Holiday Assistance Still Needed

Caring Community of Gray-New Gloucester is urging locals to ‘adopt’ a family or individual this Christmas. This year, there are 137 families asking for help. Sponsors ‘adopt’ a family through the CCGNG for Christmas and provide a holiday meal and gifts for children (up to age 18).

In the past, sponsors have included neighborhoods, families, civic groups, school groups, individuals, businesses and churches. The following is a list of common items included in the food basket (which is usually delivered in a box or bag): turkey, stuffing mix, gravy (can, packets, jar), cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries, potatoes, carrots, squash, green vegetable, celery, sweet potatoes, fruit (canned or fresh), such as apples or oranges and Jello mix, bread mix or fresh rolls, pie (ready-made or mixes to make one or more, whipped cream and disposable turkey roaster. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor for Christmas can contact Mike Marcotte at gngcaring@gmail.com.

Every year there are more families in need than there are sponsors, so monetary donations are needed and greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent to CCGNG, P.O. Box 1244, Gray, ME 04039. For more information or questions, please contact Christina Foster at 233-0828 or winkers92@yahoo.com. And you can also find information at the CCGNG’s Facebook page.

Thank you in advance for ‘helping your neighbors in need’ this holiday season.

Holiday Help and Gift Ideas

• Parent Night Out – Enjoy a nice evening out without worrying about the kids. It’s the perfect time to plan a date for your holiday shopping or a night out with friends during the holiday season. The Recretion Department will keep the kids busy with activities both in the recreation room and in the gym at Newbegin. Pack a snack, a drink and something for dinner and make sure they are dressed for fun. Night Out dates are: Dec. 19 from 5:30-9 p.m., children ages 4 to 12 (4 year olds must be potty trained) are $16 per child per evening.

• Come see “Crusher” the Maine Red Claws team mascot (NBA D-League affiliate of the Boston Celtics) at the Newbegin Gym on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. He will be assisting the Rec. Department in selling tickets for Red Claws vs. Delaware 87ers game on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m., at the Portland Expo, $10 per person. Join the Recreation Department for this special offering. If they sell 50 tickets, children will be able to participate in a “ Fan Experience” (either the Anthem Buddies or a Halftime High-Five Tunnel). The deadline to purchase these tickets is Dec. 21 and are available now at Town of Gray Rec. office.

• Discount Portland Pirates tickets are available now. Help Support Gray Recreation Department, $3 of each ticket sold goes toward the Scholarship Fund.

• Open gym for basketball. Moms, dads here is your opportunity to practice basketball with your children. Children must be between the ages of 5 and 10 years of age. Wednesdays from 5:45-7 p.m. at Newbegin Gym. Fee: $2 per person.

For more information, contact 657-2323 or www.grayrec.com.

Holiday Closures

Gray municipal offices are closed Christmas Eve Dec. 24 (half-day), Christmas Day, Dec. 25 and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. These offices are: Town office, transfer station, public works and library.

Notable Residents

At its Nov. 10, 2014, meeting, the Gray Town Council added 12 notable residents to the Town of Gray Honor Roll. These people are: Jon E. Barton (1935-2006), Annie Mae Beck (1905-2006), Nancy O. Breton (1944-1997), Mildred C. Lowe Dunphe (1872-1949), Evelyn Morrill Durgin (1920-2007), Rev. Eleanor Bicknell Forbes (1860-1955), Agnes Syiek Forsley (1924-2006), Bessie Mildred Burns Libby (1890-1975), Susan C. Frank Libby (1847-1936), Mary S. Mayall (1809-1887), Helen Isabel Merrill (1885-1965) and George W. Newbegin (1848-1936).

The Town of Gray Honor Roll is intended to be awarded to persons who, during the course of their lifetimes, demonstrated exceptional dedication, service or other contribution to the town. Citizens are encouraged to visit the Gray Honor Roll at www.graymaine.org to learn more about these and other Honor Roll members.

Items to Observe

All month long, Christmas trees are on view at the Gray Public Library. Patrons decorate a tree in the theme of their favorite book. These artificial trees are provided; the patrons supply the creativity. If you are interested, please check to see if there are any trees still available or just come and enjoy.

Stop in to the library and see a movie, which is free and open to all, on the big screen: Saturday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m.– “The Polar Express;” Tuesday, Dec. 23, 6:30 p.m. – “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation;” Friday, Dec. 26, 2 p.m. – “Disney’s Cinderella;” Saturday, Dec. 27, 1 p.m. – “The Lego Movie;” Tuesday, Dec. 30, 6:30 p.m. – “This Is Where I Leave You.”

Recycling Christmas

The Gray Transfer Station wants to remind you about several considerations regarding holiday decorations etc. Gray chips up Christmas trees (the real ones, not the artificial), most giftwrap is recyclable as mixed paper. (The exceptions to this are the fancy coated papers), boxes; are they corrugated or mixed paper? (separate them accordingly). Please be sure to remove ribbon and bows before placing wrapping paper and boxes in their respective recycling bins.

Bling for Fido

2015 dog licenses are available for purchase at the Gray Town Office or online. All dog renewals must be completed by Jan. 31. Here is what you will need: Credit card, license/tag number (renewal only), state of Maine rabies certificate, veterinarian’s name and phone number, spay or neuter certificate (if your dog has been “fixed”.

Fees for neutered/spayed dogs are $6 per year. Non-neutered/non-spayed dogs are $11 per year. A $25 late fee will be charged after Jan. 31.

All dogs aged 6 months or older must be registered each year. If the dog(s) is no longer in your possession, please contact the Town Office at 657-3339. Please bring your dog’s current rabies certificate with you at the time of registration.

Gray Parks and Recreation Director Dean Bennett proudly displays a few of the many shoebox contributions received from local residents for kids in need this holiday season.