Let it snow … more

The lack of snow this year caused the cancellation of the first two races of the 2012 Nordic race season, but the long-anticipated first Nordic race of the season was hosted by Gray-New Gloucester Middle School on Jan. 19 at Libby Hill Trails in Gray.

Top girl racers for G-NG include Keaton McEvoy, Kaelyn Woods and Emma Woods. Top boys for GNG include Ben Rogers, John Phillips and Jake Danforth. GNG boys led the team scores in first place while the girls teams scores were led by Falmouth, GNG missing by only one point.

At the second race on Jan. 26, hosted by Mollyocket (Fryeburg Academy) at Starks Hill in Fryeburg, Ben Rogers placed second in the race by only 3.5 seconds with John Phillips placing second among G-NG boys, followed by Alex as our third place finisher. Overall, the boys team placed fourth, just one point behind Freeport.

Meanwhile, the GNG girls have the Yarmouth dynasty worried. Kaelyn Woods placed first with Keaton McEvoy in third by only four-tenths of a second, followed by Emma Woods in eighth place. GNG girls team took second, but by all standards, it was a dead heat for first place with Yarmouth, only 2 points out of first!

Derby postponed

The following recommendations of Commissioner Chandler Woodcock of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Crystal Lake Derby Board of Directors decided last week to postpone the Crystal Lake Derby, the Liberty Family Foundation Any-Age Derby and Kittery Trading Post Kid’s Derby, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 28, due to concerns for the public’s safety regarding ice conditions.

The new date for the Crystal Lake Derby will be Saturday, Feb. 25.

Organizers apologized for any inconvenience this may cause and said they would do our best to alleviate any scheduling issues or concerns you may have. If you have questions or concerns please contact the Crystal Lake Derby at [email protected].

Give blood

Gray-New Gloucester High School Community Service Club is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 2 in the auxiliary gym in the High School. You may sign up online at www.redcross.org, call 657-9320, or walk-ins are always welcome.

Got Heifer?

The Sunday School of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Gray was presented with the idea of raising money for Heifer International at the beginning of December. They were told it was $500 for a heifer, they all looked at each other and quickly asked, “How much for a chicken?” But, by making crafts and selling them, doing chores, asking for donations, and digging into their own piggy banks, they were able to raise $700 for Heifer International.

The class was brought down to Heifer International’s Overlook Farm in Rutland, Mass. on Jan 14 to hand-deliver their money. They were given a tour to see and learn about many of the animals that Heifer provides to people all over the world.

The kids were so excited about the project and the congregation felt that excitement and gave generously. The class consists of kids from Windham, Raymond, Gray and North Yarmouth.

Prevent youth substance abuse

Please come to a delicious dinner buffet to be held at Cole Farms on Feb. 11, 6-8 p.m., and learn more about the needs specific to the Gray-New Gloucester community and the ways we can all get involved. The event includes interactive activities and almost $1,000 worth of door prizes for attendees, including a family season’s pass at Pineland Recreation Center, and a party rental at Pineland YMCA.

You can purchase tickets ($10 per person) in advance until Feb. 5 at Cole Farms Restaurant or online at shiftGNG.org.

For more information, please e-mail Carol Swicker at [email protected] or call 773-7737.

SHIFT GNG is a community coalition in Gray and New Gloucester that focuses on preventing youth substance use.

A hearty fare

American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 86 in Gray, will hold its monthly Bean Supper at 15 Lewiston Road on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 5- 6 p.m. On the menu are pea and kidney beans, chop suey, cole slaw, hot dogs, breads, pie, coffee and punch.

The meal costs $7 for over 12 years of age; $2.50 for 5 to 12 years old; under 5 free. Proceeds benefit veterans and their families and children in the area. Any questions, call Nancy True at 657-2661 (cell 653-3886) or Legion at 657-4884.