Letters of a ?Victorian teenager

The New Gloucester Historical Society will meet on Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. at the New Gloucester Community Building (old fire barn), directly behind the Town Hall on Route 231. The public is invited.

The program for the meeting is “Letters of a New Gloucester Victorian Teenager,” based on the letters of Anna Potter Chandler. It’s a unique collection that offers a fascinating insight into town life at a singularly expansive period of growth and change in Maine history. Steve Chandler is the presenter. Refreshments will be provided, and a members’ business meeting will follow.

Gardening season ?is coming!

Opportunity Farm has once again graciously donated a portion of its property for New Gloucester’s community garden. There are 12-by-15-foot rental spots available for the season for just $20 for New Gloucester residents and $35 for non-residents. Work-trade options are available in the food-pantry garden. To obtain the 2011 season application or to volunteer at the garden, please e-mail sweethollowsfarm@gmail.com or call 671-6576.

Snow splash, ?book bash

On Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., frolic in the snow with winter sports at the Pineland Farms Outdoor Center, then warm up in the Market with four new children’s books. Meet Down East authors and illustrators Katie Clark, Robin Hansen, Karel Hayes, Jamie Hogan, Amy Huntington and Lynn Plourde, who will read their winter stories, sign books and teach fun crafts.

Have fun outside Nordic skiing, sledding, skating and snowshoeing in the perimeter of the Market and Outdoor Center and on the trails. Enjoy marshmallows by the outdoor fire pit. Other refreshments will be available in the Market. While you’re in the area, plan to tour the Creamery and Equestrian Center as well.

You are encouraged to bring your own winter sports gear; however, limited equipment rentals will be available. Lessons will also be offered by appointment. Please call the Pineland Farms Outdoor Recreation Center, 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester, in advance for availability of equipment rental or to schedule a lesson, 688-6599.

Foul play ?at horse rescue

Amateur sleuth Rose Stansfield reports that Open Gates Equine Rescue in New Gloucester was an apparent crime scene today. The two suspects, identified as Herbie and Tuti, are two miniature horses who have resided at Open Gates for nearly four years.

Due to the oppressing cold temperatures, Herbie and Tuti were given limited access to the building known as the New Barn for exercise purposes. Eyewitnesses report that the suspects had difficulty accepting their confinement and mayhem ensued.

Barricades of paper-clad bags of pine shavings bore the rounded, hoof-shaped punctures allegedly made by the suspects. The hay storage area, once neatly filled with stacks of hay bales approximately six feet tall, were toppled and scattered throughout that section of the barn. Evidence of hay consumption was discovered.

The alleged suspects, Herbie and Tuti, were apprehended without incident and have been confined to stall arrest. Charges against them include criminal mischief and theft by unauthorized taking. No pleas have been made regarding their case and both suspects declined comment.

To help Herbie and Tuti raise bail money, please donate $5 per bale of hay to Open Gates Equine Rescue, 407 Morse Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260. For more information, see www.opengatesequinerescue.com.

Gazebo dedication ?to be televised

Remember the Bob Leighton Gazebo Dedication that took place in October 2009? At last, you can view this 26-minute program on local access Channel 3 at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20.

To refresh your memory, the Gray-New Gloucester High School Band played selections for the first half of the ceremony, while addresses by Master of Ceremonies Jim Fitch, several members of the Leighton family and Pastor Dan Michaud followed.

Town facilities closed

All town facilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21, in observance of Presidents Day.