High school celebrates new greenhouse with ribbon-cutting, recognition

The grand opening of the greenhouse at Gray-New Gloucester High School will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24.

Educators are excited to showcase the outdoor classroom that will serve as a learning lab for students. There will be a ribbon-cutting and bench dedication, and staff members and local residents who contributed their time, energy and resources to make the project a success will be recognized.

In addition, there will be kids’ games and activities, tours of the greenhouse, paint-your-own-pot and start-a-seedling. Refreshments will include garden salsa, fresh-pressed cider and Thompson’s doughnuts.

Pennell clock celebration

The people behind reinstating the only remaining original Pennell Institute clock face will be honored at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Pennell Municipal Building. The dial was returned and affixed in the building after all four clock faces were taken down in 1992 for restoration. The face will once again keep time, but from inside the Pennell Building. Thanks to Don Whitney, Doug Webster, Jim Hall, the town of Gray and financial supporters for their efforts and the great result.

COVID-19 updates

Due to the rapid rise of new COVID-19 cases in Cumberland County, the Gray Public Library is suspending all in-person programming, including movies and the Pat Barter Speaker Series. All other services (lending, computing, etc.), are still available. In related news, the town of Gray encourages all visitors to wear a face covering while in municipal buildings.

Suicide Prevention Month

The Gray Town Council proclaimed the month of September as Suicide Prevention and Action Month. The proclamation was created to raise awareness of available mental health resources and suicide prevention services. The goal is to start the conversation to help destigmatize suicide and help connect people with the appropriate support services:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273-TALK (8255)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline, 800-656-HOPE (4673); text “ITSOK” TO 741741; veterans can call 800-273-8255, press 1, or text 838255
• The Trevor Project For LGBT Youth, 866-488-7386
• Hope For The Day substance abuse and mental health services, 800-662-HELP (4357); Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @hopefortheday; hftd.org

Bean supper

First Congregational Church of Gray will hold a takeout baked bean supper Saturday Sept. 25, but orders must be placed in advance by calling Carol at 650-9093. Meals are $10 each and include pea beans, two red hot dogs, slaw, a biscuit and choice of apple or blueberry pie.

Payment will be due at time of pickup between 4 and 5:30 p.m. Park at the Parish House at 5 Brown St. and enter through the front door.
Cut off for reservations will be 75 dinners or 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22., whichever comes first.

New church services

An all-new service of word, worship and praise will begin at First Congregational Church of Gray at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, in the Parish House. A shorter, streamlined, paper-free service with contemporary Christian music and a video will be offered.

First Congregational is an open and affirming congregation with church school and nursery care available for fourth graders and younger. See grayfirst.org for more.

Fall flag football

Youth Flag Football for Kids is being offered for grades 1-4. It’s an opportunity to have fun while practicing basic skills such as passing, catching and offense/defense strategies. Practices are Tuesdays; games will be Thursdays beginning Sept. 30. The program takes place at the New Gloucester Fairgrounds from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Masks are optional.

Marilyn Keating-Porcaro can be contacted at mkp657@aol.com.