Reader Gallery 13 continues a tradition of sharing photos that are taken by readers — locals and visitors who take joy in the always soul-nourishing landscape of Maine.

Worried about the world? According to renowned garden writer and “bordering on obsessed” gardener Tovah Martin, just by being a gardener, you are already making a big difference.

Martin will speak Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at noon, in the Abbott Room of Belfast Free Library, giving the first in 2026’s series of lectures sponsored by the Belfast Garden Club. The talk is free and open to the public. A Zoom link is available on the Club’s website.

Fred may or may not reside eternally on the property of the Owls Head Light Station. It could be one ghost. It could be multiple. Many a lighthouse keeper has claimed to have experienced irrational occurrences during his time as guardian over Penobscot Bay. Other stories, as well, surface from the sea.

The return of light to the 44th latitude will begin Dec. 21 at 10:03 a.m., when the North Pole begins to tilt back toward the sun, a long but encouraging process. Winter's duration will be 88 days — although we in Maine know winter as a six month ride on a bucking bronco. But we're tougher than a bag of hammers, and the joys of the cold lie in the beauty, and the peace and quiet.

Looking for support for your meditation practice?  Join for 30 minutes of silent sitting every first Monday of each month starting at 5 p.m. The first gathering will be January 5. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. No ongoing commitment required.

This program of Midcoast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will be held at 38 Elm Street, in Damariscotta (next to River Arts). 

THOMASTON — Join Georges River Land Trust for a guided group hike along the trails of the Rockland Bog Preserve on Saturday, January 10. Hikers should meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. The hike will conclude by 12 p.m.

"The Rockland Bog is the largest peatland bog complex in the Midcoast, providing wildlife habitat and offering stunning views of rare fen ecosystems," said GRLT, in a news release.

"On New Year’s Day, come up the hill to enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, good company, and a sparkling fire in the historic stone hut, the Beech Nut," said Coastal Mountains Land Trust, in a news release.

Festivities will take place January 1, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

"Feel free to bring any leftover holiday cookies," said CMLT. 

With the new year on the horizon, members, friends, and staff of the First Congregational Church of Camden are ushering in a third season of weekly lunchtime gatherings called Cake and Community. An entirely volunteer-driven effort, Cake and Community was launched in January 2024 as a social gathering hub for citizens who seek conversation and companionship during the bleak months of winter, according to the church, in a news release.

"What happens when you bring together ice carving, a polar plunge, fashionable pets, spectacular kids' activities, fun music, and delicious local food on a winter’s day?" said Camden Public Library, in a news release. "That's right - Camden Winterfest."

The 23rd annual Camden Winterfest will take place Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with all of the beloved traditions including ice carving, polar plunge, doggie fashion show, music, hot food, and kids activities.

Maine State Park admission and hikes are free to First Day Hikers.

On January 1, four Maine State Parks will host guided First Day Hikes: Camden Hills State Park, Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Sebago Lake State Park, and Two Lights State Park. For those who prefer solitude or flexibility in scheduling, self-guided options are available statewide.

PAWS Animal Adoption Center in Camden has launched a Golden Ticket Raffle to support the shelter and PAWS Cares Clinic.

Only 250 tickets will be sold and winners will be drawn on January 5, 2026.

On Monday, January 19, 2026, AIO Food and Energy Assistance will host its sixth Fill The Strand with food and funds drive to benefit AIO’s Food Assistance, Energy Assistance, Weekend Meal, and Diaper Assistance Programs. This event challenges the community to fill every seat in the historic theater with bags of food and funds for AIO’s programs. AIO has raised over $165,000 in the first five Fill the Strand events, according to AIO, in a news release. The goal for the sixth event is to raise $40,000. The snow date is Monday, January 26. 

The University of Maine recently asked all of its colleges and other divisions to shave their budgets by 7 percent to address an $18 million budget shortfall projected for the next fiscal year.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast annual Solstice Celebration will be Saturday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m., at 37 Miller Street, Belfast. (Snow date: Sunday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m.)

Join the Lincolnville Historical Society for its annual Christmas program, December 19, at 7 p.m., at the Beach Schoolhouse. Rosey Gerry will host the program, which features musical acts, storytelling and cookies.

The LHS is located at 33 Beach Road in Lincolnville. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the museum will be open upstairs if you would like to look around prior to the show, according to LHS, in a news release.

The show is free, but donations are always accepted. 

CAMDEN — In three short hours, shoppers streaming in and out of Reny's in Camden on Saturday morning opened their hearts and spontaneously gave to a pop-up fundraiser organized by North East Mobile Health Services and the Camden Fire Department. It was "Fill the Ambulance" with toys and other gifts for children under Maine Dept. of Health and Human Services care.

A Repair Cafe will be held Saturday, Dec. 20, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., at the Waldo YMCA in Belfast. This is a free event.

"Don’t live in the dark; we can fix your broken lamps," said Belfast Community Works, in a news release. "Bring us your vacuum or small appliances. How about a blender or sewing machine? Clothes got holes? Keep wearing your favorite sweater or pants. Need a button? Have a zipper that sticks? Come by, see, learn and have some fun!"

Angelica Larrabee didn’t plan on becoming a homeschooling parent. She had gone to school in the same Midcoast district where she was raising her kids, and she figured they would be there “from start to finish.”

Then the pandemic hit. Larrabee’s oldest son, who was in second grade at the time, was happier learning from home. As he excelled, Larrabee decided that a homeschooling model would work better for their family.

PORT CLYDE — Herring Gut Coastal Science Center presents A Winter Solstice Walk. The walk will take place Sunday, Dec. 21, from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Meet at Herring Gut Coastal Science Center, 59 Factory Road, Port Clyde.  

Join the group to celebrate the solstice with a light hike at Marshall Point Lighthouse led by Josh Waguli, Maine Master Naturalist.

"Enjoy activities for all ages and a wild tea ceremony to mark the shortest day of the year," said Herring Gut, in a news release.