Gardeners to meet

Hydrangeas will be the discussion topic when the Gorham Garden Club meets from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St.

Jim Masse of Estabrook’s will present the program. The public is welcome to attend.

Human trafficking series continues

A monthly series about human trafficking, “Potluck With a Purpose,” continues at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, at South Gorham Baptist Church on County Road.

State Rep. Amy Volk, R-

Scarborough, will speak about her proposed legislation – An Act to Protect Victims of Human Trafficking.

“Please bring food to share and come to learn ways we can make a difference,” Cindy Elder, an organizer of the series, said in a statement.

Cancer help

To help people impacted by cancer, the Gorham Cancer Prayer and Support Group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Cressey Road United Methodist Church, 81 Cressey Road, Gorham.

For more information, call 321-1390.

Langley-Turnbaugh named to USM post

Dr. Samantha Langley-Turnbaugh of Gorham has been named the University of Southern Maine’s associate provost for graduate studies and research, scholarship and creative activity.

In that role, she will serve as the university’s chief research officer and oversee graduate admissions and programs. According to a press release from the school, the position was established through the consolidation of senior-level responsibilities in graduate studies and research. It was filled through a national search.

Langley-Turnbaugh joined USM in 1996 as a faculty member in environmental science. She has served as associate vice president for research, scholarship and creative activity since 2009, and during the last year also has served as interim dean of graduate studies.

A certified professional soil scientist, Langley-Turnbaugh worked with Portland officials and students to remove lead from urban soils through the use of phytoremediationm, a process that uses plants, in this case spinach, to absorb environmental toxins. She has also worked with colleagues in various disciplines to develop ways to increase accessibility of science for all students and is the author of numerous scholarly publications, more than 20 of which were co-authored with students

A native of Kittery, she holds a bachelor’s degree in forest engineering from the University of Maine, a master’s degree in soil science from the University of New Hampshire and a doctorate in forest soils from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on Jan. 16 that the U.S. public debt was $17,270,240,354,364.86.

Amy VolkDr. Samantha Langley-Turnbaugh