As you give thanks and prepare to spread joy this season, consider sending a box of goodies or a donation to Operation Gratitude, which in turn sends it on to troops in Afghanistan*. Beanie Babies and the like are especially coveted, because they’re used to help befriend local children. If you’re a knitter/crocheter, Op Grat is also seeking 60,000 scarves and neck gaiters to include in holiday packages. See details on site.

* This isn’t about politics, and any comments in that regard will not be posted.

And so appropriate for Thanksgiving Day. Eat Maine Foods’  Maine Food Map shows local food purveyors and producers. It’s still in beta, but what a resource.

Just in case you’ve missed it, Seth Wescott’s proposal is all the buzz in Carrabassett Valley. The guy’s got it dialed, and if anyone can make it happen, he can. Two stories in the Irregular (one, two) give the background, and a video show’s Seth’s original presentation to the town.

Gotta like it.

Orithology sessions with some of the country’s top experts will again be held at Maine Audubon’s Hog Island preserve, on the Pemaquid Peninsula, thanks to Project Puffin.

There are programs for all birding levels (including a session for teens), and two provide opportunities to work directly in the field with Project Puffin biologists on important seabird colony islands. Here’s a snippet from the description:

Building on the traditions of Hog Island’s legendary ornithology instructors, Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank, today’s instructors are world-class ornithologists and enthusiastic teachers who are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and expertise. They will lead field trips for small groups of 10 to 15 participants, a group size that promotes personal instruction.

For details, go here.

The way-cool Camden Harbour Inn, home to Natalie’s, one of Maine’s best tables, has a midweek, nonholiday off-season promo that’s a steal.

The Midweek Promo, available through May 2010, includes a room, a three-course dinner at Natalie’s, and a full champagne breakfast. Price is best available, with rates beginning at $109 pp.

Also included are the inn’s (not-so-) standard amenities:

• Welcome Prosecco upon arrival

• Complimentary wireless internet

• Complimentary in-room coffee, tea, and Poland spring water

• Turndown service including handmade premium Belgium chocolates

• Complimentary Portland Press Herald newspaper every morning

• Complimentary coffee, tea, pastries and snacks in the lounge (Baked treats from the chef, yum)

• Complimentary selection of magazines, books and newspapers in the lounge (I found quite a few good reads).

• Complimentary DVD library including the latest movies (again, good titles)

The fine print: Promotion is based on availability and excludes taxes, gratuity (20% for dinner will be added), & alcoholic drinks.

Yup, you read that right. The Captain Lord Mansion, a posh B&B within easy walking distance to Kennebunkport’s Dock Square, has a midweek holiday package geared to shoppers (valid through Dec. 23).

The $149 Shopping Survival Getaway Package includes:

• King or queen room with fireplace

• Discount coupons to Kennebunkport’s boutiques and nearby factory outlets

• A “shopping assistance kit” comprising notepad, pen, and aspirin)

• A complimentary gift wrapping station stocked with everything necessary to tie up the perfect package

• Afternoon bubbly by the fire in the living room (to enjoy while wrapping presents)

The Captain Lord is a AAA four-diamond inn and was recently included on Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 30 Small Hotels for 2009.

Here’s a steal! Sunday River is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season with all kinds of deals (including $50 lift tix on many days). Most are midweek, but through Dec. 19, the Rivah is offering a lodging package (Snow Cap Inn), lift ticket, and 90-minute lesson for $50 per person/per day, based on maximum occupancy. On most days, you can’t even puchase a lift ticket alone for that, folks. The big birthday bash is Dec. 19, so plan now if you want to snag the deal then as lodging is limited.

Want to get the low down on what’s happening in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India? That challenging region is the focus of Crossroads of Conflict, the 2o10 Camden Conference, slated Feb. 19-21, in Camden and streamlined to venues in Rockland and Belfast.

This year’s program features experts discussing the area’s history, culture, current unsettled situation, and future prospects. It will offer both specific and overview presentations devoted to the broad array of issues raised within this turbulent region as well as the role of U.S. policies and programs.

This year’s keynote speaker is Ahmed Rashid, journalist, author, and noted commentator on the Taliban, the Afghan war, and the increasingly unsettled state of his native Pakistan.

Other confirmed speakers include:

• G. Whitney Azoy, National Geographic film maker and 40-year student of Afghanistan and the Muslim world

• Paul Pillar, former chief National Intelligence Officer for the Near East and South Asia

• Samina Quareshi, award-winning designer, artist,  educator, and  author of the upcoming book “Pirates and Princes,” tales of travelers from Italy to India.

• Nicholas Burns, under-secretary of state for political affairs in the administration of George W. Bush, with authority for U.S. negotiations with Iran and India, and currently professor of diplomacy and international politics at the Kennedy School, Harvard University, will preside.

If you want to be assured of a seat in the Camden Opera House, become a member and you can purchase tickets now. Otherwise, tix go on sale to the public on Nov. 30.  Tickets for the Opera House (general public) are $220 this year, while attending at the satellite venues costs $150. Special student rates of $40 are available at satellite venues.

I recently received Nervous Nellie’s 2009-2010 catalog, and it’s filled with cool Made-in-Maine gifts. Anne and Peter make the best jams and jellies (including a marmalade that my husband labels his favorite–which says a lot, the guy loves marmalade). All are made in Deer Isle, without preservatives, colorings, or flavor agents. These products are the real deal, authentic, not artificial. I’m a fan of the red raspberry and the wild Maine blueberry, but there are other yummy choices, too.

Beyond jams and jellies, the catalog (on the web, too), lists:

• Maine wildflower honey
• Joan’s scones (same ones sold in the cafe)
• cornmeal griddle cakes
• Maine maple syrup (the best)

Yes, the holidays are coming and I can think of no better way to get into the spirit of the season than with a tour of Portland’s Victoria Mansion all dressed in holiday garb. The National Historic Landmark, a Victorian treasure, opens for self-guided tours on Friday, Nov. 27, and remains open through Jan. 3.

This is the mansion’s 25th year of offering holiday tours, and the theme Let the Christmas Bells Ring: Celebrating 25 Years of Christmas at Victoria Mansion honors that, right down to the silver anniversary accents. Each year, local designers, decorators, and florists transform the mansion into an over-the-top Victorian holiday showcase.

For a real wing-ding, attend the annual Holiday Gala, on Dec. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., when nibble and sip your way through the mansion for $50.

No reservations are necessary for the self-guided tours, offered daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission: Adults $15; AAA/Senior (62 and over) $13.50; $7 for Victoria Mansion members; $5 for children (6-17); and free for children under 6. $35 family ticket.