It’s always exciting to change the calendar from December to January. A new year is filled with potential and the chance to start fresh. And after the busy holidays filled with celebrations and tables of delicious treats, it’s not surprising that, according to a 2019 survey, 65 percent of people resolved to exercise more with the New Year

The Center Theatre and Slightly Off-Center Players Community Theater Group are hosting a Valentine's Day mystery dinner party at the Commons Event Center at Central Hall. The dinner party titled "Happily Never After" will start at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 The event is suitable for all ages and everyone in attendance will be part of solving the evening's mystery.

Veterans assistance (VA issues and other benefits) will be provided at Milo American Legion Post 41 from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Walk in or make an appointment by calling 207-943-9135.

Upcoming events around the region.

On Jan. 3 after a week postponement due to weather, 19 local people came together at The Commons at Central Hall to talk about “Bridging the Climate Change Divide,” to kick off a year long monthly “Final Fridays” series of climate conversations and to enjoy a delicious potluck meal. Participants came from Charleston, Garland, Dexter, Dover-Foxcroft, Sebec and Milo and from many walks of life to share their perspectives about climate change and to talk about how the current conversation around climate change is impacting them.

A blood drive will be held in the area from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Grace Bible Church, 40 Douty Hill Road in Sangerville.

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.

Upcoming events around the region.

The Dover Low Vision Group will meet at the Thayer Parkway Community Room, 33 Thayer Parkway, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3. The guest will be Esther Ireland.

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5 in  the Mayo Regional Hospital conference room, the Wassabec Genealogy Chapter will be holding a business meeting and program. The program will be well known genealogist Nancy Battick who will be discussing how to research probate records and deeds.

Though Peace, Love, & Waffles has been open since November, there will be a grand opening celebration from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 with a 4 p.m. Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony. Coffee and baked goods will be offered. The event is open to the public. An RSVP is appreciated at 207-564-7533.

The First Day Hike at Lily Bay State Park will be from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 1 with free park admission for participants. The park is on State Park Rd., Beaver Cove, Greenville (Lat 45.568853, Lon -69.538450); meet at the entry booth parking lot (Rte. 15/6 to Lily Bay Rd. to State Park Rd.).

Growing Through Grief is one of Pine Tree Hospice’s bereavement programs for adults. The Growing Through Grief program begins with a facilitated grief support group which is then followed by a presentation or workshop.

Upcoming events around the region.

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.

Upcoming events around the region.

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