Snowmobiling Season is in Full Throttle

The sport of snowmobiling is alive and well in the area, promoted by the New Gloucester-based Royal River Riders Snowmobile Club. Club Secretary Andrea Segars notes, “We are a small club of about 35 members. We have approximately 10-12 active members who do the grooming, trail maintenance, equipment maintenance, and fundraising. All of them are volunteers.”

She commented that the club is always looking for new members to join, and the fee is $25 for a family and $40 for a business. Joining the local club also gains complimentary membership into the Maine Snowmobile Association. Club meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Building behind the town office. During winter months, additional meetings take place on the third Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Mario’s Restaurant, Route 100, New Gloucester.

Any snowmobiler is welcome to use the groomed trails, and trail maps are available at local stores for a cost of $2. Club members would like to remind all riders to please respect landowners, since without their cooperation, there would be no trails to ride on. Also, because of recent ice storms, trees are hanging low, so please use caution. Club members have been trying to get out and break away the ice and trim where necessary. They ask riders not to cut down any trees.

For more information on the club and its upcoming events, see royalriverriders.com, check its Facebook page, or call Andrea at 577-2563.

Water District Trustees Election

Two seats on the New Gloucester Water District Board of Trustees are being vacated. There is one opening for a 2-year term and one for a 3-year term. Nomination papers are now available at the town office. Petitions must have at least 25 New Gloucester registered voters’ signatures, but not more than 100 signatures. The papers must be returned to the town office by Thursday, Jan. 30.

Any New Gloucester registered voter is eligible to be a candidate, but only residents within the water district can vote. Voting will be held at the New Gloucester town office on Monday, March 17, from 3-7 p.m. Absentee ballots will be available in February.

Pineland Farms’ Critters

Interact with critters at Pineland Farms at two upcoming family education programs. Meet its chickens, and learn how to feed and care for them at The Joy of Chickens, Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 10-11:30 a.m. Join a tour of the dairy barns to learn about Holstein cows and how they are cared for at Udderly Amazing Cows, Saturday, Jan. 18, and Thursday, Jan. 23, from 10-11:30 a.m.

These programs are open to all ages. Buy tickets at The Market and Welcome Center, 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester, for $5 per person.

Proposed Veterans Monument Becoming a Reality

The New Gloucester Veterans Monument project is making great strides. To date, New Gloucester residents, businesses, civic groups and others have donated $34,000. The completed cost of the granite portion of the monument is $45,000, which includes the engraving of more than 990 names of veterans who have ties to the town. The monument committee still needs donations to meet its goal of a November 2014 dedication for this site where the community can pay respect to those military veterans, from the Revolutionary War to present.

“Where is Dennis?” is a fundraising effort by New Gloucester resident Dennis McCann who runs along New Gloucester roadways holding an American flag in honor of every veteran that will be listed on the monument, one mile for each one. Despite the weather, he is continuing his running campaign throughout the winter and is fast approaching his halfway point by logging well over 400 miles. Follow Dennis on his Facebook page and support his endeavor by donating to the monument fund.

Another way of contributing is by purchasing an engraved brick for $50 to be installed when the foundation area of the monument is completed. Each 4-by-8-inch brick can be inscribed with a name or personalized message. Order forms can be found at newgloucesterveteransmonument.com.

Watch for the New Gloucester Veterans Monument booth at the Crystal Lake Fishing Derby in Gray, Saturday, Jan. 25. Also, collection boxes are located at several New Gloucester businesses. If any other business is willing to host a collection box, call Dennis McCann at 926-4118, ext. 225.