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Family Fun Splash Day
New event at Wilkie's Beach

By Elizabeth Prata

Gray---Gray residents should get ready for the first Annual Family Fun Splash Day, to be held at Wilkie's Beach on August 14. Dean Bennett of Gray Parks and Recreation reported to the Council Tuesday night that the department has already booked King Memphis, a beach-surf music band for the evening festivities.

During the day, the staff is looking to plan a triathlon, where 14-17 year olds would swim from St. Gregory's to Wilkie's beach, canoe or kayak back, and then run the last leg back to the beach. This generated enthusiasm from Chair Pam Wilkinson, who asked that Bennett schedule a similar event for adults. Bennett said that there will be a watermelon eating contest, water balloon toss, and other water sports. He welcomes any public input as to other events that might be fun for participants.

During Council reports Wilkinson said that the Stimson Hall floor is completed. Manager Mitchell A. Berkowitz said that there have been a lot of renovations completed inside Stimson Hall over the last two months and Wilkinson responded that the hundred year old building "looks great."

Councilor Lynn Olson reported on the Finance Committee meeting and reminded delinquent taxpayers to pay if possible and to call the town to learn more about scheduling a payment plan. Berkowitz said that although the town is required to send out formal notices, that he strongly encourages people to call Town Office at 657-3339 because they would much rather work with people and resolve any outstanding debt than go to foreclosure. "Establishing a payment plan is the best way to illustrate good intent, and we are more than willing to work with you," he said.

During Council business Councilor Richard Barter became agitated when Wilkinson said that there had been a meeting with the SAD Superintendent and several Directors to discuss disposal of Pennell Institute. Barter is a Pennell Institute alum who has advocated for preservation of the historic building. Right, Barter

Wilkinson said that there would be a fuller discussion of the results of the previous meeting at next Monday's workshop, and she would rather wait to items then, since Councilor Sturgis was absent now. "I'd rather wait until the full board is present and we can have a full discussion then," she said.

Barter accused Wilkinson of hiding information and pressed for a discussion at that moment. "This issue has been before this Council for two years," and he said there was a sense of urgency. He called for a motion.

"On what?" Wilkinson responded. Barter agitated for a longer discussion, wanted the School Department to meet with the Council earlier than the currently scheduled June 2 meeting, and again accused the Chair of suppressing information. Left, Wilkinson

The Council has been discussion where to put an expanded Town office for two years, and the idea that the Town Offices could go into Pennell, currently owned by the School Department, came along a year ago. The Town and School Department have been discussing the possibility of jointly sharing the space in the old building, along with several other options.

Barter said also that the Historical Society had met for their Annual Dinner and that there was heated discussion regarding Pennell. The Historical Society is a free tenant in Pennell Institute. They manage an extensive archive and a Museum on the top floor, which is not handicapped accessible.

"They talked about hiring a lawyer, they talked about a petition. They talked about sending a letter to the Council," Barter said. "They feel that this matter has not been handled in expeditious or orderly manner. I think they are overreacting, but I am reporting to you that they had this discussion. It is unfortunate to think that this group is of the feeling that their government has failed them," Barter said.

Wilkinson said that another discussion is slated for May 24 at their workshop, that the next joint meeting on the issue is scheduled for June 2, and that the Council is not suppressing any information. "The issue is important and the process will take as long as it takes so we can ensure to the people that we are making good decisions," Wilkinson said.