requested government approval of a plan whereby non-resident commercial sporting camp clients could “self-certify” that they have been in isolation at their home for at least 14 days before traveling to Maine.

There were other fox farmers in Maine, including, most notably, Robert Moore, who operated a fox ranch near the Piscataquis County village of Onawa. After fox farming was outlawed in 1952, Moore donated his property to the National Audubon Society, and today the land is part of Maine Audubon’s Borestone Mountain Sanctuary.

Over 40 fourth-graders from Piscataquis Community Elementary School were challenged to create an advertisement for Valley Grange as part of the annual “Newspapers in Education” program sponsored by the Piscataquis Observer. This is the 12th year the Grange has sponsored the program.

Cindy Pelletier of Sebec had to reschedule twice to have her 9-year-old Cairn terrier, Morty, groomed at Zucco’s. So she was excited that he finally had his chance Friday.

Amid criticism of her plan to reopen Maine’s economy from hospitality and other businesses, Gov. Janet Mills on Friday stood firm on allowing businesses to restart in stages over the next few months.