Never Too Late To Learn

The new brochure is now available for G-NG Adult Education. The focus is on career exploration/planning programs, an expanding college transitions program as well as GED. The Adult Education group has moved to a new location in the G-NG High School this summer that will give them more visibility with their own exterior entrance right near the gym entrance.

Three info nights are coming up. An Open House takes place Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. Visit Adult Ed’s new space in the high school, register for classes and learn more about their career and education programs for adults. Secondly, a CNA Course Information Night takes place Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. at Gray-New Gloucester High School, Libby Hill Road, Gray. Learn about and register for the Certified Nurse Assistant program. Lastly, a GNG Adult Education Medical Professions Information Night is being held Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. at Gray-New Gloucester High School, Libby Hill Road, Gray. Learn about and register for programs in phlebotomy, medical terminology, pharmacy technician, medical transcription, hospital billing and coding, medical billing and coding, and medical office specialist. For more information, call Ron Brann at 657-9612.

There are many exciting new programs in the brochure, many are free and most very low cost, with expanding options due to growing number of online and distance options. Pick up one at many area locations, such as the Gray Town Hall or the library, or go to www.msad15.org and look for Adult Ed.

Get Kicking

Fall Youth Soccer for grades K-6 is about to begin with Aug. 30 as the registration deadline. All games will be played on Saturdays and an optional practice will be scheduled once a week (TBA). Children in grades K-2 play at Russell School Fields and grades 3-6 fields are TBA. To register or for more information: www.grayrec.com or 657-2323.

Library Expansion

Please check the Gray Public Library’s website for updates for anticipated closings, collection access issues (parts of the collection may not be available at certain times) or parking issues during their expansion on Hancock Road in Gray. They thank you for your understanding.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 7-11 p.m., the Gray Public Library Association invites you to the GPLA Library Expansion Fundraiser Dance, to celebrate our great community and support the library expansion. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire that promotes local businesses and organizations in Gray. The event will be at Spring Meadows Country Club. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at the Gray Public Library, from GPLA members, or at the door the night of the event. Contact Nancy Wilson at 657-3079 or Blaine Skilling at 428-4002 with any questions.

Gray Fire-Rescue History

The Gray Fire and Rescue Department is looking for pictures, news articles, or your memories to share of their department from the past and for building the History of Gray Fire Rescue Department Facebook page. They would like to hear from descendants of men who were instrumental in the creation of the department, such as Sturgis V. Colley, George F. Cobb, Laban Thayer and Willard B. Sweetser, to name a few.

Please send any information to gmorrison@graymaine.org.

An ‘Elephant-Sized’ Thank You

The summer campers at Gray Rec have collected a total of $439.13 to donate to Hope Elephants. It was just incredible to see how the campers (and entire community) embraced this project. They had a blast skyping with the elephants and meeting the executive director. The K-2 camp had an exciting Penny Carnival earlier this summer where they played all sorts of fun games and gathered prizes for their efforts. And boy, what competitive spirits the four Harry Potter groups had in collecting for their jars and weighing them each week.

The campers visited with Rosie and Opal; to see where they live, eat and hear what they do during their days of leisure. They had opportunities to ask questions on “all things elephants” and then for a finale presented the check to the Hope Elephant Founders.

Gray Recreation was very excited about bringing the community service spirit to the camp this summer and greatly appreciate all the support from parents, family members and friends.

The big question from campers and staff already is: What Community Service project do we do next summer?

Plants and Music

On Saturday Aug. 31, at 11 a.m., the Maine Wildlife Park on Route 26 in Gray will have a program about Landscaping For Wildlife with Skillin’s Greenhouses. Expert native landscaping staff will be on hand with a wide selection of native shrubs, small trees and other plants that are hardy and attractive, while providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

The next Saturday, Sept. 7, is the Rick Charette concert. As a singer and songwriter, Charette has been capturing the hearts and spirits of young and old alike with his delightful and inspiring children’s songs. He will sign autographs and sell CDs after the show. Concert is 11a.m.-noon; rain or shine:

For more information, call the Maine Wildlife Park at 657-4977; or visit www.mainewildlifepark.com.

Legion Supper and Golf

The American Legion of Gray Post 86’s monthly bean supper at 15 Lewiston Road will be on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 5-6 p.m. On the menu are pea and kidney beans, chop suey, cole slaw, hot dogs, breads and dessert. The meal costs $8, $15 per couple over 12 years of age; $2.50 for 5 to 12-year-olds; under 5 free. Any questions, call Nancy True at 657-2661 (cell 653-3886) or the Legion at 657-4884.

The American Legion is looking for sponsors of their second annual Golf Scramble, to be held on Sept. 16 at the Falmouth Country Club. Last year’s event was very successful and funds were donated to Kieve’s Veterans Camps. If you wish to help with this fundraiser, contact Joe Hansen at 650-3904 or joehansen70@gmail.com.

Holiday Closings

Gray Municipal Offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, for the Labor Day holiday.

Gray-New Gloucester Adult Education has a new office. Residents can come see the new space at an Open House on Sept. 18.Gray-New Gloucester Adult Education has a new classroom.