‘Freedom Sunday’

A monthly church series, “Potluck With a Purpose,” is celebrating its third anniversary at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, at South Gorham Baptist Church, County Road (Route 22). The series at the church raises awareness of human trafficking in local communities and worldwide.

“We have learned so much about the overwhelming evils of injustice and about ways we can make a difference,” series organizer Cindy Elder said in a statement. “Let’s challenge ourselves to keep this justice effort moving forward. We cannot give up.”

“Freedom Sunday” speakers will be Cumberland County Deputy District Attorney Meg Elam, local businessman and dedicated abolitionist Bill Stauffer, and, via video, Naomi Abrams, International Justice Mission intern. Jeff Willis, Doug Elder, and the worship team will provide special music.

Material will be available that offer ways everyone can become involved. Coffee and desserts will be served following the service and everyone is welcome.

Free electronic recycling

The third annual Community Electronic Waste Recycling Day will be held at the Woodbury Campus Center on the USM Portland Campus on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m-1 p.m. This free event offers a great opportunity to dispose of unused TVs, computer equipment, refrigerators, etc.

GOP speaker series features women

The Gorham Republican Town Committee is hosting two upcoming speaker events in the Town Council Chambers at Gorham Municipal Center, 75 South St.

Susan Dench, founder and president of The Informed Woman’s Network, will speak at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. Her topic is “Conversation and Connection: Inviting Women to the Political Party.”

Mary Mayhew, Maine Department of Health and Human Services commissioner, will speak at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6. Mayhew’s topic will be “Changing Course: A New Vision for DHHS.”

Grange to honor Shepard, others

White Rock Grange, 33 Wilson Road (off Route 237) will honor Ronald Shepard, retired Gorham police chief, with its annual Community Award at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 1, in a meeting open to the public.

Shepard retired on Nov. 4 after 42 years with Gorham Police Department and is now a Gorham town councilor.

Three Grangers will be honored for 60, 70 and 80 years of membership. Retired Maine Game Warden John Ford and retired state trooper Mark Nickerson will share their stories. Both are authors and will have their books available.

The public is welcome and refreshments will be served. Donations will be accepted at the door.

Robotics team in world championship

Northern Force 172, the combined robotics team at Gorham and Falmouth high schools, and its 50 students left Tuesday by bus for St. Louis, Mo., to compete April 22-15 in the world championship.

The team’s robot is named FalGor. In the New England championship earlier this month, FalGor finished 19th of 60 robots entered.

A Gorham parent, Nicole Sturgis, said parents have organized a fundraiser to cover the $25,000 needed for the trip. To help, send a check to Team 172, Gorham High School, 41 Morrill Ave., Gorham, 04038 or visit www.northernforce.org/wordpress/friends/support-us/

The Dance Studio of Maine was recently awarded the dance competition industries’ top award twice this season at both of the largest dance competitions in Maine. The studio said the Overall Studio of Excellence Award is given to only one studio that the judges feel is the total package of talent, sportsmanship, diversity and professionalism and who exemplifies the mission of the Association of Dance Conventions and Competitions. Courtesy photo