56.73 percent

This grade represents Gray’s recycling rate for 2009. With 230 of the nearly 300 participating municipalities already reporting, the Maine State Planning Office confidently predicts that Gray’s 2009 performance falls within the top 10 percent.

Gray’s accomplishment also represents positive financial news for Gray residents. Simply put: if it goes in the trash dumpster, Gray has to pay… If it’s recycled, Gray gets paid.

Randy Cookson and his team at the Gray Transfer Station deserve a round of applause as they provide the solid foundation for our town’s success. They have designed the transfer station to be user-friendly and tactfully remind us how to maximize our recycling efforts. So when asked to please not throw that cardboard, glass, plastic, etc, in with the trash and recycle it instead, their primary goal is to save Gray and the taxpayer money.

Congratulations are certainly in order for the citizens of Gray. Keep up the good work!

Summer soccer

Patriot Soccer Camp will be held from July 26 – July 30 for boys and girls currently in grades 3-8, Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Varsity boys coach Mike Dehetre will be assisted by several Gray-New Gloucester varsity players. The fee is $100 which includes a T-shirt and daily popsicle.

For more information, call the Parks and Recreation office at 657-2323 or visit www.graymaine.org.

Cultural scene

Tuesday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m., the Gray Public Library will be hosting an evening performance of “As You Like It” by the Poland Shakespeare Company. Bring the whole family!

Come in and 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.

PJs at the park

The Maine Wildlife Park on Route 26 in Gray will be having a Wear Your PJs Night Visit Saturday, July 24, from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. You’re invited to wear your pajamas to a night visit at the park, play nocturnal wildlife games and take a short learning tour about how animals prepare for and survive during the hours between dusk and dawn. There will be special owl, big cat and bat exhibits. Regular admission fees apply. If raining, call the office at 657-4977. The Nature Store and Snack Shack will be open for snacks and souvenirs.

On the following Saturday, July 31, Biodiversity Institute will be featured from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call 657-4977, ext. 1, for more information 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.

Each camper will receive a camp T-shirt, soccer ball, giant 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.

Pennell celebration

Henry Pennell Municipal Complex Rededication Ceremony will be held on July 24 from noon-9:30 p.m. This historic community event will include tours of the renovation, live music, vendors, a chicken barbecue and the brick memorial walkway dedication. A time capsule will be buried and a great fireworks display will end the festivities.

Go to www.graymaine.org to view a complete listing of events or call 657-3339.

Ten years already?

Gray-New Gloucester High School Class of 2000 10-Year Reunion will be held Friday, Oct. 22, at Spring Meadows on Lewiston Road from 7 p.m. to midnight.

For more information, contact Ryan Hughes at HughesRP@hotmail.com.

Libby Hill celebration

After two years of hard work, the Gray Community of Endowment met its goal of raising $160,000 to pay off the money it borrowed to purchase 29 acres from Hancock. Gray voters put the fundraising over the top when they approved $8,000 as part of the town’s budget in June’s election.

Thanks go to the over 200 individual donors, the Friends of Libby Hill, the foundations and the many local businesses that helped support fundraising events.

An ice cream social is planned for Aug. 1 to celebrate the success of the Save Libby Hill Campaign.

Go out for supper

Gray First Congregational Church will hold its monthly Public Supper on Saturday, July 24, from 5-6 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults, $3 for children under 12.

The menu includes baked beans, casseroles, salad, homemade biscuits and pies. The meal is served in the Supper Room of the church and it is handicapped accessible. Call 657-4279 or on the day of the event 657-3279 for more information.