Kenneth Hatchette’s first attempt at a novel loosely based on his memories (and those of his friends) of Brownville Junction can be enjoyed in his new book “The Great Chase” available on Amazon.com.

The more years I spend on earth, the faster each year speeds by. Not an original thought, I know: “Older” people have been telling me similar things forever. Now, it seems, I’ve finally reached an advanced enough age that their nonsense finally makes sense.

Though Peace, Love, & Waffles has been open since November, there will be a grand opening celebration from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 with a 4 p.m. Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony. Coffee and baked goods will be offered. The event is open to the public. An RSVP is appreciated at 207-564-7533.

The first thing I notice about Patrick McNamara's video on the LinkedIn business networking site? It is low-tech. Positioning his smart phone vertically, Mr. McNamara looks directly into his phone's camera. Sometimes we see his full face. Sometimes we see his head profiled. And sometimes part of McNamara's face is out of our field of view. Each video is just under a minute in length, with McNamara offering on each five-to-six lessons on what he calls "basic dude stuff."

Call me conservative, but I love tradition. And there is no finer tradition on these pages than the month of December, when I get to make predictions for the coming year, and -- as I'm about to do now -- I hand out superlatives for the year that was. 2019 came and went all too quickly, but there are plenty of bests and worsts to talk about. And so, we look back on the previous 12 months, and we remember. I give to you, the 2019 Conifer Awards:

'Twas the day after Christmas, when all through the House, Not a legislator was stirring, not even to grouse; The impeachment articles were delayed by the speaker with care,

Great fun, food, presents and people were part of the Dexter Book Club's "Second Day of Christmas" party at the Abbott Memorial Library on Dec. 26.

Northern Light Health is not paying a fee to acquire Mayo from the 13 towns that collectively own the institution -- that’s one of the arguments in a new lawsuit seeking to block the deal. But supporters of the merger have said that it will nonetheless provide something for the people who use Mayo Regional Hospital and its affiliated practices: the weight of a larger health care organization. 

Visiting Baxter State Park in the winter takes extra planning. The main road that leads into the park is unplowed and therefore closed to vehicles. Plus the cold, wet conditions of winter in Maine add more risk to any outdoor adventure. But the sight of Katahdin and surrounding mountains cloaked in snow makes the planning worth the effort.

The First Day Hike at Lily Bay State Park will be from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 1 with free park admission for participants. The park is on State Park Rd., Beaver Cove, Greenville (Lat 45.568853, Lon -69.538450); meet at the entry booth parking lot (Rte. 15/6 to Lily Bay Rd. to State Park Rd.).