In Maine, the idea of spring (flowers blooming, birds singing) often clashes with the reality of it (mud and snow). March marks a welcome, if slow, transformation. Let the lineup at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft wake you from your winter slumber with an interactive mix of learning and escapism.

The Highlands Classical Chamber Ensemble will appear in concert at the following locations: 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 at The Inn at Dirigo Pines in Orono; 7 p.m. on Friday, March 16 at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church; and 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 18 at the Greenville Consolidated School (a reception will follow this program).

The American Red Cross of Maine and Emera Maine are partnering with the Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department to make households safer by installing free smoke alarms and teaching families about home fire safety on Saturday, March 10.

Upcoming events around the region.

The Center Theatre is hosting three performances of one-act plays from area schools at 7 p.m. on Friday March 2 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 3.

The Valley Grange of Guilford is sponsoring a blanket-making event from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, March 3 and volunteers are needed. Organizer Pat Engstrom notes “no sewing skills are needed. If you can measure, cut a straight line with scissors and tie a simple knot you can become a ‘blanketeer’ and help support Project Linus.”

Ben Zabin, one of America’s top teen magicians, is coming to Dover-Foxcroft for a one-night show at the Center Theatre at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 16.

Upcoming events around the region.

The first female through-paddler of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) will talk about her adventures in the Greenville Town Office Community Room (7 Minden Street) from 6–7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

But on Sunday, March 4, the parish community will gather together on the same patch of land on Pritham Avenue. This time, tears of sadness will be replaced with joy as parishioners walk into the new Holy Family Church for a 10 a.m. Mass of Dedication, celebrated by Bishop Robert P. Deeley. All are welcome to attend.

Upcoming events around the region.

Proceeds from the Schoodic Lake Ice Fishing Derby benefit Milo Fire Department charities and events and the 56th annual derby will be held on Saturday and Sunday on Schoodic, Seboeis, Ebeemee and Boyd lakes. For more information, please go to http://www.trcmaine.org/fishingderby.

Upcoming events around the region

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)/Miosac Club will again be conducting its annual Sebec Lake Ice Out Contest in 2018. Tickets may be purchased from any club member from Feb. 15 through March 31.

“Neither Wolf Nor Dog” will be at the Center Theatre on East Main Street in Dover-Foxcroft at 2 and 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 and Sunday, Feb. 11 and 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12.

We’ve made it to February, the time when winter starts to wear on even the hardiest of Mainers. While this month is known for Valentine’s Day, the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft is headed in different directions, focusing on amnesty, science and technology and, most importantly, the zen of Nerf.

Upcoming events around the region

The 12th annual Moosehead Lake Area 100-mile Wilderness Sled Dog Race scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3 has been called off. Organizers drove the race trail over the weekend and determined that the recent warmer weather and rain have created trail conditions that are not safe for dogs and mushers.