American Legion
The Pattee-Page Post 187 of Easton was host to the District County Council meeting on Saturday, Jan. 3, with 15 veterans and seven auxiliary members present.
The Easton Auxiliary members provided a potluck meal for the event. The meeting was opened by Vice Dist. Commander Chuck Williams. Sgt. at Arms Carl Doughty called for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and the Preamble of the Constitution of the American Legion. District Chaplain Clyde Brown did the prayer for the meeting. Secretary Rodrick Collins read the minutes of the last meeting and they were accepted. Treasurer Carl McLaughlin made his report and also added the fact that Richard’s Tree Farm put wreaths on veterans’ graves in Fairmont Cemetery.
Fred Ormezani brought forward the fact that he had made a motion to donate $25 to the Blind Camp at two different meetings and it was inadvertently left out of the minutes of the last two meetings. Collins apologized for the error.
Veterans’ home representative Margaret Johnson was introduced and she spoke on the Christmas party at the Caribou Veterans’ Home and thanked all the posts and units who participated in any way with the success of the holiday. She also stated that as of now the 7th District was in first place on membership but that there were still some units who were behind.
At Sick Call, the group was reminded that Roberta Guerrette was still recuperating from her stay in the hospital. A letter was read from the Caribou Veterans’ Home thanking all for the Christmas party. The group was also reminded that there are department scholarships available – two being the Daniel E. Lambert and the Past Commander, and probably others. Applications have to be in by May 1. Interested parties may call Vice Commander Chuck Williams or Past National Vice Commander Lloyd Woods.
Under new business, Fred Ormezani brought up the $25 for the Blind Camp as a motion. It was seconded and passed. It was encouraged that members check up on people who might be distressed this winter. There will also be a Four Chaplains’ Service in Van Buren at their Post, with a dinner in February. Contact a member of that post for the date.
A member of the Pattee-Page Post 187, Bernard Hussey, thanked the local post for their care at the loss of his home. Both the Department and District presented him envelopes of help.
Lloyd Woods spoke on Boys State, of which he is the chairman in Waterville. The price of attendance is still $230. The Board has passed a resolution to keep a balanced budget, therefore no borrowing from the kitty. It cost $46,000 for the facilities last year, so they may have to make some changes – as yet not known. Woods stated that the Posts should be the people who choose who attends Boys State. It shouldn’t depend on rank because students making Cs could be as interested in what Boys State offers as A students. Woods also told the group that the hospice room they have wanted to build in Togus by the Blue Hat Legionairres is now a reality; as a matter of fact, they have done three rooms, with six beds in all. These are in Building 207 on the third floor. The members are invited to visit to see what has been done.
Dept. First Vice Commander Andy Olson thanked the ladies for the meal and spoke on the membership. He reminded them of the $1,000 free insurance when they sign up. He told them that the Department is helped on the national level and spoke about awards and scholarships, encouraging them to find those who could apply. He then told of all the beautiful wreaths that had been placed on the graves in the veterans’ sections of the cemeteries.
The meeting was closed with the prayer by the chaplain.
Kiwanis Club
The Easton Kiwanis Club met on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Odd Fellows Hall with nine present. President Mike Allen opened the meeting after a supper of lasagna and pizza, with the flag salute and prayer by Esther Richardson.
As the first meeting of the month is a Board meeting, he turned the rest over to Chairman of the Board Barbara Blackstone. She reported that Huber had donated $300 toward the Christmas baskets and toys as did McCain Foods. Seven baskets were donated by the Easton Wesleyan Church, two by the Easton United Baptist Church and one by the Easton United Methodist Women. It was reported that the Food Pantry was doing well and is open on the second and fourth Sundays of the month and that most of their items are supplied by Catholic Charities of Maine now. They have served 20 families but it looks as if that will move up to 37 in the future.
There was the question brought up about members of the Key Club going to convention. The school pays one-third of the cost, the Kiwanis pays one-third and the students pay one-third of the cost. Those students who work in the food cupboard on delivery and stocking days may have the time count as community service at school.
In the absence of Finance Chairman Dana Dickenson, there was a discussion on ways to raise money to replenish what was spent on Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets and toys. Most of the toys were donated and the schools did a great part, as did the teachers and students, Cub Scouts and McCain’s and the United Way. Those who donated at Mike’s Family Market were served cookies and cocoa, compliments of Mike. A thank-you note was read from Lois Shaw for her Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets. The group was reminded that their dues are payable by the first of February. The Kiwanis members were reminded that they are due to pay the Charter for the Easton Cub Scouts.
Blackstone closed the Board meeting and the president took over. Before closing, the president asked the group to think about having supper just on the last meeting of the month instead of both, as it was more costly than what was taken in – even a light snack or something like that. Those attending were: Barbara Blackstone, Mike Allen, Mike Cyr, Bernard Hussey, Esther Richardson, Loris Allen, Keith Richardson, Eldora Carter and Clair Carter.
Birthday party
Others from out of town, other than those mentioned last week, who attended the beautiful 80th birthday party for Arlene Ladner were: John and Myrna Fitzherbert of Arthurette, New Brunswick; David and Shelly Morgan and children, Issac and Madison of Andover, New Brunswick; Jean Williamson, Bob and Lorie Fitzgerald, daughter, Kennedy and son, Nicholas of Fredericton, New Brunswick; Richard Manteo of Tristan, Colo.; Penny Miller, Denver, Colo.; Tim Libby, Denver, Colo.; Rev. Christopher Gray, wife, Cindy and children, Nathan, Andrew, and Jordan, all from Sayre, Penn. Others closer to home were: David Donavan and wife, Elaine, Howard and Wally Williams, and Valorie Burbee, all of Caribou; and Freda Mosley, of Limestone.
Visits
Wayne Patterson Jr. and companion, Beth, spent a few days over New Year’s with his parents, Wayne, Sr. and Sue Patterson, sister, Korene, and grandmother, Carol Higley.
The Rev. Andy DeRier, of the Easton Pentecostal Church and Kevin Pelletier have flown to Haiti to spend 10 days in that country, helping where they can and spreading God’s word.
Hospitalized
Joe Lockhart has recently returned from the Maine Medical Center where he underwent arterial surgery. He could not be kept at the hospital because of the lack of beds and so spent the time before returning home in Scarborough.
Bonny Blanchard has been a surgical patient at The Aroostook Medical Center for several days, fighting a severe foot infection. Those of you who remember the Rev. Liz Vernon who was a previous minister at the Easton/Mars Hill United Methodist churches will be concerned to learn that she has been in a bad accident and is hospitalized in the Trauma Center in the Denver Health Center. Liz suffered a crushed hip, broken pelvis and a broken leg and is being kept in an induced coma to keep her from shock. We have no report as yet on the accident. Her address is: Rocky Mountain Regional, Denver Health Center, Trauma Center, Room B326, 777 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80214.
Trails open
The Francis Malcolm Science Center in Easton is once again encouraging all who appreciate the beauty of the season to come visit us for some snow shoeing. The trails are located across from the Science Center on Route 1-A, approximately three miles north of Easton Center. You may come any time, day or night. Reflective tacks have been placed on trees along the trail for evening visitors (please bring a flashlight). Guests are asked to sign in at the wooden box upon entering the woods and to please read and follow all posted rules. Trails are for snow shoeing purposes only. No animals are allowed on the trails as we don’t want to disturb those creatures that reside in our woods. There is no charge to individuals or families to participate. We have all sizes of snowshoes available for rental but you must call ahead to reserve them so we can make arrangements to be here to get them to you. Groups are welcome to make reservations by calling the center at 488-5451 or Mr. Martin at 227-3589 after business hours. There is a fee for groups. All schools may schedule a “class” free of charge, during regular business hours.
Moonlight snow shoe hike
The Francis Malcolm Science Center invites you to join us for a Moonlight Snow Shoe Hike through our beautiful woods on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. Please reserve your spot today by calling 488-5451. We have all sizes of snow shoes available for rental at $2 per pair if you don’t bring your own. There is a $2 fee per person to attend this event. We look forward to hearing from you!
Dinosaur program
On Saturday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. (8 p.m. Atlantic), enjoy a stroll through the land before time as the Francis Malcolm Science Center planetarium presents, Dinosaur: The Terrible Lizard, our family program, featuring a good survey of the major divisions of the dinosaur family and prehistoric life in general. Consideration is placed upon dinosaur extinction, too. For further information and reservations, contact 488-545 1.
Destination Universe
On Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. (8 p.m. Atlantic), dream of flight among the stars as the Francis Malcolm Science Center planetarium presents, Destination Universe: Our Future in Space. This family-oriented presentation takes us through new technologies as we imagine flight to the planets, stars and beyond. For further information and reservations, call 488-5451.
Rec Center calendar
Wednesday, Jan. 14 – Junior activities program for children ages 2 through school age at the hall from 9:30-11 a.m. Seniors’ exercise class, Move More, starting at 1 p.m. in the recreation room at the manor. Little Bears cheerleading practice from 2:45 to 4 p.m. at the hall.
Thursday, Jan. 15 – Seniors’ New Year’s Tea starting at 11 a.m. in the recreation room at the manor. Downhill skiing at Big Rock. We will carpool directly after school and will return around 6 p.m. The cost is $13 for lift ticket, rental equipment and lesson.
Friday, Jan. 16 – Grade 5 and 6 girls’ and boys’ basketball teams at Mars Hill Community Center at 10 and 11 a.m. Snow tubing at Big Rock. The cost is $10. The bus will depart from the hall at 1:10 p.m. and return at approximately 3:20 p.m. There will be concessions available.
Saturday, Jan. 17 – Little Bears grades 1 and 2 basketball practice from 9-10 a.m. at the elementary school gym. Little Bears grades 3 and 4 basketball practice from 10-11:15 a.m. Grades 5 and 6 girls vs. Washburn at 11:30 a.m. at Easton Elementary School. Grades 5 and 6 boys will take on Washburn at 12:30 p.m. in the elementary school gym.
Monday, Jan. 19 – Holiday – no recreation programs.
Eldora Carter is the correspondent for Easton. She can be reached at 488-5961.
Photo courtesy of Eldora Carter
OFFICERS OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL American Legion held their January meeting at the Odd Fellows Hall in Easton, hosted by Pattee-Page Post 187. Officers pictured, from left: Department Vice Commander Andy Olson, Secretary Carl McLaughlin, District Vice Commander Chuck Williams, Secretary Rodick Collins and Chaplain Clyde Brown.
