News Briefs

Ask The Monument

Did the [Gray] Town Council reject an offer of $100,000 for the Library? I thought the Library told the Council that they wanted to expand, and someone gave the Council $100,000 toward construction.

Town Council Chair Gary Foster said that:

No, the Council has received no offer in any amount for the Library. The only offer Council is aware of was the $100,000 challenge grant, which required the library, through a non-profit organization, to raise a matching $100,000. To my knowledge, the GPLA, which was to raise the matching funds, did not raise $100,000 and the anonymous donor withdrew the offer.

Fire at AppleTree Village

Gray Fire Chief Barton and crew responded to a smoke alarm at Appletree Village facility on Rt. 115 Saturday. A faulty smoke detector was the culprit, and when it was reset, it stayed that way. Chief said there were no other indications as to why the alarm may have gone off. The residents of the facility were evacuated safely, Chief Barton said. Several apparatus, including the ladder truck turned out, but alls well that ended well and the call was cleared with no injuries or problems. Above, Gray fire trucks at AppleTree Village, a senior facility in Gray.The Monument: Prata photo

Accolades:

Jill Hanlon of Gray, Associate Broker for Tim Flaherty Real Estate of Westbrook, Maine, was one of several associates who attended the annual Celebrating Courage event at the Maine Mall on October 22nd & 23rd. Tim Flaherty Real Estate supported Celebrating Courage, an event to raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Highlighting Brydon Farm condominiums, people were invited to an art show and open house on October 30th. A percentage of the sale proceeds that day will be donated to the Maine Cancer Foundation in support of the cause against breast cancer

Windham Education Foundation presents its kick-off fundraiser event Aroostook to Zorach: The All- Maine, All- Fun, A-Z Spelling Bee, Thursday, November 17, 6:30- 9:00PM at the Windham High School Performing Arts Center. Host and spelling bee moderator Maine humorist Tim Sample promises to make this community night of learning and laughter a memorable one for the town. Teams of three adults and/or youth are encouraged to register to compete for the chance to take home a "wicked big" perpetual trophy with their team name engraved on it. The foundation especially encourages community organizations, schools, libraries, church groups, and area businesses to put a team together and get in on the fun.

The team entry fee of $300 may come from a group of friends, business associates, or a single donor. All funds from the entry fees will be distributed as scholarships or grants to educators in Spring 2006. Be a spellah or be a watchah. Audience admission is adults $10, students $8, and a $40 admission cap for families.

Tickets are now on sale at Mechanics Savings Bank, North Windham; Blue Seal Feeds and Needs, South Windham; and Windham Town Hall, Clerk's office. For a team entry form or also to purchase tickets, contact Chris Farmer 450-4600 or Toby Pennels 892-1314 or visit our website, www.windhameducationfoundation.com . Team entries will be accepted up to November 17. To be included in the program, please submit your team entry by Nov. 14.

New Gloucester Tree Lighting will soon be here

The annual tree lighting at the New Gloucester Town Hall will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2005 beginning at 4:30 PM. Once a year our tree-Tiny Timber, the smallest municipal tree in the country- gets a chance to shine-so much of the year Tiny Timber is needled mercilessly so come along and help build up holiday spirits. Everyone is invited. Left, The Gray-New Gloucester Choir at 2004 Tree Lighting. The Monument: Prata photo

Highlights of the ceremony include a performance by the Gray-New Gloucester High School Chorus led by Carol Clark. MC Kevin Fowler will help lead a sing-along. The lighting of the tree is always done by a lucky attendee whose name is drawn from a hat. Following the lighting the New Gloucester Library holds its annual open house. Come along each and everyone.

The afternoon's activities are sponsored by the New Gloucester Historical Society, the staff, trustees and friends of the New Gloucester Library.

Please help Native Americans in Maine this Winter

The Native American Inter-Tribal Foundation (NAITF) is gratefully accepting items for the holiday season until December 4th.

The items we'd appreciate most are non-violent or educational games, interactive baby/toddler toys (no stuffed animals, please), sports equipment, board games, cards, art materials, watches, radio walkmans, warm hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks and boots.

We are also accepting health items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, hair brushes, combs and non-perishable food such as baby food, baby formula, dried milk, macaroni, pasta sauces, crackers, unsweetened juices, soup, canned or dried beans, coffee, sweeteners, jello, pudding, canned salmon and tuna.

NAITF is a non-profit corporation with the sole purpose of assisting Native Americans on the five reservations in the State of Maine. The goal of the Christmas program is to make sure each child on the reservations receives a gift at Christmas. NAITF is an entirely volunteer organization, without facilities to sort, clean and repair items, so NEW items only, please.
Items can be dropped off until December 4 at Gray Chiropractic Center, 2 McConkey Rd., (across from Marden's), Gray. Office hours are M-W-F from 9-1 and 3-7, T, Th from 3-7. FMI call 657-5200. Monetary donations can be mailed to Native American Inter-Tribal Foundation, 131 Old Orchard Rd., Buxton, ME 04093-6403.