There’s no better way to start a new year than by making predictions. The act of future-telling is fraught with peril but since fools rush in, here we go with my 2018 predictions: 1 — The term “Happy Holidays” will have committed verbicide by Christmas 2018. In the 1980s, everyone said “Merry Christmas and Happy […]
2017
Posted inAmerican Journal
Too early to talk about GHS project cost, Perry says
GORHAM — Voters will be left guessing in the coming new year about any official cost estimate for a proposed renovation-expansion to upgrade the town’s antiquated high school. The project won’t be on a ballot until 2019. An official final cost figure could likely come in February or March in 2019 followed by a vote in […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal
Transformation Project behind, but optimistic
WESTBROOK — With a quarter million dollars still needed, final renovations at the Transformation Project are expected to start next month, nearly a year later than expected. Ken Hawley, the director of the Transformation Project, said he hopes construction can start by the end of January and that the organization can be operating by spring. The faith-based organization works […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Southern Forecaster
60 Years Ago
The Westbrook American reported on Dec. 23, 1957, that Nina Bailey directed the Gorham High School Christmas concert featuring choruses, soloists, school orchestra and the Madrigal Singers. The Rev. Harry Daniels, pastor of Buxton Center Baptist Church, spoke when the Sunday school celebrated Christmas with a tree and a program.
Posted inAmerican Journal, Southern Forecaster
Westbrook man surrenders in Lamb Street incident
WESTBROOK — A standoff ended peacefully Tuesday after the suspect surrendered at the Public Safety Building. Brandon Conley, 32, of Westbrook, was arrested Dec. 26 after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in an apartment on Lamb Street. He was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon in District Court in Portland. According to Police Chief Janine Roberts, Westbrook […]
Posted inSouthern Forecaster
We Love to Eat
Chowder luncheon – Friday, Dec. 29, and every Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., North Deering Congregational Church, 1364 Washington Ave., Portland. Bowl of haddock chowder with crackers, $9; or lobster roll lunch with chips, $10; cup of chowder, $6; combination lobster roll with cup of chowder, $13. All lunches include fresh baked bread, pickle, cookie and […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
Sappi’s Thompson brings passion for science to girls
WESTBROOK — It’s never too late to become a Girl Scout. This is especially true when a woman shares the organization’s values and inspires girls to explore an interest in science. Laura Thompson became an honorary Girl Scout earlier this month when she was named the 2018 Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts of Maine. “I wasn’t […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Southern Forecaster
Westbrook Notes
A stagecoach line through Westbrook will be topic when the Historical Society meets at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Community Center. Stagecoach history Terry Christy, a retired educator, will present the history of a stagecoach trail when Westbrook Historical Society meets at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Westbrook Community Center, 426 […]
Posted inSouthern Forecaster
Politics & Other Mistakes: Stuck in the middle with you
The trouble with political moderates is all that moderation. By definition, moderates are flexible, accommodating, compromising, obliging, acquiescing, pliable, conceding – whew, this list just gets worse and worse the more it goes on. No wonder nobody can stand a moderate for very long. Sooner or later, they’re going to vote in a way you […]
Posted inSouthern Forecaster
Snowblowers stolen at inopportune time
GORHAM — Snowblowers stolen during the holiday season in Gorham and Windham left homeowners stuck as a storm blasted the area on Christmas. Detective Sgt. Daniel Young of the Gorham Police Department said two snowblowers were reported stolen in the Barstow Road area of White Rock and another was reported stolen nearby in neighboring Windham. Young […]