Holiday happenings in GNG - By Tracey Scheckel

With no less than three snow falls since Halloween, it’s difficult not to think about the holidays. And, by the way, Thanksgiving is here!  As you settle back after the big meal and prepare for the hustle and bustle of baking, shopping and decorating, don’t miss the chance to join in some simple holiday celebrations and, more importantly, don’t miss the opportunity to pay it forward as you reflect on what you’re thankful for.
 

Caring Community of Gray and New Gloucester continues its effort to see that no GNG family goes without some Christmas cheer.  The group is always seeking sponsors to supply a needy family with gifts and a meal for Christmas, as well as general donations of goods and cash to insure that even needy families who have not been sponsored, are taken care of for the holiday. Anyone wishing to contribute can contact Kathy George either by phone at 657-5659 or by visiting the Gray Public Library where she is the children’s librarian.

In support of the efforts of Caring Community, BJ Carter and Joe Bedard of Gray host an Annual Day of Giving. This year’s event, the third annual, will be held at the Spring Meadow banquet facility on December 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s goal is to raise $15,000 and assemble 75 gift baskets. Visitors to the event can expect light refreshments, crafts for children, cookie decorating and caroling. For additional information, stay tuned to BJ-Joe-Day-of-Giving on Facebook.

The Gray Recreation Department is also working to help Caring Community through its Shoebox Giving Program.  Citizens can pick up shoeboxes at the recreation office at Town Hall, shop and fill them with small items for children ranging in age from toddler to teen, and return them filled by December 11. The shoeboxes are then forwarded to Caring Community for distribution. For more information on the Shoebox Giving Program, contact the Gray Recreation Department at 657-2323. 

Now for the celebrating…the Pennell Town Hall complex in Gray at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday November 30, the town’s folk gather for caroling, a visit from Santa, and refreshments and craft making with the big man and his elves after he does the honor of lighting the tree.

New Gloucester has two tree lighting ceremonies, the first is on Saturday, November 29 at 5 p.m. in the Upper Village adjacent to the public works garage, and then at the New Gloucester Town Hall on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.