Attention newcomers

Welcome Neighbor packets, containing helpful items for new residents, are now available for pick up at the town office. Compiling inserts for these packets is a month-long project involving collaboration between volunteers, the town office staff, local businesses and civic organizations. Thanks to all who made this project happen, particularly to lead volunteer Beth Blakeman-Pohl.

A night out for teens

Hey teens, tired of sitting at home every Saturday night? Come hang out with your friends and make some new ones at the Pineland YMCA every last Saturday of the month during the school year.

After the YMCA closes to members, the real fun will begin as the re-open from 6-9 p.m. just for teens! The premiere Teen Night will be held Saturday, March 28, and it’s open to any student in grades 6-9. Cumberland County YMCA members pay $5 and non-members are welcome for $7, but register early as all tickets cost $10 on the day of the event. Pizza and healthy snacks will be available for purchase.

Activities will include Rock ‘n Bowl on the four-lane bowling alley with new DJ lights and stereo. There will also be open gym time for basketball and volleyball. The pool will be open for swimming and water basketball. For more information, call Jason at 688-2255.

Patriots football

The Patriot Grandstand Club, sponsor of Gray-New Gloucester Patriots Football, will be holding its annual meeting Wednesday, March 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Gray-New Gloucester High School Library. Anyone interested in Gray-New Gloucester Patriots Football is invited to attend. The club is always looking for volunteers to plan and staff fund-raising events and to participate in a variety of other club activities. For more information, contact Sharlene Myers at smyers@gngfootball.org.

SleepOver

It’s almost time for the New Gloucester Public Library’s annual SleepOver. The SleepOver is open to anyone between the ages of eight and 12. The drop off time is before 7 p.m. Friday, March 27, and the pick up time is by 8 a.m. the next day.

Pre-registration is a must, and space is limited to the first 10 (although a waiting list will be compiled), so register early. Parents must fill out and sign an application. For more information, or to receive an application, either come to the library during regular hours or call Sue at 926-4840.

Equine first aid clinic

Maine Equine Associates is offering an Equine Emergency First Aid Clinic to benefit your horse, you, and the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals. Clinics are to be held Saturday, March 21 at the Society’s farm located at 279 River Road, South Windham. Select the time that works best for you: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.

The curriculum will feature a hands-on-horse, practical, potentially life-saving class taught by some of the best equine veterinarians in the business including Dr. David Jefferson of New Gloucester.

Register online at www.msspa.org or download a registration and mail it with your $25 check to MSSPA. As there is limited space available, registrations are taken on a first come, first served basis.

No horsing around

The No Horsing Around All Day Crop to benefit the Open Gates Equine Rescue will take place Saturday, March 21, 9a.m. – 7 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Gray Parish House, located behind McDonald’s.

This all-day scrapbooking crop event will feature demonstrations and classes from vendors, free coffee, raffles and door prizes. The $35 registration fee includes lunch, and all proceeds benefit the 15 horses residing at Open Gates Equine Rescue in New Gloucester.

For more information or to register, contact Rose Stansfield at rstansfield@maine.rr.com.

Maine Memory Network

Candace Kane of the Maine Memory Network, an online museum of Maine history, will be the featured speaker at the March 19 meeting of the New Gloucester Historical Society.

The program begins at 7 p.m. at the New Gloucester Meetinghouse, next to the town hall on Route 231. The public is invited, and refreshments will be served. A business meeting will follow.

My next column: March 27 issue

Deadline for submissions: March 21

A group of volunteers in New Gloucester gathered materials donated by many of the townent Dianne Barth created the pineapple design.