After many months of planning and training, the New Gloucester Fire-Rescue department (NGFR), has begun its emergency transport service. NGFR acquired a 2006 Ford E450 ambulance for $1, through a lease with Sugarloaf Ambulance. With approximately 88,000 miles on its odometer upon arrival, the lease will continue until a more suitable, used ambulance can be found and purchased.
Having received more than 300 EMS calls per year, NGFR determined that the time had come for the department to start transporting. Delayed response time, while waiting for out-of-town assistance, can mean life or death. The department’s basic EMTs, advanced EMTs and paramedics will now have the means to assist patients from the onset of the emergency call to arrival, and continue with the patient until he/she is delivered to the appropriate area hospital.
NGFR has held many interviews for per-diem advanced EMTs and paramedics and has hired three to date. NGFR will have one paid per diem worker on duty for seven days per week, 6 a.m.-6 p.m., along with a driver from the department.
In preparation, extensive training has been ongoing with four major hospitals, as well as ambulance and emergency vehicle operator training courses, all to be in compliance with mandated state licensing needed to begin transporting patients.
Keep up with department news at www.facebook.com/newgloucesterfirerescue.
Town Tree Lighting
The 2013 New Gloucester Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1, beginning at 4:30 p.m., at the New Gloucester Town Hall, 385 Intervale Road, Route 231. The program includes the lighting of “Tiny Timber,” seasonal songs by the Gray-New Gloucester High School Chorus, an open house with refreshments at the public library, and an open house at the History Barn. Kevyn Fowler will be the master of ceremonies. All are invited.
Heather Maloney to Perform
Singer-songwriter Heather Maloney will grace the Village Coffee House stage, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Her music is said to be riveting, her voice adventurous, and her lyrics thought-provoking. The performance will take place at the Vestry Community Room of the First Congregational Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Road, New Gloucester. Tickets will be available at the door, $10 per person. For more information, call 653-6151.
Holiday Concert
John Terison, director of music at the New Gloucester First Congregational Church, joins members of the Freeport Community Band, in bringing a fine holiday concert for the whole family to enjoy on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. The performance will take place in the church sanctuary, 19 Gloucester Hill Road. The admission cost is by a free will offering. Call 926-3260 for more details.
Shaker Christmas Fair
The annual Shaker Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Experience this nostalgic holiday tradition at America’s only active Shaker Community.
Specialties include Shaker baked goods – wheat bread, cinnamon-raisin bread, Sister Frances’ famous fruitcakes, fresh-baked herbal biscuits, and cookies. There will be a wide selection of gifts and holiday items, such as Shaker culinary herbs and herbal teas, pickles, jellies, old-fashioned candy, Shaker biscuit mix and Shaker pancake mix, maple syrup, pickles, cheese, woodenware, furniture, antiques, baskets, knit goods, toys, ornaments, fresh-cut Maine Christmas trees and decorated balsam wreaths, hot cider and homemade doughnuts.
Proceeds from the White Elephant Room, a second-time-around rummage sale, benefit local food pantries. Lunch will be available for purchase. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is located at 707 Shaker Road, off Route 26, in New Gloucester.
Wreath Making for Kids
Children ages 3 and up are invited to make a beautiful balsam wreath for the holiday season at any of several 10-11:30 a.m. sessions being offered at Pineland Farms. The dates are Thursday, Dec. 5; Tuesday, Dec. 10; Wednesday, Dec. 11; and Wednesday, Dec. 18. Buy tickets at The Market and Welcome Center, 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester for $5 per person.
New Gloucester Fire-Rescue’s Ambulance 1, now referred to as “A 1,” began its emergency transport service at 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18.
Business is brisk at the 2002 Shaker Christmas Fair’s baked good section. This year’s fair is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, 707 Shaker Road (Route 26) in New Gloucester.
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