Quilting for a good cause
WASHBURN NEWS
by Christie Cochran
Several area sewers got together on Saturday, Oct. 23, and enjoyed lots of quality time together — as part of Make a Difference Day. They began at 8 a.m. and some remained throughout the day until 4 p.m.
There were six sewing machines humming and 20 volunteers assisted in the completion of 25 amazingly intricate quilts. Some cut fabric, others ironed and placed squares, while still more pinned the edges or tacked the quilts. The volunteers were wonderful and the quilts are beautiful; and what a stack they had to deliver to Robin Haynes at the Caribou office of Hospice of Aroostook.
Photo courtesy of Mid Bennett
QUILT DONATION — About two dozen crafters gathered in Washburn recently, working on quilts for a Make a Difference Day project. Once completed, they were donated to Hospice of Aroostook, destined for clients in the County.
The ladies were treated to a wonderful surprise at lunchtime when Gloria Thompson, Phyllis Kelley and Heidi Simoes brought in food and served the working volunteers with a delicious lunch.
Those working on quilts both at home and at the Civic Center included: July Chamberlain, Gwen Bragg, Mary Jane Sperrey, Judy Johnson, Marolyn Carter, Gloria Thompson, Jackie O’Clair, Judy Bougie, Gwen Thompson, Elaine Churchill, JoAnne Bouchard, Deborah Hoyt, Debbie Smilie, Jennie Bouchard, Chris Bennett, Jackie Pribble, Dolores Woodman and Mid Bennett.
Those donating fabric and notions included: Gwen Bragg, Phyllis Kelley, Jackie O’Clair, Christie Cochran and Debbie Hoyt.
Plans are also under way for next year. Make a Difference Day will be on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, and the time and place will be announced in time for anyone wishing to join the team and enjoy a fun day. Quilters may also turn in cotton quilts to the Hospice office anytime during the year, and all quilts stay in the Aroostook area.
Those celebrating birthdays this week include: Edrick Timothy O’Donnell, Lisa Mette, Ashley Wilson, Andy Gumprecht, Myron Whipkey, Tyler Brooks, Craig Hobbs, Mindy Doody, Andrew Maynard, Eric Tilley, Lori McKeen, Lori Beaulieu, Courtney Hartsgrove, Barbara Turner, Jonathan Clayton, Bert Donovan, Celine Kilchenmann, Paul Kilchenmann, Kaylee Doody, Judy Belk, Muriel Corey, Nicole Olson, Chase Chandler, Jason Brown, Wayne Carter and Justin Doody.
Special anniversary wishes go out to: Arnie and Brenda Devoe, Burton and Bette Lou Tilley and Claude and Connie Markham.
The Washburn Town Office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day.
You still have time to purchase a raffle ticket for a bountiful Thanksgiving basket donated by the Washburn Food Mart. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5, and this is a fundraising effort for the Project Graduation with the lucky ticket being drawn on Wednesday, Nov.15.
The senior class members will also be delivering pizzas from the Food Mart during November. For dates and further information, contact Angela Farley at 455-8048.
There is still a large array of coats and jackets provided by the Salvation Army Coat Program, along with some winter sweaters available at the Washburn Town Office. Stop by and see the staff about picking the coats out.
In November, there will be the Elks Hoop Shoot, a basketball competition in conjunction with the phys ed classes at the school and it’s open for children ages 8-13. Information will be sent home with the students. For further information, call Marcie Barbarula at the Rec Center at 455-4959.
On Friday, Nov. 12, there will be a movie at the Rec Center for grades K-4 from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m.
On Monday, Nov. 15, there will be men’s basketball at the high school gym from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Salmon Brook Historical Museum in Washburn is in need of help to keep both the house and barn open for regular hours. Often called one of the finest agricultural museums, it is a grand storehouse of much of Washburn’s history including books, household life items and a myriad of photos. The museum was established over the last three decades by a dedicated group of area citizens. Many families of Washburn, Wade, Crouseville, Perham and other surrounding towns have donated items concerned with Aroostook history.
Many of the founding members have passed away or have moved and some no longer are able to participate. This last summer there were not enough members to keep the museum open or do proper maintenance. A small group has opened and closed the museum for the season and has conducted tours on request.
Help the members bring this special museum back to life. Those being able to spare a few hours during the May through September months, or help with upkeep, conducting tours or other activities, please contact Jack Phelan at 493-8271 or Dave Rand at 455-4950. There will be a start-up meeting in April or May and those interested will be invited to attend.
Christie Cochran is the correspondent for Washburn, Wade and Perham. She can be reached at 455-8034 or gramchristie@yahoo.com.
