Pinball wizard

John Reuter of Gorham plans to play in the pinball world championship in October in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Four years ago, he founded the Boston Pinball Association, which now has 156 members. This past weekend, Reuter, 51, hosted “Pin Maine-ia,” a three-day tournament in his Gorham home billed as the New England pinball championship. “I held our first annual event,” Reuter said Tuesday.

Chris Wamsley of Ohio won the tournament. The top prize was $360 with total prizes of $1,200 for the tournament. The prize money was generated by pinball player registration fees, which was all distributed to players.

The tournament was attended by 65 people. Spectators who didn’t register for competition still got to have fun playing pinball.

Reuter has 104 pinball machines in his collection and 55 were set up for the tournament. He said the arcades that his generation remembers are disappearing with the arrival of video games. Pinball, now a competitive hobby, is being played in private homes.

According to Reuter, pinball is more of a game than a sport. He said it takes experiences and teaches patience.

He said the game requires focus for a player to be successful. “You have to be in the moment,” Reuter said. “You have to be yourself, know who you are.”

Reuter is semi-retired. He worked for Rowe Ford for 20 years and was assistant general manager.

Gazebo concert

The Royal River Philharmonic Jazz Band will play 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, in a free concert at the gazebo at the public safety building, 270 Main St.

Baker on dean’s list

David H. Baker has been named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Connecticut College in New London, Conn.

Baker is a member of the class of 2008.

Van Wyck earns degree

Brian Van Wyck received a bachelor of arts degree in history in June in commencement exercises at Williams College in Williamstown, Mass.

Van Wyck is the son of Susan Van Wyck of Gorham.

He participated in track and field, cross-country, America Reads, peer advising and history majors committee. His achievements included Class of 1960s Scholar and honors in history.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of Public Debt reported on July 25 that the U.S. public debt was $8,899,808,160,113.47