A Big Move

The Gray Historical Society is celebrating the move of their research material from the second to the first floor of Pennell Institute.

Volunteer support in facilitating the move has been inspiring. The historical society invites the community to join them at their open houses scheduled for Friday, Feb. 22, from noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 24, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and Monday, Feb. 25 from noon to 5 p.m.

Come for a visit and enjoy the new displays of pictures, memorabilia and artifacts in the Mayall Mills, Portland-Lewiston Interurban Railroad and Research rooms.

The Gray Historical Society thanks the public for their help in preserving Gray’s past and their support in enriching today’s community.

Parks and Rec News

• Gymnastics Lessons: Lessons are held at Newbegin Gym on Wednesdays. Children ages 4 to 12 are involved in the basics of tumbling, low balance beam, bars and proper stretching techniques. There are three class levels: Beginners at 3:15, advanced beginner at 4 and intermediate at 4:45. Two sessions will be scheduled. Session I meets Feb. 27; March 5, 12, 19, 26; and April 2. Session II meets April 16, 30; and May 7, 14, 21, and 28. The cost per session is $40 Gray residents, $45 for non-residents. The cost for both sessions is $70 for residents and $80 for non-residents.

• Junior Indoor Soccer Program: This program starts March 8 and ends April 5, for children ages 5 – 7. It will be held Saturdays at Newbegin Gym. All players will be placed on teams and be involved in a variety of skills and drills, fun contests and play full court games. The cost is $25 per player and is limited to the first 24 paid registrations per division. The Anklebiter Division (ages 5 and 6) has games at 9 or 9:45 a.m. The Munchkin Division (ages 6 and 7) has games at 10:30 or 11:15 a.m.

• February Vacation Day Camp: Boys and girls ages 6 to 12 are invited to a camp held at Gray – New Gloucester Middle School Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 22. (Tuesday-Friday). Camp meets from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with early drop-off at 7 a.m. and late pick-up at 5:30 p.m. for working parents.

Registration forms will be available at Gray Town Office and Newbegin Gym.

Gray Sno Wolves Keep Busy

The snowmobile club will have a benefit ride for Jordan Emerson Feb. 16, with a rain date Feb. 23. Riders will be leaving the Gray – New Gloucester High School at 8 a.m. and traveling approximately 100 miles. Anyone interested in riding or making a donation, please contact Brad Shelley at 428-3308.

Next comes its annual Poker Run And Fishing Derby, March 1 at St. Gregory’s church parking lot, Crystal Lake, Gray. (Off of Route 26, two miles out of Gray Center, going north). Fishing starts at sunrise (register prior). The poker rally begins at 8 a.m. There will be prizes, the famous food shack and fun. For more information, call Bill Murphy at 657-2420.

Prime Conditions

The great winter snow conditions continue at Libby Hill Trails. The trail Web site, www.Libbyhill.org, now provides trail conditions and an interactive trail blog where trail users can share their experience and upload photos. A permanent orienteering course is slated to open on March 1, keep checking the Web site for orienteering maps and guides.

The first “Full Moon Snowshoe Trek” takes place Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m. There are still a few slots available to anyone seeking to explore the wonders of Libby Hill by the glow of a full moon.

Finally, the biggest event of the year on Libby Hill; “The Libby Hill Winter Fun Day’ is scheduled for Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This event features lots of activities indoors and out for all ages.

The outdoor events include ski and snowshoe races, free snowshoe test walks, guided snowshoe tours, sliding contests (bring your sleds), bonfire, hayrides, and orienteering.

Indoor events include lectures on animal tracks in winter; safety in the woods; climbing Mt. Everest; and low impact hiking techniques. Food vendors will be on site or bring your own snacks and lunch (tables inside available). Admission is free although donations are accepted at the information tent or online. Keep checking www.Libbyhill.org for a full schedule of events and last minute event changes. A few volunteers are still needed for this event please consider contributing a couple of hours of time if you can.

To participate in the “Full Moon Snowshoe” event or volunteer for the Winter Fun Day, please contact Steve McPike at 657-2114 or e-mail libbyhilltrails@gmail.com.

Sponsors Needed

Here is an opportunity for your business to help a great organization while getting some good exposure. The Maine Wildlife Park is looking for businesses to support its 2008 calendar of events, your monetary contribution will help to hire acts such as Rick Charrette. The park continues to grow in tourist visits, about 2,000 visitors approximately are anticipated for many of the events (based upon 4,000 for the two-day annual Pow Wow).

This, as well as the development of its infrastructure along with enhanced displays and amenities for the animals and visitors, makes it a prime destination and a good advertising opportunity. In addition there is going to be a more concerted effort by the state of Maine to promote “Quality of Place” locations as it wants to capitalize on facilities such as the Wildlife Park and the Gray – New Gloucester Region.

The season calendar of events along with the park map needs to go to print soon so a solid verbal commitment would be appreciated. For more details or if anyone has any questions they can contact Curt Johnson at curtjohnson@maine.rr.com or 592-1541.

Play Games at the Gray Public Library

Things to do at the Gray Public Library this week include game time, where all middle schoolers are invited to come play board games Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 4-6 p.m. Story times will also be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

A new book to be released is “Remember Me?” by Sophie Kinsella on Feb. 26.

Don’t forget to support your public library. It is a great place to read, contemplate, look at art, use the computers, keep up with the latest magazines and newspapers along with the many other resources. Make a tax deductible contribution, join the Gray Public Library Association, and urge your town, state and federal government to invest in and promote your public library.

Olivia Roy displays the Valentine she made at the Gray Library Saturday.