Casting call

All young, aspiring actors are encouraged to report to a casting call at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, for this year’s library presentation tentatively titled “The Elements,” by playwright Tim Terranova. The play’s main characters are named after the four classic elements: Earth, Wind, Water and Fire. Library Director Suzan Hawkins said, “All I can say about the play is that it promises to be a wet one.”

Rehearsals will take place on Aug. 11 and 18 at 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. The performance will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at 6:30 p.m. Everyone who wants a part is guaranteed one. For more information, call the library at 926-4840.

Journey to the Incredible

Come on – Let’s go! Embark on a weeklong Summerfest adventure at the New Gloucester Congregational-Christian Church. Utilizing a theme of Journey to the Incredible, children will spend the week, passports in hand, meeting Bible characters and exploring their world.

Mark your calendars for Aug. 9–13 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for singing, dancing, acting, playing games, craft making, and storytelling. All kids, 4-years-old through entering sixth grade, are invited to join the fun for this exciting Summerfest experience.

Download the registration form at www.ngucc.org or call the church at 926-3260.

Preservation Auction

The Community Room at the First Congregational Church, UCC, New Gloucester, formerly called “the Vestry,” has a long history. When this building was first opened in 1871, it was one of the largest rooms in New Gloucester available for public gatherings. A few weeks after the dedication, a stage was built for a visit and speech by Joshua Chamberlain, hero of the Battle of Gettysburg.

When severe structural problems surfaced, such as a powder-post beetle infestation, faulty wiring, and no insulation, there was no question that corrective renovations would be made to preserve this historic building. A small army of volunteers from the church congregation decided to plunge in to make the necessary improvements, incurring expenses for building materials.

To help pay for this wonderful resource, a Preservation Auction will be held at Shady Lane Farm, 97 Cobb’s Bridge Road, New Gloucester, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14. Attendees will have the opportunity to preview auction items from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. that day. All proceeds will benefit community ministries and historic preservation.

The church is currently accepting donations of saleable items for the auction. To arrange for an item pickup, call Alan Hahnel at 926-3152. For more information, call the church at 926-3260.

Shaker workshops Aug. 7

Using herbs from Shaker Village gardens, create an herbal bounty of flavor. White wine vinegar with lemon thyme, tarragon mustard and cinnamon basil oil are a few of the recipes that participants will make, taste and bring home to begin the canning and preserving season. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26, Nw Gloucester. Other recipes, resources, herbs and samples are included. The fee is $40.

Learn how to spin paper yarn in just a few hours, using paper you find around the house. It can be used in crafts such as basket making or bookmaking. The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with a fee of $25.

Pre-registration is required for both workshops, so call 926-4597.

Wellness Week

On Sunday, Aug. 1, join the new owners of Curves in Gray, Peggy Schiereck and her mother, during Wellness Week at the New Gloucester Community Market. A discussion of nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices, free of charge, will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. The market is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and is located on Route 100 in the Amvet’s parking lot, New Gloucester. For more information, see www.newgloucestergardens.com or call 926-5919.

Ride for George

New Lungs for George will be hosting its 5th annual motorcycle ride soon. This popular fundraiser will kick off with a party at Bentley’s Saloon, Arundel, on Saturday, Aug. 7. Overnight camping is available.

On Sunday, Aug. 8, a pre-ride breakfast will start at 8:30 a.m., and the ride will begin at approximately 10 a.m. The finish location is Thompson’s Orchard, New Gloucester, where a live concert and pulled pork barbecue will cap off the festivities. For tickets and more information, call 344-4178 or see www.nl4gannualmotorcycleride.9f.com.