NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID GORHAM, ME PERMIT NO. 10 Volume 27 Number 4 | February 18, 2021 A Free, Not-for-Profit Newspaper Serving Gorham Since 1995 Thank You! Black History Month Speaker Series GORHAM TIMES STAFF GRACE FLYNN series was designed to center Black The Gorham GHS Student Intern professionals. By elevating their story, Times staff we communicate that [we] value their extends our grati- There has been a Civil Rights Team stories. This feels particularly essential tude to Karen (CRT) at Gorham High School (GHS) in Gorham where our Black students DiDonato who for several years. This year, however, and staff are in the extreme minority. I stepped into the its efforts have taken on a new form in hope that students will develop a con- role of Editor at a light of Covid-19 restrictions. In addi- nection with a Black professional in moment’s notice. tion, the CRT has increased its energy our community and be more likely to DiDonato has and focus towards establishing a cul- Deborah Ibonwa Ebenezer Akakpo seek them out as mentors, internship been part of the ture of anti-racism at the high school. Lawyer/Policy Jeweler hosts, and interview subjects.” Gorham Times As a part of this work, the CRT chose Advocate CRT does not intend to limit its Courtesy of Kattia Lomando family for many to celebrate and honor Black History work targeting racism to Black History Karen DiDonato years, volun- Month this February through a series sis on work(activism)-life balance was Month. Members and adult organizers was Interim Editor teering in roles of events highlighting Black history, really appreciated. I struggle with sepa- alike are looking to continue com- such as Editor, voices, and activism. The CRT part- rating activism from my everyday life bating racism within our community Public Service nered with the GHS section of Jobs for and because of that I get burned out into the future. CRT member Klarha Announcement Coordinator and Maine Graduates (JMG) to host a series and stressed easily, so for me to do that Cajuste stated that she had joined the Social Media Coordinator. of career talks featuring local Black sort of work long term I really need to group because “since I was a little girl The role of Editor is crucial as professionals in a variety of fields each improve.” I had wanted to change the world. I it is the glue that keeps our many Friday in February. The CRT will be hosting at least two was born black in an all-white state moving parts together. DiDonato was CRT member and GHS sophomore more career talks during Black History which changed my perspective.” instrumental in hiring and training Klarha Cajuste believes that this speak- Month with activist James Ford and JMG coordinator Eliza Kenigsburg our new permanent Editor, Christie er series is important because it “allows Deering High School counselor Farausi noted that in her work inviting speak- Paul. DiDonato’s dedication, thor- us to educate students on different Cherry. ers to GHS “it’s clear that my actions ough approach to editing as well as careers while highlighting [people of JMG coordinator Eliza Kenigsburg around race and racism need to be training, always with a smile and good color] in our state.” has been regularly coordinating career factored into all my decisions as an humor, are a testament to her sterling CRT members Cajuste and junior talks at GHS since 2019 to provide educator. In my small way, I have the character. Breshia Flett coordinated career talks high school students with opportu- opportunity to rid our educational We are forever grateful for her with jeweler Ebenezer Akakpo and law- nities to learn about various poten- institutions of racism.” willingness to jump back into the yer/policy advocate Deborah Ibonwa tial post-secondary careers or fields These events ask us during this Gorham Times. It is this commitment respectively. The CRT and JMG hosted of study. Kenigsburg assisted CRT month, and every month, to con- of DiDonato, like that of all Gorham both speakers via Zoom on Friday, members in coordinating the February sider our personal role in cultivating Times volunteers, that maintains our February 12th. career talks. She spoke on the Black an environment in which marginal- ability to bring the news to Gorham. Attendee senior Katy Morin reflected History Month Speaker series and its ized voices are not just included but on Ibonwa’s talk stating, “Her empha- role within JMG’s work: “The speaker amplified. Shaw Bros. Robotics Team Makes International Competition Removes Barn on Main Street Photo credit Beth Orlando Students from Gorham Middle School’s alternative education program advanced into the Wonder League Robotics International Competition. Pictured left (Cohort A left to right): Heather Whitaker, Nevaeh Boucher, Gage Beaulieu, Dillon Harrington, Matt DesRoches, Abigail Bubier, Dylan Dupra, Leo Kiyanitsa, Matt Clark, Ethan Garnett, and Terri Dawson. Pictured right (Cohort B left to right): Heather Whitaker, Jordan St. Peter, Kory Rolbiecki, Luke Moore, Liam Mack, Landon Philpot, Matt Clark, Rena Rockwell, and Terri Dawson. MIKAELA PELLERIN al competition. All nine teams from plete five missions, which consisted Photo credit Lori Aresenault GHS Student Intern within the alternative education pro- of robotics and coding challenges. In gram made it to the final round, along January, students virtually submitted Shaw Brothers Family Foundation removing the This year, students from Gorham with 31 other middle school teams evidence of completion to judges, barn on Main Street near the Route 237 inter- Middle School (GMS)’s alternative from around the world. who determined who would qualify section. It will be rebuilt nearby at their 258- education program advanced into the To qualify for the international for the final competition. acre Cherry Hill Farm, where walking trails and Wonder League Robotics internation- round, students had to first com- Sebago Brewing headquarters are located. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 GMS AND GHS insidetheTimes SHOW US YOUR 2ND QUARTER HONOR ROLLS 2 Augusta 4 Living 5 Municipal 6 School WINTER WONDERLAND SEE PAGE 7 11 Sports 12 Community 15 Blotter 15 Calendar SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 3 NEWS FROM AUGUSTA Policy on News from Augusta: The Gorham Times asked our three state legislators from Senate District 30, House District 26 and House District 27 to provide us with “News from Augusta.” We publish their articles on a rotating basis. The submissions are devoted to updates of legislative and administrative news, ­­BRINGING THE NEWS TO ALL OF GORHAM proposed and passed bills and laws, and developments and events that are of interest and have an impact to Gorham residents. The Gorham Times reserves PO Box 401 the right to edit the submissions and it further reserves the right to reject any submission, in its sole discretion. Gorham, Maine 04038 Phone and Fax: (207) 839-8390 [email protected] www.gorhamtimes.com —— Maine’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan The Gorham Times is a free volunteer-run community newspaper distributed every other STACY BRENNER 70 and older are eligible to receive their rate, up-to-date info on the vaccine Thursday to more than 100 pick-up sites vaccine. The next step in this phase will plan and distribution, you can always throughout Gorham. —— It’s hard to believe that it was nearly a be expanding eligibility to folks between check the Maine CDC’s website at News [email protected] year ago when the COVID-19 pandemic the ages of 65 and 69. www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines, Sports [email protected] flipped our lives upside down. For many, or call their vaccine consult line at Features [email protected] this past year was the most challenging 1-866-962-6062. Please note that this Of Interest [email protected] of their entire lives. People were forced Appointments can now phone number is not for appoint- Calendar item [email protected] be made online at Advertising gorhamtimesadvertising@ to leave jobs, stayed apart from their ments. Between the federal vaccine gmail.com or 839-8390 families and friends, and missed out on www.walmart.com/cp/1228302 supply, distribution plan, potential School News [email protected] holidays and other beloved traditions. new vaccines and other factors, things —— Folks who have worked their entire lives Or call the CDC consult line change fast. Although this process can SUBSCRIPTIONS had to learn to navigate a complicated be frustrating at times, I’m confident $20/year in Gorham; $25/year elsewhere at 1-866-962-6062. $15/year for college subscription unemployment system, and small busi- that the Maine officials coordinating Snowbird subscriptions available nesses have struggled just to stay afloat. Or visit this effort are doing their very best, upon request Despite the fact that we have seen some www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines and I’m grateful for their work. Subscriptions and renewals are available of the deadliest days from the virus in I also want to thank the men and online on our website. Maine and the country during the win- women at Scarborough Downs, who —— Editor: Christie Paul ter, our infection numbers have begun We have also seen the number of vac- along with MaineHealth, have stepped Assistant Editor: Maeve Terry to drop and there is hope on the hori- cines available in Maine slowly increase. up to transform their facility into a Business Manager: Stacy Sallinen zon. We currently have two approved It was recently announced that Walmart mass vaccination site. Doing this cer- Advertiser Coordinator: Stacy Sallinen vaccines for use against COVID-19, and and Sam’s Club locations will now receive tainly wasn’t required of them, and it Design/Production: Shirley Douglas another could be approved in the near more than 4,000 doses per week in addi- will make a huge impact in our effort Staff Writers: Diane Abramson, Jacob Adams, Kathy Corbett, John Ersek, Sheri Faber, future.