Thank you

The Gray-New Gloucester Optimist Club would like to thank the community newspapers for writing about their yearly “Learn to Fish” event, in conjunction with Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs, for the children in our communities. This event would not happen without the generous donation of time, talent and treasures from supporting businesses and people. The club would like to thank the major sponsors: FET Inc., Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, GNG Gazette, Maine Cosmetic Dentistry, Boulos Property Management and one anonymous donor. Over 400 people were fed with the generous donations of food and equipment from Aramark and USM food services, Micucci Wholesale Foods and Hannaford. Club members thank everyone who helped them have another successful year and they hope to see you all again next year in mid May for this free, family event!

Gray Parks and Rec

Girls Pick-Up Basketball will be Thursdays at Newbegin’s Outdoor Court at 6 p.m., starting on July 8 for grades 5-6 with coaches Tom and Ian Hebert.

On July 10, Josh Libby Kickball Tournament and Danielle Doyle Tropical Beach Bash will be held at Newbegin. Events are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event is a major fundraiser for the Josh Libby and Danielle Doyle Scholarship Fund.

North American Soccer Camp is back for another summer. All of the coaches are trained to create an atmosphere that is conductive to learning the skills and fundamentals of soccer, to gain a sense of accomplishment and most of all to have fun. Registration forms are available at Newbegin, Gray Town Office or online.

The camp will be held at Gray-New Gloucester Middle School field on July 19-23. For more information, call the Parks and Recreation office at 657-2323 or visit www.graymaine.org.

Town of Gray

All three Town Warrant articles were passed at the special Town Meeting held on June 29.

Watch for information on the re-dedication of Pennell to be held July 24!

For information, visit www.graymaine.org or call 657-3339.

Fiddlehead fun

Open House at Fiddlehead Art & Science Center will be Wednesday, July 14, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Register for summer day camps, fall 2010 programs, preschool, private kindergarten and alternative aftercare programs!

July 12 – July 30, Summer Theater for Kids will be held at the Pownal Elementary School for ages 8 and up, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. “Aladdin Jr.” will be the show. All your favorite characters are here in this stage adaptation of the Disney hit, including Aladdin, Jasmine, and, of course, the Genie.

With generous support from the Horizon Foundation, there is a sliding scale payment option. Call the center at 657-2244 to register and for tuition fees.

The center is at 25 Shaker Road, Gray.

Library art display

Visit Gray Public Library to see the artwork of local artist Nancy Wilson. Her beautiful pieces are currently displayed in the computer area at the library on Hancock Street.

For information, call 657-4110 or e-mail graylib@gray.lib.me.us.

Ducks Unlimited

The Maine Wildlife Park on Route 26 in Gray will feature a program Saturday, July 10, by Ducks Unlimited, the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Learn more about DU in Maine at www.ducks.org/states/47.

On the following Saturday, July 17, it is Maine Warden Service Day. District game wardens will be on hand with the Wall of Shame mobile exhibit, K-9 teams, representatives of the Dive Team and Search and Rescue Team. Learn what it takes to become a game warden, and come with your questions for the men and women charged with the protection of the people, wildlife, woods and waters of the state. For information, visit www.mainegamewarden.com.

For information, call 657-4977, ext. 1, or visit www.mainewildlifepark.com.

The British

are coming!

Patriot Soccer Club has teamed up to host the week-long British soccer camp during the week of Aug. 9 -13 at the Patriot Soccer Club fields.

Challengers’ British Soccer Camp is a week of drills and skills. In addition to taking part in a daily regimen of foot skill development, technical and tactical practices and daily tournament style plays, each child will also be treated to a rich cultural experience and lessons on respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship.

Teams are also welcome to attend and receive a week of focused instruction to prepare them for the fall season.

Each camper will receive a free camp T-shirt, soccer ball, soccer poster and an individual skills performance evaluation. Space is limited – parents are encouraged to sign up online in advance at www.challengersports.com or contact Bruce Sawyer at gng1978@hotmail.com or Karl Spratt at kspratt@challengersports.com.