The Hon. Kevin Stitham of Dover-Foxcroft has been nominated for reappointment to the Maine District Court for his fourth term. The Hon. Stitham was first sworn in on Sept. 2, 1998 and previously practiced law in Piscataquis County for over 20 years.

For both Dan and Karen Cashman, childhood revolved around books. With mothers who were librarians, they were each exposed to reading at an early age. They devoured timeless favorites like Ramona Quimby and the Berenstain Bears as well as authors like Roald Dahl.

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. More than one million total members have now joined the organization since its founding in 1890.

Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville has announced his bid for reelection in Senate District 4.

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation has expanded the public Wi-Fi system in downtown Greenville and extended it to Greenville Junction. The high speed Wi-Fi system now has three hotspots in the downtown, which serves nearly the entire downtown and a hotspot serving Greenville Junction.

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.

Due to the snowstorm on Monday, Dec. 2, the Student Cabinet meeting that was scheduled for that day has been postponed to Jan. 24. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has selected 32 Maine students to serve on its new Student Cabinet. The group is scheduled to meet quarterly with Commissioner Pender Makin to discuss educational opportunities, improvements and policy with an in-person meeting to take place next month.

Several weeks after the selectmen passed a motion to focus on a solar project at an alternate site other than the town airport at the Charles A. Chase Jr. Memorial Field on Pine Street town officials hope to keep the momentum aloft with the establishment of an airport advisory committee. A half dozen committee members representing the board and the public were appointed during a Nov. 26 meeting at the Morton Avenue Municipal Building.

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.

Mary Hoffman, right, was recently presented with the quilt that she won as a result of Dexter Public Health Association’s raffle.

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.