Laura Kargul

Kargul in faculty concert

The Faculty Concert Series at the University of Southern Maine continues with Laura Kargul’s “A Night at the Opera”  at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, in Corthell Concert Hall on the Gorham campus.

Kargul’s program will feature solo piano works by Mozart, Chopin and Liszt that were influenced by the genre of opera. Kargul, a music department professor, has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, adjudicator and master teacher throughout Europe, United States, Canada and the West Indies.  She is also a popular lecturer and often featured on the Portland Ovations Pre-Performance Lecture Series at Merrill Auditorium.

Tickets are $15; $10 for seniors, university employees and alumni; and $5 for students. For tickets or reservations, visit usm.maine.edu/music/boxoffice or call 780-5555.

Mayhew to visit

Mary Mayhew, a Republican candidate for governor, will visit Gorham for a fundraiser 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at Spire 29 On the Square, 29 School St.

The event is hosted by Mayhew for Maine Gorham,  co-chaired by Allison House and Jim Means. No donation is required, but contributions will be accepted. RSVP to [email protected].

Banking basics topic of senior talk

Gorham Savings Bank will present the program when Lakes Region Senior Center meets at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, in the Little Falls Activity Center, 40 Acorn St.

The program is titled “General Banking Basics.”
 
“This informative session will discuss the basics of maintaining an accurate checking account, reconciling accounts to a statement each month, and safely using debit cards,” according to an announcement about the event. “We will also review different options to consider when titling your bank accounts and provide a general overview of power of attorney and how they relate to banking.”

The meeting will end with a review of common scams in the area and an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.
 
Moody’s to celebrate 40th

Moody’s Collision Center is throwing a 40th-anniversary party 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the old Gorham fairgrounds on Narragansett Street.

The celebration features comedian Bob Marley, a demolition derby, a bonfire and fireworks. Food trucks and a bar will be available with plenty of free parking on site.

A  grandstand will be erected on the footprint of the former stands at the track. Shawn Moody, company founder, said Monday is a community event and everyone is invited.

“It’s going to be fun,” Moody said.

Blessing of the Animals

St. Anne Church, 299 Main St., will be the site of a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. in commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi. As prayers are offered, the pets will be gently sprinkled with holy water. Saint Francis was known for his love of all of God’s creatures. The Blessing of the Animals remembers Francis’ love by invoking God’s blessing on the animals and thanking God for letting us share the earth. The blessing also recognizes the important place that pets hold in people’s hearts. 

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on Sept. 28 that the U.S. public debt was $20,203,668,853,807.76.