Winter Blood Drive

A blood drive will be held at Saint Gregory, 24 North Raymond Road, in Gray, on Friday, Jan. 31, from 1-6 p.m. Please donate and help others.

What’s New

The Winter/Spring 2014 Gray and New Gloucester Adult and Community Education Brochure is out and available around town at the Gray library, Town Hall, etc. and you can go online at www.msad15.org, click on Adult Education and view the new brochure also. All type of classes and programs are available.

Some classes starting soon are: Phlebotomy Technician, Basic Medical Terminology, SAT Prep., Photography, Beading Basics, Necklaces and Earrings, Line dancing, Budgeting Basics, Cooking classes, How to Become a Registered Maine Guide and many more.

You can register for classes online at www.gray.maineadulted.org, by phone (657-9612), fax (657-7276), in person at GNG Adult and Community Education at Gray-New Gloucester High School, room 149, or by mail: Gray-New Gloucester Adult Education, 14 Shaker Road, Gray, Maine 04039.

SAD 15 was proud to receive the Carol M. White physical education grant to the Wellness Committee. This grant awards G-NG schools with $981,365 to increase physical education and health opportunities at all levels across the district, and to improve community access for year-round fitness and wellness nutrition and exercise in the community. As a part of this, Adult Education is working on establishing many new programs to be announced soon. They are looking at many programs such as Fly fishing, kettle bells, Spin classes, strength training, family programs, outdoor adventure such as canoeing, kayaking, hiking, rock wall climbing, biking, nutrition and cooking classes, and a lot more will be available. Watch for details.

Go Out to Eat

A Public Supper of baked beans, casseroles, salads, homemade breads and desserts will be held on Saturday Jan. 25, at 5 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Gray, Route 115, Gray. Adults $8, and children under 12, $4. The room is handicapped accessible.

Drawing Honored

Earlier this fall, all fifth-grade students in the state were invited to enter the “Anything is Possible” contest with Gorham Savings Bank. Each student had to make a drawing that represented what success means to them. Lydia Pinard’s drawing, from Mrs. Weaver’s Gray-New Gloucester Middle School homeroom, was selected to represent the GNGMS fifth-grade class in the final voting phase. After a month of online voting, the school was informed that she won. She has shown that, indeed, anything is possible. Lydia earned her team a check from Gorham Savings Bank in the amount of $1,000. Lydia’s winning design will also be posted on reusable shopping bags distributed by Gorham Savings Bank.

Representatives from Gorham Savings Bank visited the school on Dec. 11 and surprised Lydia with the news of her winning. Her parents were also on hand for the award ceremony. The reusable shopping bag with Lydia’s design will be available at local businesses.

Town of Gray Honors Volunteers

Each year, the town of Gray honors those who work tirelessly to improve the Gray community through volunteerism. This tireless group exemplifies community spirit, making a substantial positive impact that would not be possible without their many hours of service. At a reception on Tuesday, Dec. 17, town staff, board members, and committee members recognized the town’s wonderful volunteers with five special awards.

Volunteer of the Year went to Richard Skilling. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Tina Martell. The Evelyn Morrill Durgin Award went to Nathan Tsukroff. Organization of the Year went to Patriot Soccer Club. Committee of the Year went to the Recreation and Conservation Committee. Congratulations and thank you.

Enjoy Beautiful Crystal Lake

The Crystal Lake-Liberty Family Foundation Ice Fishing Derby is Saturday, Jan. 25, at 24 North Raymond Road in Gray. They have thousands of dollars worth of derby and door prizes to give away as well as a chance to win a 2014 Ford Raptor from Casco Bay Ford. The derby hours are 6 a.m.-2 p.m. The ticket price is $15 and parking fee is $5 (free with pre-purchased ticket.) Along with the All-Ages Derby and Kid’s Derby, there will be a Patriot Polar Plunge. Check in at 1:30 p.m., plunge at 2 p.m., Ice Shanty Competition and a Yellow Ribbon Tent.

Visit www.crystallakederby.com for any and all information and click on the Any Age or Kid’s Derby page for ticket locations and updated prize listing.

Gray-New Gloucester Middle School fifth grader Lydia Pinard won a $1,000 prize from Gorham Savings Bank for her “Anything is Possible” contest entry, above. Each student in the statewide contest had to make a drawing that represented what success means to them.