Open Gates fundraisers

Open Gates Equine Rescue of New Gloucester will be selling vintage Christmas ornaments and other decorations at the Holly Fair taking place at the First Congregational Church Parish House, directly behind McDonald’s Restaurant in Gray Center. The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19.

On Sunday, Dec. 4, from 3-5 p.m., a Chocolate Buffet will be held at Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections, 174 Lower Main Street, Freeport to benefit the horse rescue. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended; however, a few tickets may be may be available at the door. The cost of a ticket is $20 for all the chocolate you can eat in two hours. Coffee and water will be served at no additional charge. For tickets and additional information, contact Linda Walker, 926-5570 or Lwalker7@maine.rr.com.

Thanksgiving dinner

Community members are invited to Thanksgiving dinner at the New Gloucester Bible Church, 218 Lewiston Road, New Gloucester on Thursday, Nov. 24, from noon to 2 p.m. Pastor Dan Michaud and his wife, Connie, say, “If you are alone on Thanksgiving Day we would love for you to join us!” Please contact them if you plan to come at 926-3140 or dcmicho@securespeed.us.

Tree lighting ceremonies

You’re welcome to attend two tree lighting ceremonies in New Gloucester during the last weekend in November. It’s a great time to gather with your neighbors to kick off the holiday season.?The Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Upper Village will take place beside the town garage at 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26. A candle-lighting ceremony with music led by Steve Espling on his guitar will set the festive mood. After the ceremony, hot chocolate and cookies will be provided by Lil’ Mart. Come and make this lighting special by honoring our Armed Forces and our Lord.

The Lower Village tree lighting will begin at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 27, at the New Gloucester Town Hall complex, Route 231. Highlights of the afternoon include the lighting of “Tiny Timber,” seasonal songs sung by the Gray-New Gloucester High School Chorus, open house and refreshments at the New Gloucester Public Library, and a History Barn Open House displaying the exhibit, “Thanks To Those Who Served.” All are invited to attend.

Christmas assistance

The Caring Community of Gray-New Gloucester is now distributing applications for Christmas food baskets and gifts/clothing (for children). Individuals, including senior citizens, and families of Gray and New Gloucester who find themselves in need of holiday assistance are asked to fill out an application and return the completed form by Thursday, Dec 1.

Applications for Christmas assistance went out in the elementary school totes in both towns and are available for pick up and drop off at the New Gloucester Town Hall and at the Dunn and Memorial Schools. (Please note that the deadline for Thanksgiving food baskets has passed.)

The CC of GNG is a volunteer group organized to provide holiday assistance to individuals and families within the towns of Gray and New Gloucester. It is only able to accomplish this through the generous donations of individuals, families, businesses and groups within our community. Last year, more than 125 families and individuals received assistance in the form of food baskets, as well as clothing and/or gifts for children.

Questions regarding Christmas assistance can be directed to Michelle at 926-5512 or 272-5157. If you are interested in donating, sponsoring a family or joining the CC of GNG, please contact Donna Rand at drand5@roadrunner.com or 671-4458.

Senior luncheon

Seniors (55-plus) are invited to a potluck and games from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, at New Gloucester’s Community Building, located behind Town Hall. Bring games you enjoy playing and a food dish. The featured activity for December will be holiday crafts. For more information, contact Recreation Director Harvey Price Jr. at 926-4126 or hprice@newgloucester.com.

School board opening

Due to a resignation, the town of New Gloucester is looking for a citizen to represent the town on the MSAD 15 School Board until the June 12, 2012 election. The appointment will be made at the Dec. 5 selectmen’s meeting. If you are interested, please contact Sumner Field, Town Manager at the town office, 385 Intervale Road, by phone 926-4126 ext. 5 or by e-mail sfield@newgloucester.com before Dec. 5.

Color guard member Bill Kiley serves as the American flag bearer
while Philip Blake sings the national anthem at a ceremony, Nov. 5.
“Thank You to All Who Served” was sponsored by the New Gloucester
Historical Society and Lunn-Hunnewell Amvets Post No. 6 and was
held in conjunction with a monthly open house at the History Barn.
(Photo by Patti Mikkelsen)