Piscataquis County sets aside a day or two in early December to celebrate the wonder of Christmas and the magic of the holiday season. This year Dover-Foxcroft, Greenville (on Saturday, Nov. 30) Guilford, Milo, Monson, Sebec and Dexter are participating.

Great expectations. Not the Dickens’ classic or its various adaptations but those high hopes we have for the holidays vs. the sometimes less than joyous reality. Whatever your beliefs, rituals, traditions -- peace on earth and joy to the world can be especially elusive when you’re trying to buy gifts on a tight budget, go to everyone’s concert, party or special event much less plan and pull off Christmas dinner. Crazy schedules can dissipate the spirit of the season. December at the Thompson Free Library can help you recapture that spirit, catch your breath, and engage your mind.

On Saturday, Dec. 7 the Abbott Memorial Library will be celebrating the holiday season by hosting its annual Christmas Tea. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. The Euphonium Pandemoniums will be providing live Christmas music.

The Kris Kringle's Market Committee is gearing up for its 35th annual Kris Kringle's Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Monson Gym. Kris Kringle's Market offers a variety of crafts (aprons, furniture, fabric items, jewelry, etc.), homemade food and wreaths plus more for sale.

Denise Webb won the Maine trivia contest at the monthly Tea Talks on Nov. 14 at Gatherings 4 Main Street. For her knowledge, Webb received a fresh flower arrangement contributed by Spring Street Greenhouse.

The Piscataquis County Ice Arena announced that the Center Theatre is sponsoring a free public skating session at the arena from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. Members of the cast of the upcoming production of “Little Women” will be on hand in Victorian costume to skate and help with the evening. Skates will be available for rental from the arena will also have the concessions stand open for snacks

The Commons at Central Hall currently needs volunteers to participate in programs, events and light custodial work. We are seeking qualified volunteers to work with us on an as needed basis. Volunteer hours can be made available to fit your interests and skills. Brief background check will be needed for all volunteers.

Baxter State Park is now accepting submissions for the 2020 Visiting Artist Program. The park invites visual artists, writers, poets and musicians to apply by March 15, 2020.

The Center Theatre and the Slightly Off-Center Players plan to host a holiday murder mystery dinner theater at Central Hall on Saturday, Nov. 30, but only if they get enough interested participants. The event, titled "Ho Ho Homicide," centers around some holiday problems at the North Pole.

A play reading will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. at Carol and Fred Sherburne’s home in Dexter. The reading will feature three short plays by Robert Frost.

Next Thursday, Nov. 21 the Anah Shriners open the doors at 1404 Broadway for the eighth annual Feztival of Trees. Over the next two weekends the Feztival of Trees will host thousands of guests to visit the 62 trees sponsored by generous local businesses.

On Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. Siesta Sanctuary of Harmony will be bringing live parrots to the Abbott Memorial Library and presenting a free program on the care and welfare of these amazing birds.

The Maine Bicentennial Commission (Maine200) recently awarded the first round of Bicentennial Community Grants. Out of 44 applications from organizations and municipalities across the state, the commission chose a total of 30 grant recipients: 21 large grants and nine small grants at varying amounts. Among those are a Bicentennial Birthday Bash in Rockland, theatrical productions in Portland and Dover-Foxcroft, as well as conferences, educational curriculum, art exhibits, lecture series and more, spanning several Maine counties.

Two poets and two musicians will come together to celebrate Maine’s natural world through poetry and music from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17 at the Dexter Universalist Church (next Bud’s Shop ‘n Save). This special poetry and strings program will feature poets Kristen Lindquist and Paul Corrigan reading their work, with musicians Susan Ramsey on violin and guitar and Ruth Fogg on cello. Admission is free with donations accepted.

The auction is now open and the book will be given to the highest bid placed by 5 p.m. on Nov. 30. You can place a bid by sending an email to brownvillehistorical@TRCMaine.org. Please be sure to include your name, mailing address and phone number along with your bid.

Bountiful is a November kind of word. And if we’re fortunate to have an abundance, be grateful. Better yet, share it. This month, the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft has a wealth of information and creativity (and books!) to share with you.

Jeremy Loguercio, program and marketing director at The Commons at Central Hall, recently announced the special schedule of events for November

Celebrate fall with the 10-cent book sale at the Thompson Free Library, 186 East Main Street. The sale will be from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9.