The Parkman Grange is again this year running the SAD 4 Santa Program, helping families in the school district -- the towns of Abbot, Cambridge, Guilford, Parkman, Sangerville and Wellington -- enjoy Christmas.

Thanksgiving leaps to mind when we think of November. But all too often the focus is on food and stuffing ourselves, not just the turkey. Keep in mind that gratitude has a place at the table too. So be grateful for community resources like the Thompson Free Library, and, as Veterans Day approaches, for our men and women in the armed forces, past and present.

A number of events are planned for the weekend and on Halloween as part of the annual Dover-Foxcroft Halloween BooNanza. A full schedule and more information is available at http://www.boonanza.info/.

The Emmy Award-winning documentary “Sonic Sea” will be shown at the Center Theatre at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26. The showing will be free thanks to a partnership between the Center Theatre and the Sierra Club Maine.

The Center Theatre is holding its Pumpkin Jam Fall Fundraiser at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20. The event will feature a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, as well as complimentary food and desserts. The entertainment for the night will be a battle of the bands between three local favorites, the Doughty Hill Band, the Josh Guthrie Trio and Happy Folk.

Fresh off the press, printed copies of Ken Hatchette’s new book “More Than a Train Yard and a Whistle Stop: The Canadian Pacific Railway in Brownville Junction 1886 to 1963” are now available for purchase. The author will be visiting the Parish House Museum at 72 Church Street Oct. 13-15 to meet those who have purchased or wish to buy the book.

This month, the Thompson Free Library offers up a satisfying mix of programs and events including a celebration of the library itself and a fun Halloween treat.

Students at Foxcroft Academy and the SeDoMocha School are invited to take part in a contest for the Dover-Foxcroft Police Department.

The Center Theatre and the Slightly Off-Center Players announce auditions for the upcoming production of “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.” The production, dramatized by Joseph Robinette from the story by C.S. Lewis, is being directed by Bobby Keniston.

The Center Theatre and the Dexter Dover Area Towns in Transition are presenting a very special cinematic portrait of farmer and writer Wendell Berry at the Center Theatre. The film “Look & See” will be screened at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28.

At 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, the Abbott Memorial Library will host a local authors night. Five authors will be present to read and discuss their books. Signed copies will be available for purchase and refreshments will be served.

Again in the 2017-18 academic year SeDoMoCha Elementary School families will have the opportunity to read together as part of a shared reading experience through the eighth annual One Book, One School program. For about a month through early October students and family members will read and discuss “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” and then be able to attend an ending celebration on Thursday, Oct. 5.

September signals transition.It means back to school for students, back to work for educators, and back to our projects and goals, buoyed by a sense of urgency and clarity that autumn days can bring. Think of the Thompson Free Library as the friend who keeps you grounded and on track as you navigate your transitions.

Upcoming events for the region's Granges.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — A large crowd enjoyed the opening night of “Nunsense” at the Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft on Friday, Aug.

The Center Theatre will be presenting the hilarious musical comedy “Nunsense” starting on Friday, Aug. 11. The show will be performed the weekends of Aug. 11 and 18 at the Center Theatre and then, for the first time, the theatre will be bringing the show to Greenville High School for two performances on Saturday, Aug. 26.

Tara McLaughlin of Brownville earned first-place honors in the Milo Historical Society's fourth annual art show with her winning painting "Lupine."

Reminders of “back to school” and autumn bombard us, in stores and online, signaling the dog days of summer are ending. But don’t bury your head in the sand, take advantage of the interesting, informative, and entertaining programs at the Thompson Free Library.