At the Gray Public Library

On Wednesday, May 27, at 6:30 p.m., a program titled “From the Game Farm to the Maine Wildlife Park: An 85 Year Journey,” will be featured. Curt Johnson, superintendent of the Maine Wildlife Park, will be speaking on how the park began, its current activities and the future of the park. He will also be showing photographs of the park and the animals. Light refreshments will be served.

Movies at the library are: 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)

Please visit the New Boston Art Gallery in the library to see some fantastic photographs of Emily Gerardo and Mandy Rodney, who have been on numerous missions to help bring medical care and supplies to impoverished countries.

These events are free and open to all.

Reval to Begin in June

The town of Gray assessor’s office will begin an equalization program (revaluation) 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. Door hangers will be left at properties where no one is at home allowing property owners to call to schedule an interior inspection. They will keep 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 drive-by 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 on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

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. the 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 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.

Town Elections

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

Absentee ballots are available, a voter may cast his/her ballot at Town Hall during normal working hours Monday-Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m.-noon.

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, please call the Town Office at 657-3339.

5K Run/Walk Results

The Patriot 5K Run, Walk, and Kids Fun Run was held Saturday, May 16, at Crystal Lake in Gray, with 666 runners present. First place runner was Sam Seekins, of Portland, with a time of 15:12. Female first place was Erica Jesseman, of Scarborough, in 16:39. First male age 1-10 group, Joshua Morse, of Gray, with a time of 21:48. First female, age 1-10, Emma West, of Gray, with a time of 25:19. See www.patriots5k.org for more results.

At the Congregational Church

A public supper comprised of baked beans, casseroles, salads, homemade breads and desserts and beverages will be held on Saturday, May 23, at 5 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, Route 115, Gray. The cost for the meal is $8 for adults, $4 for children under 12. The hall is handicapped accessible. Contact 657-4279, day of supper 657-3279.

A yard sale will be held on June 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine at the First Congregational Church of Gray’s Parish House on Brown Street in Gray, directly behind McDonalds. Call 657-4279 for more information.

Summer Camp 2015

Gray Parks and Recreation is here to provide an enjoyable summer camp experience in a safe, caring environment. From ice cream walks, obstacle courses, dance contests and minute-to-win-it competitions to water balloon fights, chalk art, shaving cream Wiffle ball games, penny carnivals, field trips to the beach and Funtown and much more. This camp is for children grades K-7, starts Monday, June 29, and runs from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for eight weeks. Field trips are paid for separately (Thursday is optional/Friday is mandatory if attending on that day). You must bring lunch, snacks and drinks. Go to www.grayrec.com or call 657-2323 ext. 117 for more information.

Plants, Archery and a Blood Drive

On Saturday through Monday, May 23-25, Friends of The Maine Wildlife Park Annual Plant Sale is in the park’s parking lot. Learn more about The Friends volunteer group and their ongoing projects and enjoy great bargains on annual and perennial flowers, vegetables and floral baskets grown in their own greenhouse. Plants will be available all day each day starting at 9:30 a.m. See www.wildlifeparkfriends.org for more information.

On Saturday, May 30, Archery with Bryant Pond 4-H Shooting Sports, will be featured at 11 a.m. Certified archery instructors will have equipment and targets to try your hand at this great family sport. See umaine.edu/bryantpond/ for more information

Also on Saturday, May 30, Red Cross/Raysup Blood Drive from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Donors who pre-register for this event receive free admission to the park and a discount for family members on this day.

You can pre-register at www.redcrossblood.org.

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

Curt Johnson, superintendent of the Maine Wildlife Park, will be speaking on how the park began, its recent activities and the future of the park at the Gray Public Library next week. Courtesy photos