University ROTC student honored

University of Southern Maine ROTC cadet James Williford of Gorham, a Purple Heart recipient, has been named a “Soldier Hero” and recently was honored during the 12th annual Army All-American Bowl football game in San Antonio, Texas, according to the U.S. Army Cadet Command.

He’s an Oakland native who graduated from Messalonksee High School in 2001. Now a sophomore history major atUSM, Williford started college and enrolled in the Army ROTC program in 2010. He will graduate and receive his commission as an Army lieutenant in May 2014.

Williford and his wife Shannon, have three children, Alexis, 8; Nicholas, 6; and Jenna, 2.

According to the Army Cadet Command, Williford enlisted at age 18 and spent two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. He was awarded a Purple Heart after being shot while his platoon spotted and cleared improvised explosive devices in Iraq.

McIntosh

on dean’s list

Paul McIntosh of Gorham has been named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Dean College in Franklin, Mass. McIntosh is a theatre bachelor degree major and a member of Student Activities Committee.

Gardeners to hear Frinsko

Linda Frinsko, a member of Gorham Garden Club, will speak when the club meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, in the First Parish Congregational Church.

Frinsko’s presentation will be about forcing bulbs.

The public is welcome to attend and to participate.

Senior center activities

The Lakes Region Senior Center, 40 Acorn St., in Gorham will host a blood pressure clinic at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19.

A storm had postponed the clinic, sponsored by two registered nurses from the Gorham Health Council, which was originally was scheduled for Jan. 12.

The clinic is free but donations are appreciated.

Other dates and times for upcoming events at the senior center are:

Monday, Jan. 23, 9:30 a.m., Coffee Cafe $1.50 or Cribbage, all levels welcome.

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 9:30 a.m., exercise video in movie room;10 a.m., learn to knit prayer shawls; card games-Hand N Foot.

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m., pickleball; 1 p.m., scrapbooking.

Thursday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m., snowshoeing, weather permitting.