Red Cross to honor Shaw brothers

Two local brothers represent the best in the category of American Red Cross Real Heroes for Corporate Service.

“Dan and Jon Shaw are true heroes to many Maine nonprofits, municipalities, and individuals. Through their combined financial support and countless hours of service they help ill children and their families find hope. They also support countless numbers of underserved members of our communities,” an American Red Cross statement said.

The Shaw brothers, owners of Gorham-based Shaw Brothers Construction, will be recognized at an awards dinner on Friday, March 30, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay and is sponsored in part by Unitil and Bank of America.

“The Shaw brothers have been a consistent supporter of Camp Sunshine for over a decade,” Matthew Hoidal, Camp Sunshine director, said. “We have been in operation since 1984 and provide a free opportunity for families who have a member battling a life-threatening illness a place to relax, get a break from the day-to-day tension they are facing. In an average year we will host nearly 3,000 worthy individuals at Camp Sunshine, and this would not be possible without the unselfish volunteer efforts and financial support of Dan and Jon Shaw.”

For example, a new housing facility completed in 2011 was made possible by the Shaw brothers. “Families who have been the recipients of Camp Sunshine and wish to return the favor by assisting others now have a place to stay while volunteering to the camp. Dan and Jon saw and understood what it meant for these families to ‘give back,’ and helped make it happen,” said Hoidal.

The Red Cross also said the brothers assist with other projects and charitable endeavors in southern Maine, and encourage their employees to volunteer their time, as well.

“Shaw Park in Gorham is one example of the support they give to Gorham Parks and Recreation, town departments and education programs. For example, they played a key role in developing a baseball diamond and dugouts, concession stands, multipurpose field, boat launch, and a sandy beachfront on the Presumpscot River there,” according to the Red Cross.

The Shaws also support the ALS Association, Children’s Miracle Network, Maine Handicapped Skiing Program, the Susan Curtis Foundation, Neighbors Helping Neighbors Heating Assistance Program, and the Boy Scouts of America Pine Tree Council. Dan Shaw also serves on the Board of Directors of Camp Sunshine and the Maine State society for the Protection of Animals.

Historical program looks at sleighs

Gorham Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 9, at the Gorham Savings Bank business facility center on Gray Road (Route 202).

A brief meeting will be followed by a curator of Skyline Farm Museum in North Yarmouth, who will present a slide presentation and discussion on “Sleighing in Maine.”

The public is welcome and refreshments along with conversations will follow the program.

Bartlett on dean’s list

Aaron Bartlett of Gorham has been named to the deasn’s list for the fall semester at Northeastern University in Boston. Bartlett is an English major.

Ayers to speak on historic murders

Ruth Bridges Ayers of Gorham, author of “Early Families of Newfield, Maine,” will speak at the Greater Portland Genealogical Chapter at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, at the Church of Latter Day Saints in Cape Elizabeth.

Ayers will talk about four murders on a June night in Newfield. The brutal murders of Civil War veteran George W. Goodwin, his adopted son Scott, housekeeper Elsie Horne, and hired hand Fred Bertsch resulted in a manhunt through New Hampshire and into Massachusetts. The trial of a former Newfield resident attracted crowds of spectators to the York County Courthouse in Alfred.