PHOTO: Kathy Corbett at Library celebration.
PHOTO CREDIT: Diane Atwood
The Gorham Times (GT) announces a significant change in the core group of volunteers who work diligently to bring the news to all of Gorham. Kathy Corbett, a key member of this group since 2015, is moving to California to be with her partner.
No stranger to writing or education, Corbett is a published author who taught at university level before moving to Maine. As an historian for the Missouri Historical Society, she headed their education program.
Maynard Charron, founder of the Gorham Times, recalled meeting Corbett at the North Gorham Library when he dropped in to make sure they were receiving enough papers. He encouraged her to become involved.
After joining GT in 2015, she quickly put her talents to use covering school issues before quickly expanding to coverage of more general news. Her clear, unbiased coverage of news/politics/elections as well as many topics of significant interest, has informed readers about important issues in Gorham. She also served on the GT Board of Directors.
Corbett’s keen intelligence plus her strong vision, calm demeanor and commitment to keeping the public well-informed have never wavered. Charon added, “Kathy happily jumped into the important areas of town government and any breaking news that came up. She has been such an amazing asset to the Gorham community. Her professional writing skills and insights into the heart of the matter are top notch. Her energy is amazing! She will be sorely missed.”
Editor in Chief, Lori Arsenault said, ”As a new editor, Kathy not only teaches me the things I don’t know, but she supports me in the things I already know. She has been an amazing asset to the paper and to the Gorham community. I couldn’t be more grateful for her wisdom and help, and wish her all the best in her new adventures.”
“Kathy is a force of nature,” said Chris Crawford, features editor. “She never hands out unwanted advice, but if you have a question or need help, you certainly want to hear what she has to say.”
Corbett will be missed by many others, especially in the North Gorham area where she has deep roots and is a well-known neighbor and friend. She served as head librarian at the North Gorham Public Library for many years and her family has lived there for generations.
“It was always a pleasure to work with Kathy,” said Sheri Faber, Former News Coordinater and early founder of the Gorham Times. “She was a terrific writer and one of the kindest people I have ever known. I have never heard her say a bad word about anyone. She will be sorely missed and if she gets tired of all that California sunshine, we will be thrilled to have her return,” she added.
In a difficult decision, Corbett realized she needed to spend more time with the other half of her family and friends who live in California. Corbett plans to return to a family cottage on Sebago Lake for part of each summer.
While her time in Maine will be shorter, Corbett is not leaving GT for good just yet. In this tech savvy day and age, she will continue to cover the GT Town Council Report electronically to be included in the print addition as well as an online edition.
“I prefer to think that Kathy hasn’t left the Gorham Times, but rather is serving as our “foreign correspondent” in California,” said Crawford. “I will miss her calm, no-nonsense demeanor, her wit, and wisdom.”
Maybe there is another news hound in our community who would love to do some investigative reporting and writing as part of the Gorham Times team. If so, contact Lori Arsenault at editor@gorhamtimes.com.