The inimitable Mr. Kando: Late last month, I wrote in this column about the importance of the arts – or rather, a number of people helped me write about the importance of the arts, sending me thought-provoking responses to the question, “Why are the arts important?”

Local author in new Christmas anthology: Anyone who has ever read May B. Davidson’s long-running Lincoln County News column “Lower Round Pond” – which became “No Longer Lower Round Pond” for a number of years until her recent move back to Round Pond – knows what a talented, entertaining, and passionate writer she is.

Community enrichment through the arts: “I’m pleased to display a few of my pieces at the CLC Y because the Y is a major focal point of our community’s resilience,” wrote Bristol artist Winslow Myers in a recent press release for his 10-painting exhibit currently on the walls of the Central Lincoln County YMCA in Damariscotta.

“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse

Why the arts?: Regularly, I talk with people that have definite opinions on the importance of the arts – visual, musical, theater, culinary, and so on. Many seem to delight in and thrive on taking part in an artistic pursuit, such as playing a musical instrument, painting, or acting in community theater, whether they are professionals or amateurs. Many others seem to feel similarly fulfilled and excited about being part of the audience for such creative, expressive endeavors.

Representing the beauty of Maine: Lovely Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, in Boothbay, has been honored for its breathtaking beauty by being chosen by the U.S. Postal Service as one of the 10 garden venues nationwide to be featured in its 2020 American Gardens series of first-class Forever stamps.

Follow her anywhere: Whitefield’s Sheepscot General on any given Friday evening is a busy, fun place, in large part due to the fact that Fridays from 5-8 p.m. are Pizza Night, the one night each week when one can partake in the sourdough-crusted gloriousness topped with fresh (and often delightfully interesting) ingredients that is Sheepscot General’s regionally famous pizza.