Packets now available to newcomers

As a product of several months effort, the “Welcome, Neighbor” group is pleased to announce the availability of complimentary packets for the town’s newcomers. These packets include business cards, special-offer coupons, pamphlets and mementos donated by area business owners, artisans, civic groups and others. Additionally, a newcomers’ guide compiled by the town office staff is included to assist in transitioning into the community.

Any new resident who has moved into New Gloucester on or after Sept. 1, 2007 is encouraged to stop by the town office during regular business hours to pick up a “Welcome, Neighbor” packet. To quote Town Manager Rosemary Kulow from her cover letter of the newcomers’ guide, “Thank you for choosing New Gloucester as your home.”

Ornaments Workshop cancelled

The Ornaments Workshop scheduled for Sept. 22 at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village has been cancelled. For more information on Shaker Village events that will be happening this fall, visit www.shaker.lib.me.us/calendar.html, or call 926-4597.

Library book sale

The biggest book sale ever to be held at the New Gloucester Public Library is coming up soon. This year’s event is so huge another room filled with great buys has been added. This is on top of the usual bargain prices offered.

The special “First Dibs for Kids” sale will be Friday evening, Oct. 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the library meeting room. No adult will be admitted unless accompanied by a child. The selection is great, and the prices are even greater. Kids and young adult paperback books are selling two for 25 cents and hardcover books are just 25 cents each.

Our Giant Book Sale will take place from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. The sale will feature two entire rooms full of wonderful books on any subject you can imagine. Be certain to come early for the best selection. These books are priced right to keep you reading for the entire winter. Hardcover books sell for 50 cents each and paperback books go for a quarter. There will also be a lot of good videos on sale. Before you leave you will want to check the front porch where you can fill a paper grocery bag full of books until it spills over the top for only one dollar.

Pedal to the metal

Racers from New Gloucester have been faring well at Oxford Plains Speedway. During racing action on Aug. 18, Don Mooney led all 30 laps in Mini Stock competition in cruising to victory lane. Bill Irving finished a respectable sixth in that race. At Motor Mayhem on Aug. 26, Bruce Berry successfully defended his title from three years ago in Spectator Drags, while Paul Fouquette placed second.

Our local racers have continued the pattern of finding success at OPS this month. On the 1st, Dave MacDonald competed in two Late Model races. He came in fifth in the first and 12th in the second. In Mini Stock, Don Mooney and Bill Irving improved their class positions during the second race, capturing first and second respectively. Results from the 50-lap Runnin’ Rebel on Sept. 8 revealed a ninth place finish for Brandon Munroe and 18th place finish for James Wood. Ross Spurling placed 10th while Marvin Hamilton came in 14th in the Sport Truck class.

Although Oxford is his hometown, Doug DeGroat, owner of DeGroat’s Garage in New Gloucester, deserves mention because of his consistent top finishes in class.

Democrats to meet

The town’s Democratic Committee will resume its monthly meetings after having taken a summer break. The first meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. at the Parish Hall of the New Gloucester Congregational Church in the Lower Village. FMI: contact Penny Hilton, 926-4004, lupine@maine.rr.com.

Long-range plan workshop

The board of selectmen will be holding a workshop on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Meetinghouse to discuss the town’s long-range plan. The workshop will aim to focus town leaders on the town’s long-term needs. Members of all of the town’s committees, as well as town residents, are encouraged to attend.

Special Election

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, a special election will be held to fill the remainder of a term vacated due to the death of A. Wayne Cobb on the board of selectmen. Nomination papers are available at the Town Office during normal business hours. Nomination papers signed by between 25 and 100 registered voters in town are due back by Oct. 4 at 4 p.m. There will also be state referendums voted on at the same election.

Town Board and Committee meetings

Sept. 24, Selectmen, 7 p.m., Meetinghouse

Sept. 25, Community Fair Committee, 7 p.m., Library

Sept. 25, Fire Station Committee, 7 p.m., Meetinghouse

Sept. 26, Land Management Planning Committee, 7 p.m., Meetinghouse

Sept. 27, Selectmen Long-Range Planning Workshop, 7 p.m., Meetinghouse