Ricky Merrill, left, and John Dube of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3335 in Jay fold the American flag Dec. 7 after a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony in Livermore Falls. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Justin Triquet hammers a wooden dowel Dec. 9 in Jay that is infused with Chaga mushroom spores. In five years, the mushrooms should be ready for harvesting, he says. Triquet and his wife, Nikki Leroux, are the first in North America to be licensed for this growing industry. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Davina Kabantu of Bates College looks to pass Dec. 6 after securing a loose ball during a game against Colby College, in Lewiston. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

A porcupine searches for food Dec. 5 near the sugarhouse at the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore. The foundation that oversees the property says it must raise $3 million by March or it might have to dissolve. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Santa Claus receives a warm welcome Dec. 8 from the crowd at Festival Plaza in Auburn. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Shell casings are discharged Dec. 7 from the firing squad’s rifles during a 21-gun salute in Livermore Falls to mark Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Fans of Edward Little High School cheer Dec. 9 at the start of a boys’ basketball game against Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, in Auburn. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal