Volume 1 | FEB 2025

As we move through the first half of 2025, I plan to connect with members across the county in whatever manner is most convenient. I will be in Guilford & Monson on Fridays in February, Milo & Brownville in March, Dover-Foxcroft in April & May, and Sebec & Bowerbank in June. I plan to visit Shirley, Greenville, and other parts of the county in the second half of the year.

If you would like to schedule a one-on-one appointment with me, please e-mail me HERE and we will make it happen! My hope is to schedule larger "Membership Meetings" at local town offices, open to ALL BUSINESSES. During these meetings, I will cover member benefits, answer questions, and a offer a preview of our member portal to raise awareness of the powerful tools members have at their disposal through our chamber. I will send an email invitation to each town's respective businesses prior to the meetings. Keep an eye out for these invitations!

I want to personally thank each of you for supporting our work. Please remember we exist for YOU! Your membership makes it possible for us to continue to promote, protect, and provide vital support to Piscataquis businesses. I APPRECIATE YOU! - Denise Buzzelli, ED

We recently sent an email to members regarding our Chamber Business After Hours Events. The Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce offers ‘Business After Hours’ member-exclusive and mixer events as a benefit of membership to business owners. BAH events are typically exclusive to chamber members, while ‘mixers’ are open to the public. These events are designed to bring other local business owners and community members to one specific business ONCE PER MONTH, typically on a Thursday, from 5-7pm. BAH events are marketed by the Chamber through email marketing, press releases, and social media posts. The goal is to provide exposure for the hosting business, grow local relationships, and ultimately, increase revenue while providing an instrumental networking opportunity for business owners within the chamber family.

These events are casual, usually with no specific agenda, rather a night of socializing, exchanging ideas, and meeting new people. Business cards are exchanged and new partnerships are formed. It is an invaluable experience our members truly enjoy.



The Piscataquis Chamber DOES NOT charge a fee to the hosting business to hold a Business After Hours Event, however does require the hosting business to invest in the success of the event...read more

Interested in Hosting? Click HERE to select which month you would like to host a Business After Hours Event.

How you can help the Piscataquis Area Community Center (PACC)

We would like to provide an update to our members and pass along a request for support for the PACC (formerly PRYMCA).

Unfortunately, as PACC leadership was taking ownership of the building, they were made aware the former owners neglected to winterize the building and turn off the water. This resulted in burst pipes and extensive water damage throughout the building, with repairs and remediation costs exceeding $200,000. PACC staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly from 9am to 9pm most days to clean up the mess left behind. If you are able to help in any way, just show up at 48 Park St. Dover-Foxcroft, or contact Manda, the Director, HERE.

ANOTHER WAY TO HELP: NOMINATE PACC FOR A LOWES GRANT TO COVER REPAIR COSTS

Deadline is Feb 18th! Here is all the info you need to submit the nomination.

Click HERE to be directed to the nomination page. OR- consider attending the Waves of Giving Dinner Dance & Auction:

Registration Required.

To participate online or attend in person, click HERE.

If state offices are closed due to inclement weather, the meeting will be rescheduled.

Look out for separate advocacy emails from the chamber keeping you informed about "Bills to Watch". As always, we will provide a summary of bills that catch our eye and equip you with links to contact our local reps, Senators, and Governor's office, as well as links to submit testimony 'in support of' or 'in opposition' of a bill.

Here are a few of the submitted events we received for the Month of February. The Chamber is happy to promote events for our members and municipalities. Members, to submit events, please use the membership portal. Not a member? Submit events HERE.

Piscataquis Regional Food Center

Feb 8th 11am - 2pm A Luncheon to Fight Hunger at Central Hall Commons.

This special luncheon invites community members to come together to support the fight against hunger while enjoying a delicious meal and recognizing Sue Mackey Andrews for her extraordinary efforts in addressing food insecurity in our region.

Guests are encouraged to bring donations of a can of soup and a new hat, mittens, or gloves to help warm the hands and hearts of the hundreds of households served by The Food Center each week.

Proceeds from the event will directly support PRFC’s programs, including food distribution and community partnerships that address the unique challenges of food insecurity in rural Maine.

Tickets are available online HERE. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!

At Center Theatre

The Last one Out of Town Turn out the Lights Book Signing

Wednesday Feb 12,

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST Center Theatre



The Last One Out Of Town Turn Out The Lights, written by David Albee, tells the inspiring untold story of how a soul-crushing school district consolidation changes the fate and fortunes of two rural Maine high schools. Admission is by a $5 donation to the Thompson Free Library or by buying a copy of the book in advance from the Briar Patch. There will be books on sale at the event.

For more information, click HERE.

Monson Arts

Monson Arts is hosting local artist, Roberta Weaver Jarvis, for their Winter Gallery Exhibition.

Thursday, Feb 13 12pm-5pm 8 Greenville Road, Monson

Roberta graduated from Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA. Her recent work has taken a non-objective or abstract turn toward compiled reflections of living in the less populated area of Piscataquis County. Her concepts and techniques have been strengthened with forty-five years of steady painting and sales. During the long winters of Maine, Roberta favors water-based painting and experimenting with mixed media most rewarding. These Complicated Woods is on view through April 20th, 2025.

For Gallery info, click HERE.

Saturday, FEB 22, 7am -5pm Sunday, FEB 23, 7am-3pm

Accessible from the pubic boat launch on Greeley's Landing.

Enjoy a weekend of ice fishing on Sebec Lake and weigh-in your catch for a chance to win cash and prizes! Food available at the Bowerbank Fire Station. Purchase tickets at Mountain's Market, Sebec Country Store, Misty Morning Bait Shop or from Dover Fire Department members.

For more information, click HERE.

Registration Tickets: 1 for $3 or 2 for $5

If you know about important Piscataquis news, please share it with us HERE and we will do our best to include it in future newsletters.