Shaker Road sidewalks now ADA compliant

The Shaker Road sidewalk and drainage project is now complete, with the sidewalks – including all road and driveway crossings – now meeting the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The project included both sides of the road from Main Street to Chipman’s Farm Stand, encompassing 28 drainage basins and four outfall pipes that were replaced. More than 5,200 feet of sidewalk was reconstructed and widened, along with 860 feet of new sidewalk installed on the west side of the road going north.

The project is on track to come in at or under budget. There are a few items remaining to be done this spring, including a review of adequate grass cover, addressing any remaining paving or drainage concerns and replanting trees. The project was funded by the Maine Department of Transportation and the town.

Library open for browsing

The Gray Public Library has reopened for in-person browsing, effective Feb. 12. Mask are still required to enter the building, per town mandate.

In other news, pre-printed federal tax forms 1040 and 1040SR (senior) tax forms plus instruction booklets are available free of charge. The state of Maine does not distribute tax forms, but they can be printed for a fee.

Nonstop Nordic skiing

Skiers are invited to participate in Nonstop Nordic, a club of Nordic skiers comprised of all ages and abilities. Register on Nonstop Nordic’s website at nonstopnordic.com/nordic-race-series, where the schedule is also posted.

The next All Ages Classic Race starts at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, at Libby Hill Forest Trails, 50 Libby Hill Road. Middle and high school races are always held after school and Nonstop Nordic races are on Sunday. Each of the Nonstop races will have a professional announcer. Races are contingent on snow; spectators welcome.

Public supper

A takeout bean supper is being served Saturday, Feb. 26, at First Congregational Church of Gray, 11 Yarmouth Road. The menu includes baked pea beans, two red hot dogs, coleslaw, biscuits and choice of apple or blueberry pie.

Orders must be placed in advance by contacting Carol at 650-9093 and letting her know the name, phone number and how many meals, including choice of pie. The cutoff for reservations is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23.

Meals are single-sized and $10 each; pay at the time of pick up between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Face masks and social distancing are required.

Welcome back

There was significant damage to Studio For Living Arts Dance and Jess ‘n Nic’s Pizzeria & Pub when a sprinkler pipe burst in the Gray Shopping Plaza in January as a result of freezing temperatures, but both businesses have reopened.

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