Community News

John McDonald goes down the road to Cole Farms

The popular Maine humorist reads from his new Storyteller's Guide to Maine
New Gloucester--John McDonald, author of the newly released down the road a piece: A Storyteller's Guide to Maine and the classic Maine humor book, A Moose and a Lobster Walk into a Bar, will autograph copies of down the road a piece from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Cole Farms Restaurant on Lewiston Road in Gray.

In down the road a piece, A Storyteller's Guide to Maine, McDonald "enlightens" us with his unique version of Maine's colorful history, his take on destinations in the state not to be missed, how to interpret Maine-speak, where to shop, what Maine foods to eat and avoid, and much more. Packed with both subtle and uproariously humorous descriptions and anecdotes, the book offers up a mix of traditional Maine stories and new material.

The book, published by New Gloucester-based Islandport Press, is a must-read for everyone-from The County to California-who has ever spent or ever will spend time in Maine.

For more information on the event, contact the restaurant at 657-4714.
Electronic and print images of the author and book jacket are available upon request. For more information, contact Islandport Press via telephone at 688-6290, via email at info@islandportpress.com, or visit www.islandportpress.com.

Hebron Academy's Kirk Turner of Harrison Wins State Mountain Bike Championship Again

Hebron, ME --Hebron Academy's Kirk Turner has a goal: to qualify for the Junior World Championships in Europe next fall. It looks like he's well on his way to achieving that goal. The 17-year-old junior from Harrison is the reigning two-time Maine Secondary School State Series Champion, with 13 individual victories. He is also the two-time defending Eastern Fat Tire Association (EFTA) Junior-Expert Northeastern Series Champion.

In National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) competition, which draws riders from all over the world, Turner is ranked 17th in cross-country and 18th in short track among Junior-Experts. He had three top-ten finishes at NORBA races last summer. At the Mount Snow (VT) Nationals, he finished 6th on the short track and 8th in the cross country competition. All this in just four years of "serious" riding. Turner "dabbled in ice hockey for six years, then I did a lot of fishing." He competes in Nordic skiing in the off-season, while carrying a full academic courseload.

Last year he helped establish the Hebron Academy mountain bike team, which he now captains. With co-captain and fellow NORBA competitor Jamie Tyler of Camden, Turner has helped to make the young team a strong competitor in the state league. Turner is ranked number one in the state and Tyler is ranked number three. The Varsity team, coached by Hebron faculty member Randi Shol, finished second overall this year.

Training takes "nine to 23 hours a week," and Turner estimates that he has participated in over 75 races in four years of competition. His personal coach is Beau Lambart of Athlete Development Group, who has mentored many under-23 and Junior-Cross Country national champions, including World Cup finalist and Bangor native Adam Craig. Fuji Bicycles and Sebago Outfitters in Windham sponsor Turner's racing.

Turner believes that "if you're not having fun [cycling], you're doing it for the wrong reason. Cycling is not just a sport; it is a lifestyle. I had a blast racing bikes all across the country this summer and I met some truly awesome people. I love cycling and I just want to share it any way possible."

Hebron Academy, founded in 1804, is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school located about an hour from Portland, Maine. The Academy's mission is to inspire and guide students to reach their highest potential in mind, body, and spirit. Two hundred-fifty students from New England, the United States, and the world attend grades six through postgraduate. Families interested in learning more should contact the Office of Admissions at 888-432-7664 or visit www.hebronacademy.org.

Photo: Hebron Academy's Kirk Turner, front, on bike number 150, is the reigning two-time Maine Secondary School State Series Champion, with 13 individual victories.

Gray Residents To Perform in Portland Symphony Orchestra's Annual Magic of Christmas

Portland, Maine - This year, keep an eye out for your friends and neighbors during the Portland Symphony Orchestra's (PSO) 26th annual Magic of Christmas. With more than 100 chorus members and an orchestra of equal size, chances are good that someone you know will take the stage under the direction of Toshi Shimada in his final Magic performances. Chorus members from Gray include Roberta Oliver, Patricia Dunn, Jane Hedstrom and Holly Nicholson.

The Magic of Christmas chorus this year is directed by Robert Westerberg. Westerberg is the Director of the Portland Community Chorus and Choral Director at York High School. Westerberg has been selected as a guest conductor for dozens of choirs throughout New England and is also the Senior High Choral Director for the University of Maine's Summer Youth Music program. Westerberg is a resident of Wells.

The Magic of Christmas program features audience favorites such as "Sleigh Ride," "White Christmas," excerpts from The Nutcracker, the Hallelujah Chorus and an audience sing-along of sacred hymns. In keeping with annual tradition, Magic of Christmas is not complete without the "guest conductor," a child selected from the audience to conduct a piece during each concert. The Organ Prelude concert, free to ticket-holders, takes place approximately one hour before each performance.

Sponsors of the 2005 Magic of Christmas are Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation, Hannaford, IDEXX Laboratories and Northeast Delta Dental.
Great seats are still available for most shows, and tickets can be purchased through PortTix, 207-842-0800 or at the PortTix box office on Myrtle St. between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Tickets range in price from $15- $55, with discounts available for seniors, students and children. Discounts for groups of ten or more are available by calling 207-773-6128.
For more information about the Portland Symphony Orchestra and its programs and events, visit www.portlandsymphony.com or call 207-773-6128.

Magic of Christmas 2005
Toshiyuki Shimada, conductor
Friday December 9 7:30 p.m.
Saturday December 10 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m.* & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday December 11 2:00 p.m.* & 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday December 14 7:30 p.m.
Thursday December 15 7:30 p.m.
Friday December 16 2:00 p.m.* & 7:30 p.m.
Saturday December 17 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m.* & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday December 18 2:00 p.m.* & 7:30 p.m.
* Seating is limited to these performances

We all know how challenging Maine winters can be. But we get used to them. Sometimes perhaps we take our winter safety a little too much for granted. Do you have enough warm clothes in your car if you get stuck off the highway? What if you are on a rural road and you need to walk to the nearest house? Should you leave your car?

Come to a free Winter Emergencies presentation and discussion at the next Gray Region Citizen Corps meeting. Learn how to be prepared for getting stuck outside (in your car or in the open). Learn about the best clothes and equipment, what to do, what not to do, and what can go wrong.

This is a great, educational, family event. The seminar will take place at Stimson Hall in the center of Gray (next to the monument) on Friday, December 9th at 6:30 p.m. The leader will be Brad Rounds of the American Red Cross. Brad is also a Registered Maine Guide and is the education director for the Maine Association for Search and Rescue.