In Piscataquis County a blood drive will be held at Holy Family Parish, 145 Pritham Avenue, in Greenville from 1-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 and at the Milo Town Hall, 6 Pleasant Street, from 1-5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26.

There will be a meeting of the Piscataquis County Republican Committee on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Mayo Regional Hospital Resource Center. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

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.

Upcoming events around the region.

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

At 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at The Commons at Central Hall in Dover-Foxcroft, a free video presentation, “Supplements: Treatment Without Side Effects to Heal Mental Illness,” will be shown. Participants will learn about the most significant minerals, vitamins, amino acids, herbs and other natural substances and how to use them to prevent and heal mental health challenges.

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.

Growing Through Grief is held on the third Tuesday of each month, September through May, from 1-3 p.m. in Dover-Foxcroft. The grief support group, presentation, and delicious dessert is free of charge. Participants must pre-register by calling Pine Tree Hospice at 564-4346.

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.

Veterans assistance (VA issues and other benefits) will be provided at Milo American Legion Post 41 from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Upcoming events around the region.

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.

Girl Scouts of Maine announces that it will host a new member sign-up event for potential members and volunteers at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2 at the SeDoMoCha Elementary School.

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, Dec. 6. The group will have a potluck holiday celebration, please bring a snack to share.

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.