What a pleasure it was to hear from Marge Ahlin of Machias that “musical theater is still alive in Washington County!”

Everyone loves Broadway, but how can you not love community theater just as well?

Watching your friends and neighbors bring you their versions of wonderful shows simply can’t be beat. It’s such fun. I don’t know about you, but whenever I watch community theater, my face aches from smiling all night long!

For a wonderful evening, plan to attend the production of Downriver Theatre’s “South Pacific,” which runs for nine performances opening at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 21, at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Maine at Machias.

Admission is $12 for adults; $8 for seniors and students, and $6 for children under 12.

The remaining performances all begin at 7:30 p.m. and are Friday, June 22; Saturday, June 23; Thursday, June 28; Friday, June 29; Saturday, June 30; Thursday, July 5; Friday, July 6; and Saturday, July 7; at the UMM Performing Arts Center.

“The cast and crew number 42,” Ahlin wrote, “with the youngest being 11 and the oldest 89!”

The cast is “quite a diversified group,” she wrote of the local actors who include “students, their teachers, three brother-sister combos, one mother-daughter combo, one father-mother-daughter group, a retired corporate general counsel, a Ph.D. Congregational minister and a Machias selectman. An enthusiastic and talented cast!”

Not only that, but the cast members represent “14 different communities,” she added.

Ahlin reports that Thornton Land of East Machias is starring as Emile DeBecque; Debbie Kelley of Beals Island is Nellie Forbush; Nancy Knight of Machias is Bloody Mary; and Anson Bergonzi of East Machias is Billis.

The original Rodgers and Hammerstein musical opened on Broadway in 1949 and starred Enzio Pinza and Mary Martin.

Here’s late word from Bill Robertson that the public is invited to the first meeting of the year of the Franklin Historical Society at 7 tonight, at the FHS building on Hog Bay Road.

The program is “The Ellsworth American’s View of Franklin in 1896,” presented by Emery DeBeck.

“And, of course,” Robertson added, “refreshments will be served.”

Errol Hunt of Sherman called to say that “in Oakfield, once a month, we bring in a musician to change the place a bit.”

This month, that bit of change is taking place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, at the Smoki-Haulers Clubhouse “right off I-95 in Oakfield,” Hunt said.

Woody Wood, a North Carolina resident who summers in LaGrange, has brought together a group of local musicians who call themselves The Special Delivery Band, and they will play their special brand of country, bluegrass and gospel music for you and your family.

“Woody has played with Lee Greenwood, Gene Watson and the Osborne Brothers,” Hunt told me.

Hunt said proceeds from the admission and a portion of a 50-50 raffle help cover some of the band’s expenses, and the remainder helps to maintain and support the clubhouse.

Everyone is welcome to attend this fun evening.

From Penquis Community Action Program we learn its Foster Grandparent Program is accepting new applications.

Gary Dorman is director of that CAP program which seeks volunteers who can dedicate between 15 and 40 hours each week, helping children in public settings.

To qualify, you must be at least 60 and meet income guidelines.

The purpose of the program is to share your experience and wisdom in public and nonprofit settings, with children who need a little extra love and attention, CAP explained in a release.

In return, foster grandparents receive a small hourly stipend, holiday and earned time, help with transportation, training, and the company and appreciation of children and the facilities where they volunteer. Approximately 85 seniors are serving as foster grandparents in CAP’s 14-county service area.

Dorman has announced that 50 foster grandparents will meet for “intensive training and fun” Wednesday, June 27, and Thursday, June 28, at Penobscot Job Corps in Bangor.

Training topics include staying safe at home; why children act out, and keeping our cool when they do; how to select books for children; and autism.

If you would like more information about becoming a volunteer for the Foster Grandparent Program, call (800) 215-4942 or 973-3684, or e-mail gdorman@penquiscap.org.

The Foster Grandparent Program is sponsored by Penquis CAP and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.