PCEDC is pleased to host a panel discussion and community conversation on Tuesday, Dec. 4, regarding challenges facing our workforce, resources for workforce development and training, and opportunities to assist residents and local business owners.

Upcoming events around the region.

Pirates invaded Dover-Foxcroft on Nov. 10 during the Death on Deck dinner theatre at The Commons at Central Hall. The production was presented by Center Theatre and the Slightly Off Center Players, and directed by Dan Sharrow with Grace Carlson in charge of sound and lighting.

The Center Theatre for the performing arts has announced it will be holding a holiday party for their members and guests at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30. The event will feature light appetizers, a sneak preview of the “Wicked Christmas Carol,” a celebration of the beginning of renovations nearly 20 years ago, and a chance to win free movie admissions for all of 2019.

Wesley McNair, Maine’s former poet laureate, will return to the Thompson Free Library at 5:30 p.m.o n Thursday, Nov. 29, to read from his latest volume of poems, “The Unfastening.” The event is free and open to the public.

Blood drives are scheduled for Monday, Nov. 19 from 1-6 p.m. at the Piscataquis Regional YMCA in Dover-Foxcroft, 48 Park Street, and from 1-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at the Dexter Unitarian Universalist Church, 35 Church Street.

Upcoming events around the region.

Can cattle be handled and moved around without all the hooting and hollering that cattlemen are known for? They can, some experts say, and doing so can mean better meat. Known as low-stress stockmanship, it will be a hot topic at the second annual Cattlemen’s College is slated for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, in Charleston and Orono.

Maine author Paul Doiron will speak at the Thompson Free Library at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15 for the James Brown Lecture Series. The event is free and open to the public.

“Grief through the Holidays” with Rev. Ray Beless, is the topic of Pine Tree Hospice’s Lunch ‘n Learn program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

A free Thanksgiving dinner will be served at noon on the holiday, Thursday, Nov. 22, at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church, 824 West Main Street. Advanced reservations are requested but not required. For more information please call 564-2872.

This will be the 15th annual Thanksgiving dinner offered to the community, by the community. The meal is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22 at the Guilford United Methodist Church on the corner of North Main and School streets. Take-out meals are available. Delivered meals and rides to the event may be offered if enough volunteers are available.

We all need something to look forward to. Anticipation of moments big and small can motivate, create excitement, or ease anxiety. It can help us through a tough time or a long day. Your mouth waters just thinking about that special Thanksgiving dish, you perk up after making a lunch date with a friend, smile at the prospect of browsing that cute shop, and get psyched when your favorite author is writing a new book: “Put me on the list!” (the library patron’s favorite refrain!). November at the Thompson Free Library will give you plenty to look forward to and wanting more.

The Center Theatre for the Performing Arts will be presenting a Pirate Dinner Theater at the Commons Event Center at Central Hall on Saturday, Nov. 10. There will be two shows on the 10th, a 2 p.m. show for kids and a 6 p.m. show for all ages which will include a cash bar by Pat's Pizza. Food and drinks are included in the ticket price for each show and a show-only ticket with no dinner is available for the evening performance.

Ed Hummel, retired meteorologist now living in Garland and a supporter of Dexter Dover Area Towns in Transition (DDATT), will once again present an overall look at how weather works on the planet, how it’s been changing recently, and implications for the area. This free public workshop is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 10 at the Abbott Memorial Library.

The Wassabec Genealogy Chapter members are pleased to have as a guest speaker Peter M. Smith of the Maine Genealogical Society and host of the Central Maine DNA Interest Group in Winslow. Smith will be at the next meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Mayo Regional Hospital conference rooms.

Advance care planning isn’t just for those with life-limiting illnesses – but for all of us. Pine Tree Hospice is offering a free informative seminar at the Thayer Parkway Community Room from 9:30 a.m. to noon. on Monday, Nov. 12.

The Commons at Central Hall would like to honor this body of knowledge that is passed down among members of our culture, and share a space that welcomes and celebrates everyone. This year, our first year after a long restoration, we will be hosting an annual Fall Folk Festival. Please join us this Saturday, Nov. 3 from 2-7 p.m. as we fill the building with educational demonstrations, vendors, live music, and tasty treats.