Derby Volunteers Needed

On Saturday, Jan. 26, from 5 a.m.-2 p.m. at Crystal Lake, Gray, the Crystal Lake Ice Fishing Derby is in need of volunteers. Please consider donating your time to help Maine military families and the local schools. For more information and to sign up, visit the derby’s website at www.crystallakederby.com. Look for the volunteer link at the top of the page.

Some of the events at The 2013 Crystal Lake Ice Fishing Derby include: All-Ages Derby, Kids Derby, helicopter rides, the Patriotic Ice Shack Competition, free ice-fishing instruction, dog sled rides, great food, a military fly-over, a military color guard team, U.S. Army vehicles, USO VIPs and the Patriot Polar Plunge at the conclusion of the day.

The primary mission of the event is to support the Maine military, Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and the local schools.

Start the ?New Year Right

On Tuesday, Jan. 22, a American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 1-6 p.m. at Saint Gregory’s, 24 North Raymond Road, Gray.

Kindergarten Registration

All parents living in Gray or New Gloucester who have a child who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 15, 2013, are being asked to register for Kindergarten. You may register on the school’s website using the following links: Memorial School Kindergarten Registration – New Gloucester, Russell School Kindergarten Registration – Gray. Or, look for the link in the lefthand column of the Memorial School and Russell School pages: “Kindergarten Registration.”

If you have further questions contact the school office between 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Memorial 926-4322; and Russell 657-4929.

Cabin Fever Reliever

On Saturday, Feb. 9, there will be a Cabin Fever Reliever event at Fiddlehead Arts Center. This is their annual fundraiser and tickets through Jan. 14 are $15. Ticket prices will go up after that date. Buy your ticket now, at the center or online and join them in a fun party.

Check out the details for this event and all classes on www.fiddleheadcenter.org.

That’s Entertainment

Gray Recreation is bringing The Tardy Brothers dynamic duo to you for one night only. These two brothers are here to show everyone what high-energy juggling is all about. Also a Special Guest appearance includes performers from the Studio for the Living Arts.

This event will be held at the G-NG High School Cafetorium, on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m.

All proceeds go to the Gray Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund. Refreshments will be available. (Donations of baked goods and snacks/drinks are greatly appreciated). For more information, go to www.grayrec.com or call 657-2323.

Chase the ?Winter Chills

A public supper, with a menu including; Baked beans, casseroles, salads, homemade breads and desserts will be held on Saturday, January 26, at, 5 p.m. The meal will be at the First Congregational Church, Route 115, in Gray. The cost for Adults $8.00, under 12, $4.00. and it is handicapped accessible. For any questions contact 657-4279, or day of supper 657-3279.

Day Off Boredom

Come join the Gray Recreation Department for a fun-filled day off from school. They’ll have loads of arts and crafts, sports activities, games and maybe even an afternoon field trip or a movie with popcorn.

In-Service Day Participants should bring snacks, lunch, drinks (the snack shack is not open on In-Service Days). Fee includes Early and Late Childcare (7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.). Deadline to sign up is Jan. 18.

At February Vacation Camp, the gymnasium will be used for fun activities, contests and games each day for children Grades K-6. Drop-off is on or after 7 a.m. and pick-up is up until 5:30 p.m.

You’ll be going outside for winter fun (so pack your snow gear). Board games, crafts, ping-pong tournaments, foosball and air hockey are all available in the Recreation room as well as music, dancing, movies and more.

Trips that are in the works right now: Tuesday-Happy Wheels in Westbrook, Wednesday-The Bounce Zone in Saco, Thursday- Outdoor sledding and treats at G-NG Middle School, Friday- Swimming at St. Joseph’s in Standish. Please note: We need a minimum of 10 participants to go on a field trip.

You may register for all four days or by individual days (pick and choose what works for you). Check www.grayrec.com for fee and other information or call Gray Recreation at 657-2323.

Environmental Excellence

Ecomaine is looking to honor local environmental activities in the area and they would like a nominee from Gray. Each town in ecomaine’s jurisdiction may have its own winner and then one grand winner will be selected from those. This is a great way to honor someone in your community. Go to www.ecomaine.org and fill out the brief form online for the 2013 eco-Excellence Awards. The entry deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 23, or contact Shelley Dunn, Communications Specialist at 532-3108 (direct) or [email protected].

Ecomaine is a nonprofit waste management company owned and operated by 21 municipalities in southern Maine. With the additional 24 contracted communities, ecomaine provides services to a combined population of 336,000. They are dedicated supporters of recycling and environmental protection.

Volunteers Honored

Each year, the town of Gray pays tribute to those who work tirelessly to improve the Gray community through volunteerism. Gray’s dedicated volunteers define community spirit, making a substantial positive impact that would not be possible without their many hours of service.

During a special reception held on Tuesday, Dec. 18, town staff, board members, and committee members recognized the town’s volunteers. Volunteer of the Year: Tim Anketell. Committee of the year: Gray Fire Rescue Association (GFRA). Organization of the Year; Liberty Family Foundation. Lifetime Achievement Award: Matty Carroll. Evelyn Morrill Durgin Award: Robert Ryan. Thanks and congratulations to all.

Holiday Schedule

On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 21, the Gray town office, transfer station, public works and library will be closed.

Device Savvy

A class for beginners on how to download e-Books to a Nook from the Gray Public Library website will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 24 from 2-3 p.m. Classes are free. Sign-up is required but classes are not limited.

A Basic Internet Class will be offered on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Space will be limited to four students at a time, so you will need to sign up at the circulation desk. We hope to eventually offer courses on basic email and social networking.

Please contact the library at 657-4110 or stop by the Circulation Desk for details.