Welcome aboard

Recent hire Carla McAllister is thrilled with her new position as assistant librarian at the New Gloucester Public Library, but the journey to her dream job was a long one.

She has had a myriad of occupations, including having been a dispatcher for a small police department, a municipal clerk, and a telephone operator. She worked for a payroll company for over 11 years, and most recently she has worked for a chimney care company. With the help of a career center in Lewiston, she went back to school. She performed her internship at the Lewiston-Auburn College library and earned her degree in library science in 2007.

McAllister started her new job Jan. 8 and feels that she will be learning the fine points on a daily basis, although she is becoming more sure-footed by the day. She said she is feeling comfortable at this “nice, small, people-oriented library,” which is exactly the type she wanted. One of her duties is serving as a facilitator for the two book discussion groups that meet on a monthly basis; one in the morning and the other in the evening. She is also in charge of the popular pet show in August.

Another one of McAllister’s responsibilities is managing the inter-library loan process. She would like to see more people take advantage of the features that the public library has to offer, such as obtaining reference materials from other towns, bringing small children to story time, using an Internet-ready computer, and borrowing a kilowatt measuring device to measure power consumption in their homes and businesses.

Bargains for your valentine

The Cabin Fever Sale is coming up Saturday, Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at the New Gloucester Public Library. There will be many great Valentine’s Day gifts for your sweetheart. Impressive bargains will abound, including a large selection of gently used books, games, puzzles, and audio-visual materials, as well as scrumptious baked goods. Patrons will discover lots of great deals on things to keep the kids busy during school vacation. So, stock up on items to help you make it through the rest of the winter at the Cabin Fever Sale.

Free tax help

Get help with your taxes at the New Gloucester Public Library from Marilyn Brinnick of H&R Block in Brunswick. All programs and consultations are free.

The presentation from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4 will focus on some of the changes in the tax code this year. Are you confused about itemizing? Come hear Brinnick explain the topic from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Would you like to obtain one-on-one help? Reserve a time slot with Brinnick between 3 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Call the library during regular hours at 926-4840 to set up your appointment.

Free publicity

New Gloucester businesses (including home-based), organizations and community groups take note that Welcome, Neighbor volunteers are once again compiling complimentary packets that will be provided to all new residents. Only New Gloucester businesses, organizations and community groups will have the opportunity to include items such as business cards, brochures or gift certificates in the packets at no cost.

This is a grass-roots community project developed to welcome our new residents by providing information that may assist in their transition. The volunteers will be compiling 80 packets, so be sure to include at least 80 of each piece to be inserted to ensure that all of the packets will be complete.

If your business or organization has donated items in the past, it’s likely that you will be contacted by a volunteer. To guarantee inclusion, either drop off your materials at the New Gloucester town office or contact Beth Blakeman-Pohl at abpohl@securespeed.us by Friday, Feb. 20.

Rockabilly

Join us for a memorable and energizing evening with Sean Mencher and his Rhythm Kings at the New Gloucester Village Coffee House Saturday, Feb. 7.

Mencher and his five-piece band blend the best of traditional American music including rock n’ roll, western swing, bluegrass, jazz, blues and rockabilly – from Duke Ellington to Buddy Holly.

This event will be held in the newly renovated (although still a work in progress) vestry of the New Gloucester First Congregational Church on the corner of Gloucester Hill Road and Church Road. Tickets will be available at the door: $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and a pie and food auction will be held at intermission. All proceeds benefit the church.

For more information, call Julie Fralich at 926-3161, the church office at 926-3260, or check www.ngucc.org.

A resident of New Gloucester for 16 years, Carla McAllister has recently been hired as assistant librarian for the New Gloucester Public Library.