Community News

Crystal Lake Association Holds Annual Meeting

The Crystal Lake Association held its annual meeting on July27th at St. Gregory's. We heard from Kim McBride, past president and current board member of the Little Sebago Lake Association, about their ongoing battle with milfoil. We also had a power point presentation from Abby Morgan and Sarah Plummer and crew members of the Royal River Youth Conservation Corps. They spend the summer working in the Royal River Watershed installing erosion control measures. They have been given money by the CLA to work at sites around Crystal Lake. Louise Knapp told us of the Old House Survey being conducted by the Gray Historical Society. Lake residents were asked for information, photos, and history of their homes.
The business meeting followed with vice president John Welch presiding in Mike Salvetti's absence. John explained to members about the board's desire to address the new town council about inspecting boats being launched at the town owned boat ramp at Wilkies Beach. Also the board will discuss putting together a plan of action in the event milfoil is found in Crystal Lake.

Election of officers followed:
President-John Welch
Vice President-Mike Salvetti
Secretary/Treasurer-Paul Myer
Area 2-Betty Davis
Area 5a-Jan Ringrose
Area 7-Gary Marchand

If our members have concerns that the board could address please contact your area representative or John Welch. If you have not paid this years dues they may be sent to Crystal Lake Assoc.c/o Paul Myer, 47 Mayberry Road.

New Gloucester - With nature as their inspiration, artists that paint with oils, acrylics, watercolors or pastels are invited to participate in Fiddlehead Center for the Arts' Autumn Celebration: Fresh Paint Event and Auction fundraiser on September 24th. In its third year, and one-of-a-kind in the area, the Fresh Paint Event celebrates local artists and the beauty of this area's natural environment. Artists are asked to create paintings within a six-hour period that are then auctioned off that evening, with proceeds benefiting FCA.

Whether it's the rolling countryside, apple orchards, ocean views, farmland or historic architecture, stunning landscapes and vivid fall colors will be the backdrop for the artists' creations. They choose their own painting location for the day, within the towns of New Gloucester, Gray, Yarmouth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Pownal or North Yarmouth.

Painting will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A reception begins at 5 p.m. with a string quartet and gallery exhibition of all the artists' work. At 7 p.m., the "fresh paint' auction will begin, led by auctioneer Jim Cyr of Cyr Auction Company. Artists donate either a portion or all of their proceeds to Fiddlehead Center for the Arts, and they also have the chance to win a cash prize awarded to the top three paintings in a judged contest.

Interested artists can acquire applications and more information at www.fiddleheadcenter.org or by calling 207-688-2244.

Fiddlehead Center for the Arts creates an environment where children and adults can be directly involved in the performing, visual and creative arts and sciences. It is a comprehensive multi-community arts center, located at the Pineland Campus in New Gloucester and a new location beginning in September in Scarborough.

MSAD #15 Facilities Upgrade and Renovations Committee will meet on Monday, August 15 at the High School Library at 7 p.m. The Committee has been meeting for several months and is in the processing of finalizing its recommendations to the School Board for facility upgrade and renovation projects for all five schools in the district.

The Board will take the Committee's recommendations and make a final decision regarding what facility projects will be included in a bond presented to voters in November 2005. The Committee has reviewed safety and accessibility projects at all five schools and has forwarded applications to the state for possible funding. The Committee is now examining programming needs at the high school and recommending projects not included in the state applications. The high school programming needs would be funded primarily through local bond dollars.

The Committee is currently discussing high school facility needs in the areas of science, fine arts, sports, food service and administration office location. If you have an interest in the space needs of any of these programs, please attend the meeting and share your thinking! Additional informational forums on the proposed facilities' bond will be scheduled during the month of September.

Wildlife Park Owl Prowl

It's going to be a 'wild' night at the wildlife park when the 'OWL PROWL' is held from 8:00pm to 10 p.m. on Saturday August 20th under bright moonlight skies. The Wildlife Park will open to the public for a 'night walk' so visitors can view our wildlife at night. We recommend that you bring your own flashlights, and we will cover them with red cellophane to improve your
night vision. Volunteer guides will be stationed at several exhibits with a variety of owl mounts to talk a bit about the birds' nightlife. In addition, viewing our resident great horned, barred and saw whet owls will add to the excitement. Owl calls and hoots will be playing too! The regular admission fee will be charged for this special night visit. *Please note that this special evening program will be cancelled if it is raining.*

Watch for upcoming information about the tremendously popular October 14th "Halloween Night Hike" from 6-8pm, soon! The Wildlife Park Nature Store has been redecorated and is open with a variety of wildlife-oriented gifts and merchandise for all ages; and the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park 'Snack Shack' sells ice cream, soda and light snacks, with all monies raised donated to the Wildlife Park for wildlife exhibit improvements and new construction.

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 this or any upcoming programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at 207-657-4977 or check us out online at www.mainewildlifepark.com
Or www.mefishwildlife.com
.