Carpooling

To encourage carpooling, the Maine DOT has created a new Park & Ride lot on Sabbathday Road, near the road’s junction with Route 26. The 30-space lot was completely empty on the afternoon of Jan. 7, so the concept may take a while to catch on. Maybe gasoline prices creeping toward $3 per gallon will provide impetus. People interested in finding other commuters to share rides can log on to www.gomaine.org and click on the Ride Match tab.

Democratic Town Caucus

On Sunday, Jan. 31, the New Gloucester Democratic Committee will host its biennial Town Caucus from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Meetinghouse, next to Town Hall. All registered New Gloucester Democrats and those who wish to become Democrats are invited to attend.

Seventeen-year-olds who will turn 18 on or before Election Day (Nov. 2) will be eligible to participate in the caucus by registering to vote and enrolling before the caucus. New voters, or those not enrolled in a political party, may become Democrats at the caucus. They should bring identification and proof of residency and arrive at the event promptly at 4 p.m. for voter registration.

Everyone at the caucus will be eligible to become a delegate to the state Democratic Convention taking place in Lewiston this May. Also, town and county committee members will be elected, and election clerks will be nominated.

As the guest speaker, Rep. David Van Wie, D-New Gloucester, will inform attendees of the accomplishments of the 124th Legislature and provide a preview of its second session. He serves House District 105, which includes New Gloucester, Durham and a part of Lisbon. He is a key member of the Utilities and Energy Committee and is a member of the Moderate Caucus.

For more information, contact caucus convener Penny Hilton at 926-4004 or lupine@maine.rr.com.

Historical society’s annual meeting

The annual meeting of the New Gloucester Historical Society will be held on Thursday, Jan. 21, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Meetinghouse, Route 231, next to Town Hall. All members are encouraged to attend. The agenda will include election of officers, updates and future plans for the society.

Cheese-making classes

Learn to make your own delicious cheese at one or both classes being taught at Pineland Farms, Jan. 29 and 30. On Friday, work alongside experts at The Creamery through each step of the process to create their award-winning cheeses. Friday includes lunch, apprenticeship at The Creamery, your own 2-pound wheel of cheese, and an evening wine and cheese party.

On Saturday, head cheese maker Mark Whitney will teach how to make small batches of ricotta and mozzarella. Saturday includes lunch and cheese-making class, make and take home three kinds of cheese.

The cost is $150 Friday, $135 Saturday, or $275 for both days. Registration is required. Contact Emily Marczak at emarczak@pinelandfarms.org or 688-4691 for registration and questions.

Cabin fever book sale

The Friends of the New Gloucester Library will be holding its annual Cabin Fever Book and Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 13. Back by popular demand, all of the books offered will be on sale, in addition to puzzles, games and delicious baked goods.

Mark your calendars for this wonderful sale. Lots to keep you busy when cabin fever sets in. The Friends are always looking for donations of gently used books, games, and puzzles. Please leave your donations at the New Gloucester Public Library during regular library hours. For more information, call 926-4840.

Triathlon training

Cumberland County YMCA’s inaugural “Tri for the Y” was recently announced. The organization is hosting a sprint triathlon on May 22 at its Casco Bay branch in Freeport. This triathlon, which benefits the financial assistance program of the YMCA, will consist of a 325-yard pool swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run. Registration will begin in mid-January.

Starting the week of Feb. 15, New Gloucester resident Beth Birch will be offering classes in swimming, biking and running; two seven-week Triathlon 101 sessions that will take you step-by-step through the training process right up to Tri for the Y. Each seven-week session is $85 for YMCA members and $170 for non-members. For more information, call Pineland YMCA at 688-2255. You can register for classes online now at www.cumberlandcountyymca.org. To speak to Beth about any questions you may have, call 926-5890.

Town facilities closed Monday

All town facilities will be closed Monday, Jan. 18, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.