A beautiful reminder

Gray’s own Grand Drape was installed on the second floor of The Henry Pennell Municipal Complex last Friday, Feb. 25, with the help of a few locals and some members of the Gray Fire and Rescue. This historical curtain, had been hanging in Stimson Hall up until the 1960s, signed, “The College Players – 1902.” It was painted by Edgar Caswell (probably 1901), who was a Gray resident, at one time. The Drape was restored by Curtains Without Borders from a grant procured by the Gray Historical Society.

The scene is of a harbor with patio and Greek portico. It looks great!

From www.cutainswithoutborders.org: “The most striking type of painted scenery is the Grand Drape, noted for the illusion of elegant, painted drapery that is pulled aside to reveal a scene within a decorative frame. A grand drape is always located at the front of the stage, right behind the proscenium arch. It usually contains a romantic scene with mountains, a castle or other dramatic view.”

If you know about any painted curtains or scenery in Maine, please contact: curtainswithoutborders@gmail.com.

$1,000 donated

The Gray-New Gloucester High School Community Service Club recently presented a $1,000 check to the Food Pantry, located in the basement of the Gray Congregational Church Parish Hall. The money was raised through various events including a Walk for Hunger and the Ugly Sweater Contest.

David McCann, winner of the Ugly Sweater Contest, gave back his prize money so it could go to the Food Pantry. In addition to participating in fund-raisers, members of the Service Club also donate their time to the pantry by bringing in and helping to sort the food when it gets delivered to the pantry as well as by helping to carry out bags of food for the folks who find themselves in need of the food pantry. The Pantry is open from 2-4:30 p.m. on the first and third Friday of the month.

Patriot Players ?to test talent

The Gray-New Gloucester Patriot Players will examine “taking tests” in their one-act performance of “Questionable” at 7 p.m., Friday, March 4 at G-NG High School. The play is about the National Institute of Testing While Involving Theater (NITWIT), which conducts a hilarious test taking experience for the audience. The Patriot Players will also present Questionable at the March 11 and 12 regional competition at Leavitt High School.

Cribbage and Camp

Cribbage every Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. at The Henry Pennell Municipal Complex. Beverages and snacks will be served. Cost: $2 per visit (boards and cards will be provided).

2011 Summer Day Camp Registrations for the 2011 Summer Day Camp has begun! Entire Summer Camp payments will be due in June, before camp begins. Make monthly payments now. Stop by the Recreation office during the regular office hours for a complete handbook or email them and they will send you one. Gray Recreation Department, Henry Pennell Municipal Complex, 24 Main St. Gray, 657-2323, www.graymaine.org.

Time to eat

American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 86 in Gray, will hold its monthly Bean Supper at 15 Lewiston Road on March 5 from 5 to 6 p.m. On the menu are pea and kidney beans, chop suey, cole slaw, hot dogs, breads, pie, coffee and punch.

Meal costs $7 for over 12 years of age; $2.50 for 5 to 12 year olds; under 5 free. Proceeds benefit veterans and their families and children in the area. Any questions, call Nancy True at 657-2661 (cell 653-3886) or Legion at 657-4884.

Let it Snow

On Saturday, March 5, the Gray Snowolves Snowmobile Club will host their 6th Annual Winterfest at St. Gregory’s Church, Crystal Lake in Gray.

The Fishing Derby begins at legal sunrise and goes to 3 p.m., tickets are $10. The Radar Runs go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $5 per run, and participants must be 18 or older. The traditional Poker Run is from 9 a.m. to noon and the ante is $5 per hand. There will also be raffle items, a silent auction, kid’s games, food, a bonfire, and snowmobile rides and cash and prizes for the derby and poker run.

For more info contact Brad Shelley, 428-3308. To pre-register for the fishing derby, email: snowolves@gmail.com.

Taxes, Stars ?and Books!

On Tuesdays, March 8, 15, and 22, an AARP tax aide will be at the Gray Public Library to offer free tax assistance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tax assistance is by appointment only so call 657-4110 to schedule one or stop by the circulation desk.

On Wednesday, March 23 at 6:45 p.m. there will be a Family Astronomy Night at the library. Jay Sarton will be present at 6:45 p.m. to talk about stars and constellations. The event is free, open to all and will be hosted rain or shine.

The Gray Public Library Association is hosting their Spring Book Sale on Saturday, March 26 from 9-2. Preview Night is on Friday, March 25 from 5:30-7:30. There is a $5 admission fee for Preview Night only.

Off to See ?the Wizard

Tickets are on sale now for the Fiddlehead Children’s Production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Four great shows at the Gray/New Gloucester High School. Evening Shows on Saturday, March 19 and 26, at 7 p.m. Matinee shows on Sunday, March 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.

Money Talks

On Tuesday, March 15, the Gray Town Council conducts informational public hearing(s) on the proposed budget to seek public comments before any official actions. Go to www.graymaine.org or call 657-3339 for more information.

Members of the Gray-New Gloucester High School Community Service Club present a $1,000 check to Donna Rand of the Community Auxiliary Food Pantry. From left are Isaiah Ray, Ryan Sullivan, Molly Grannell, Rand, Taryn Sangelo, Eliza Foster and Karen Licht, advisor of the Community Service Club. Missing from the photo are Jeff Taylor and Jake Bergeron. (Courtesy photo)