Three’s the charm

Congratulations to the Gray-New Gloucester Senior Softball Team for winning its third consecutive state title. The girls will now head to Worcester, Mass., to battle some of the best teams on the East Coast. The tournament runs from July 27 through Aug. 2.

This season the team had to overcome contests with Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Portland and Biddeford. Good luck, ladies, as you represent the Gray and New Gloucester communities and the entire state of Maine.

They will now face New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Jersey. This year’s goal is the World Series and a trip to the White House!

Child safety seats inspection station

Gray-Fire Rescue has signed an agreement with the State of Maine Bureau of Highway Safety to become an official inspection station for child safety seats. The purpose of the inspection station is to provide car-seat inspections, installation assistance and education to parents, guardians and caregivers of children for the purpose of protecting children while being transported in a motor vehicle.

Gray-Fire Rescue will provide at least one certified passenger seat technician. Inspections are provided by appointment only, call 657-3931 to schedule one. The department does not provide child safety seats.

Free movies ?at the library

This summer the Gray Public Library, located on Hancock Street in Gray, will be showing a free movie each Thursday at 2 p.m. On July 19, G-rated “Love Bug”will be viewed, while on July 26, the G-rated “Babe” will be on the silver screen. All are welcome.

Please contact the library at 657-4110 or www.gray.lib.me.us for more information.

Free lunch for kids

Free summer lunches will be provided for children ages 18 and under Monday through Friday, until Aug. 17. There will be two locations to go to: G-NG High School from 11:30 a.m.-noon or the Liberty Family Foundation Site on Raymond Road in Gray (across from St. Gregory’s Church) from 12:15-12:45 p.m. All meals must be eaten on-site. Thanks to Preble Street Maine Initiative, MSAD 15, Liberty Family Foundation and the RSU 16 School Food Service for this program.

Time to Share

A Gray Community Blood Drive will be held on Tuesday, July 24, from 1-7 p.m. at St. Gregory’s, 24 North Raymond Road in Gray.

Calling All Gray Businesses

The town of Gray would like to invite all businesses (or prospective businesses) in town to a business reception. The purpose of this event is to not only encourage new business, but to support existing businesses in Gray. Some ideas, in Gray, that are being considered are: Updating the TIF policy, considering zoning options to expand commercial development, reviewing Gray’s sign ordinance, promoting Gray businesses – considering a Shop Local Fair.

The Gray Town Council, town manager, Community Economic Development Committee and the Gray-New Gloucester Development Corporation have also been invited to attend. The reception will be Thursday, July 26, 5-7 p.m. at Spring Meadows. There will be light refreshments and a cash bar.

Please call 657-3112, ext. 114 or ehumphrey@graymaine.org to RSVP.

Summer repairs

The Mountain Road Bridge will be closed for repair beginning July 9. In the meantime the contractor will be installing detour signs that will route traffic over the Leighton Road Bridge.

The Mountain Road Bridge will be closed until the end of August. After the Mountain Road Bridge is opened, the contractor will close Leighton Road and detour traffic onto Mountain Road.

Hunts Hill Road in Gray will be closed for repairs July 23 for 10 weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Dan Morin at dmorin@maineturnpike.com or call him at 482-8154.

Fun in the sun

Discount Funtown/Splashtown combo passes are reduced to $27 each (regularly $36) and Water Country tickets $30 (regularly $37.99) are now available at the Gray Recreation office, Henry Pennell Municipal Complex, 24 Main Street, or by calling 657-2323.

There are no refunds or exchanges and they are only available while supplies last. FMI, www.grayrec.com.

Too hot in the kitchen

A public supper, consisting of baked beans, casseroles, salads, homemade breads and desserts and beverages, will be held on Saturday, July 28, at 5 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, Route 115, in Gray. Cost for adults is $8. Children under 12 are $4. The hall is handicapped accessible. For more information, call 657-4279, or on day of supper 657-3279.

Walking Made Easy

A major upgrade to the crosswalks, sidewalks, and traffic signals in Gray Center, is just about complete and, weather permitting, should be finished in August.

New brick sidewalks are being installed from McDonald’s restaurant northward to the exit driveway of the Henry Pennell Municipal Complex. The crosswalks at the Main Street, Brown Street and Shaker Road intersection are being reconstructed, and new crosswalks from McDonald’s across Main Street to the Monument and in front of the Pennell Complex are being added. All the crosswalks are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Have you heard the beeping at the light at Gray Corner? The beeping directs blind or visually impaired pedestrians to a button. After a pedestrian pushes the button, the audible voice tells the pedestrian when it’s safe to cross in either direction.

Funding is a combination of a Community Development Block Grant for $154,000, a Maine Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Grant of $50,000, and $30,800 from the town of Gray.

2012 Gray-New Gloucester Senior Softball Team