Easton FFA members compete in Kentucky
EASTON NEWS
by Hillary Hallett
Members of the Easton FFA Chapter in Maine were one of 43 teams participating in the National FFA Farm Business Management Career Development Event (CDE).
The event was held in conjunction with the 86th National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. The team, led by Advisor Kevin Marquis, was awarded a bronze emblem. Members also competed for individual awards with 165 other participants. Cody Embelton, Riley Mazerolle and Jason Gurley each received a Bronze emblem.
The top 10 individuals and the national winning team received cash awards to recognize their success in the event. The coaches of the top two teams were named Farm Business Fellows. The cash awards and the farm business management event are sponsored by John Deere as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. Amy Allen, manager of corporate contributions at John Deere, stated, “Feeding some nine billion people by mid-century brings with it unprecedented challenges for today’s farmers. Farm business management skills will help producers prepare to meet these critical needs.”
The National FFA Farm Business Management CDE is designed to test the ability of students to apply economic principles and concepts in analyzing farm and ranch business management decisions. Participants respond to questions concerning economic principles in farm business management as well as a problem-solving analysis section. Each team in the event has competed with other chapters in their state for the privilege of participating in the national event.
The event, held at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Ky., is one of many educational activities at the National FFA Convention and Expo in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes.
••••••••••••••••••
Photos courtesy of Hillary Hallett
The Francis Malcolm Institute in Easton recently welcomed members and guests of the Presque Isle Garden Club to kick off the annual Holiday Craft Workshop series. Pictured in front from left are: Cole and Julie Griffiths, Liz Farley, Martha LaPaointe and Jane Bonenfant. In back from left are: Roberta Griffiths, club co-chair; Tammy Buckley; Sue Barrett, club treasurer; Edie Greiner; Anne Wight; and Donna Keegan, club co- chair.
Francis Malcolm Institute educator Vaughn Martin receives a $500 donation from Presque Isle Garden Club Treasurer Sue Barrett on behalf of the club. The funds will be applied to the FMI capital campaign.
Boys join Tiger Cubs
Several young men from Easton have joined a Tiger Scout group in Presque Isle. Taking part in the group are: Blake King, Noah Killcollins, Gabriel Legassie and Zachary Pelletier. A group picture was taken in celebration of earning their Bobcat badge.
Food Pantry thanks Scouts
The Friends Helping Friends Food Pantry would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the local Boy Scouts who presented the pantry with a dozen boxes of food as part of their annual food bank collection. The Easton churches are also busy collecting food during the month of November. The pastors have challenged their congregations to a friendly competition to “Fill The Pantry.” The churches planned to bring all their collected foods to the pantry on Nov. 24.
Happy Days Club learns about RSVP
The Easton Senior Happy Day Club met on Thursday, Oct. 24, with 14 members and one guest present. Guest speaker was Diana Nadeau from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She is the Presque Isle and southern area coordinator. She spoke about her duties and the volunteers that are needed.
The meeting was opened by President Nina Trask with the flag salute and the singing of “My Country Tis of Thee” with Leana Demerchant at the piano. The roll call was read by Ida Doak with members present including: Nina Trask, Ezalee Smith, Marge Niblett, Ida Doak, Phyllis Nadeau, Jeann Ames, Betty Brown, Marie Hewitt, Annette Copeland, Leana Demerchant, Sally Strout, John Trask, Hollis Hull and Barbara Bonville.
This was the group’s last meeting for the 2013 calendar year due to the holiday period. Plans are under way to restart meetings in January 2014.
EPCO alert
The EPCO (Easton Parent Community Organization) will hold a Christmas Bazaar on Thursday, Dec. 12, for Easton elementary students to purchase gift items for family members at the bargain price of $1 each. Send a child’s money and gift list to school the week of Dec. 2 and it will be kept in a safe place until the day of the sale. The group is still in need of gift bags (any occasion) and tissue paper for wrapping. They will also require a lot of adult help to make this event run smoothly. If you would be willing to help us the day of the event, please call 488-7701 or e-mail epco@eastonschools.org.
Easton Christmas Craft Fair
There will be a craft fair held at Easton Elementary School gym/cafeteria on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are over 50 vendors from all over The County that have registered to attend. Items for sales include: primitive decor, homemade goods, Wildtree, candles, soap, hats, mittens, jewelry, photography, diaper cakes, wood burnings baked potato bar and so much more. The vendor proceeds money will be donated to the Easton food pantry. For more information please call Melissa at 227-4093.
Holiday craft workshop
Don’t miss out on the fun event! Call today to book your reservation for this popular workshop. The Francis Malcolm Science Center supplies all of the materials needed to create your own personalized holiday crafts. The dates currently available are: Thursday, Dec. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9 or 10:30 a.m. The prices are as follows: wreath or large centerpiece $12, swag or small centerpiece $5 and members pay half price! For reservations call 488-5451.
Upcoming field trip
On Wednesday, Nov. 27, The Rec Department will be hosting “Dinner & a Movie.” We will be going to the Braden Theatre and have McDonald’s for lunch in Presque Isle. The cost is $5 (includes admission, popcorn and soda) for the movies and lunch money. Concessions will be available at the theatre, but please remind your child to save enough funds for lunch. The bus will depart from the hall at 9:30 a.m. and return around 1 p.m.
PEPSI PLANT TOUR
Photo courtesy of Hillary Hallett
This crazy group, at right, was part of the Easton Recreation Department who had an informative, fun tour of the Pepsi plant in Presque Isle over harvest break. Posing in front of all the goodies are: Allison Bate, Devin Daniels, Amelia Bate, Dakota Day, Madison Seeley, Kaylie Tompkins, Gus Bonner, Chase Flewelling, Dawson Day, Olivia Bate and Brayden Tompkins. Second row: Tour Guide Josh, Paul Bonner, Shelliese Mullen, Mitchell Flewelling, Emma Lamoreau, Jazmyn Tompkins, Cheyanne Day and Blake Anderson.
••••••••••••••••••
Photo courtesy of Hillary Hallett
This lovely group, at left, joined the Easton Rec, traveling to Fort Kent and the Swamp Buck Restaurant. Fun was had by all. Pictured clockwise from left are: Kitty and Loomis Scott, John and Nina Trask, Elizabeth Martin, Dellas Adams, Hughie Gray, Diane Hersey, unknown, Ed and Alta Rattray, Ezalee Smith, Electra Blodgett, Eleanor Kenninson, Marie Hewitt and Betty Brown.
Rec calendar
Wednesday, Nov. 27 — Movie field trip to the Braden and lunch at McDonald’s. The bus will depart from the Hall at 9:30 a.m. and return by 1 p.m. For movie details please contact the Recreation Department. Open to grades one and up; younger children are welcome with a caregiver.
Thursday, Nov. 28 — Town Office and Recreation Department will be closed. Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, Nov. 29 — Town Office and Recreation Department will be closed.
Monday, Dec. 2 — Adult Nutrition Class starting at 11 a.m. in the Recreation Room at the Manor. The cost is $3. This week we’ll be making Christmas treats to take home and share with your friends.
After-school program with Chris Finnemore for grades one an up at the Hall until 4:15 p.m. We will be preparing “Gifts from the Kitchen.” This activity is free.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 — Swag or centerpiece craft session at the Francis Malcolm Science Center to make a holiday decoration. Kids must be picked up at the Science Center by 4:15 p.m.! The fee is $5.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 — Final Sneakin’ in Science Class after school at the Hall until 4:15 p.m. Pre-registration required!
Hillary Hallett is the correspondent for Easton. She can be reached by sending an e-mail to: hillary_jt@myfairpoint.net or call 551-7737.
