Town Caucuses

New Gloucester has Republican and Democratic town committees. Each will host a caucus soon. First up will be the Republicans this Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Meetinghouse (next to Town Hall) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information contact Donna Glaser at 926-5644 or e-mail rugosa11@securespeed.us.

The Democrats will caucus on Sunday, Feb. 10 in the First Congregational Church Vestry in the Lower Village from 2:30 to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Penny Hilton at 926-4004 or e-mail lupine@maine.rr.com. John Coffee of Windham is planning to organize a multi-town caucus that includes New Gloucester for the Maine Greens before March 20. Anyone interested in participating is urged to call him at 893-1081.

New Gloucester residents who are enrolled in a political party can attend a caucus. Did you know that unenrolled voters (sometimes referred to as “Independents”) in town comprise the largest block of the electorate? Independents and new voters who wish to enroll in a political party are permitted to attend and participate in their respective caucus by registering in that party (plan to arrive early). Moreover, 17-year-olds who will be 18 by Election Day (Nov. 4) can register as a Republican, Democrat, or Green Independent to participate in a caucus.

Because the presidential races are so close this year, there’s no guarantee that the nominees will be decided after the Feb. 5 caucuses and primaries. The Maine caucuses may determine which candidates will appear on the November ballot.

YMCA Kicks Off Campaign

On Thursday, Jan. 24, the Pineland YMCA held its kickoff meeting for its Annual Support Campaign. This year’s campaign extends through March 22. The Y’s goal is to raise $31,000 to support its Open Doors Financial Assistance Program. This year the YMCA will donate $74,000 in support so it can stay true to its mission of “not turning anyone away because of an inability to pay.” For summer camp alone, the Y will give away $25,700 to ensure that every child that wants a camp experience gets one. If you would like to learn more about the YMCA and its Open Doors Financial Assistance Program, please contact Phil DiRusso at 688-2255.

Kindergarten Screening

The time has come to start the pre-registration process for kindergarten-bound students in New Gloucester. All parents of children that will be 5 on, or before Oct. 5 are being asked to call Cindy Leavitt at the Memorial School 926-4322 to register their child for kindergarten.

Book and Bake Sale

The Friends of the New Gloucester Library will be holding their annual February Cabin Fever Book and Bake Sale on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. The sale will feature games, puzzles, quality books, plus audio and video tapes. In case of inclement weather, the storm date would be Feb. 16. For more information, call 926-4840.

Town Meetings

Saturday, Feb. 2: Republican Caucus, 11-2, Meetinghouse

Monday, Feb. 4: Selectmen, 7 p.m., Meetinghouse

Tuesday, Feb. 5: Planning Board, 7 p.m., Meetinghouse

Tuesday, Feb. 5: Community Fair, 7 p.m., Library

Wednesday, Feb. 6: Selectmen budget meeting, 7 p.m., Meetinghouse

Thursday, Feb. 7: Public Safety, 7 p.m., Meetinghouse

Friday, Feb. 8: Story Time, 9:30 a.m., Library

Pamela Ames of North Yarmouth demonstrates the fine art of roasting marshmallows to her granddaughter Diana Kimball at Pineland Farms Winter Carnival last Saturday. Fire pit attendant Greg Gillespie keeps the scene a safe one.