Rec’s Winter Carnival
The Easton Recreation Department will be holding their Winter Carnival on March 5, 6 and 7 this year. The weekend’s activities will be laser tag, family game night, sliding party on Kinney Hill on Saturday, followed by a community potluck supper and mother/daughter and father/son basketball games to close out the weekend.
Call Rec Director, Hillary Trainer, at the Town Office for more information. For more details, see this week’s Rec calendar.
Senior citizens meet
The Easton Happy Days Senior Citizen’s Club held their last meeting of the month on Thursday, Feb. 26, with 13 members and four guest speakers. After the potluck meal, a birthday cake with ice cream was served to celebrate Edith Fuller’s birthday. Edith was born on a leap year, Feb. 29, so she’s younger than most of the members but it’s still nice to remember her birthday every year just the same.
After the meal, Rebecca Legassie from RSVP spoke to the group on some of the programs that RSVP serves like the Meals on Wheels. She also said that some fire departments have small heaters that they can loan out to those who have run out of heating oil. She thanked the three members who serve as volunteers, Lindy Fowler, Nina Trask, Ezalee Smith, and a former volunteer, Rena Richardson, for their time in this worthwhile program. Legassie also encouraged others to join in the program even if it might be a small endeavor.
Carol Fitzherbert, coordinator of the Money Management Program at the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, spoke to the group, informing them that at any time they needed advice and help with money problems or planning that she was available and happy to help. She warned about overloading the credit cards and also to watch out for scams. This program started just last year and everyone is very pleased with the program but each year they have to apply for a grant to keep it going.
Rosalee Grodin, on Senior Medicare Patrol, also from AAAA, was introduced by Mona Lynch. She spoke of the fraud that goes on in the Medicare system and that we should check our reports thoroughly for errors and report them and that we should question any bills and services that did not seem right. She also said everyone should ask questions if they were approached to sign up for other Medicare programs, as some might foul up what they already have. She also spoke on the stimulus bill regarding the $250 that everyone on Social Security would be getting. If they had not received this money by June 4, they should contact the Social Security Office.
Carol Fitzherbert left material on Smart Money #1 and a calculator on Where to Find Money to Save. Rosalee Grodin left papers on Medicare and the 2009 stimulus payment. Some of these papers were left at the Town Office for those who would like to be better informed on many senior citizens’ programs.
Mona Lynch ended the speaking program with a Medicare Bingo which was fun, enlightening and several won prizes. While the tables were cleared and dishes washed, the speakers stayed and visited. After they left, a short meeting followed. Marie Hewitt opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Ida Doak called the roll with these members present: Liana DeMerchant, Rena Richardson, Hilda Langley, Regina Thomas, Ezalee Smith, Nina Trask, Arlene Ladner, Lindy Fowler, Edith Fuller, Eldora Carter, Glenice Craig, Marie Hewitt and Ida. A short report was given by Secretary Eldora Carter on the first meeting of the month when the group entertained, or were entertained, by Kevin Marquis’s FFA young people. Treasurer Ida Doak reported that the donation to the Project Graduation had been sent and that she had reimbursed Kevin Marquis for some of the items he purchased for them for the first meeting in the month. She also said that she had received five paid up dues. Dues are a dollar for anyone under 80 years old.
Marie and some of the others had tickets to attend a meeting on Medicare that will be held at the Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle on March 12 at 2 p.m. Those who had them felt that they had been well-informed by the speakers this day. The next meeting will be on March 12. Men are invited to attend, if only to the meal.
Hospitalized
Bob Stickney is back to the Presque Isle nursing home after spending several days in The Aroostook Medical Center, some of that time in the ICU. Bob was moved back to Presque Isle after spending time in the Caribou nursing home.
Ira Dodge has also been a patient at TAMC for several days while trying to stabilize his medications.
Congratulations
Word has been received that Kert Richardson is being made a deacon in his church in Rochester, N.Y. Kert is the son of Keith and Esther Richardson and grandson of Rena Richardson and the late Clarence Richardson.
The first round of the 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee was held at the Easton Jr/Sr High School gymnasium on Feb. 12. The Easton School Department would like to extend congratulations to the winner, Joshuah Salkind, a 7th-grade student. He is the son of David and Sharon Salkind. Joshuah will represent the Easton School District at the Aroostook County spelling bee to be held at Presque Isle Middle School on March 4. The Aroostook County winner will then compete at the Maine State Spelling Bee on March 28 in Lewiston. The State Spelling Bee champion advances to the National Spelling Bee held in Washington, D.C., in May. The word that Joshuah won on was “ halogen.” We congratulate him also and wish him luck, although it isn’t luck that wins spelling bees.
Visits
Vera Cullins is in Saco visiting with her daughter, Gail Gentry, and Gail’s husband. Gail has been seriously ill for some time so Vera will stay as long as she can be of help.
The Universe of Dr. Einstein
On Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m. (8 p.m. Atlantic), the Francis Malcolm Planetarium proudly presents “The Universe of Dr. Einstein” in honor of the 130th birthday of, arguably, the greatest scientist who ever lived. Yet in spite of his great popularity and legendary halo of white hair, most know relatively little about both Einstein and his times. Come explore the wonder and science of special and general relativity as well as better understand the global forces and circumstances molding the life of this unusually gifted and talented Jewish personality. For reservations and more information, call 488-5451 today!
Moonlight Snowshoe Hike
The Francis Malcolm Science Center invites you to join us for a Moonlight Snowshoe Hike through our beautiful woods on Saturday, March 14, at 6 p.m. This event is being offered free of charge (including use of our snowshoes if needed), thanks to the sponsorship by Cary Medical Center’s Healthy You Program. Please reserve your spot for this fun activity today by calling 488-5451.
Easton Rec calendar
Wednesday, March 4 – Junior activities program for children ages 2 through school age at the hall from 9:30-11 a.m. Seniors’ exercise class at 1 p.m. in the recreation room at the manor. Grade 5 and 6 basketball after school in the elementary school gym.
Thursday, March 5 – “Snow Fun Day” after school at the hall until 4:30 p.m. Open to grades 1 and up. Laser tag in the elementary school gym. Children ages 6-12 will be able to play for $5 from 6 to 7 p.m. and ages 12 and up will have the gym from 7 to 9 p.m. The cost for two hours is $10.
Friday, March 6 – Junior activities program for children ages 2 through school age at the hall from 9:30-11 a.m. There will be pizza party and family game night starting at 5:30 p.m. in the elementary school cafeteria. Pizza, chips, soda will be served. Families should bring their favorite games. Donations will be accepted towards supper. A cribbage tournament will begin at 7 p.m. Please bring your own boards and cards. Donations will be accepted towards supper.
Saturday, March 7 – During the morning we will be sliding on Kinney Hill from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Concessions will be set up by the Easton Kiwanis Club. Please bring your own sled or slide. The community potluck supper will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Paper goods, drinks and rolls will be provided. Please bring a dish to share. The grade 5 and 6 girls’ and boys’ basketball teams will take on their parents in mother-daughter and father-son basketball games starting at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.
Monday, March 9 – Seniors’ nutrition class starting at 11 a.m. in the recreation room at the manor. The cost is $2 to help cover the cost of food. Swimming lessons start at 3:15 p.m. The bus will leave the elementary school at 2:45 p.m. Pre-registration is required.
Tuesday, March 10 – Seniors’ St. Patty’s Day Party at the manor recreation room beginning at 11:45 a.m. Bring something green to eat, wear green and come see what crazy activity we have planned for you. Cross-country skiing at Aroostook State Park. The cost is $1 to enter the park. The bus will depart directly after-school and return to the hall at 5 p.m.
Eldora Carter is the correspondent for Easton. She can be reached at 488-5961.
Photo courtesy of Eldora Carter
The above athletes from the Easton Recreation Department recently competed at the Regional Hot Shots competition in Caribou. Qualifiers were: Cody Halvorson, Elise Allen, Carla Halvorson, Caitlin Monroe, Delaney Leach, Madison Leach, Kylee Carter, Jarrod Hafford, Reid Clark, Zachary Clark, Nicholas Clark, Carter Mazerolle, Cody Tompkins and Jacob Flewelling.
Photo courtesy of Eldora Carter
Members of the 2008/2009 Easton Recreation Department’s Grade 3 and 4 basketball team who played during half-time at the UMPI game on Saturday, Feb. 14, included: Cecelia Ferris, Isabelle Ferris, Sara Gilman, Carter Mazerolle, John Anderson, Matthew Poole, Taia Tilley, Paige Flewelling, Jake Flewelling and Elise Allen. Thank you to the UMPI Lady Owls for visiting us this year and allowing us to visit you!
Photo courtesy of Eldora Carter
Jake Flewelling was the runner-up for the boys’ 9- and 10-year-old division and will travel to Old Town on March 7 to take part in the State Competition. We wish him good luck.
Photo courtesy of Eldora Carter
FFA Advisor Kevin Marquis, Phys Ed teacher Mr. Graves, Easton High Music teacher Mrs. Kinsey and Happy Day Senior Citizens’ Club member Lindy Fowler chat a bit while they wait for everyone to finish lunch before the dancing begins.
Photo courtesy of Eldora Carter
Jarrod Hafford is once again bound for the State Hot Shot Competition after being runner-up in the 13- to 15-year-old boys’ division at the Regional Competition in Caribou.
Photo courtesy of Eldora Carter
Members of Easton’s Future Farmers of America settle in for chili and other goodies at the West Ridge Manor where the Happy Days Senior Citizens’ Club invited them for lunch and a Valentine’s dance afterward. Pictured, on left: Tony Brown, Luke Fuller, Taylor Lawrence, Holden Turner, Rowena Thomas and Nick Ambrose. On right: Brad Trask, Chris Flewelling, an unidentified student, Corey White, C.J. Beaton, Sean Daniels, Ariana Myshrall, Katrina Martin and Sam Bacon. Seated at the other table are Sadie Embleton and Marissa Parlin.
Photo courtesy of Eldora Carter
The first-round winner of the 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Easton Jr/Sr High School was 7th grader Joshuah Salkind, son of David and Sharon Salkind. He will participate in the District Bee at Presque Isle Middle School on March 4.
Photo courtesy of Eldora Carter
DONATIONS INSTEAD OF GIFTS — On Saturday, on Feb. 14, CJ Hall, of Northboro, Mass., who will be turning 11 in March, had his birthday party early because he and five friends went tubing. Instead of presents, he asked his friends to give him donations that he could then give to the animal shelter where he got his cat, Teddy, from in Hopkinton, Mass. Then with his mother, Robin Hall, they brought all the donations to the shelter the next day. He received numerous bags and cans of dog and cat food, toys, dog bones, lots of blankets and sheets. The shelter was very grateful to CJ, and the local paper even ran a story about him. He is the grandson of Wayne and Nola Pendexter of Easton. The family is very proud of him, as they should be. It was a very selfless act.
