The office will be extra busy the next few weeks. Besides training a new deputy clerk, dog licenses need to be done.

Amy starts getting ready for the end of the year reports for the different Maine departments: BMV, hunting and fishing, ATVs, snowmobiles, vital statics and dogs (each has separate report).

We also start getting lists, etc., for the annual report; the town report is a lot of written work.

Chris Cooper puts a lot of volunteer hours in, doing the pictures, poems and layout. He deserves a lot of credit for the many awards our town report has received over the years.

The WW&F Railroad Museum will be having its "Victorian Christmas" celebration on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Cross Road station. Steam and diesel train rides 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and sleigh (if no snow, wagon) rides 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All rides will be free of charge. The train will go to Alna Center, where the kids can meet Santa. There are holiday decorations to see and refreshments to enjoy. For more information, visit wwfry.org or call 207-882-4193.

On Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., come join Sue Kistenmacher for "Winter Plant ID" class. Learning to identify plants in the cold months can bring the winter world to life. You will learn the basic characteristics and clues to collect many diverse samples.

Maine Winter Sports Center and its Health Hometown programs have teamed up with HVNC for the past couple of years to outfit young people with quality cross country ski equipment. On Nov.19 they hosted a Ski Fit Session for kids K-8. Over 60 pairs of skis were leased.

The kids participating in the HVNC program took home skis, boots, poles and ski bag for the entire season for $65. They can use then when and wherever they want all winter. According to volunteer Kristen Stone, who helps make this program happen each year, this makes a  huge difference for many families. For more information, visit www.hvnc.org.

Dog licenses are due by end of January. I start reminding folks now, early enough that no one should get caught having to pay that $25 late fee. Bring your paperwork with updated rabies certification or we can't license them; $6 for those that are spayed or neutered, or otherwise, $11.

The Wiscasset Church of the Nazarene has a food pantry next on Dec. 21. We are located on Gardiner Road across from the high school. All are welcomed. If you could bring empty boxes and plastic bags, it would help us to be able to swap out for filled ones. It is great to have food to give out, but we need these to put food in for next time. Anyone who has extra boxes and bags — they would be greatly appreciated from all.

Looks like we are getting cold weather for a while, so stay warm. Hope you all have your Christmas shopping done. Always remember the reason for the season. May the blue bird of happiness come nest in your house for the winter.