CourageLIVES and the Penquis Sex Trafficking Action Response Team (START) will host four free and open to the public events as part of Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in January. All events will feature a film screenin of “Gridshock,” a documentary about human trafficking, followed by a panel discussion with local experts.

Be part of the first joint production of Foxcroft Academy, SeDoMoCha School and the Center Theatre by auditioning for the spring 2020 production of “Oliver!” Auditions will be held at the Center Theatre from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13.

Kenneth Hatchette’s first attempt at a novel loosely based on his memories (and those of his friends) of Brownville Junction can be enjoyed in his new book “The Great Chase” available on Amazon.com.

Great fun, food, presents and people were part of the Dexter Book Club's "Second Day of Christmas" party at the Abbott Memorial Library on Dec. 26.

Seventy five beautiful parrots and one emu will celebrate the holidays at a free open house from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 28 at Siesta Sanctuary. No snow date -- if you can travel safely, we're here.

The following are the 20 winners in the SeDoMoCha Middle School Builders Club’s annual Miracle Tree Event held earlier in the month at The Commons at Central Hall:

The Commons at Central Hall will be introducing four new programs in January.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Friday night was opening night for The Center Theatre and the Slightly Off-Center Players’ production of “Little Women the Broadway Musical.

Just in time for a holiday outing, the beloved Louisa May Alcott class, “Little Women” comes to the Center Theatre stage as a musical adaptation. Written 150 years ago, the tale of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March is generating extra buzz this year, both because of the anniversary and because the new movie of the same name debuts this month.

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.