Welcome Packets Going Fast

Welcome, Neighbor is a project in which each newcomer to town is offered a packet full of materials to assist them while transitioning to a new place. The initial batch of 25 packets has dwindled to just eight remaining in a span of only two months.

Along with brochures and cards provided by local businesses and organizations, some groups have donated special items. The pinnacle of these contributions was provided by the New Gloucester Historical Society: a star pattern potholder (pictured above) handcrafted by its president, Nancy Wilcox. Nancy reports that the pattern is of historical significance, and she recalls that her “great grandmother made them over 100 years ago.”

Creating potholders using this pattern, which consists of 29 folded circles, is extremely time consuming. Thus, understandably Nancy has stated that the historical society will switch to donating refrigerator magnets with an image of the Blockhouse on each of them. The magnets will also fill the bill as excellent additions to the Welcome, Neighbor packet.

The town office staff has commented that newcomers give the packets rave reviews. After looking over the literature and giveaways at home, some new residents have returned back to the town office to report how much they enjoyed and appreciated receiving this material. Feedback from participating businesses to assess if newcomers have patronized their establishment as a result of the Welcome, Neighbor packets is being sought. Please e-mail me at scrapbook@securespeed.us to cite examples.

Annual Shaker Christmas Fair

The Annual Shaker Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26 in New Gloucester. One of the highlights of the fair is Shaker home-baked holiday goodies such as fruitcakes, herb biscuits, breads, cookies, pickles, jellies and relishes. The White Elephant Room is another highlight where money is raised to benefit families in need. Dozens and dozens of other gifts, including handcrafts for people of all ages, are for sale.

Fire Station Informational Meeting

New Gloucester residents are encouraged to attend an upcoming Fire/Rescue Station Public Informational Meeting at the AMVETS Hall, Route 100, on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. This meeting is being held to inform residents about this upcoming project and to review the proposal received.

Ironman Competition TV Coverage

As reported in previous columns, Morse Road resident Mary Lou Lowrie competed in the Ford Ironman World Championship held in Kona, Hawaii, last month. NBC is scheduled to televise coverage of this event on Saturday, Dec. 1, 4:30-6 p.m. The date and time are subject to change, so please check your local listings.

New Lungs for George Fundraiser

Get some Christmas shopping accomplished while helping George at the same time. Myra Coffin, a Pampered Chef consultant, is hosting a fundraiser to benefit New Lungs for George. To place an order, visit www.pamperedchef.biz/myraskitchen, scroll down and select “order products.” Under 1. Already invited to a show, type in New Lungs for George, then click Search for Host. Select “New Lungs for George Amy Carman” and go shopping. Any products you order before Dec. 1 will be applied to the fundraiser.

Book Signing

Islandport Press, located on the Pineland campus, has announced the release of a children’s picture book the company has published entitled, “At One: In a Place called Maine.” On Monday, Nov. 26, the book’s author, Lynn Plourde, and illustrator, Leslie Mansmann, will appear at L.L. Bean in Freeport from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m for a signing session.

The publisher describes this hardcover book as “a love letter to the state of Maine, lyrically and graphically celebrating its inspirational beauty from the wilds of Baxter State Park to the crashing waves of the Atlantic. All of the scenes featured in At One were inspired by award-winning author Lynn Plourde’s experiences, including twin fawns who visited her backyard in Winthrop, a hike up Katahdin, cross-country skiing by moonlight, and an encounter with a bear while camping. At One is sure to become a classic Maine picture book.”

Town Board and Committee Meetings

Nov. 25, Open House at Library, 4 p.m. and Historical Society Tree Lighting at Town Hall, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 27, proposed fire station public informational meeting, 7 p.m., AMVETS Hall

Nov. 28, School Board, 6:30 p.m., Meetinghouse

Nov. 29, CIP Committee, 7 p.m., Meetinghouse

Nov. 30, StoryTime, 9:30 a.m., Library