For nearly three and a half decades individuals and families have been served free of charge by Pine Tree Hospice during the time of dying and bereavement. The organization’s volunteers exemplify caring, grace, and compassion, as stated on the cover of the 2018 annual report, among many other qualities one thinks of following the phrase “hospice is ....” All involved with and contributing to Pine Tree Hospice were honored during the annual meeting Nov. 15 at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church.

The Wells High School offense decided to run the football nearly all night -- the team threw just twice with one of these plays being a halfback pass -- and the strategy paid off as the Warriors defeated Foxcroft Academy 55-20 in the 2018 Class D championship on the turf at Alfond Stadium at the University of Maine on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 17.

Observer photo/Stuart HedstromCOLOR RUN FOR BRAYSON — A group of 57 runners/walkers, 20 Foxcroft Academy football players and five coaches volunteering, six Foxcroft Academy cheerleader volunteers, and 12 SeDoMoCha School staff members helping — for 100 total — braved the cold on the morning of Sunday, Nov.

The numerous efforts to save the late 19th century-era Central Hall and transform the building on East Main Street into a community space -- now known as The Commons at Central Hall -- for the future have been recognized by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).

Last spring a referendum on an approximate $2.3 million funding package for a heating system upgrade, converting from steam to hot water, and energy efficiency project at the Penquis Valley School was voted down via a count of 166 to 111 across the four SAD 41 communities. The combined tally between Brownville, LaGrange, and Milo was 106 yes votes to 42 no votes, while in Atkinson the question was voted down 114 to 5 to result in the 166-111 overall tally. In the months since district officials have been discussing what to do next, and during a Nov. 7 meeting the possibility of a referendum without Atkinson was brought up.

A long-term agreement for beyond 2018-19 is still pending, but the SeDoMoCha School will have a school resource officer from the Dover-Foxcroft Police Department in the building for eight hours per week as an agreement was approved by the school board during a Nov. 6 meeting at the Monson Arts Center.

Approximately 160 miles of the 267 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine is located in Piscataquis County, much of it comprised of the 100-Mile Wilderness from Monson to the summit of Mount Katahdin. The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) works to keep the route open for hikers traveling for the day, going between Georgia and Maine, and any distance inbetween, and the Piscataquis County Commissioners learned more about the organization during a Nov. 6 meeting.

Piscataquis Community High School students, athletes and those enrolled in physical education classes alike, now have the opportunity to improve their strength and health in the school’s new weight room. Located in a classroom space near the library the weight room features machines, presses, and dumbbells to provide a place for Pirates to exercise at no charge.

On the very first play of a Class D North semifinal on Friday, Nov. 2, fifth-seeded Washington Academy of East Machias brought the opening kickoff back 75 yards to the 8-yard line of No. 1 Foxcroft Academy. The Raiders would get no closer to the endzone for the rest of the game as the Ponies scored six touchdowns on the soggy ground to win 41-0 and improve to 9-0.

We all need something to look forward to. Anticipation of moments big and small can motivate, create excitement, or ease anxiety. It can help us through a tough time or a long day. Your mouth waters just thinking about that special Thanksgiving dish, you perk up after making a lunch date with a friend, smile at the prospect of browsing that cute shop, and get psyched when your favorite author is writing a new book: “Put me on the list!” (the library patron’s favorite refrain!). November at the Thompson Free Library will give you plenty to look forward to and wanting more.