All Aboard

Your car or truck is estimated to cost approximately $10,000 per year to operate when all associated expenses are factored in. That was a statement made by Tony Donovan of the Maine Rail Transit Coalition at an informational meeting on Nov. 29 to provide partial justification for a Portland to Auburn passenger rail service option. Other factors cited were reducing traffic on congested highways and providing economic and environmental benefits.

The environmental aspect was emphasized by Joan Saxe of the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club who opened the meeting. She said that train service would reduce overall emissions and fuel usage.

Nearly all of the 29-mile section of the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railway envisioned for this commuter passenger rail service is owned by the Maine Department of Transportation. Additionally, the railway is used very infrequently. These two basic factors make the project feasible, according to Donovan. He added that 22 round trips daily are envisioned, and a sleek-looking, three-car Nippon-Sharyo diesel train would most likely be the model used.

The location of the visioning session was appropriate in that it was held at the Danville Junction Grange, near the convergence of several railroad tracks. At one point, the train whistle could be faintly heard by those in attendance, adding to the ambience.

For more information on this venture known as the Smart Growth Mobility Project, call Donovan at 329-6732 or see www.MaineRailTransit.org.

Free Holiday Wine Tasting

Those 21 and over are invited to join in on a complimentary tasting of a selection of wines that are perfect for holiday entertaining. Come learn which varietals complement traditional holiday foods, and try before you buy. Bring a friend and make an outing of it.

The wine tasting takes place from 3 to 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14, at The Market and Welcome Center at Pineland Farms, 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester. Call 688-4539 for more information.

Revelations about the War of 1812

What do you know about the War of 1812? According to historical researcher Larry Glatz, other conflicts in American history are well documented, but relatively little is known about this one. Within a talk he gave at the Nov. 15 New Gloucester Historical Society meeting, he said that the lack of material about the War of 1812 drew him to conduct a two-year study of the subject. Another impetus was Maine’s involvement in the war.

New Gloucester television volunteers recorded and edited this interesting 63-minute presentation, and the program will be shown on community access television Channel 3, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The DVD is available at the New Gloucester Public Library to be checked out or watched on site. Also, the show can be viewed at www.newgloucester.com. Scroll down to NGTV Channel 3, click line below Board/Committee Meetings: live or on demand, scroll down to Previous, click month and program.

Bible Church Candlelight Service

The New Gloucester Bible Church, 218 Lewiston Road, will be hosting its traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 24. All are welcomed. Call Pastor Dan at 926-3140 for more information.

First Congregational Church Christmas Observances

Angels will sing at the Children’s Nativity Pageant at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 16 at the New Gloucester First Congregational Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Road. The church will be holding its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service starting at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 24.

Town Facilities Holiday Hours

All town facilities will be closing at noon Monday, Dec. 24, for Christmas Eve and 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve.

Girl Scout Troop 216 hosted an event at the New Gloucester Bible Church on Dec. 2. In addition to making crafts, cookies and ornaments, the Girl Scouts and leaders?of troops 1691, 1435 and 1951?from Gray and?New Gloucester were asked to bring a gift that would be donated to the Caring?Community of GNG. Sixty gifts for area children were collected and will be distributed to families?in our community this Christmas season through the CCGNG.