A large gathering of mourners Monday attend a memorial service for Dean Evans, a popular longtime coach and teacher at Gorham High School. Evans died at 86 on July 24 and the service was in the Dean Evans Gym at the school.

A photo of Dean Evans is displayed at the entrance to the Dean Evans Gym at Gorham High School, where a memorial Monday honored the coaching and teaching legend who passed away last month.

Stephen Ward memorial run

The Stephen G. Ward memorial 5K run and walk is set for Sunday, Sept. 9, at Gorham Recreation Department on Ball Park Road.

Ward lost his life in the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City.

Pre-registration is $22 and race day registration is $25.

The run starts at 9:15 a.m. A fun run is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. for kids 7 and under, with a cost $7 for pre-registration and $10 on race day.

There will be free T-shirts for the first 100 registrations. Discount registrations are available for students and for families registering at least three members from the same household.

The event benefits the scholarship fund in Ward’s honor. For more information, visit www.running4free.com. 

Grange handicapped accessible

Ann Rust reports that the White Rock Grange Hall is now “fully” handicapped accessible with its new chairlift, and she thanked the Narragansett Number One foundation for providing a grant that made it possible.

Rust said the Grange continues to be available to rent,  and she is inviting the public to a special event. “I want folks to come to a free spaghetti supper at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29,” she said.

White Rock Grange is on Wilson Road off Route 237 (Sebago Lake Road).

METRO service starts Monday

METRO will launch its new Husky Line bus service between Portland, Westbrook and Gorham on Monday, Aug. 27.

Bus stops will be located in downtown Portland; Marginal Way/Portland; USM Portland; Stevens/Brighton Avenue; Westbrook Hub (downtown Westbrook); Gorham Village (outbound toward USM Gorham, near Gorham Savings Bank); Gorham Village (inbound to Portland, stop at TD Bank near Hannaford).

Riders can pay as they go ($1.50 regular fare/ $0.75 for seniors and persons with disabilities) with exact change, or purchase monthly passes ($45) or TenRide Tickets ($13.50).

There will be free rides Monday, Aug. 27, and Tuesday, Aug. 28, according to METRO.

To view the route map and schedule, visit www.gorham-me.org.
   
For more information regarding METRO fares and hours of operation, visit gpmetrobus.net or call METRO at 774-0351.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on Aug. 18 that the U.S. public debt was $21,411,381,995,917.67.