With eight members having served on the Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department for more than half a century, the Robinson family has continued to give back to the community by funding a $9,000 thermal imaging camera. The camera was donated in memory of Alfred E. Robinson -- who was a member of the department for 35 years including serving as chief from 1978-83 -- by his sons, grandson, brothers and nephews who all have been involved in the department.

Some years aqo Dover-Foxcroft residents voted for the annual town budget by a show of hands in open town meeting. In 2004 a couple of hundred strident and angry voices approved all the Warrant Articles and the town deepened the divide between two factions -- those for whom there never was enough spending and those desiring to retain their meager resources.

I see so much litter along the roadsides. The most noticeable are drink cups (coffee, soda ...). Perhaps cars and trucks need to have better, built-in trash receptacles.

I am very concerned and perplexed about Governor LePage trying to dismantle the Katahdin Woods and Waters Monument especially since it is already bringing increased travel to the economically battered region. This has brought more activity to retailers and campgrounds and has even increased property value.

Earlier this week, I found out that my email had been hacked. I was locked out of my email and unable to access my list of contacts. It was frustrating and it was scary.

On Wednesday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m. at the Guilford Memorial Library, the NAMI Family and Friends Support Group will host Stephen Madera, child abuse and neglect educator. He will speak about positive ways everyone can promote children’s well-being to prevent child maltreatment.

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation will host a presentation of the Moosehead Lake Regional Strategic Action Plan on Monday, May 8, at the Greenville Middle/High School auditorium from 3:45 pm to 5:30 pm.

Science has produced another marvel. It has created an artificial womb that can be used to provide a more suitable environment for preemie babies who cannot stay in the mother's natural womb. It's just one more way we as a race have advanced to better protect life.

In 1998, an ice storm swept through Maine, quietly burying roads and towns. Some communities became completely inaccessible. Without general aviation, many towns and island communities would have been cut off from resources for an unknown period of time. It was general aviation pilots who stepped up to the plate, providing a vital link to ensure transportation of emergency personnel, emergency equipment, and individuals requiring emergency care.

Currently, there are 1,845 Maine children in foster care. Children must be placed in suitable foster homes in appropriate locations, to ensure a child’s life is disrupted as little as possible.