Portland Rotary Club donates to VAST

Maine veterans will now have additional access to alternative rehabilitation thanks to a recent donation from the Portland Rotary Club. The local program, Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST), was awarded three archery bows, which will help support physical activity for disabled veterans.

VAST, a non-profit program of Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, strives to promote lifelong health and well-being of veterans through regular participation in an array of activities and sports. Research shows that daily physical activity for people with disabilities results in reduced stress, depression and secondary medical conditions. VAST offers year-round recreation based on the needs and wants of veterans, where all programs are free of charge and equipment is provided.

“Pocket Change for Patriots” program

Every day, community members pass through the Gray Branch of Norway Savings Bank putting their spare change to good use supporting Gray/New Gloucester schools. Through the bank’s “Pocket Change for Patriots” program, Norway Savings Bank was able to present a check for $1,575.58 to help engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and literacy programs.

“We are always looking for new ways to engage our students,” said Dunn School Principal, Geoffery K. Robbins. “Not only will we allocate the donation to STEM programs and materials, but also to Family Literacy nights and various other enrichment opportunities for students.”

“It’s so easy to give to the Pocket Change for Patriots program,” said Jay Kiel, Norway Savings Bank’s Gray Branch Manager. “Just bring in your loose change, use the counting machine and the fees you would normally pay go to the fund. Everyone in the community is invited to participate.”

Connor Garvey to perform

Connor Garvey is a folk singer-songwriter from Portland whose unique sandy tenor and masterful blend of rhythm and melody are often compared to Paul Simon, as well as contemporaries Josh Ritter and Jason Mraz. It will be a treat to have Garvey perform at the New Gloucester Village Coffeehouse where the cozy setting and great acoustics always make for an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment.

His performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at the First Congregational Church Vestry, 19 Gloucester Hill Road. Tickets are available at the door for $10 per person. For more information contact Julie Fralich at j.fralich@gmail.com or 653-4823.

Blood drive at Pineland

During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood. An upcoming blood donation opportunity takes place at Pineland Farms, 59 Pineland Drive, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7. Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

Archives open house

The New Gloucester Historical Society will hold an open house on Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Many topics can be researched in the archives vault with the assistance of society members at the Meetinghouse, 389 Intervale Road. The open house is open to the general public.

 Historical society program

In honor of the WWI armistice centennial, “The Gold Star Mother Pilgrimages” is the title of the March 15 program presented by the New Gloucester Historical Society. The gathering, which is free and open to the public, is taking place at 7 p.m. at the New Gloucester Meetinghouse, 389 Intervale Road. Refreshments are available following the program.

Community supper

Everyone is invited to a community supper and presentation about food insecurity in New Gloucester on Saturday, March 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Enjoy a pasta or rice casserole created from food pantry ingredients. Hear a brief presentation from a GNG Backpack Kids Program spokesperson and from NG food pantry volunteers. The supper is being held at the First Congregational Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Road.

Royal River Conservation Trust Development Coordinator Carrie Ridgway, left, Alicia Flynn with Roxy in backpack, Kevin Cyr holding Nora, and RRCT Stewardship and Outreach Director Kyle Warren snowshoe around the shoreline of Chandler Mill Pond at a Rain or Shine Club tour on Feb. 15.

At Portland Rotary’s third annual Veterans’ Appreciation Luncheon, club member Paul Tully, left, presents VAST Program Director Kristina Sabasteanski with one of three archery bows donated by the club for veterans’ adaptive sports. They are accompanied by club member Bruce Jones.