Pollinators are vital to food production all over the world. In Maine, examples of well-known pollinators include butterflies, birds, beetles and of course, bees. In June, the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) worked with local volunteers to plant its “Pollinator Sunflower Garden,” a garden space for the public to enjoy, observe and learn about native pollinators. In celebration of this new addition to the Law Farm, the PCSWCD will be holding a free Pollinators! event on Friday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Law Farm.

The annual Piscataquis River Festival returned to Guilford on Saturday with a morning parade celebrating the theme “Got Wood?”

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved book, the Center Theatre for the Performing Arts in Dover-Foxcroft is producing “Little Women the Broadway Musical” (music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, book by Allan Knee.) The Center Theatre is seeking both a motivated director and music director, or someone with the energy and skills to do both.

The Tisbury Manor Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution welcomed a new member at the June meeting. Nancy Trogdon joined, proving her lineage to Revolutionary War veteran Thomas Taylor from North Carolina who provided civil service to the new nation by serving as a juror and overseer of the roads.

On Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. the Abbot Historical Society will host the H.J. Crosby Band at the Abbot Town Hall for an outdoor concert. In case of rain the band will play inside at 7 p.m. Following the concert there will be a free ice cream social.

“I’m going to open doors for you, doors you never dreamed existed.” Rosalind Russell utters those memorable words as she ascends her impossibly lavish and dramatic staircase in the final scene of the wonderful film “Auntie Mame.” This August promises to open new doors -- for all ages -- at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.

Summertime in Maine is typified by fairs and festivals featuring fun, food and raffles. This year at Dexter’s Hot Dog Festival on Saturday, Aug. 10, the Dexter Public Health Association will raffle a summery quilt called “Sidewalk Chalk” by its creator, Rosemarie O’Toole.

The Center Theatre's first Summer Drama Camp in Monson came to a rousing conclusion on Saturday, July 20 during Monson Summerfest with a performance of “Bedbugs,” written by Leah Genuario. The cast of colorful kids and an audience of 70 onlookers ignored the high heat and celebrated the completion of camp.

One thing I noticed years ago after moving to Piscataquis County was the large presence of “crafters” and artists. Coming from New York City I thought at the time it was quaint, a feature of rural living. But I now see it not only as a part of rural culture, but also as a significant element in maintaining longevity and health.

David Dodson and The Lowdown will play their folk, rock, blues, jazz and country music at 7 p.m. at the Wayside Theatre at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 27. Tickets are $12. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. No reservations are needed.

The Sangerville Public Library has announced the winners of the scavenger hunt which took place the week of June 24.

The Guilford Memorial Library will host author and Guilford native Heidi Dellaire at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 26. Dellaire is a 1989 graduate of Piscataquis Community High School. She recently released a book of lyric narrative poems and affirmations called “Roots and Tendrils” in March of 2019. The book delves into the depths of the heart.

Two videos compiled from home movies shot from 1939 into the 1950s around Brownville/Brownville Junction and Maine railroads are available on Youtube under “Michaud family home movies” and will be screened at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 at the Brownville-Brownville Junction Historical Society’s Parish House Museum on Church Street.

Pine Tree Hospice invites children ages 8 through 12 to explore an alternative to “talking through grief” in this free 90-minute workshop facilitated by Terri Kelley Palin a local artist, creative play coach and life stress reduction facilitator. No artistic skills are required.

A blacksmith demonstration will be held at Dunham Forge, 107 Dawes Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. The guest blacksmith will be Dwight King from Orrington.

Join attendees on Thursday, July 18 at 2 p.m. for this free family friendly concert sponsored by the Abbott Memorial Library. The concert will be held in the basement of the Universalist church, which is adjacent to the library. For more information, please call 924-7292.

The Commons at Central Hall board of directors and members of committees held the annual meeting at the camp of Cherie Stitham White on June 29. Tara Smith is the chief executive officer and she reported progress made this past year in the completion of all but the back area of the building. This past year has been successful with its offerings of activities, events and programs.

A play reading of “Arsenic and Old Lace” takes place at the Wayside Theatre at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 14. Calling all shy, lazy actors. No experience needed, no lines to memorize, no rehearsals, no stage directions or costumes. Just sit on the stage, read a part (or two or three, depending) and have fun. Scripts provided.