Winter in northern New England is a great time to sit by the woodstove and reflect on the last year and look forward to the months ahead. With that in mind, I’m happy to report our classmates have been busy with achievements.
Michael S. Murray was hired as director of public works by the city of Portland after serving in that position on an interim basis. He oversees a department with 173 employees and an annual operating budget of $56 million — a big job. Mike has been a city employee for more than 20 years.
Christine Born Johnson received the 2023 Community Service Award from the Highland Lake Grange in Westbrook. A Westbrook native, Christine is president of the Westbrook-Gorham Rotary and secretary of the UMaine Alumni Chapter of Southern Maine, a member of the Westbrook Historical Society, and president of the Portland Club of University of Maine Alumnae. She is also communications director for Altrusa International of Portland, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community service.
Robert E. Webster G, ’87 CAS was hired as interim superintendent for the Richmond School Department. He will serve as the first senior administrator for the district, which recently separated from Regional School Unit 2. This marks a return to education for Bob, who retired in 2012 as superintendent of School Union 76 based on Deer Isle. Since then, he has taken on three other interim superintendent positions. Best of luck, Bob!
Rhonda Ricker Irish ’95G was named interim town manager of Livermore Falls. A resident of Jay, Rhonda served as town manager in Wilton for 13 years before retiring in 2022. Wilton dedicated its town report that year to Rhonda.
Moving our attention to Massachusetts, Robert A. Crook notched his 400th career win as coach of the Braintree High School basketball team, marking his 34th season in that role. Numerous team alums contacted Bob to congratulate him, which is perhaps the best accolade any coach can receive. Congratulations to Bob and to the Braintree Wamps varsity team.
Congratulations to all! I wish everyone in the Class of ’82 a happy and healthy winter. Have any news of your own or just want to share what’s new in your life? If you have anything to share, or just want to give a shout out to your classmates, please drop me a line.