Community News

Seeking Maine's Best 'Roll' Model

The Maine lobster roll has become synonymous with all things summer - being outdoors, on vacation, on the beach, with friends and family, even the last minute stop before heading home over the border. There are so many different settings, places and ways in which to enjoy a lobster roll that half the fun is trying to hunt down the best one.

Above, the aftermath of a great Lobster bake was sculpted into the 'lobtato' one recent summer on Peak's Island. The Monument: Prata photo

Whether it's the gourmet restaurant down the road, the lobster shack at the shore or the hole-in-the-wall off of the nearest highway exit, the Maine Lobster Promotion Council wants to know who serves the best roll and why it tastes so good.

For those that have enjoyed a Maine lobster roll recently, was it enough spread the word? Maybe you don't have a 'roll' model of your own. It's not too late to enjoy a lobster roll or two this summer and find one. Once you've discovered that perfect Maine lobster roll, be sure to vote by sending a postcard to Maine Lobster Promotion Council, 382 Harlow Street, Bangor, Maine 04401. Maine's best lobster roll shouldn't be Maine's best-kept secret!

Chain Saw artist demo

Join Maine Custom Wood Sculpture on Saturday July 30th from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. as chain saw artist Bill Fournier demonstrates his techniques for creating eagles, hawks, bears, wolves, mountain lions and more, from up to 7 foot tall pieces of white and Norway pine, fir, cedar or spruce. Bill is from the Auburn area, has been carving for 5 years, and just started this popular art form as a hobby. He will have several pre-carved animals on display and for sale, and plans on carving a 4-5 foot tall standing bear for the demonstration. Bring your cameras and your earplugs!

A summer series of wildlife exhibits and demonstrations targeted for the general public is offered throughout the season at the Maine Wildlife Park, located on Route 26 in Gray. 'Wildlife Days' are held on consecutive weekends in mid May, June, July, August, and are sponsored by the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park. Presenters featuring a variety of wildlife topics will set up exhibits and demonstrations from roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on most Saturdays. We encourage visitors to stop by, ask questions and even participate in some activities.

The Maine Wildlife Park has over 25 species of native wildlife on display, plus wildlife gardens, nature trails, and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park is open daily through November 11th from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; visitors must leave the premises by 6 p.m. Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $3.25 ages 5-12; $5 for adults, and $4 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $2.50 per person. Bring a picnic and spend the day! Family and Community Season Passes are available. For more information about any of these programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at 207-657-4977 or check us out online at www.mainewildlifepark.com or www.mefishwildlife.com

Gray Recreation Department - Program Up-Date

Summer Entertainment Series: 7/28 B.J. Hickman (magician and humorist), 8/4 Mac McHale and the Old Time Radio Gang. The entertainment is held behind the Pennell School at 7. This is a free event for all community to enjoy, sponsored by Gray Recreation Dept. Bring your lawn chair and picnic supper and enjoy some of the best entertainment in New England.

Major League Soccer Camp: Camp starts Monday July 25th behind the GNG H.S. Late registrations will still be accepted on Monday. Currently there are 45 registered players. Camp for 5 and 6 year old players is from 9-10:30 (cost $70), ages 7 to 12 from 9:00-12:00 (cost $106) and ages 9 to 18 who play competitively go from 5-8 p.m. (cost $106). Fees include a soccer ball, camp shirt, player evaluation and a ticket to a MLS game. We are still looking for host families for the coaches. The coaches basically need a room and some meals for the week. It's a great experience for a family to host a coach from Great Britain. FMI contact Dean the first morning of camp at the H.S. fields.

Wilkies Beach Splashfest: Mark your calendar for this fun, wet event. Saturday, August 20th is the date. Activities ranging from water relays, water balloon toss, buried treasure hunt, watermelon eating, a beach concert and much more. Look for more information in the next few weeks in our local paper.

Fall Youth Soccer Program: We will be offering the ever popular youth soccer program this fall. Last year there were approximately 250 children playing soccer. This program is for boys and girls ages 5 to 12. All of the sessions are held on Saturdays, and this year we will be starting September 10th. Look for the official 2005 Youth Soccer Registration form which will be available after August 11th. Forms will be available for pick-up at the Gray & New Gloucester Town Offices, Gray & New Gloucester Public Libraries, Newbegin Gym and various locations around our community.

Card of Thanks, Gazebo

Members of the Class of 2005 Gray-New Gloucester High School, The Robert Leighton Memorial Gazebo Committee is pleased to accept your generous class donation to our community gazebo project. Bob Leighton exemplified what a citizen may contribute to his community and to his fellow man. Your recognition of his contributions to our community may act as a guide to you as you pursue your new life course. We hope that you might join in with us as we construct the gazebo and feel free to enjoy and event or simply sit and enjoy the peace in the gazebo as it sits behind the library in New Gloucester. Thank you for your donation and may you all strive to become a contributing member of your community. Bob Leighton would be a wonderful guide to follow.