Reiki and Crystal Healing

Based in New Gloucester, Tree of Life Energy Medicine is a new practice based around helping people heal, relax and maintain wellness through Reiki and crystal healing. Energy medicine is a natural and effective way to manage chronic pain, illness and stress.

Bettina Benoit-Moncure, of New Gloucester, is a certified Reiki practitioner and crystal healer. Since she was a teenager, she has been drawn to world religions and cultures. Because of her years of study in these fields, and her firsthand experience with healing practices, she believes in the power of ancient medicines and the science behind them.

Tree of Life Energy will be hosting its grand opening celebration on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at First Impressions Hair and Day Spa, located at the Hall’s Self Storage office building, 41B Maine St. (Route 26), New Gloucester. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

The public is invited to stop by this open house and pick up some informational brochures, ask questions, and try a complimentary Reiki session. Everyone who donates non-perishable food, to be given to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry in Auburn, will receive a free 20-minute Reiki session in the spa’s private room. To book an appointment, or for more information, call 508-446-0297.

Sparks’ Ark

Meet Josh Sparks of Sparks’ Ark and the array of wild animals he rehabilitates. This family education program, Monday, Dec. 22, from 1-2 p.m., is open to ages 3 and up. The program will take place in the Mt. Washington Room at the Commons on the Pineland Farms campus.

Buy tickets at The Market and Welcome Center, 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester, for $5 per person, a few minutes before the program starts. For more information, contact the education department at 650-3031 or education@pinelandfarms.org.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

The First Congregational-Christian Church of New Gloucester, 19 Gloucester Hill Road, will be holding its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight, beginning at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24. The service will be held in the lovingly refurbished 1838 sanctuary, and led by Pastor Linda Gard, with classic carols sung by the choirs and congregation accompanied with the 1858 George Stevens organ by Music Director John Terison.

In addition to offerings for the church, a special offering for emergency fuel assistance will be received at the service. The congregation, which in 2015 will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding in 1765, invites the entire community to gather for this most lovely parish tradition.

Adopt a Family

The Caring Community of Gray-New Gloucester coordinates holiday assistance for families in need in both towns. The group is asking individuals, families, civic groups, schools, businesses and churches to “adopt” families for Christmas. Sponsors adopt a family by providing a holiday meal and gifts for children up to 18.

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor can contact Mike Marcotte at gngcaring@gmail.com or call Mike at his office at 657-7101. Additionally, monetary donations are needed and greatly appreciated. They can be sent to CCGNG, P.O. Box 1244, Gray, ME 04039.

License Your Dog

All dogs need to be licensed upon reaching the age of six months or after the dog has been with the family for 10 days, if adopted.

Dog licenses for the 2015 year are available at the New Gloucester town office, or online for an extra $1 per dog. A link to the state website is available at newgloucester.com.

Dog licenses all expire Dec. 31 of each year, with a one-month grace period. Spayed or neutered dogs are $6 and unaltered are $11. After Jan. 31, 2015, there will be a state mandated late fee of $25 per dog.

Town Facilities’ Holiday Hours

All New Gloucester town facilities will be closing at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24, for Christmas Eve, and noon on Wednesday, Dec. 31, for New Year’s Eve. They will be closed for Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25; day after Christmas, Friday, Dec. 26; and New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015.

Bettina Benoit-Moncure, certified Reiki practitioner and crystal healer, demonstrates the art by placing two crystals on Tavish Moncure’s forehead. He is her supportive husband who benefits from this technique designed to relieve stress, among other health benefits. Benoit-Moncure has started a new practice, Tree of Life Energy Medicine, in New Gloucester. A grand opening celebration is slated for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at First Impressions Hair and Day Spa, 41B Maine St., New Gloucester. New Gloucester Selectwoman Linda Chase and Town Manager Paul First present the Boston Post Cane Certificate, given to the eldest resident, to Barbara Brookings, who recently turned 96. The ceremony was held at the home of Barbara and Scott Seaver, Brookings’ daughter and son-in-law.