Disc golf to benefit veterans

Flying disc sightings at Pineland Farms have been reported as of late. These round objects are not from outer space, but rather relate to a new sport available there – disc golf. This is the newest activity offered by the VAST (Veterans Adaptive Sports and Training) Program at Pineland Farms, a free program open to veterans with disabilities and veterans who volunteer to lend assistance.

At the July 25 grand opening of the nine-hole course, VAST Director Kristina Sabasteanski said, “We had applied for an adaptive sports grant from the VA, and it was decided to allocate part of the money for a disc golf course. We’re trying to include the younger veterans who can come out to play after work. Our programs normally take place on weekday mornings, so some can’t make it then. We’re having a free veterans’ night coming up. If we have success, maybe we’ll do it once or twice a month.”

Disc golf is open to the public and is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. If you can toss a Frisbee, you can play disc golf. Sign up at the Outdoor Center, located directly below The Market and Welcome Center at Pineland Farms, 15 Farm Drive, New Gloucester. Hours of operation are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekends.

The charge is $5 per round per person and $8 to play all day. Disc rentals are $1 each. A portion of the proceeds from disc golf sales benefit the VAST program. For more information, call 688-6599, go to www.pinelandfarms.org, or check Pineland Farms’ Facebook page.

Donations sought for benches

The New Gloucester Veterans Monument Committee is seeking financial contributions to help buy and place two granite benches at the New Gloucester Veterans Monument on Route 100. The new benches will bring the monument nearer to total completion. The grand total being sought for two benches is in the $2,000-$3,000 range.

Questions should be directed by email to admin@newgloucesterveteransmonument.com. Send donations to New Gloucester Veterans Monument-Bench, P.O. Box 531, New Gloucester, ME 04260.

Nature’s outdoor classroom

On Saturday, Aug. 15, the mysteries of the Maine woods will be explored and revealed during a two-hour guided hike through the Shakers’ land. Two hikes are scheduled to take place that day – one getting under way at 10:30 a.m. and one starting at 2 p.m. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is located at 707 Shaker Road, off Route 26, New Gloucester.

This program is designed for families, young and old, and promises to be a fun and memorable experience in the Maine woods. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for a 3-mile, moderate walk. Bring camera, binoculars and water bottle.

Fees are $8 for adults, $2 for children, free for those under 6. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. Call 926-4597, email info@maineshakers.com, or visit www.maineshakers.com to register or for more details.

Cinder Conk concert

Returning to New Gloucester off the heels of a two-year hiatus and a recent musical trip to the Balkans, Cinder Conk is eager to share new songs from the old world of Southeastern Europe. Cinder Conk includes Matt Schreiber on accordion and Xar Adelberg on acoustic bass, playing original music from Maine and folk music from Romania and the Balkans.

This special Village Coffee House concert is set to take place Saturday, Aug. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the Vestry Community Room of the First Congregational Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Road, New Gloucester. Admission at the door is $10. Call the church office at 926-3260 for more information.

Superheroes at the library

The summer reading program, sponsored by the New Gloucester Public Library, 379 Intervale Road, wraps up on Tuesday, Aug. 18. As tradition would dictate, a play written by Tim Terranova will open the evening’s festivities at 6:30 p.m. This year’s performance is entitled, “A real superhero: the prequel.” The handing out of the end of summer reading awards will follow the play, and entertainment by cartoonist Jay Piscopo will conclude the ceremony.

The public is welcome to come and show support for the young thespians and readers. For more information, call the library at 926-4840.

Kristina Sabasteanski displays a limited-edition Pineland Farms disc after she and Brian Giggey cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Pineland Farms Disc Golf Course, July 25. Giggey, owner of Explore Disc Golf in Amherst, Mass., is the course designer. Sabasteanski is the director of the VAST (Veterans Adaptive Sports and Training) Program at Pineland Farms, a free program open to veterans with disabilities. A portion of the proceeds from disc golf sales benefit the VAST program. Photo by Patti Mikkelsen