Attractive new sign for History Barn

On Feb. 4, Stephen and Natalie Chandler erected a new sign at the History Barn that Steve had handcrafted and lettered. The sign’s face board was derived from a 190-year-old tree that had grown in New Gloucester off the Snow Hill Road.

The trim came from a stash of lumber that his father Warner had owned for years. Steve came into possession of it upon his father’s death in 1975. The stash has traveled with Steve and his family to eight separate homes.

The sign is dedicated to Warner’s memory because he taught Steve “to putter with wood to see what is hidden inside a tree.” The new sign conforms to the style and color of the other signs in the Town Hall complex.

Open house at the History Barn

The next monthly New Gloucester History Barn open house will take place on Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to come see the new sign created by Steve Chandler as well as exhibits that feature displays about New Gloucester veterans, new acquisitions and framed historic archival photographs.

The History Barn is located behind the Town Hall on Intervale Road (Route 231). The open house is sponsored by the New Gloucester Historical Society, and there is no admission charge.

New Gloucester Democratic Caucus

The New Gloucester Democratic Committee urges registered Democrats who are town residents to come to its biennial caucus. The committee’s goal is to promote candidates that will reclaim control of the State Legislature, and make Democratic progress possible at all levels of government, from New Gloucester to the White House.

So, what do attendees do at a caucus? They indicate their presidential preference; plus they elect town committee officers, county committee members, and delegates to the June state convention. They nominate election clerks and meet legislative and local candidates. They socialize with other caucus-goers, while enjoying refreshments.

The caucus will take place from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 26, at the community room (vestry) of the First Congregational Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Road.

Note that Independents who would like to enroll in the Democratic Party are invited to come. Those enrolling should bring a photo ID and proof of residency. Any document with a street address, such as a utility bill will suffice. Post office box numbers will not be accepted.

For more information, please contact caucus convener Penny Hilton, 926-4004 or lupine@maine.rr.com.

Versatile musician to perform at Village Coffee House

Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Dale Robin Goodman will perform a program of traditional and tradition-inspired American music on March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Coffee House of New Gloucester. Whether performing on banjo, guitar or Appalachian dulcimer, Goodman brings a contemporary energy to the songs of long ago, and the sensibility of times gone by to the new songs she has written or borrowed from other songwriters. Her music spans the genres of folk, blues, early bluegrass and vintage country.?The concert takes place in the community room of the First Congregational Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Road. The admission fee is $10, $5 for seniors; pay at the door. For more information, call Julie Fralich, 926-3161, or the church office, 926-3260.

Senior potluck luncheon

Those 55 years of age and older are invited to the next senior potluck luncheon from 12-2 p.m., Thursday, March 8, at the Community Building behind New Gloucester Town Hall. For more information, contact Recreation Director Harvey Price Jr. at 926-4126 or hprice@newgloucester.com.

SleepOver at the Library

The New Gloucester Public Library’s annual SleepOver is coming up soon. The drop-off time will be before 7 p.m. on Friday, March 23, and the pick-up time will be by 8 a.m. the next day. Adult chaperones will spend the night.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited, so register early. Parents must fill out and sign an application. For more information, or to receive an application, either come to the library during regular hours or call Sue at 926-4840.

Samuel Hildreth named to Dean’s List

Samuel Hildreth, of New Gloucester, has been named to the Dean’s List at Drake University. Hildreth achieved this academic honor by earning a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher during the fall 2011 semester. Drake is a private, independent university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an enrollment of approximately 3,300 full-time undergraduate students.

New Gloucester Historical Society member Stephen Chandler puts the final touches to a sign he made to adorn the exterior of the History Barn. The next History Barn open house occurs on March 3. (Photo courtesy of Tom Blake)