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Patches, an Appaloosa cross, arrived at Open Gates Equine Rescue in New Gloucester on Oct. 30, 2004. She was very ill due to lack of proper nutrition for the first eight days of her life, but Patches, shown above with her mother, rebounded within a short time. She is now four years old and about to be adopted by Debra Duguay of Gray.

Courtesy photo by Marion Hutchins

Just one dollar

Open Gates Equine Rescue, Inc., a non-profit, 501c3 entity, is doing some fund raising one dollar at a time. If everyone who reads this article, young and old alike, school children, organizations, and all that love animals, could send Open Gates Equine Rescue just $1, it wouldn’t take long to accumulate enough money to support the horses at the rescue facility.

The yearly costs of feeding just one horse with the proper care averages $4,000 in grain, hay, shavings, de-worming, hoof trims, dental care, and routine veterinary care. Should a horse have an emergency or illness, the veterinary care and medications could be an additional $1,000 or more.

Although the economy is stressed at this time and folks’ ability to donate to charity is limited, the facility’s directors ask you, can you afford just $1? They are hoping that each reader will forward this modest donation for the care of the 15 horses who reside there. The mailing address is 407 Morse Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260. For more information, call Linda or Deb at 926-5570, or visit www.opengatesequinerescue.com.

Historical Society plans

The 2009 annual meeting of the New Gloucester Historical Society will be held Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at the New Gloucester Meeting House, next to the town hall on Route 231. Longtime and new members are encouraged to attend. This year is the 75th anniversary year for the society, and special plans include publication of a photo history of the town, construction of the New Gloucester History Barn, the annual Strawberry Festival and the annual Apple Pie sale.

Rod & Gun Club donations

Royal River Rod & Gun Club members, above and beyond being a group of friendly folks who gather to sharpen shooting skills, teach and learn about firearms safety, engage in friendly competitions, and tell tall tales about fishing and hunting exploits, are also generous to their communities.

Royal River Rod & Gun Club was pleased to be able to raise and donate $454 to share with both the Gray and New Gloucester fire departments. The club has also collected non-perishable food items to donate to the New Gloucester food pantry.

“I’m proud to be a member of this small local club,” said Pete Thoits, who handles public relations for the Royal River Rod & Gun Club. For information on membership, e-mail petethoits@maine.rr.com or call 657-4184.

Vacation camp

Kids, why sit at home Monday, Jan. 19 (Martin Luther King Day) when you could be having fun with friends at the Pineland YMCA? Come participate in sports, games, arts and crafts, swimming, bowling, outside fun (weather permitting), and so much more. The Pineland YMCA Vacation Camp is open to children 5-12 years old. Fees are $42 for YMCA members and $52 for non-members, and registrations are now being accepted up through the day of camp, space permitting. For more information, call 688-2255, or just stop by the Pineland YMCA at 25 Campus Drive at Pineland.

Spare time

People of all ages are invited to get together at the Pineland YMCA from 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday through June for candlepin bowling, card playing and coffee. These activities are free of charge. Taking trips and enjoying special guests are also occasional highlights. Both YMCA members and non-members are welcome.

Park & ride

The Maine Department of Transportation is developing a park & ride improvement project for the grading, paving, striping and lighting of a park & ride facility located on old Route 26, near its junction with new Route 26. The facility will be located just north of the Gray/New Gloucester town line. Construction is anticipated for this summer, and the DOT foresees minimal disruptions to traffic during construction. The estimated cost is $80,000.

The department is particularly interested in learning local views relative to the project and identifying local concerns and issues. Any inquiries regarding this project may be directed to the attention of Joel Kittredge, Project Manager, MDOT, Multimodal Program, 16 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333, or call 624-3550.