Good friends, ?good food

A public supper consisting of baked beans, casseroles, salads, homemade breads and desserts will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, 5 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, Route 115, in Gray. Dinner will cost adults $8, children under under 12 are $4. Handicapped accessible. Contact number is 657-4279 or day of the supper 657-3279.

Volunteer awards

On Dec. 20, the town had a party at Spring Meadow Country Club. It was well attended with town volunteers and town staff enjoying a holiday celebration to recognize everyone for their service to the town.

The high point of the evening was the presentation of the volunteer awards. Council Chair Matthew Sturgis presented certificates of recognition to Volunteer of the Year Judy Huff for her tireless service at the Gray Transfer Station. Committee of the Year went to the Patriot Parents for their support of the school district; Organization of the Year went to Caring Community for its efforts to assist needy families in town. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Barbara Pollard for her dedication to the Cemetery Board; and the Evelyn Morrill Durgin Award went to Sue Trudel for her diligent efforts keeping the monument planted and cared for. Tax Assessor Helen Taylor was also recognized for her total of 23 years of service to the town. Helen has decided to retire at the end of February after 16 years in the position of assessor.

A call for volunteers

There are still many positions open on various town boards and committees. Members of these special groups of citizens are the backbone of many policy decisions and community development among many other projects.

Go to www.graymaine.org, click on January newsletter to see Current Board and Committee vacancies and get an application, visit the Gray Town Hall or call 657-3339 for more information.

Crystal Lake Derby

The third annual Crystal Lake Ice Fishing Derby will be held on Jan. 28 at Camp Gregory, 24 North Raymond Road in Gray. There will be a Kittery Trading Post Kid’s Derby from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. and a Liberty Family Foundation All-Ages Derby from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. An Ice Shanty competition and a Polar Plunge will be held, among other events.

This derby primary mission is to support our Maine military, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and local community schools by hosting the Best Maine outdoor event. Check out www.crystallakederby.com for more information and volunteer opportunities.

More derby events

On Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Gray Parks and Recreation Department will host a Kids Zone across from Saint Gregory’s adjacent to the large parking area. In addition to the following schedule of events, Kids Zone will provide an information booth and a warming tent where hot cocoa, bottled water, and cookies will be available throughout the day.

Check out these other events: A huge sliding hill for kids and adults is a new addition this year. No need to pack a sled, flying saucers will be provided. Dog sled rides will once again be provided by North American Versatile Hunting Dogs Association. Snow Shoeing equipment and basic instructions, if necessary, will be available to all. Participants will be offered a figure 8 and a trail through the woods. Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides: Experience the thrill of being pulled across the field by beautiful teams of draft horses. Kids Workshop: Come visit the Home Depot tent and build something in the “Kids Workshop.” Staff from Home Depot will assist the children and supply all of the materials for the projects. Up, Up, And Away: Helicopter rides up and around Crystal Lake. See all of the activity on the lake from above. Fee: $30 per person.

The Gray Recreation Department, its staff, and valued volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to assist participants and ensure that everyone finds the activities that will bring the biggest smiles. With the exception of the helicopter rides, all activities are free.

Keep Fido legal

All dog licenses expired on Dec. 31 in Gray and must be renewed before Jan. 31 to avoid a $25 late fee per dog. Fees for neutered/spayed dogs are $6 per year and non-neutered/non-spayed dogs are $11 per year. If the dog(s) is no longer in your possession or if you have any questions, please contact the Town Office at 657-3339 or email admin@graymaine.org, prior to Tuesday, Jan. 31. A current rabies certificate is required for registration. You may license your dog(s) via the mail or in person. Dogs may also be licensed online until Jan. 31.

Oh, Christmas tree

There will be no charge to dispose of Christmas trees for the months January and February. However, monetary donations will be accepted in lieu of the disposal fee with all monies benefiting the Gray Food Pantry.

Tax-acquired property auction

The town of Gray will be holding an auction for the three properties that are tax-acquired: Parcel 1 – Yarmouth Road; Parcel 2 – Depot Road; Parcel 3 – Off Northern Oaks Drive. The date of auction is Feb. 3 at the Town Council Chamber at Gray Town Office from 3-4 p.m.

A deposit at the time of award shall be required in the amount of not less than 10 percent of the awarded auction bid price with the balance due and payable within 10 business days upon presentation of deed.

For more information on the properties and details of the auction go to: www.graymaine.org, visit the Gray Town Hall or call 657-3339.

A tale about a … tail

There will be an evening movie at the Gray Public Library, Hancock St. in Gray, on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 5:30 p.m. They will be showing the new release: “A Dolphin Tale,” a story centered on the friendship between a boy and a dolphin whose tail was lost in a crab trap. Free and open to all, no sign-up required. Please contact the library at 657-4110 or stop by the circulation desk for details.