Historians’ calendar busy

Following a busy fall season, Gorham Historical Society is planning its annual holiday meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, in the Gorham Savings Bank Operations Center on Gray Road.

“With Christmas just around the corner, we are pleased to have our annual ‘Cookie Gig’ (with the Gorham Chamber Singers). These youngsters have always wowed us with their musical talents brought to the forefront by their director, Darrell Morrow,” said Jan Labrecque, society president. “We are looking forward to another great performance. And, as always, followed by cookies.”

At the society’s November meeting, Warren Gilman presented a tour of North Gorham in the 1800s. In October, Labrecque said several members caravaned to Harrison for a tour of Scribner’s Mill, followed by a “great lunch” in Bridgton.

Earlier this fall at its annual meeting, Labrecque was re-elected president with Sue Parsons as vice president.

Watson top N.E. dog groomer

Ann-Marie Watson of Muddy Paw Dog Grooming in Gorham was recently honored as New England’s top dog groomer by the New England Pet Grooming Professionals at its fall festival in Warwick, R.I.

Watson received a plaque on Nov. 2 as one of the three finalists and a set of three Kenchii shears and a travel case as Top Dog Groomer 2008.

The finalists were judged on the merits of integrity, kindness and skill.

“I was thrilled to be one of the three finalists and never thought that I would be chosen to represent the Northeast,” Watson said in a statement. “This is quite an honor.”

Watson and her son, Thom, operate Muddy Paw Dog Grooming at 16 Hope Drive, Gorham. They have been in the grooming business since 1997.

Ann-Marie, a certified, professional dog groomer and graduate of Connecticut K-9 Educational Center, is a member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America.

Watson can be reached at 839-0402.

VFW post meets monthly

Gorham Memorial Post 10879 of the VFW meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the West Gorham Fire Station, Route 25.

George Gerrish is post commander.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of Public Debt reported on Nov. 12 that the U.S. public debt was $10,618,508,632,584.50.