Memorial Tractor Trek benefits hospice care

    The Northern Maine Antique Tractor Club (NMATC) hosted their second annual “Memorial Tractor Trek” on July 19 with proceeds donated to Hospice of Aroostook. Antique tractors were driven approximately 40 miles by 35 club members.
    The Trek started in Fort Fairfield and traveled to the Roller Rink in Caribou for a coffee break. The group continued down Route 1 to the Marden’s parking lot in Presque Isle. Participants enjoyed a barbecue there sponsored by the Washburn ATV Club and then returned to Fort Fairfield.
    The Northern Maine Antique Tractor Club was founded in 2008. Today the club has grown to more than 200 members and sponsors. The NMATC began as members of the Maine Antique Tractor Club (MATC) several years ago. The northern club members built their own weight sled for use in the County to host antique tractor pulls and by 2008 support was available for a board of directors and to elect local officers. The club is grateful and appreciative for the guidance and support from the MATC and very proud to have grown to the point of forming their own local club.
    A special memory board was mounted on the back of a 1952 International “Old Yeller” truck driven by Sterling Haynes. Community members were able to have a name listed in memory of a loved one for $25.
    NMATC fondly honored and remembered Frank Thibodeau, Keith Kennedy, Earlan Turner and Alan Kingsbury. It was a special day of remembrance and a chance to support a local non-profit program. Haynes lead the trek of 33, 1930s–1960s Farmall, John Deere, Allis Chalmers, Massey Harris, International, McCormick and Oliver tractors. The memory board is currently on display at the Agricultural Museum on the Northern Maine Fair Grounds.
    Hospice of Aroostook received $3,211 from the proceeds raised by the “Memory Board” and from pledges the drivers received for driving the trek.
    Special thanks to Larry Bull, NMATC member, who raised $1,000 in pledges and to all the extremely generous and kind people who opened their hearts and wallets to support this unique event.
    Since 1984, Hospice of Aroostook, a program of Visiting Nurses of Aroostook has provided care for those with a terminal illness. Their mission is to ensure that hospice care is available throughout northern Maine to all who need it. In 2008, Hospice of Aroostook provided care for 239 patients and their families. Hospice care also provides bereavement support to the families.
    Club members who volunteered their time and tractors were Sherry Campbell, Larry and Perlin Bull, Francis Burnette, Dale Campbell, Rodney Sperrey, Carroll Sperrey, Barry Bartley, Keith Boulier, Jared and Larry Kingsbury, John Bouchard, Joe Cheney, Jimmy McCarthy, Robin Holmes, Phil and Tami Kilcollins, Roger and Dennis Quint, Meredith Folsom, Bill Fitzherbert, Chris and Sonia Langille, Bob Bartlett, Allen Williams, Dale Henderson, Kenney Hamilton, Richard Carter, Ronald Martin, Normand Lajoie, Jeff and Justin Roy, Lionel Roy and Allan and Douglas Everett.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
BARTLETT PARTICIPATES IN HOSPICE FUND DRIVE — Bob Bartlett of Littleton loves tractors so much he collects them. He is also a member of the Northern Maine Tractor Club and recently participated in the second annual Tractor Trek from Fort Fairfield to Presque Isle to raise money for hospice. Bartlett is pictured above in Houlton’s Fourth of July parade with Lucy Malone of Ellsworth. Malone is the granddaughter of Senator and Mrs. Roger Sherman of Hodgdon.
    “The Tractor Trek is a creative event which brings back cherished memories of our parents and grandparents working in the fields with similar tractors,” explained Gail Phair-Kirk, Hospice of Aroostook administrator. “These tractors help represent simplicity, family, friends, compassion and devotion to the County and to those in need. Not only will this donation go towards Hospice of Aroostook patients, it also is a reminder of how dedicated Aroostook County people are to each other and those around them.”
    For more information on NMATC visit www.northernmaineantiquetractorclub.homestead.com and for Hospice of Aroostook visit www.vistitingnursesofaroostook.com.