The Commons at Central Hall will be kicking off the New Year with an 1980s-themed dance party in the stunning Event Center. The event will start at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and will feature the elegant 1980s DJ dance mixes of Absolution Bangor.

The Moosehead Community Choir, directed by George Wiese, will perform its Sounds of the Season concert at three locations Dec. 13-15. Performances are at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Union Church in Greenville, 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Guilford United Methodist Church and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Greenville. Admission is by donation.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sangerville and Dover-Foxcroft will host the 17th annual Procrastinator’s Holiday Fair, Bake Sale and Raffle from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.

On Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. a Christmas concert featuring the Foxcroft Academy Alumni Jazz Band will be held at the Dexter Universalist Church, 11 Church Street

On Monday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. the Mt. View Chamber Singers perform carols in the round at the Guilford United Methodist Church, the event is open to the public.

Piscataquis Community School students will be demonstrating their skills as classes, groups and individuals using their voices, instruments and movement on two separate nights during the holiday season.

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.