Last week’s message from the Gov. Paul LePage bemoaned the fiscal irresponsible Medicaid expansion. I for one applaud a governor who espouses fiscal responsibility. But I wonder if this governor’s ideology has clouded his sense of fiscal responsibility.

Ready or not, December is knocking at the door, bringing Christmas gifts and yuletide spirit galore. Thompson Free Library is the place to be, with fun things to do and cool stuff to see

Let​ ​me​ ​be​ ​up​ ​front.​ ​Even​ ​a​ ​low-budget​ ​elk​ ​hunt​ ​involves​ ​expense,​ ​but​ ​if​ ​you​ ​are​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​many​ ​deer hunters​ ​who​ ​have​ ​dreamed​ ​about​ ​an​ ​elk​ ​hunt​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Western​ ​U.S.,​ ​it​ ​may​ ​be​ ​within​ ​your​ ​reach, financially​ ​and​ ​otherwise.​ ​Although​ ​Western​ ​outfitters​ ​and​ ​private​ ​ranches​ ​charge​ ​anywhere​ ​from $3,000​ ​to​ ​$10,000,​ ​my​ ​scenario​ ​involves​ ​significantly​ ​less​ ​money.

Mainers are generous people, and we are known to help our neighbors when there is a need. Whether it during a natural disaster, a holiday season or any time of the year, Mainers take care of Mainers.

This week, families across our state will gather to share turkey and stuffing and (hopefully) a Maine blueberry pie – but we all know the food won’t be the star of the show. No, what makes Thanksgiving truly special are the people gathered around the table, and the opportunity this day gives each of us reflect upon the things we are thankful for.

The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and plans are being finalized for Monson's annual Kris Kringle's Market to be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Monson Gym.

Corey Littlefield, maintenance director for the Hibbard Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dover Foxcroft, and Hibbard’s Janatha Gray, CNA each recently received the Maine Health Care Association (MHCA) 2017 Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award during a recognition ceremony held at the Augusta Civic Center.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)/Miosac Club met Nov. 7 at Thayer Parkway.

Upcoming events across the region

Which would lead a neutral observer to ask a simple question: Why? How can a man accused of such things survive politically, and even potentially win?