Early on the morning of Dec. 16 Dexter Regional High School Student Council and Key Club members, along with several Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis members, gathered at the P&L Country Market to assemble and wrap 49 Christmas food boxes to be given to area families.

Gabriella, left, and Destiny Michelle Richardson tell Santa what they would like for Christmas during the Sebec Village Associates’ annual party on Dec. 16 at the Reading Room.

There’s really nothing like the holidays in Maine. They bring a certain spirit, one that’s as magical as the first snow. But it’s not the beautiful winter landscapes or the crackling fire that makes this such a wonderful time to be in Maine. No, the joy comes from the opportunity to spend these days surrounded by those we love, in a state we love to call home.

Upcoming events across the region.

The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give more life to patients now and into the new year by giving blood or platelets. Area blood drives will be on Friday, Dec. 29 from noon to 5 p.m. at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft; Friday, Dec. 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greenville American Legion; and Tuesday, Jan. 2 from 1-6 p.m. at the Milo Town Hall.

On Dec. 11 Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville and Sen. Scott Cyrway, R-Benton joined retired Maine State Trooper Mark Nickerson, Trooper Seth Allen, Trooper Tyler Harrington and Lt. Jackie Theriault at Brown Cemetery in Benton to visit the grave of Trooper Thomas J. Merry, a hero who died in the line of duty in July of 1980 in Palmyra.

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corp. (MLREDC) recently received three grant awards to assist efforts in leading the economic revitalization of the Moosehead Lake region.

Central High School senior Sydney Allen showed why she is one of the premier guards in Class C North this season. Allen scored a game-high 22 points, dished out four assists and blocked three shots on Monday night to lead Central to a 50-35 victory over the youthful Dexter Tigers in a battle of unbeatens.

It’s time for the death penalty to be retired once and for all.

I suppose it should be no surprise, but the federal tax reform package -- officially dubbed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act -- continues to generate the most insane, outlandish reactions possible.