Christmas Fairs
• First Congregational Church of Gray will hold its annual Holly Fair on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Parish House (behind McDonald’s) in Gray Center.
You can purchase an abundance of handmade gifts, Cabot’s Private Stock cheddar, tasty fudge, freshly made wreaths or some delicious baked goods. Fill a can with cookies from the Cookie Trail or stock up on your favorite Rada knives.
Children can attend a movie and cookie decorating while parents shop. Early shoppers can enjoy Thompson’s donuts and coffee. For lunch there will be haddock chowder, corn chowder and a variety of sandwiches all made by Women’s Fellowship.
Contact Anne Michaud 657-2939 or the church office at 657-4279 if you have any questions.
• Good Shepherd United Methodist Church on West Gray Rd. (Route 115) will have a Christmas Fair on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 657-2009 for more information.
• The American Legion’s Post 86 Women’s Auxiliary will hold a Christmas Fair at 15 Lewiston Road in Gray, on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The hall will be full of local crafters, there will be a food booth open and luncheon will be served. For more information call 657-4884.
You Did Good
Each year, Gray recognizes and celebrates the folks who are the backbone of the community – the dedicated volunteers. The Gray Town Council encourages and welcomes nominations from Gray citizens who wish to recognize other community members for their volunteer contributions as they relate to the following five categories of awards: Volunteer of the Year, Committee of the Year, Organization of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award and Evelyn Morrill Durgin Award.
The council will review the nominations in early December. An awards reception will follow.
Nomination forms are available on the website or at the Town Office. The deadline date for nomination submissions is Nov. 27. More information is on www.graymaine.org.
Here Comes Santa Claus
The Annual Tree Lighting at the Henry Pennell Municipal Complex in Gray, will be on Dec. 1, beginning at 3 p.m. with a Holiday Jazz Concert in Newbegin. Santa will be arriving and lighting the tree around 4 p.m. and then he’ll come inside Newbegin to greet the children and take photos. There will also be crafts going on in the gym, as well, to keep everyone busy/happy while they wait their turn to visit with Santa.
Parking Ban
There is a parking ban in the town of Gray from Nov. 15 to April 15 between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. No vehicle shall be parked at any time on a public way, public street or within a town-owned parking lot, due to snow removal. Vehicles in violation of the ordinance (Section 502.3) will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Turkey Day Closures
The Gray Public Library and all Gray municipal offices will be closed Nov. 28-Dec. 2. Call 657-3339 or www.graymaine.org for more information.
Christmas Aid
The Caring Community of Gray-New Gloucester is now distributing applications for Christmas Food Baskets and gifts/clothing for children. Individuals and families of Gray and New Gloucester who find themselves in need of holiday assistance are asked to fill out an application and return the completed form no later than Friday, Dec. 6, at the specially designated lock box at any of the following locations: both town halls, Gray Public Library, Dunn Memorial and Russell schools.
Sponsors are always needed as are monetary donations. Donations can be sent to CCGNG, P.O. Box 1244 Gray, ME 04039. For more information, including how to become a sponsor, please contact Christina Foster at winkers92@yahoo.com or 233-0828.
Walk, Ride or Sit
Beginning this week, the Newbegin Gym will be open for walking on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-10 a.m. While the weather is cold, feel free to get some exercise walking indoors where it is warm and comfortable. Bring a buddy or your headphones and walk some laps.
Horseback riding lessons through Gray Recreation will be offered soon. There will also be a free open house on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1-3 p.m. where you can come meet the instructors and the horses. More information will be forthcoming or you can check on the website or call the office.
A Red Cross babysitting class will be held on Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at Newbegin Gym for ages 11-15.
Those attending will acquire information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care for children in the absence of parents or guardians. Some topics covered include leadership skills, care giving, first aid skills, safe play, safety and how to accept jobs. Students will be given a comprehensive babysitter’s training manual and the tools needed to create a babysitter’s kit.
With successful completion of the course, participants will earn an American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training certification.
Please find all information at www.grayrec.com or call 657-2323.
Annual Tree Lighting
The annual tree lighting at the Henry Pennell Municipal Complex will be on Sunday, Dec. 1, from 2-6 p.m.
2014 Dog Licenses
2014 dog licenses are now available for purchase at the Gray Town Office and through the online purchasing and renewal service.
All dogs aged six months or older must be registered by Dec. 31 each year. Please bring your dog’s current rabies certificate with you at the time of registration.
Fees for neutered/spayed dogs are $6 per year. Non-neutered/non-spayed dogs are $11 per year. A $25 late fee will be charged after Jan. 31. For more information, go to www.graymaine.org or call 657-3339.
Help the Patriot Lacrosse Club
The Liberty Mutual Insurance Responsible Sports program has made available 15 grants worth $2,500 each. The Patriot Lacrosse Club would like to earn one of the five Community Grants available but they need your help. By visiting www.ResponsibleSports.com/Grant and clicking on one of the online banners, “Responsible Coaching” or “Responsible Sport Parenting,” reading and then taking a short quiz, a point will be earned for your organization. The organizations accumulating the most points by Nov. 30 will receive one of the grants.
The Patriot Lacrosse Club is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 2012. The club provides the youth of Gray and New Gloucester in grades 3 through 8 the opportunity to play lacrosse throughout central and southern Maine. For more information, go to www.gngpatriotlacrosse.org.
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