Christmas Assistance

The Caring Community of Gray-New Gloucester is preparing for Christmas and would welcome monetary donations as well as individuals, civic groups or businesses to sponsor a family or individual for Christmas.

Donations can be sent directly to CCGNG, PO Box 1244, Gray, ME 04039. For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Christina Foster at 233-0828 or e-mail her at winkers92@yahoo.com.

Applications for holiday assistance are available at the town halls in Gray and New Gloucester, the Gray Public Library, and also at the Dunn, Russell and Memorial schools. Completed applications can be placed in the drop boxes at these locations and must to be submitted no later than Friday, Dec 7. Christmas assistance includes a food basket and gifts for school-aged children 18 and under for residents of Gray and New Gloucester.

Internet Computer Classes

A new computer class will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 3-4 p.m., at the Gray Public Library. Basic Internet will run for four Wednesdays, concluding Wednesday, Dec. 19. Space is limited to four students at a time, please sign up at the Circulation Desk. Gray Public Library, 5 Hancock St., Gray, ME, 657-4110, graylib@gray.lib.me.us.

Gingerbread House and Santa

What could be better? Please join the library for their annual Gingerbread House building event on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All supplies are provided by the Gray Public Library Association and the event is free and open to all. No sign-up is required. Also, a photo session with Santa will occur the same day and time. Sponsored by the Dunn School Patriot Parents, $5 per photo. Gray Public Library, 5 Hancock St., Gray, ME, 657-4110, graylib@gray.lib.me.us.

Historic Holiday House Tour

Want to visit a Gray Village home that once housed the local telephone switchboard? Or a fine example of a New England brick Colonial, built in 1840 with bricks that were kilned in Gray? How about the oldest home in Gray, built in the 1760s?

You can see these and four more historic Gray homes just by taking a tour under the auspices of the Gray Public Library Association. Some of the homes may be decorated for the holidays, and many boast original features.

This event will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 1 until 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 each, with all proceeds going to the renovation and expansion of the Gray Public Library. Light refreshments will be served, and hosts will be on hand to discuss the historical importance of the homes.

Tickets will be available at the Gray Public Library during normal hours, and you can make advance reservations by calling Nancy Wilson, of the GPLA, at 657-3079.

Shoebox Giving

You can fill a shoebox with cheer for a child this holiday season. Stop by and pick up a shoebox (or find your own.) Fill it with items for a child, you pick age and gender. It can be filled with candy, school supplies, toys, toothbrush, hat, mittens, etc.

Return by Thursday, Dec. 13, to Gray Parks and Recreation. All shoeboxes go to LOCAL Gray/New Gloucester children in need. Call 657-2323 if you have any questions.

Winter Parking Ban Notice

From Nov. 15 to April 15, between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., no vehicle shall be parked at any time on a public way, public street or within a town-owned parking lot, due to snow removal. Vehicles in violation of the ordinance (Section 502.3) will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Nutcracker Spectacular

The Studio for Living Arts ballet students bring the magical tale of the Nutcracker to life at our annual “Nutcracker Spectacular” performance on Dec. 15 at Windham High School at 1 p.m. This unique show also combines dance performances to holiday classics by students from our jazz, tap, and hip hop classes. Tickets are $14 reserved seating. FMI, www.studioforthelivingarts@yahoo.com or call 657-3006.

Gray Referendum Results

Here are some quick results from the Gray Referendum that were voted on Nov. 6.

Article 2: Bond Issue Library Expansion, Yes 2,488, No 1,963. Article 3: Charter Amendment, Yes 2,962, No 1,222. MSAD 15 Question 1: Capital Funds for Land Purchase and Field Study, Yes 2,988; No 1,492. Check out www.graymaine.org for more information.

Fiddlehead

Artisan Fair

Buy local and support 17 artists and artisans at Fiddlehead Art and Science Center, Route 26 in Gray, Friday, Nov. 23, from 4-6 p.m. for wine and cheese and a preview (yes, you can buy) of the handmade items. Then, Saturday, Nov. 24, they will continue the Holiday Artisan Fair from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Through the generosity of the artists, there will also be a raffle that supports the Fiddlehead Scholarship program.

West Gray

Early History

On Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m., the Gray Historical Society will have a program on early history of West Gray, by Hubert Cobb. It will be held at the Gray Public Library, Hancock Street in Gray. Call 657-4110 for more information.

As is their annual tradition, members of the Gray New Gloucester Middle School National Junior Honor Society generously assembled and donated 18 food baskets to the Caring Community of Gray New Gloucester.?The baskets include all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including a gift certificate for a turkey. Through donations such as this as well as sponsorships, the Caring Community coordinates the distribution of Thanksgiving and Christmas meal baskets to individuals and families who find themselves in need at the holidays.?This year, more than 85 baskets were distributed. Courtesy photo