Observer photo/Keri Foster FIND THE SHOP LOCAL TREE WINNER – Sue Killam, left, of Blanchard is the grand prize winner of the Piscataquis Observer’s annual Find the Shop Local Tree contest.

BANGOR – Mainers are a hardy bunch.

By Kristen Sutherland, Pine Tree Hospice Executive Director Giving care to someone with dementia is a complex and highly demanding labor of love.

MONSON – The Town of Monson is turning 200 in 2022 and everyone is invited to join the year-long celebration.

PORTLAND – On the weekend of Dec.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Shortly after Santa and Mrs.

PORTLAND – During Advent, Bishop Robert Deeley will host a special virtual prayer and blessing gathering for all Maine families at 5 p.

DEXTER — In large part to reward faculty and staff for all their efforts for students and families during the pandemic, SAD 46 will start its holiday break several days earlier than originally scheduled.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church welcomes everyone to join us on a virtual visit to Bethlehem on the morning of Sunday, Dec.

SEBEC — It’s Christmastime and in the spirit of the season the Sebec Village Associates at the Reading Room in Sebec donated $400 to the Three Rivers Kiwanis to assist with their Secret Santa mission.

Recognizing that many people struggle with depression during the holidays and winter months, NAMI Maine offers several online and in-person support groups for people with mental health challenges and their family members.

BANGOR — Christmas is for Kids brings the holiday spirit to life for local children and families in need through the charitable act of gift-giving.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Dover Low Vision group will be meeting at The Central Hall Commons, 152 East Main Street, from 10 to 11:30 a.

BROWNVILLE JUNCTION — When the Canadian Pacific Railroad line through Maine was completed in 1888, workers on the railroad included local men and many from Canada.

By Emily Burnham, Bangor Daily News Staff Hampden resident Chris Packard spends his days teaching science at Bangor High School, where he uses evidence-based thinking and scientific data to educate students on biology.

The end of November is close by, meaning Piscataquis County towns are gearing up for holiday celebrations that bring merry parades and visits with Santa, houses decked out in twinkly lights and a special kind of bliss to area children.

Partners for Peace, the domestic violence resource center for Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, is calling on the community to help the survivors and children in their Residential Program have a safe, happy winter, and holiday season.

By Abigail Curtis, Bangor Daily News Staff What’s in a name? Quite a lot, according to New Hope For Women, the midcoast domestic violence project that was founded 40 years ago.