Christmas Assistance

The Caring Community of GNG is preparing for Christmas and welcomes monetary donations from individuals, civic groups or businesses interested in sponsoring a family or individual for Christmas. Donations can be sent directly to CCGNG, PO Box 1244, Gray, ME 04039. For more information, please contact Christina Foster at 233-0828 or email her at winkers92@yahoo.com.

Shoebox Success

The goal of 50 filled shoeboxes with cheer for a child this holiday season was reached. People from our community were invited to fill a shoebox with a variety of gifts for children of all ages. The gifts will be distributed by the Caring Community of GNG to families who find themselves in need at Christmas time. Thanks to the generosity of many townsfolk, numerous gifts were donated at the tree lighting ceremony.

Tree Relief

This January when it’s time to retire the Christmas tree, the Gray Transfer Station is making that job easy and charitable. There will be no charge to dispose of Christmas trees for the months of December, January and February. However, monetary donations will be accepted in lieu of the disposal fee with all monies benefiting the Gray Food Pantry.

Lost Valley Fun

Boys and girls ages 7 to 14 years old may participate in this six-week ski and snowboarding program. Transportation will be provided by Hudson Bus Lines. The bus will pick up and drop off students at the GNG Middle School, Russell School, Dunn School and Memorial School.

Lessons for skiing and snowboarding will start at 4:15 p.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. There will be an additional one hour of skiing/boarding after lessons (or two hours of skiing/boarding if not doing lessons). No children will be able to stay at Lost Valley after 6:30 p.m. Parents that chaperone all six weeks (on the bus) can ski for free for the whole two-hour time (unless you are needed to help with supervision of children).

If you are renting equipment you must go to Lost Valley to get fitted – please contact Lost Valley for an individual appointment at 784-1561. You must make an appointment before Jan. 4.

There is a minimum of 26 participants to hold this program. For more information, go to Gray Recreation’s website, www.grayrec.com, the Recreation office at Gray Town Hall (24 Main St.) or call 657-2323.

Derby Time

The 2013 Crystal Lake Ice Fishing Derby is just around the corner. Hope you are marking your calendars for Jan. 26, the last Saturday in January, to have a great family day. Tickets go on sale Dec. 1. Check out www.crystallakederby.com for more information.

Kindle Class

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 6:30 p.m. or Thursday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m., the Gray Public Library will be offering a free one-hour beginners class on using your Kindle. Learn how to download free books from the library’s website. Sign up at the circulation desk or call 657-4110. A Nook class will be scheduled at a later date. Please watch for that class here or on the website at www.gray.lib.me.us/

Holiday Schedule

The Gray town office, transfer station, and public works are closed Dec. 24 and 25. The Gray Public Library will be closed Dec. 22, 24, and 25. Each will also be closed Jan. 1.

Snowmobile ?and Dog Licenses

Gray residents may register snowmobiles online at www10.informe.org/ifw/atv-snow/. To use this service, you must have registered owner information; vehicle information; and credit/debit card (Master Card, Visa). Following the online transaction, you will receive a confirmation page to print for immediate use. The official snowmobile registration and stickers will arrive at the shipping address specified within 10 business days.

All dog licenses expire on Dec. 31, 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 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.

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 via the Internet until Jan. 31 at www10.informe.org/ dog_license/.

Winter Wiffleball

Coed Fast Pitch Wiffleball, with teams of up to six per side, will run on Sundays beginning Jan. 6. The league will continue until March 24. All games are held at Newbegin Gym. Game times will begin at 8 a.m., and will be on the hour as teams will play two six-inning games. All players must be grade nine and above. Any individuals looking to play, please sign up and we’ll place you on a team if space is available. Teams, get creative in your team name (clean please) and your team shirts/color. Eight teams will be accepted with a minimum of four and a maximum of six per team. Includes two Wiffleball bats per team, Champions will be given team jerseys.

You can find out all of the rules by contacting Roger at 657-6762. Cost is $40 per player.

The Gift of Music

The benefits conveyed by music education can be grouped in four categories: Success in society, school, developing intelligence and life. Music lessons are available at Fiddlehad Art and Science Center starting the week of Jan. 7 and running through the end of May. Recitals are in June. Lessons are based on availability.

As a non-profit organization Fiddlehead relies on private funding and donations. By supporting Fiddlehead’s programs, you will help to inspire a community of lifelong learners and an appreciation of the arts and sciences. Contact Jacinda Cotton-Castro, for a personal tour or more information on our giving program. Fiddlehead is located at 25 Shaker Road.

Deb Nickerson, of Gray Parks and Recreation, gets help delivering brightly decorated Christmas gifts to Christina Foster of Caring Community of Gray-New Gloucester from Gray firefighters Nick and Chris.