Dr. David Hurst

Free intro to fly fishing

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust is sponsoring an introduction to fly fishing and trout steam ecology at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, at the Little River Preserve in Gorham. Professional Maine guide Patrick O’Shea is the instructor of the two-hour seminar. The event is free but space is limited. To RSVP, visit www.prlt.org

Grange open mic for musicians

White Rock Grange, 33 Wilson Road, is hosting an acoustical open mic from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, with singer-songwriter Mike Stackhouse and company.

It’s the final acoustical open mic at the Grange before the summer break. Ann  Rust of the Grange said the “PA is set up, so just bring your instruments and voices. This is a wonderful sounding room, so don’t miss listening or playing.”

There’s no charge but donations will be accepted to benefit the Grange. For more information email [email protected] or call Rust at 839-3946.

Hurst named to Red Cross board

The American Red Cross of Maine has announced that Dr. David Hurst of  Gorham, a retired physician, has been named to serve on its Southern Maine Chapter board of directors.  Hurst is a retired ear, nose and throat physician, who had been in private practice for 28 years in Farmington, and for the past 12 years has practiced in Scarborough. He currently teaches at Tufts University.

The Red Cross announcement said,  “He has published dozens of articles and a book on the relation of allergy as a cause of chronic middle ear disease.”

Hurst and his wife, Dr. Melissa Weekley, have three grown children and enjoy visiting their four grandsons while maintaining the philanthropic works begun by his father.

4-H scholarship awards

Five Cumberland County 4-H members received post-secondary education scholarships at the Maine 4-H Foundation annual meeting in May at the University of Maine Orono campus.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension Cumberland County 4-H members Lucia Almeida, Mikayla Maher, Molly Merrifield, Allison Merriman, and Desiree Wright were awarded scholarships through the Maine 4-H Foundation. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding 4-H members across the state based on their dedication to 4-H, volunteerism, leadership ability, academic success, and career aspirations.

“Maine 4-H Foundation scholarships are given to graduating seniors to reward them for a rich 4-H career and help them attain higher education in the hope that they will in turn be strong 4-H advocates in their spheres of influence,” a release said.    

Lucia Almeida earned the Audrey and Clayton MacIntyre Scholarship. She is a member of the Cumberland County 4-H Sheep Club, White Pine Caprines 4-H Club, and Warm Up Maine 4-H Club. Lucia is graduating from Baxter Academy for Technology and Science and will be attending Wheaton College in the fall to study Chinese Language and Culture.

Mikayla Maher earned the Verna Church Witter Scholarship. She is a member of the Brass Knobs 4-H Working Steer Club. Mikayla is graduating from Noble High School and will be attending Southern Maine Community College in the fall to study radiology.

Molly Merrifield earned the Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarship. She is a member of the Cumberland County Swiners 4-H Club, and Brass Knobs 4-H Working Steer Club. Molly is graduating from Gorham High School and will be attending cosmetology school.

Allison Merriman earned the Jeanie Stone Leadership Scholarship. She is a member of the All Star Dairy 4-H Club, Tricks n’ Tailz 4-H Club, and Young Farmers 4-H Beef Club. Allison is graduating from Windham High School and will be attending Southern Maine Community College to study communications and new media.

Desiree Wright earned the Carla and Danny Lafayette Scholarship. She is a member of the All Star Dairy 4-H Club. Desiree is graduating from Bonny Eagle High School and plans to attend college in the fall for biology.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on May 25 that the U.S. public debt was $19,214,128,824,849.92.