Gorham chose Romney

Gorham Republicans by the slimmest of margins in their caucus Feb. 4 picked Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, over U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas in the race for presidential nomination.

Matt Mattingly, chairman of the Gorham Republican Committee, reported that Romney got 24 votes, just one more that Paul, with 23. They outdistanced former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum from Pennsylvania with 4 votes and Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, 3.

Paul spoke on the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine on Jan. 28.

Gorham Republicans chose Mattingly to succeed James Beardsly as chairman of the Gorham Republican Committee.

Parker earns master’s

Melissa M. Parker, daughter of Stephen and Sheila Parker of Gorham, earned a masters degree in social work last year at Wheelock College in Boston, Mass.

Parker, who lives and works in Boston, is a family therapist.

A graduate of Gorham High School in 2003, Parker earned a bachelor of science degree in mental health studies at the University of Maine in Augusta.

Gardeners to hear Keenan

Patrick Keenan of the Bio Research Institute in Gorham will speak when Gorham Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the First Parish Church, 1 Church St. Keenan is a researcher and heads the institute’s outreach program.

The public is welcome to attend.

Winter tracking hike

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust is sponsoring a winter tracking hike from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, on the trust-owned Hawkes Property in Gorham.

The 42-acre site is located on the Presumpscot River.

Exploring animal tracks and signs, the walk will be led by land trust volunteer Richard Jordan, a wetland scientist with professional experience in wildlife biology, habitat conservation and management, and land use regulations. Those participating will meet at the parking lot of the Windham Rod & Gun Club, 8 Towpath Road, Gorham.

Light refreshments will be offered.

For more information about the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust or the hike contact prlandtrust@yahoo.com or visit www.prlt.org.

Senior center activities

The Lakes Region Senior Center, 40 Acorn St., in Gorham has announced its upcoming activities.

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 9:30 a.m., exercise with video in movie room. The attendance has been growing for this health minded event; 10 a.m., knit with Florence on a newborn hat. Take knitting needles size 11 (8mm), worsted yarn, and a darning needle. For more information, call Florence at 854-9284. Also starting at 10 a.m. play Scrabble or cards.

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m., pickleball in the gym; also at 10 a.m., plastic canvas instruction. You may take your own project or one will be provided.

Thursday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m., snowshoeing (snowshoes provided); also at 10 a.m.,Bingo, 25 cents a card w/first card free. Bingo open to the public;1 p.m., movie, “Evan Almighty” (comedy) w/free popcorn.

The senior center will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents Day.

Festival committee to meet

The Gorham Founders Festival Committee will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, in the activity room at the Gorham Recreation Department in the Gorham Municipal Center, 75 South St.

The public is invited to attend.

Plans will be discussed for this year’s festival on Friday and Saturday, May 25-26. Those willing to help should contact Town Councilor Suzie Phillips at sphillips@gorham.me.us or visit www.gorhamfoundersfestival.com or find us on Facebook.

A beginning

The first Gorham town meeting was held 247 years ago on Feb. 18, 1765, according to the Gorham Historical Society chronology. Forty pounds was voted to support schools.