Free Ice Skating Lessons

High School senior Lucas Nickerson has graciously volunteered to hold skating lessons Feb. 7-28, 9:30-10:30 a.m., for a small group of fourth-eighth graders. This is a requirement for graduation.

Lucas’ experience comes with 13 years on skates and his passion for both skating and children. He is a staff member for the Gray Rec Summer Camp program and has participated in Rec activities for years. He will be covering many of the basics of skating: stopping, starting, turning and balance, in a much more fun fashion like games and races. These lessons are for those who have hockey skates only. Donations on behalf of the Recreation Department for future ice rink events will be accepted. You must come with your own hockey skates and helmet and you must sign up for this event.

February Vacation Camp

Gray Rec is hosting February Vacation Camp from Feb. 17-20, for grades K-6. Don’t spend vacation week at home bored. The gym will be open for fun activities, contests and games each day. Board games, crafts, ping pong tournaments, foosball and air hockey are all available in the Recreation room as well as music, dancing, movies and more. Registration deadline is Feb. 9. You’ll be going outside for some spring fresh air and fun (so pack your outdoor play gear and boots) and a change of shoes/sneakers is required for indoors. Field Trips are subject to change without prior notice but so far the following events are planned: swimming, canvas painting, sledding and outdoor skating. Please bring snacks, lunch and drinks daily. Meals must be cold lunch style. Please do not pack peanut butter products.

Photography Classes

Gray Rec is hosting a Beginner Photography Class, Feb. 25 to March 18 at Pennell, second floor, 6:30-8:30 p.m. An Advanced Class takes place March 25 to April 15, 12 Portland Road, Tsukroff Studio 6:30-8:30 p.m. Instructor is Nathan Tsukroff. Each class is $53 per person.

Pirates Tickets

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

Open Gym

Mom, dads here is your opportunity to practice basketball with your child(ren). 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, please contact Gray Rec 657-2323 or www.grayrec.com.

Find Those Ice Tilts

The Crystal Lake Ice Fishing Derby, presented by Liberty Family Foundation, will be on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Camp Gregory, 24 North Raymond Road, Gray. The primary mission of the Crystal Lake Ice Fishing Derby is to support Maine military families, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and community schools.

The 2015 Derby promises to be filled with fun, family and prizes galore and a chance to win a new Ford truck. There will be an All Ages Derby (6 a.m.-2 p.m.), Kids Derby (7 a.m.-2 p.m.), Kid Zone with sliding hill, dog sled rides, bonfire area (complete with hot cocoa and cider, music), horse-drawn hay rides, ice skating rink and snowshoes for use, Yellow Ribbon Tent, Patriotic Ice Shanty Competition and Polar Plunge that will benefit the Doyle family from New Gloucester. Baby Carter Doyle is currently fighting a rare illness at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

You can purchase tickets at L.L. Bean, Freeport; Dag’s Bait and Tackle, Auburn; Gray True Value; Pat’s Pizza, Windham, and American Legion Post No. 86 in Gray.

In the event of unsafe ice conditions, an alternate date of Feb. 28 has been reserved. For more information, go to www.crystallakederby.com.

Warm and Cozy

Movies in the Gray Public Library “theater” on Hancock Street are free and open to all. Here are some scheduled movie show times: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m., “Lucy” (Rated R); Thursday, Jan. 29, 2 p.m, “Casablanca” (PG); Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m., “Fury” (R); Thursday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m., “West Side Story” (NR); Saturday, Feb. 7, at 1 p.m., “Curious George” (2006) (G); Thursday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m., “The Notebook” (PG-13).

A Tradition Returns

On Saturday, Feb. 7, from 5-6 p.m., Gray American Legion Post No. 86 will be starting their monthly traditional bean supper with hotdogs, coleslaw, bread and for those who don’t like beans, chop suey and of course dessert. All you can eat. Adults $8, children under 12 are $4 at 15 Lewiston Road, Gray.

Traffic Alert

At the end of January (weather permitting), the State of Maine Department of Transportation will be starting work on Hunts Bridge and Hunts Meadow Bridge both on Route 100 in Gray.

They will be removing and replacing bridge rail and also some fascia and wing wall work on both of these bridges. There will be a traffic control plan set up to alert the traveling public. The shoulder will be closed during the bridge rail work, but two-way traffic will be maintained.

The projects are expected to be completed in about eight weeks. Questions should be directed to Donald McKenna, MaineDOT Transportation Operations Manager at 885-7000.

Play Ball

Gray-New Gloucester Little League registration is now open. Register online at www.gnglittleleague.com.

Nordic Adventure

Join School Administrative District 15 outdoor educators on a Nordic Adventure during February School Vacation Week. They will be taking seven boys and seven girls on this adventure which includes three nights all inclusive stay at Maine Huts and Trails in Carrabassett Valley, ski beautiful trails all day, relax in cabins at night, skis provided by school with a fee of $200. Go to www.msad15.org to fill out a form as soon as possible, then you will be sent an application for the trip. They will review all applications and schedule interviews in January.

Adult Education Winter Catalog

Whether you are looking to take an art class, start a fun new workout program, begin exploring new career options or finish that high school credential, Gray-New Gloucester Adult and Community Education has so much to offer. Check your mailbox, Town Hall or Library or go to www.msad15.org for your copy of the catalog.