Special roses

People attending this weekend’s performance of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at the Gray-New Gloucester High School Auditorium can show their support in a special way. The G-NG Patriot Players are selling artificial light-up roses. Audience members will be encouraged to turn the battery-powered flowers on during curtain calls to show their support and appreciation for the actors. A light-up rose costs $5, with all proceeds going to the Patriot Players.

Weekend show times are 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, plus 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students.

Tree lighting

The annual New Gloucester Tiny Timber Tree Lighting will be held on Sunday, Nov. 28, at 4:30 p.m. in front of Town Hall on Route 231. A musical program sung by the Gray-New Gloucester High School chorus will be performed. Kevyn Fowler will once again serve as master of ceremonies.

The celebration will start at 4 p.m. with Open Houses at the New Gloucester Public Library and the History Barn. The events are sponsored by the New Gloucester Historical Society and the New Gloucester Public Library. Join family, friends and neighbors for a great start to the holidays!

Double

open houses

Both NGTV Channel 3 and the New Gloucester Historical Society invite you to their neighboring open houses at the Town Hall complex from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 4.

The control room in the Meetinghouse is normally limited-access only, but it will be open for curious folks who are interested in seeing the electronic equipment used to generate local television productions. Additionally, the editing room in the Community Room will be open so visitors can see how videos are made. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

The New Gloucester History Barn, showcasing artifacts such as horse-drawn vehicles dating back to the 1800s, will be open for public viewing. Tom Blake will be on hand to sell and sign copies of his book “Images of America: New Gloucester” for $21.99 each.

Shaker

Christmas Fair

The annual Shaker Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26, New Gloucester. It’s a traditional holiday fair with gifts for all ages held in nine rooms of the 1816 Trustees’ Office and the Merry Christmas Garage.

Highlights include Shaker homemade baked goods, holiday comestibles, handmade items, Shaker oval boxes, Shaker herbs, a Book Room, wooden toys, Shaker yarns, cheese and pickles, wreaths, a White Elephant Room full of bargains and many more offerings. Plan to have your lunch at the event, as barbecue fare and hot beverages will be available for purchase.

Antique appraisal

Have you ever wondered what that special heirloom you own is really worth? Open Gates Equine Rescue and Jonathan Steinman of Ameriprise Financial cordially invite you to have your unique item appraised by Antique Roadshow’s-own Bruce Buxton at no charge.

The event will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at The Cumberland Club, 116 High St., Portland. Doors will open at 6 p.m. at which time wine, cheese and fruit will be provided. The appraisal session will begin at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

A suggested donation of $10 per person to support Open Gates Equine Rescue will be gratefully accepted at the door, but is not required. Be sure to R.S.V.P. before Wednesday, Dec. 1, by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or by calling 926-5570 after 6 p.m.

Christmas assistance

The Caring Community of GNG will be providing holiday assistance to those who find themselves in need this season. Although the deadline for Thanksgiving baskets has passed (Nov. 12), there is still time to apply for Christmas assistance.

Applications can be picked up and dropped off in Gray at the Gray Public Library, the Town Hall and at the Russell School, and in New Gloucester at the Town Hall, the First Congregational Church, Dunn School and Memorial School. The deadline to submit applications for Christmas food baskets and/or gifts is Wednesday, Dec 1.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Holiday Assistance Program or to sponsor a family is encouraged to contact Donna Rand at [email protected] or 671-4458.

Town holiday schedules

All town facilities will be closed Thursday, Nov.25, in observance of Thanksgiving. Only the transfer station will be open Friday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 27, the transfer station will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the public library from 9 a.m. to noon.