Odyssey team in world finals

Diane Knott, Odyssey of the Mind program coordinator for Gorham schools, has announced that the Gorham High School Classics team will compete in the World Finals, May 25-28, at Iowa State University.

Coached by Pamela Weiss, the high school team members are Avery Arena, Madeline Joyal-Myers, Samuella Spurr, Sophia Hendrix, Emelia Nejezchleba, Kayley Mason, and Elizabeth Lemieux. In the state tournament last month, the captured first place in Division III.

The Village School Technical team also earned first place in Division I for its creative devices. This team includes Peter Wu, Patrick Cyr, Sam Larkin, Grace Johnson, Madeline Downey, Makenna Wheeler, Kevin Luo, coached by Amy Wu and Kelly Cyr.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program designed to challenge students and promote creative problem solving. 

Orchid society to meet

The Maine Orchid Society will meet at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, May 9, at St. Anne’s Church, 299 Main St., in Gorham. “We will be having speakers from Our Tropics Orchids in Canada and the public is invited to attend at no charge,” said David Sparks, co-president of the society.

Food pantry drive

Fran Doucette, Gorham Food Pantry director, has announced that mail carriers in Gorham will be collecting non-perishable foods that are put out near mail boxes on Saturday, May 14. All food collected in Gorham goes directly to the Gorham Food Pantry.

Jam session at Grange

White Rock Grange No. 380, 33 Wilson Road, in Gorham is hosting its second acoustical jam session from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, May 15. It’s open to the public for a free-will offering.

“Bring your instruments for a fun afternoon,” Ann Rust, spokeswoman for the Grange, said in an announcement.

Church fundraiser

features Tim Sample

The Cressey Road United Methodist Church is hosting An Evening with Tim Sample, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 14.

Sample is a longtime Maine humorist, performer and writer. The event is a fundraiser for the Heifer Project International, which assists folks to be self-sustaining. The goal is to raise $5,000. Tickets are $18; kids 5-12, $5. For more information and tickets, call the church at 839-3111.

Human-trafficking

series session May 6

A monthly series that raises awareness and combats human trafficking continues at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 6, at the South Gorham Baptist Church, 53 County Road, Gorham. Sarah Durfee, director of the Abolitionist Network in Boston, will speak. A potluck meal will be served and those attending are asked to take food to share.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on April 28 that the U.S. public debt was
$19,186,207,744,589.55.

Gorham House, 50 New Portland Road, hosted a dental hygine outreach program on April 25. University of New England student Carolyn Dacey demonstrates proper brushing technique. The university’s students in the Department of  Dental Hygiene and Department of Occupational Therapy programs received a grant for the community project.

After  a successful competition season for Dance Studio of Maine, dancers decided to donate funds to the Wounded Warriors Project and breast cancer research in lieu of receiving trophies at competitions this season. Photo courtesy of Port City Photography

Members of the Gorham Village Elementary School’s Odyssey team, state champs in their division, put on a demonstration for the School Committee on April 13. The students, from left, are Grace Johnson, Kevin Luo. Peter Wu, Sam Larkin, Mackenna Wheeler, Madeline Downey, and Patrick Cyron. Amy Wu and Kelly Cyr coach the team.