Pisgah Hill walk

New Gloucester’s rural character is vital, and we have a chance to protect it. Local volunteers and Royal River Conservation Trust have outlined a seven-parcel, 243-acre proposed Pisgah Hill Conservation Area, which would conserve one of the highest points of land in town (approximately 400 feet at the summit) and would be open to the public for various types of recreation.

All are welcome to join walk leader Amanda Devine for a moderately easy, round-trip ascent of Pisgah Hill from 3:30-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 7. Walkers should come to the temporary trailhead on Dougherty Road, about a half-mile from the intersection of Dougherty Road and Route 231, which is just north of the Penny Store. Park in a small turnout on the left; overflow can use the road shoulder. Dogs must be on a leash. RSVPs are desired, so contact Amanda Devine, 221-6477 or [email protected].

Plant sale

The second annual Rooting for Democracy plant sale, sponsored by the New Gloucester Democratic Committee, will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Cloutier’s Market on Route 100 in the Upper Village. Arrive early for the best selection.

Vestry benefit concert

New Gloucester’s own Mountain Avenue will provide the entertainment at the Village Coffee House, 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6. Come enjoy the high-energy performance featuring bluegrass, rock and folk genres.

The Village Coffee House is located at the vestry of the First Congregational Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Road. Tickets will be available at the door: $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and seniors.

Flapjacks

A pancake breakfast to benefit Open Gates Equine Rescue Inc. and Hemlock Valley Equine Rescue Inc. will be held at Applebee’s in North Windham from 8-9:15 a.m. on Sunday, June 14. Tickets cost $6 each, and patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance. Send check to Open Gates Equine Rescue Inc., 407 Morse Road, New Gloucester ME 04260, and the tickets will be mailed to you.

Open Barn

The public is invited to visit Open Gates Equine Rescue at its Open Barn from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. Light refreshments will be available. Dr. Judd will be on hand to speak on horse ownership, and Katie Lisnik from the Humane Society of the United States will be handing out literature. Open Gates is located at 407 Morse Road in New Gloucester. Look for the mailbox decorated with a horse design.

Shaker Village happenings

A beginners’ woodcarving workshop will be held on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26, New Gloucester. All supplies will be included. The fee is $40, and preregistration is required.

Shape Note singers from many reaches will be gathering in the 1794 Shaker Meetinghouse on Saturday, June 6, from 1-4 p.m., and all interested singers are invited to come. For more details, call Barb Ames at 353-4423.

Children accompanied by adults are invited to walk through the Shaker woods and create fairy houses on Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. The fee is $30 for both child and adult.

Learn how to expertly sharpen a variety of woodworking tools at a workshop on Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. Chris Becksvoort is the instructor. The fee is $25, and preregistration is required.

R & R Spinners will be showing various spinning techniques and working with assorted fibers at a demonstration beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13. This event is free and open to the public.

Learn how to make a Shaker-style herb cabinet at a July 3 woodworking workshop. The fee is $45, and registrations must be made before June 16.

For additional details on any of these events, call 926-4597 or visit www.shaker.lib.me.us.

MPBN Art Auction

The eighth annual Juried Art Auction in support of MPBN will be held on Saturday, June 13, at the Equestrian Center at Pineland Farms, 1545 Intervale Road, New Gloucester. View the art and tour the farms from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Live bidding begins at 5 p.m. with auctioneer James D. Julia.

You can view the art, prebid or proxy bid at http://auction.mpbn.net. Preregistration for the live auction is greatly appreciated. Contact Margie at [email protected] or 1-800-884-1717, ext. 5167.

Town election

Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, at the Memorial School Gym. Also, absentee ballots are now available at the town office during regular hours.

There will be an MSAD 15 budget validation referendum question and local races. The three candidates for two open spots on the Board of Selectmen are Linda Chase, Mark Leighton and Joshua McHenry. The two candidates for two open positions on the MSAD 15 School Board are Kathleen Potter and David Sutherland.

Inside New Gloucester