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Cards of Thanks

1. Girl Scout troop 780 recently finished collecting items for the SPCA in Auburn, Maine L-R front row Josephine Heston and Katrina Morris, Standing: Elizabeth Tynes, Emily Ross, Chelsea Blanchard, Ashley Hutchinson and Erica Tynes. Special thanks to Cloutier's Market and Cooks Hardware for letting us put the boxes at the stores.

2. The Town of Gray would like to thank St. Gregory's Parish and Curves for Women for their generous donations to the food closet.

3. Thank you to the People of Gray and New Gloucester

Please accept my sincere gratitude for all the prayers, cards, calls and visits while I was hospitalized and during my recovery from the pickup accident. Special thanks to the staff at Maine Medical Center, Dr. Jacquet, Dr. Drasby and their staff, and to my family for watching out for me and to all the friends and family who so graciously drove me wherever I had to go. A special thanks to Gray Physical Therapy who helped me regain my balance and walk all over again. Thanks Leo, Erica and Tim.

Les Taylor

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Dance to support People to People student

An adult public dance being held on Friday, April 29, 2005 at Spring Meadows, Rt. 202, Gray, from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. for Erica Snow, who will be traveling with People to People as a Student Ambassador to France, Italy and Greece. Cost is only $10 per ticket with cash bar. There is a 50/50 Raffle with Silent Auction as well. All are welcome! Contact: Stan Snow - 428-3174 or Marianne Snow - 926-3425 for more information.

Gray - New Gloucester Optimist Club plant sale

The G-NG Optimist Club will be holding the 3rd annual spring plant sale at Key Bank in Gray, just in time for sprucing up those gardens! The sale will run on 2 dates this year, Saturday May 7th (think Mother's Day!) and on Saturday May 21st from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. both days, rain or shine. Selling 12" hanging baskets, assorted geraniums, and 6 packs of annual bedding plants, among other varieties. Marstaller Greenhouses of NorthYarmouth will be supplying some of their wonderful plants.

Funds raised are used by the non-profit club to sponsor many community service projects throughout the year. FMI about the sale or the Optimist Club, please contact Sheila Myhaver @ 428-4111, or smyhaver@yahoo.com. To learn more about Optimist International, check us out on the web at http://www.optimist.org, or ask for one of our club fliers at the sale!

SMAA meeting

The Southern Maine Volkssport Association invites you to attend its monthly meeting to be held a 7 p.m. on May 11th, the second Wednesday of the month, at Walker Memorial Library, 800 Main Street, Westbrook, Maine. Join us a 5:30 for a short "Intro-Stroll", starting at the library. Come and find out what SMVA is all about. The meeting and stroll are open to all, and everyone is welcome.

Tee ball

Just a reminder for Gray Little League's tee ball division that we have a field clean-up day this Saturday the 30th. We'll be meeting at St.Gregory's Field's at 8:30. Please bring rakes, shovels & wheelbarrows.

We'll be roto-tilling the baseline and rolling it out. We'll also be bringing benches from the Snack Shack and a batting net. Coaches & Managers will also participate in a clinic which teaches the fundamentals of throwing, hitting and catching. Schedules, hats & pants will also be available as well as team equipment. Attendance is crucial. FMI 655-5857.

The Gray Extension

The Gray Extension will meet on Wednesday, May 4 at the Parish House on Brown St. at 10 a.m. Following the business meeting, the program will be presented by Richard Morin, owner of Woodsprite orchids. Any interested community members are welcome to attend. Members will stay after the program for a bag lunch and games. Also, remember to bring your "treasures" for the 'white elephant table.' FMI call 428-3893.

Vets wanted for Memorial Day Parade

An Invitation To all returning Service men and women. New Gloucester AMVETS Post #6 invites all returning service men and women to lead the annual Memorial Day Parade. For those who cannot march, transportation will be available. Please contact the Post at P.O. Box 301 or call Bill Kiley at 926-4232 or Bill Greene at 998-5455 if you are willing to take part. The parade will be held on May 30th and will form at the AMVET Hall at 8:30 a.m. Any other group or organization wishing to take part are also invited.

Youth Learn to Fish Day

Sponsored by Pineland Community Optimist Club & FET, Inc.In conjunction with Hooked on Fishing (not drugs) on May 15, 2005 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Pineland Farms Campus, New Gloucester, ME. Ages 4-12.
Join us for an exciting day of hands-on fishing instruction, activities, games, prizes and a free cookout! Youth participants are encouraged to bring their own open water fishing gear and tackle to use. Gear and tackle will be provided for those without. The first 100 children will receive a free tackle box filled with goods and a Learn to Fish Day tee shirt.
Contact Steve Massing at smassing@homesellersmaine.com or Barbara Hanley at 688-8248 for more information.

Fiddlehead Center for the Arts Opens Registration for FiddstARTS
Innovative Early Education Program Features Reggio Emilia Approach

Fiddlehead Center for the Arts, a multi-community arts center, is now accepting registrations for its original new early education program, FiddlestARTS. Based on a world-renowned educational approach called Reggio Emilia, the program is available for three to five year olds. Due to an overwhelming response to the program, currently only two day a week options are available for either half days or full days on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

It will emphasize the arts and communication and will feature music, movement, work with clay and introduction to the Spanish language.
Reggio Emilia is a small city in northern Italy about the size of Portland. As they recovered from the WWII devastation to their town, its people decided to build infant-toddler centers that emphasized a stimulating environment and a focus on art and group projects. That pioneering program has since expanded beyond Italy's borders and there are now Reggio Emilia-inspired schools in 27 U.S. states, including Maine.

Judy Ives will be leading FIDDLESTarts at Fiddlehead Center for the Arts and the program runs for nine months beginning in September 2005. This will be FiddlestARTS second year running.

Parents can decide to enroll their children in morning, afternoon or full day classes. Fees vary depending upon the time a child is enrolled. Parents are encouraged to call Fiddlehead Center at (207) 688-2244 for cost and other information.

Fiddlehead Center for the Arts is located at 83 Pineland Drive at the Pineland Campus in New Gloucester and on the Web at www.fiddleheadcenter.org.

Become a foster grandparent
Earn extra income while helping children learn and grow

PROP's Foster Grandparent Program has openings for men and women 60 and over interested in becoming a volunteer in York or Cumberland Counties. Foster Grandparents help improve the lives of children with special needs while having a great time and earning a little extra money.
Typical assignments include helping children in schools with their school assignments, reading with toddlers in a child development center, or supporting families by visiting with them in their homes.

In return, Foster Grandparents who are income eligible have an opportunity to earn a tax-free income while volunteering twenty hours a week in their community sharing their knowledge and skills. Foster Grandparents are also eligible for paid vacations and sick leave, holidays, assistance with meals and travel, annual physical, preservice training, supervision and recognition. If interested in participating in the upcoming training program call 773 - 0202 for more information.

Androscoggin Habitat For Humanity is now accepting applications for their next home

Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce that they are now accepting applications from families or individuals living in Androscoggin County who are unable to acquire a mortgage loan for a home because of low income. Habitat for Humanity will be building a home in Lewiston for our next family. We are looking to work with an individual or family to build their own home and to provide a no interest rate mortgage based on the cost of building that home.

If anyone is interested, they should call Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity at 786-2598 to see if they qualify. If the basic requirements are met, an application will be mailed. All applications must be returned to Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity no later than May 31, 2005 in order to be considered for this next home.

28th Annual Spring Post Card Show

Sponsored by the Pine Tree Post Card Club, to be held on Sunday, May 1, 2005 at the Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave., Portland (Outer Congress St., behind West Gate Shopping Center). 9 a.m to 4 p.m. A $3 donation is requested. Plenty of post cards and supplies for all collectors. Snack bar, appraisals and free parking available. For more information, please call 657-4399, after 6 p.m. The PTPCC meets monthly on the first Monday of the month, 6 - 7:30 p.m., at Cole Farms, upstairs over the counter area. All are welcome!

Rabies, PLUS! Clinic

at The Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick. May 7 - 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets $10. (bring previous certificate if possible). Microchipping $25.00, ear cleaning, and nail trimming $5. PLUS! Dog Bite prevention on the grounds at CHS. Learn from the experts how to be safe around dogs. Call 725-5051 FMI. Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, Maine 04011. www.coastalhumanesociety.org

Third Annual Yard and Garden Plant Sale

at The Coastal Humane Society, May 14 - 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and plants for beneficial insects, birds, and butterflies. Raffles & Refreshments. Proceeds benefit the Coastal Humane Society. Call 725-5051 FMI. Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, Maine 04011. www.coastalhumanesociety.org

Hebron Academy Admissions Information Sessions

Students and parents interested in Hebron Academy's programs for grades 6 through 12 or a post-graduate year, are welcome to visit during these informal events. Dates: Tuesday, May 3; Tuesday, May 17; Tuesday, June 7; Tuesday, June 21; Tuesday, July 12; Tuesday, July 26, from 5:00-6:30 pm, in the Art Gallery on Hebron's campus, just off Route 119 in Hebro. These events are open to the public, and free of charge. For more information, please call 207-966-2100 or visit www.hebronacademy.org

A Great Mother's Day Gift

Mother's Day is coming on May 8, and the Cumberland County Master Gardeners have the ideal gift for your special Mom. The Cumberland County Master Gardener's Cookbook is packed full of delicious recipes like Lavender Tea Cake, Hot Mushroom Dip, and Maine Crab Cakes. Yummy! Proceeds from the cookbooks go toward Cumberland County Extension Service programs. To order your gift-wrapped, postage-free cookbook, contact Marilyn Brinnick at 926-4060 or email brinnick@maine.rr.com.

Spring Inquiry Day at NYA on May 7

April 15, Yarmouth, ME - North Yarmouth Academy will host a Spring Inquiry Day on Saturday, May 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. The event is for families with children entering middle or upper school in Fall 2006, and for parents of current 5th graders interested in admission for Fall 2005.

The event will showcase NYA students and faculty, who will describe the academic, athletic and arts programs in both the middle and upper school. Families will have the opportunity to meet current parents, tour the school, hear presentations from NYA academic departments and have a chance to ask questions of faculty and administrators.

This event is free to the public, and will take place in the Priscilla Savage Middle School on campus. Refreshments will be served. Interested families should 846-2376 to register or ask questions.

North Yarmouth Academy is a co-educational, independent day school for grades 6-12. NYA enrolls about 300 students each year, and admission is selective.

Scottish Genealogist to speak

The Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society is proud to present a talk from Stella Pryor. She will be presenting what is new at the Scottish Archives and other sources in Scotland. Saturday, May 7, at 1 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Family History Center of the Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints at 29 Ocean House Road in Cape Elizabeth. The Center is located on Rte 77 just south of the South Portland Line and north of Spurwink Avenue. Please come to the North Entrance, Rear door.
The presentation will begin after the short monthly business meeting. For more information please contact Lynne Holland at 767- 4490 or email lholland@maine.rr.com

New Gloucester Historical Society May meeting change

The May meeting will be held on May 12th at 7:30 p.m. at the Congo Vestry-please note the change in venue. The program will be a prevention by the Gray-New Gloucester Middle School Computer Club who have been working for weeks.

Clutterer's Anonymous

Is your Clutter Unmanageable? Are you having a hard time getting organized? Do you find it impossible to throw anything away? Do you have goals and visions that cannot be realized due to clutter around your house or in your thoughts? Check out Clutterer's Anonymous, Sundays at 7 p.m. at Unity Church, 54 River Rd. Windham, FMI 1-866-800-3881 or on the web at www.clutterersanonymous.net

Spring Clothing Sale

Sat. May 7th, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Hollis Elementary School Caf., Rt. 35 Hollis, across from the Municipal Center. FMI, to volunteer or donate call 642-3508. Everything still 25¢. New clothes, underwear and socks from Wal-Mart, candy from Hannaford. Benefits BEHS scholarships.

Fairgrounds Committee looking for lilies

Got lilies? The New Gloucester Fairgrounds Committee is looking for the old fashioned orange day lilies to put along the roadside fence. If you are cleaning your garden and need to divide a clump, or can spare a few. Instead of tossing them on the compost pile put them in an open plastic grocery bag and drop them off by the main gate.

Maine Greyhound Placement Service Open House

The Maine Greyhound Placement Service (MGPS), a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to finding homes for retired racing greyhounds is holding an Open House at their Adoption Center in Augusta on May 14-15, at the Maine Greyhound Placement Service Adoption Center, 249 Old Belgrade Road (directly across from the Maine Veterans Cemetery, back entrance), Augusta, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m both days (rain or shine), $5 for adults, children under 14 free. All proceeds from this event benefit Greyhound adoption efforts.

Meet the retired greyhounds, talk to greyhound owners and learn what wonderful pets greyhounds make as well as find out about MGPS's plans for building a new off-hours emergency vet clinic in Augusta.

For more information or directions, call Andrea (207) 783-7440 or MGPS (207) 626-2893, or visit the MGPS website at: http://www.greyhoundplacement.com

All dogs must be leashed. It is recommended that small dogs be carried.