Technology leader of the year

Bob Asselin of New Gloucester, a technology integrator for RSU 14, has been named Technology Leader of the Year for 2010 by the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine. ACTEM is a statewide organization of teachers, administrators, and businesses dedicated to bringing quality technology resources to Maine students.

Asselin is close to reaching the 30-year milestone of teaching in Windham. For most of his career, he was a high school biology teacher. In 2002, he left his student classroom to begin instructing teachers.

Asselin was honored Oct. 14 at the ACTEM annual awards banquet at the Augusta Civic Center. The dinner was part of the 23rd annual MAINEducation Conference held Oct. 14-15 with nearly 1000 educators and technology vendors in attendance.

ACTEM’s awards are in line with national awards sponsored by the International Society of Technology in Education, so his name will be entered in the national competition.

Question 4

Question 4 of the referendum election ballot reads, “Shall the county approve the new charter recommended by the charter commission?” So, how are you going to vote?

Did you know that our county has never had a charter before? Cumberland County government is currently operating under governance determined over 200 years ago, based on the conditions and lifestyle of that era. A charter will allow for a modernized structure of county government.

Two years ago, members of a charter commission were elected tasked with the responsibility to create a document with provisions to create a more responsive and efficient form of regional government. One of the commission’s members is New Gloucester’s-own David Lunt, who advocates the adoption of this charter.

This document will allow for the increase of the number of commissioners from the current three to five, permitting more representation per capita. Right now, each district contains about 80,000 citizens; the new formula would reduce the ratio to approximately one commissioner per 50,000 residents.

To read the proposed charter, see www.cumberlandcountychartercommission.org, Proposed Charter sidebar. Questions can be directed to Lunt at 926-3877.

Sample ballots

New Gloucester voters can preview sample ballots on the Election sidebar at www.newgloucester.com. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2; voting is at Memorial School, 86 Intervale Road, New Gloucester, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Good News Club

The Good News Club has started at Dunn School on Morse Road in New Gloucester. It is held each Tuesday from 3-4:30 p.m. for children K through grade 6, featuring Bible lessons, songs, memory verses and snacks. For more information, call Kathy at 657-4517.

Turkey supper

On Saturday, Oct. 30, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Sabbathday Lake Grange will hold its annual turkey supper with all the fixings. The grange hall is located on Sabbathday Road, just off Route 26 in New Gloucester and is handicapped accessible.

Pie-making class

Learn the secrets to making sweet and spicy apple pie with flaky crust from the master – Debbie Thurlow of Debbie’s Pies. The class takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at The Market at Pineland Farms, 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester.

Cost is $45, which includes lunch, pie-making class, a freshly baked pie to take home and Debbie’s apple pie recipe. Pre-registration is required. Contact Marlene at 926-3913 or education@pinelandfarms.org.

‘Beauty and?the Beast’

Gray-New Gloucester High School’s Patriot Players will present Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast” Nov. 18-20. Along with a talented cast, the show will feature a Broadway backdrop, enchanted castle set, and incredible costumes from Lyric Music Theater in South Portland. There will also be an orchestra comprised of community members and students.

Show times at the high school are 7 p.m. on Nov. 18, 19, 20, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 20. Children will have a chance to have their photograph taken with actors after the matinee show. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students.

Successful pie sale

The annual New Gloucester Historical Society pie sale was a huge success, with 150 pies baked and sold. Thanks go out to the many volunteer bakers and customers. Also, the society is grateful for the generosity of Thompson’s Orchard for donating the apples.

Hop aboard! Sponsored by the Maine Antique Tractor Club, tractor barrel rides are a popular attraction at the New Gloucester Community Fair Oct. 16. (Photo by Patti Mikkelsen)