McLellan House workshop topic

The Gorham Town Council, in a workshop at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the municipal center, will discuss the town-owned McLellan House at 77 South St., which needs repairs. The town leases the house, built in 1803, to Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. The nonprofit Gorham Times has space in the building.

“Standard regular maintenance is and has been undertaken by the Land Trust, using any proceeds available from rental income of other parts of McLellan House (in accordance with the terms of the lease agreement),” Stefan Jackson, land trust executive director, wrote in an email last fall.

“Large cost maintenance work–roof repair, whole building painting, major plumbing, or whatever might be undertaken to improve energy efficiency–would have to be funded by the Town of Gorham, as provided for in the lease terms, where the tenant (the land trust) does not have the financial resources for such work.”

The building once served as the school superintendent’s office.

Gagnon calls for commemorative plaque

Philip Gagnon, a former town councilor and council chairman, last week urged the Town Council to recognize the town’s incorporation 250 years ago with a plaque this fall. The council has not yet considered the request.

Citing the “History of Gorham, Maine,” Gagnon said, “On Oct. 30, 1764, the General Court (of Massachusetts) passed an act incorporating Gorham as a town. Gorham being the 20th in this state to receive this honor.”

Gagnon also read that Stephen Longfellow issued the warrant for the first town meeting on Feb. 18, 1765. Gagnon said Capt. John Phinney was chosen as moderator.

Gagnon noted the “significance” of Phinney’s descendent, Michael Phinney, being the present chairman of the council. Settlers began arriving in 1736 in Gorham, an area then known as Narragansett No. 7.

USM concert season kick-off

The University of Southern Maine School of Music will kick off its winter and spring season with Malcolm Smith and Paul Wyse’s performance of Schubert’s “Die Winterreise” (“Winter Journey”), at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, in Corthell Concert Hall on its Gorham campus The concert is part of the Faculty Concert Series. Tickets are $15; $10 for seniors, USM employees and alumni; and $5 for students.

Knights’ free-throw championship

Mike Chabot of Gorham has announced details of this year’s Knights of Columbus free throw championship. He said boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the annual event. The local competition will be held at the Gorham High School Gym on Saturday, Jan. 25, from noon-1:30 p.m.

“The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions,” Chabot said. “International champions are announced by the K of C international based on scores from the state-level competitions.”

All contestants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. For entry forms or additional information, contact Chabot at 839-3963.

Chalmers names Cote president

Chalmers Insurance Group, one of the region’s largest independent insurance agencies, has named Steven Cote as its president. Cote joined Chalmers in 2000 and served as president of Chalmers’ New Hampshire operations. In Maine, Chalmers has several locations, including one in Gorham.

Bruce Chalmers, who had served as president of the agency that has been owned by his family for nearly 100 years, will retain an “of counsel” role in the agency and will also serve as chairman of the board of directors. His brother, William “Bill” Chalmers, will also be “of counsel” and serve as treasurer of the board.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on Jan. 9 that the U.S. public debt was $17,281,164,714,573.43.

The town-owned McLellan House, 77 South St., needs repairs.