News

Healthy Hometowns, thanks to Ski Program
By David Martineau
With the official start of spring only a month away, why would residents of the Gray/New Gloucester area be wishing for snow? The answer is the new Healthy Hometowns Ski Program, a cross country ski program that is being run and sponsored by a group of well known local organizations.

The program which was originally developed in Aroostook County by the Maine Winter Sports Center (M.W.S.C.) was created with a twofold purpose in mind; to re-establish skiing as a lifestyle in Maine and to provide a healthy sport for children to help offset the health risks associated with childhood obesity, type II diabetes, smoking and asthma. For the last five years the program has been offered in the northern part of the state and has just recently expanded to the western and southern regions of Maine.

The expansion was made possible by organizations such as the Libra Foundation, The Dead River Company, Peoples Bank and other local supporters who are sponsoring the program financially. Their contributions have made it possible for Gray Parks and Recreation to offer this program for the reasonable cost of $40.00 per child; a fee that covers the use of all ski equipment for the season, a place to ski and qualified volunteer instructors to work with the children.

"This is a great program where we ultimately want to engage the entire community in a healthier, active outdoor lifestyle" commented Andy Sheppard. A former basketball athlete and the President of the Maine Winter Sports Center, Mr. Sheppard said that cross country skiing was chosen as a sport because it was an activity where "…no-one has to sit on the bench."

Participation is the name of the game and there are many ways to make it a fun learning experience said Shelly Holmquist, an instructor at the Dunn School location. Games such as "blob", a tag style activity, gets kids involved and helps them to forget that they are on skis which makes the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Shelly was also enthusiastic about the children being able to take home the ski equipment for the season, a benefit that allows them to practice whenever they want to.

The Healthy Hometowns Ski Program is currently being run at the Dunn school and Libby Hill recreation area by Gray Parks & Recreation. In its first year, approximately 75 children are participating in the program. The Dunn school location was considered due to its close proximity to Pineland Farm's fifteen kilometers of cross country skiing trails. The second location, the Libby Hill recreation area, is located behind the middle school in Gray and is a parcel of land where trails for non motorized use were constructed back in the 1970's. It is also the location of Libby Hill Festival which will take place on February 28, 2004.

Shelly Holmquist said that preparations are now being made for the festival which will include many activities such skiing, snowshoeing, sliding, a bonfire and refreshments. Skiing and Snowshoeing contests will also be held for children and adults alike and the festival is open to the public. You can call Gray Parks & Recreation at 657-2323 for more information.

With a smiling group of new skiers in our community and people working hard to organize the festival, "I am hoping that it will continue to snow. Well, at least until the festival is over," said Holmquist.