School has recently gone back into session and, thanks to the Bikes for Books program, 29 local children got the opportunity to ride a new bicycle to school.
Monument Lodge No. 96 kicked off the third straight year with its “Bikes for Books” program in February, 2013 and it ran through to May, 2013 and will be running again during the February to May months in 2014.
The Bikes for Books Program, started in 2011, is a program presented to local schools and is used to try to encourage reading and exercise. The teachers in each grade participating set the standard for the children in their class and each time a child meets that standard by reading books, he or she gets to put their name in the drawing for a bike and helmet. Obviously, the more a child reads, the more chances they have to win the prize. We feel this program is something valuable to both the students and the schools and the teacher can really use it to their advantage to help encourage extra reading.
According to Bruce Folsom, the program’s chairman, the bikes are purchased through the Huffy Corporation and paid for by Lodge members, local businesses and private individuals.
“In 2011, the Lodge started this program with 6 bikes and 2 schools participating. In 2012, it expanded to 15 bikes and three schools participating,” Folsom said. “This year, we had four schools participating and we gave away 28 bikes.”
Wellington School in Monticello received five bikes; Mill Pond School in Hodgdon received 12 bikes; Houlton Elementary School received five bikes and Houlton Southside received six bikes.
“Hopefully, this year will be even bigger with as many local schools participating as possible,” Folsom added.
Monument Lodge would like to sincerely thank the following donors who each donated funds to purchase bikes and helmets: Bruce Folsom, Leigh and Myrna Hutchinson, Clarence Jones, Butch and Lauren Asselin; Rairdon’s Bait Shop; T&S Market; Fred Bither, Jack Galda, John Wellington, Dave Flemington, Roger Stairs, Cliff Folsom, Hogan Tire, Rockabema Lodge of Oddfellows, Randy Lincoln Agency, Rose Bud Toilet Rental, Leon Hutchinson, Richard Denton and Lee Oliver.
Those interested in donating financially to this worthwhile program, a donation of $70 is needed to cover the cost of one bike, one helmet and shipping costs. Also anyone interested in donating or learning more about the Bikes for Books program, can contact Folsom at 694-0344 or Lee Oliver at 538-7119. They can also contact any local Masonic Lodge member for more information as well.
