NMCC students plan Winter Family Fun Day at State Park

    PRESQUE ISLE – Community members are invited to take part in a Winter Family Fun Day Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Aroostook State Park. The event is being planned by two students from Northern Maine Community College as part of a senior leadership class.     “We are trying to get families together and get them to get outdoors and experience the beauty of our area,” said Misty Robinson, an NMCC senior business administration student from Masardis. “Winter tends to make people stay in and they don’t get the exercise they really need to stay healthy. This event will not only get people out and active, but it is something that the whole family can do together.”
    Activities will include snowshoeing, skiing, sledding/tubing, ice skating and a bonfire. The cost is only $1.50 for those ages 12-64. Children under age 12 and senior citizens age 65 and older can participate for free.
    “With the economy being the way it is and jobs being lost in our area, it is important that families have the ability to do something together. Keeping the family bond strong is more important than ever,” said Robinson. “As NMCC students, we want the community to know that we understand how life can be sometimes with work, school, and family responsibilities, but we hope that this event will allow families the opportunity to spend time with each other and build a stronger family bond in a fun and safe environment.”
    Robinson and fellow business administration senior Adam Dickinson of Caribou were looking for a way to both demonstrate their leadership skills as a requirement for their leadership class, as well as give back to the community.
    “Organizing and successfully completing this event, coupled with our NMCC education, will give us some of the leadership skills local employers expect from today’s graduates,” said Dickinson.
    “I hope to strengthen my communication skills and develop my organization skills through this project,” said Robinson. “I also hope to gain a better view and understanding about leadership and how it can help me to both build self-confidence and help my community.”
    A backup date of Saturday, March 14 has been identified for Family Fun Day should it rain or be too warm (causing concerns with the ice on the lake) March 7. Times, activities, and entry cost will remain the same should the event be postponed.
    “Mainers have always valued and believed in the importance of family,” said Dickinson. “This event reflects just that and gives families an opportunity to be active while enjoying the outdoors. Please join us for this fun event!”