Voters like school site

Gorham Superintendent Ted Sharp said voters in a straw poll Monday overwhelmingly approved a site for a proposed new elementary schoo,l 54-2.

A new elementary school for kindergarten through Grade 5 for 550 students would be located on 26 acres off Sebago Lake Road at Stevens Drive. It would replace an aging and overcrowded White Rock School.

Sharp said a straw poll on May 29 would ask voters to approve a concept design. If approved by voters in a referendum, a new school could open in September 2011.

80th birthday celebrated

Erlon (Al) Mosher was honored on his 80th birthday on April 10 by family members and friends. The surprise party was held at the Ocean Gardens Restaurant, Gorham. It was Phil Stanwood’s idea to have a party for Mosher and invite many of his friends from the Gorham High School Class of 1946.

Abbott Mosher, his brother, related stories of times growing up in Gorham with his big brother. Town Manager David Cole presented Mosher with a sentiment of the acknowledgement of his 80th birthday, which was read in the Maine House of Representatives by Rep. Chris Barstow. Millie Grant read a Document of Congratulations from the Gorham Town Council that was composed by Councilor Brenda Caldwell. Former State Sen. Carolyn Gilman read a letter from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins congratulating him on his many years of public service and his work on behalf of the Town of Gorham.

Mosher’s fifth grade teacher, Eleanor Parker-Merrill, spoke of the wonderful memories of teaching in Gorham. She grew up in Gorham and was a neighbor of Stanwood’s mother.

The program closed with Stanwood speaking about growing up with Mosher in Gorham.

There was one sad note of regret as both Lorraine, Al’s wife, and Kay, Abbott’s wife, were unable to attend because of infirmities. There was an open house at the Mosher home on Sunday for family and friends.

Yard sale coming up

The Men and Boys, Home and Yard Sale is being held at the West Gorham Union Church, Route 25, Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Items include tools, cut-off saws, compactors, weed whackers, any item that has a motor or engine, shop items, old chains, ropes, tables, benches, boxes of nails, nuts and bolts, old lawn mowers, tractors and attachments and some furniture. Those who have items to donate or want more information can call 839-4205.

Belly dance night

The University of Southern Maine Theater Department will present an evening of belly dance on Monday starting at 7:30, at Russell Hall on the Gorham campus. The evening will be a combination of lecture and live dancing. She will give an introduction to three styles of belly dance, folkloric, Turkish Karsilama and Egyptian cabaret, via projection, discussion and demonstration. There will also be opportunities for audience participation.

Tickets are $10, $8 and free for all USM students. For more information, call 780-5151.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of Public Debt reported on April 24 that the U.S. public debt was $9,333,202,141,247.10.

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