Preschool enrollment

The Block House Preschool in New Gloucester will open enrollment for new students on April 1. It is a nonprofit co-op preschool for children ages 21?2 to 5.

For 30 years, Block House has been providing a developmentally based, individualized program in a non-competitive environment. Staffed by three experienced early childhood educators, run by parents and housed in the Congregational Church, Block House is the quintessential old-fashioned preschool. To register for the 2010-2011 school year, schedule a visit, or for more information, contact the preschool at 926-3639 or blockhousepreschool@yahoo.com.

Its largest fundraiser of the year is an annual Silent Auction coming up Saturday, April 10, at Spring Meadows Golf Club in Gray from 7-9 p.m. and will offer live music, complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. All auction proceeds are deposited into the preschool’s scholarship fund, which lowers tuition for all students. Tickets are $7 at the door or $5 in advance. To purchase tickets, donate an auction item, or become a corporate sponsor, contact Erica at 926-3639 or blockhousepreschool@yahoo.com.

Easter egg hunt

This year the Pineland Farms Easter egg hunt will take place on Saturday, March 27, with a rain date of March 28. The Easter Bunny will be making his annual appearance at the Market and Welcome Center at 10:30 a.m., with giveaways and prizes for children. Gray Parks and Recreation will be partnering with Pineland Farms again to put on this great event, with thousands of plastic eggs pre-stuffed with candy scattered around the grounds. This year will also feature the first annual ‘Egg Roll,’ an event similar to the one that takes place on the White House lawn.

The event is open to children of all ages; although the egg hunt, which starts at 11 a.m., will feature separate fields for children of varying ages. For more information, call 688-4539.

Easter services

New Gloucester Bible Church, 218 Lewiston Road, will be holding an Easter sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 4, in the Hill Cemetery across from the church. A breakfast to which all are welcomed to attend will be served at 7:30 a.m. Easter worship service starts at 10:30 a.m., with nursery and junior church provided. For more information, contact the Michauds at 926-3140.

New Gloucester First Congregational Church will be conducting its Easter sunrise service at 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 4, at Opportunity Farm. The service will be led by Pastor Linda Gard and ministerial intern Holly Morrison. The Easter service in the church’s sanctuary at 19 Gloucester Hill Road will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Compost bins for sale

The town of New Gloucester urges its residents to do their part for Earth Day 2010 by composting their yard and food waste. Earth Machine backyard compost bins are offered for sale for $38.50 each, less than half of their retail value. This 80-gallon capacity container made of recycled plastic converts grass, leaves and table scraps into an abundant supply of rich garden soil. Also available for sale is The Rain Barrel, a 55-gallon capacity container that is great for collecting rain water for your garden. The price is $55.

Order forms are available at the town office and transfer station, and a sample of each item is on display at the transfer station. The deadline for orders is April 30, and the products can be picked up May 17-21. Checks are to be made payable to “Town of New Gloucester.” For more information, call the town office, 926-4126 ext. 1.

Patriot Soccer Club fall registration

The Patriot Soccer Club Fall 2010 registration will open on April 1 for all youth ages 8 to 13 (as of Aug. 1). Its fees remain at $125 for first child registered, $100 for second child and $75 for the third child. Please register online at www.patriotsoccerclub.org. If you have any questions, contact any member of the board listed on the Web site. Deadline to register is June 1.

History Barn open

The next monthly open house of the New Gloucester History Barn will be Saturday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. On display will be historic vehicles and a large collection of photographs. Books and mementoes will be offered for sale. Admission is free.

JimmyJo & the Jumbol’Ayuhs

JimmyJo & the Jumbol’Ayuhs hail from the “bayous” of coastal Maine. Based in Phippsburg, the Jumbol’Ayuhs serve up music from Cajun Louisiana sprinkled with a Downeast accent. The band plays lively two-steps and waltzes.

The Jumbol’Ayuhs will be headlining the next Village Coffee House at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 3. The show is held in the vestry of the New Gloucester Congregational Church at the intersection of Church and Gloucester Hill Roads in the lower village. Tickets will be available at the door for a suggested donation of $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors. For more information, contact Julie Fralich at 926-3161 or the church office at 926-3260.