Winter Carnival

Join the fun at Pineland Farms’ Winter Carnival Saturday, Jan. 26 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. A few of the many activities include horse-drawn carriage rides through the campus from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., an all-day bonfire, ski races, and wax clinics with a Swix representative. Admission is free, however trail pass charges will apply. Please check in at the visitors center. For more information, call 688-4539 or visit www.pinelandfarms.org.

A Gallant Performance

The next performance in the Village Coffeehouse concert series will feature consummate guitarist Jim Gallant. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2 at the First Congregational Church, located near the corner of Route 231 and Gloucester Hill Road in the Lower Village. Tickets cost $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and children. Proceeds benefit the First Congregational Church. For more information, contact Julie or Michael Fralich at 926-3161 or the church office at 926-3260.

Artists Connect

The Creative New Gloucester Committee hosted a reception at the public library on Jan. 16 that attracted 21 artists and other skilled craftspeople. They enjoyed their chance to connect with one another and were interested in finding out about the committee’s visions and goals.

The Farmers Eight Daughters of New Gloucester, who are culinary artists, provided the baked goods that were “simply delicious.” Debra Smith discussed the current focus on developing a list of New Gloucester artists and craftspeople. She circulated copies of the committee’s brochure that details Creative New Gloucester’s objectives and includes a form for artisans to fill out and mail back to the group. Upon receipt, the artisan’s information will go into a database on the committee’s Web site. The Web site is currently under construction, but it is planned to be available online soon.

Souper Bowl Sunday

The Senior High Youth Group at the First Congregational Church is on a mission to fight hunger and poverty. Here’s a way for you to help them accomplish this goal. On Sunday, Feb. 3 soup pots will be located beside the church doors. Drop a monetary donation into one of them and you will become a part of the national Souper Bowl of Caring campaign to assist local people in need.

In 2007, over 14,000 youth groups participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring generating over $8 million. Be assured that none of the money is sent to national headquarters. The amount raised is reported to the national organization for record keeping, but all of the donation proceeds will be used locally.

Special Town Meeting

The Special Town Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the Memorial School Gymnasium may attract a crowd. Two articles will be discussed and resolved. The first is to accept Briarwood Drive as a public way. The second is likely to spark more debate because a large sum of money is involved. A $2.3 million new fire-rescue station is being proposed.

Citizens will have to determine if there is sufficient need for a new station when they vote on a proposal that involves borrowing $1.7 million. The board of selectmen supports bonding the project, the budget committee does not. Come early to get a front row seat for this one.

Town Meetings

Jan. 28: Selectmen, 7 p.m., Meetinghouse

Jan. 30: Special Town Meeting, 7 p.m., Memorial School Gym

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