Supper out

The First Congregational Church on Route 115 in Gray will be dishing up a Public Supper on Saturday May 28, at 5 p.m. Meal includes: Baked beans, casseroles, salads, homemade breads and desserts and beverages. Adults are $7, children under 12 are $3. Handicapped accessible. Contact 657-4279 for more information or day of supper 657-3279.

Gems of ?Route 26 Day

The Gray Town Council has proclaimed Saturday, May 28, as “Gems of Route 26 Day.” A celebration will be held at Heritage Day at Poland Spring Resort, where all the Gems of 26 partners will be on display, in honor of the day.

The town of Gray is home to a wonderfully unique, family-friendly “Gem,” The Maine Wildlife Park. Gray is also a proud member of The Gems of Route 26, celebrating their third year of promoting the Route 26 corridor of western Maine in 2011.

Route 26 connects western Maine to the rest of the state via Maine Turnpike’s exit 63 in Gray. Though a state highway, the road meanders through gorgeous countryside and boasts culturally, historically, and ecologically significant attractions.

Honor our veterans

The Gray Annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 30, at 11 a.m. The procession will begin at the Russell School, on Route 26 and continue through Gray Center to the Henry Pennell Municipal Complex on Main Street. There, a ceremony will be held in honor of our veterans.

The parade will then proceed to the American Legion Hall, where refreshments will be served to the marchers. Organizations with a patriotic theme are encouraged to participate.

If you would like to join in the festivities, please call Jason White (commander of the American Legion) or e-mail jwillow26@aol.com. Also, all veterans who would like to be included are encouraged to particpate. Cars will be provided for those who are unable to march.

Hike and bike

National Trails Day is on June 4, where there will be opportunities to hike and bike at Libby Hill Forest, in Gray across from the Gray-New Gloucester Middle School. At 9 a.m. there will be a mountain bike ride, bring your bike and get to know the trail system. This ride will last up to 1.5 hours. At 10:30 a.m., Libby Hill Forest stewards will lead a farmstead tour that may last up to 1.5 hours. Donations are encouraged and will be gladly accepted.

Wild news

On Saturday, May 28, through Memorial Day Monday, May 30, the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park will be conducting their Annual Plant Sale at the park on Route 26 in Gray. The volunteer group helps out the wildlife park in so many ways; learn more about their ongoing projects and enjoy great bargains on spring plants with annual and perennial flowers, vegetables and floral baskets grown in their own greenhouse. Plants will be available all day each day.

On Saturday, June 4, The Ancient Ones will be at the Maine Wildlife Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This group, in full period dress, will set up a real Living History Camp from the late 1700s-1800s. They will put up a canvas tent and have demonstrations all day long, including fire starting, cooking, trading, tomahawk throwing, flint knapping, flintlock muskets, weaving. For more information, call 657-4977, ext. 0 or www.mainewildlifepark.com.

Kickball anyone?

Josh Libby Kickball Tournament is Saturday, June 5, at Newbegin Fields. Limited to 12 teams. There is a $100 entry fee for a team of 15, which includes barbecue and T-shirts for winners. FMI, call Gray Recreation at 657-2323.

Get into the swim

Red Cross Swimming Lessons will be held at Wilkies Beach on Crystal Lake in Gray. Lessons will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 28 to July 28. Fee is $35/child. Registrations nights are June 8 and 14 from 6- 7 p.m.

These lessons are available for all children in the Gray/New Gloucester area. The times for each age group will be announced at registration. For more information on the swim lessons call Lisa Pardi at 657-3430.

More beans

American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 86 in Gray, will hold its monthly Bean Supper at 15 Lewiston Road on Saturday, June 4, from 5 to 6 p.m. On the menu are pea and kidney beans, chop suey, cole slaw, hot dogs, breads, pie, coffee and punch.

The meal costs $7 for over 12 years of age; $2.50 for 5 to 12 year old; under 5 are free. Proceeds benefit veterans and their families and children in the area. Any questions, call Nancy True at 657-2661 (cell 653-3886) or Legion at 657-4884.

Got a green thumb

Not Your Mother’s Garden Club Annual Plant Sale will be held at the American Legion in Gray at 15 Lewiston Road on Saturday, June 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Maine-grown plants, many of them perennials from local gardens will be available.

The proceeds will benefit a scholarship to any Gray-New Gloucester High School graduating senior who is studying to pursue a “green” or horticulture career.

Kickin’ it

The Patriot Soccer Club announced that registration for the fall 2011 season is now open through June 1. Payment and registration information is online on their website at www.patriotsoccerclub.org.

Hannah, Lily, Lauren, Makayla and Elisabeth participated in a bake sale in Gray last Saturday to benefit The Gray-New Gloucester Diamond Competitive Cheering Squad. (Photo by Marilyn Keating-Porcaro)