Mississippi visitor

Hurricane Katrina survivor Susan Rappold, now of Gorham, was visited last week by Judy English of Waveland, Miss.

Both women were once from New Orleans and hadn’t seen each other since before the hurricane. Rappold arrived in Gorham as a refugee after Katrina, and last week’s reunion was emotional for the two women. “We both cried,” English said.

English, who was on her way to Atlanta, Ga., Monday, has been on the road, renewing friendships. “They say its good for the soul,” English said, calling the trip therapeutic.

English’s home in Mississippi was destroyed during the hurricane by a 35-foot surge of water. “There are no houses left where I lived,” English said.

English spent two days in Gorham and enjoyed touring around the countryside. She found the temperature cold. “I told her I’d come back when it’s warmer,” English said. “I had a nice time.”

Rappold lauded English, who drove to Maine. “She’s a good ambassador,” Rappold said.

Open house reminder

Gorham residents will have an opportunity to see the new Gorham Municipal Center, 75 South St., today (Jan. 25) from 3-6 p.m.

Both town and school administrative offices are housed in the center, which is the renovated Shaw School.

Refreshments will be served.

Grant elected to farm agency post

Jennifer Grant of Fine View Farm in Gorham was elected last month by farmers as a representative of the Farm Service Agency.

Grant will represent farmers of Westbrook, Portland, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Biddeford besides Gorham.

She was elected to a three-year term, which began Jan. 1.

The agency, which administers a variety of farm programs for farmers, is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Bem on dean’s list

Greg Bem has been named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I.

Bem is a junior majoring in creative writing and English literature.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of Public Debt reported on Jan. 17 that the U.S. public debt was $8,671,959,016,355.67.