Two Scary Nights

On Friday and Saturday nights, Oct. 18 and 19, from 6-9 p.m. the Maine Wildlife Park on Route 26 in Gray will have Halloweenfest, where they celebrate Halloween in two nights of fun with the park’s native wildlife. Don’t miss the new Halloween displays, haunted hay rides, games, contests, huge door prizes and more. Wear your costumes. Regular admission fees apply. Nature Store and Snack Shack will be open for spooky snacks and souvenirs.

For more information or if raining, call the Maine Wildlife Park (657-4977) or visit www.mainewildlifepark.com.

Soccer Weekend

The Crossroad’s Challenge is a two-day soccer tournament held over Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 12 and 13, for boys and girls “classic” teams ages U9-U14, at the GNG soccer fields, Libby Hill Road in Gray.

U9 and U10 teams will play three games each either on Saturday or Sunday. U11 teams will also play three games spread out over Saturday and Sunday. U12-U14 “competitive” teams will play a minimum of three games with the opportunity to advance to the championship game.

Pumpkin Run

A free 5K Fun Run will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, in the Haunted Libby Hill Forest. No entry fee, no registration and no timing. You can wear a costume and bring a team. But please bring at least one non-perishable food item to benefit the Gray Food Pantry. Cider and donuts will be served after the run. For more information, go to www.libbyhill.org.

Fall Clean Up

A Libby Hill Trail Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26. All participants will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the trailhead. Please give back to the trails you love.

Zumba Kids

Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids Jr. classes start Oct. 15 at Newbegin Gym. These are designed exclusively for kids (ages 4-6 and 7-11 respectively) to combine movement, music and community in a class for both boys and girls. Go to www.grayrec.com or call 657-2323 for more information.

Holiday Assistance

Each year the Caring Community of Gray-New Gloucester provides holiday assistance to individuals, including senior citizens, and families of Gray and New Gloucester who find themselves in need of holiday food assistance.

Applications for Thanksgiving Baskets went out last week in the elementary schools in both towns and need to be turned in no later than Friday, Nov. 1. Applications are also available for pick-up and drop-off in the lock boxes at the Gray or New Gloucester town halls, town libraries as well as Dunn, Memorial and Russell schools.

If you are interested in donating money, sponsoring a family or volunteering, contact Christina Foster at winkers92@yahoo.com or 233-0828.

A Hot Meal

A public supper of baked beans, casseroles, salads, homemade breads, desserts and beverages will be held on Saturday Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. at The First Congregational Church of Gray on Route 115. It is handicapped accessible. Adults are $8. Children under 12 are $4.

Contact 657-4279 (day of supper 657-3279) with any questions.

Holiday Craft Fair

The GNG 9th Annual Holiday Craft Fair is Saturday, Nov. 2 at Gray-New Gloucester High School (on Route 26/Libby Hill Road in Gray). It will feature crafts, raffle, kids craft room, homemade baked goods, pizza, and sandwiches. Money received goes to helping families in need during the holidays. If you are interested in being a vendor at the fair, please contact Connie at 657-9620 or email cholland@sad15.org for an application.

Cemetery Tour

The Gray Public Library Association and the Gray Historical Society will hold cemetery tours from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. More information to come.

They Need Your Blood

A blood drive is scheduled for Oct. 14, from 1-6 p.m., at the Gray American Legion Post No. 86, 15 Lewiston Road. Red blood cells are the most frequently used blood component. Make twice the difference by donating two units of red cells during a single double red cell donation. You will have a chance to win some propane, too.

Schools Awarded Grant

On Sept. 30, the U.S. Department of Education awarded 60 grants totaling nearly $32 million to local schools and community-based organizations under the Carol M. White Physical Education Program. Funding is intended to assist these entities with initiating, expanding or enhancing physical education and nutrition education programs, including after-school programs, for students in grades K-12. The PEP program is aligned with and supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Active Schools initiative to get kids moving before, during and after school.

SAD 15 is among the 60 grant recipients, having been awarded $465,133 for the first year of the program, with a potential for additional funds in years two and three.

This will allow the district to hire a small amount of PE/Health time, a grant manager, and to purchase a significant amount of equipment for programs.

Years two and three carry approximately $250,000 in each year if requirements are met in year one. The big piece of the grant in the final two years would be three additional PE/Health teachers for the district.

Holiday Closure

Gray’s municipal offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 14, for Columbus Day.

Calling All Volunteers

On Saturday, Oct. 26, from 7-8 p.m. Gray Parks and Recreation is in need of five pickup trucks and about 10-15 helpers to go to Freeport. They’ll be loading up jack-o-lanterns and dropping them back off at the Town Hall for storage until an event midweek. Call 657-2323 to help out.

Copy the Story Link