Memorial Day

The Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, in Gray will start at 11 a.m. at Russell School. It will proceed to the monument, the Pennell Memorial, and then to the Legion Hall. At 11:30 a.m. a chaplain will share the blessing, followed by speeches, ceremony, and a special presentation to a legendary living veteran from Gray (it’s a secret). Snacks, sandwiches, beverages and tours of American Legion Post 86 will be offered after.

Anyone interested in participating in the parade or assisting throughout the day should contact Jason Hall at the American Legion: Jason.T.Hall@maine.gov or 522-5471.

May Days at the Gray Public Library

On Wednesday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m., the Gray Public Library is hosting Emily Gerardo, who works with Doctors Without Borders and has traveled to places like Uganda and Bangladesh to help provide crucial medical care.

She will be in the library to discuss her invaluable work. Please visit the New Boston Art Gallery in the library to see some of Emily’s fantastic photographs of her journeys. Her work will be displayed until mid-June.

Upcoming movies at the library are: Saturday, May 9, at 1 p.m., “Penguins of Madagascar” (PG); Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m., “Still Alice” (PG-13); Saturday, May 23, at 1 p.m., “Strange Magic” (PG); Tuesday, May 26, at 6:30 p.m., “American Sniper” (R); Thursday, May 28 at 2 p.m., “Still Alice” (PG-13)

There are now new computers in the children’s section of the library. The AWE Early Literacy Stations are computers preloaded with programs and games formulated especially for young children ages 2-8. The content is both fun and educational. The computers will be up and running soon.

Revaluation to Begin

The town of Gray’s tax assessor’s office will begin an equalization (revaluation) program during 2015. The purpose of the equalization program is to establish 100-percent market value assessments for all properties within the jurisdiction.

The data collection will consist of representatives of the assessor’s office visiting every property in the jurisdiction beginning in June of 2015. There are approximately 4,600 properties in Gray. Due to the volume of properties it is impossible to try and schedule inspections ahead of time. Door hangers will be left at properties where no one is at home allowing property owners to call to schedule an interior inspection. The inspections will take place by location and there will be an update on the town’s website to identify what areas are being visited throughout the process.

Representatives of the assessor’s office will have picture identification with them at all times. The visit will consist of an exterior and interior inspection. Interior inspections are voluntary, however in the event of refusals, interior information will be estimated.

During the spring and early summer of 2016, a driveby Field Review will take place to check for consistency. Property owners will be notified of the revised assessed values and have the opportunity to schedule an appointment to review the assessment records, sales and comparable properties. A property inspection may be scheduled to revise any incorrectly estimated data and an amended assessment notice will be issued.

Upon conclusion of the review and any adjustments, the final equalized values will be utilized for the 2017 tax assessment. Questions or comments may be directed to the assessor at 657-3112 or jbrushwein@graymaine.org.

Memorial Day Events

The Gray Town Offices, transfer station, and Gray Public Library will be closed Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

The annual Memorial Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m.

Town Elections

The town of Gray elections will be held Tuesday, June 9. Poll times are 6 a.m.-8 p.m. at Newbegin Hall.

Absentee ballots are available 30 days prior to the election (approximately May 8). A voter may cast his/her ballot at Town Hall during normal working hours: Monday-Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

No application is needed in advance. The deadline to request an absentee ballot, including a ballot voted in the presence of the clerk, is three business days prior to the election. For more information, call the Town Office at 657-3339.

Summer Job Opportunities

Camp director, arts and crafts director and leaders in training are wanted in Gray. If you are a high school senior or college student considering a career in athletics, sports management, coaching, teaching, dance, theater, fine arts, child development, child psychology or management, summer camp provides practical, meaningful experience to build your resume.

Additional details/job descriptions are available at www.GrayMaine.org/employment

Patriot 5K Run/Walk

The Patriot 5K Run, Walk, and Kids Fun Run is set for Saturday, May 16, at Crystal Lake, 24 North Raymond Road in Gray, beginning at 9 a.m. (The Kid’s Fun Run starts at 8 a.m.) This year organizers want to set a new benchmark by offering a $1,000 bonus to the runner capable of setting a new state 5K record. Participants can see the course, prizes and register at www.patriots5k.org.

Birdhouses and Winter Ecology

The Maine Wildlife Park, located on Route 26 in Gray, will present Build A Birdhouse, Saturday, May 9, at 11 a.m. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with Coveside Conservation, a locally owned company that builds a birdhouse for every species of cavity nesting bird in North America from Maine white pine. Join them to build your own birdhouse. There will also be samples of many other birdhouses you might consider putting up on your land.

On the following Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m. experience join Saint Joseph’s College professors to learn about the fascinating world of native Maine wildlife in winter. Presenters will cover topics such as wildlife survival strategies, track identification, and even winter wildlife photography; with real snow being used to demonstrate different concepts.

For more information about any of these programs, call the Maine Wildlife Park at 657-4977; or online at www.mainewildlifepark.com

Foodie Fest

On Saturday, May 16, Fiddlehead Center for the Arts and Sciences presents its first Annual Fiddlehead Foodie Fest. This 21-and-over event will be complete with a Fiddlehead cooking competition from Fish Bones of Lewiston, world renown Chef Will Beriau from Gray and more restaurants and chefs to be announced soon. In addition to some amazing dishes that you get to judge, you will also be able to sample Maine craft beer from Allagash Brewing Company and cider from Woodman’s Hard Cider.

The first 150 people to buy their ticket will get a free Allagash beer glass. General admission and tasting begins at 7 p.m. (General admission pricing is $20 or two for $35.)

Choose from VIP tickets to advanced general admission prices. VIP tickets include a special POUR; a pre-event appetizer created specifically for the VIP event; an exclusive signed and numbered artist print created just for this event with special live music guests and featuring some of our amazing students. Regular advance price is $120.

Tickets now available at Fiddlehead, 25 Shaker Road, Gray, or online at www.fiddleheadcenter.org. Or call 657-2244 for more information.