EASTON NEWS
By Hillary Hallett
The Little School Restoration Committee opened the doors of the school for their fifth annual open house from July 8-12 as a part of Easton Field Days and the town’s sesquicentennial celebrations.
On July 9, rides in a 1917 Model T Ford were provided by Craig Green. On July 11, visitors enjoyed an ice cream social sponsored by Huber Engineered Woods. Among the estimated 200 who attended were many former students of the school. Two of the visitors, Melvin Cleaves and Richard Scribner, attended in 1935 when the 89-year-old two room schoolhouse had only been in use for nine years.
On the evening of July 11, the Little School committee sponsored a spaghetti supper at the elementary school in support of the Easton Historical Society. A total of $756 was donated by the estimated 150 who attended. An additional $215 was raised during the supper through the auctioning off of several gift baskets donated by Gloria Richardson. Kevin Marquis served as auctioneer. The meal was coordinated by Myrna Gardner and Charlotte Dyer.
Prior to the supper, many in attendance took a journey into Easton’s past through the presentation of historical images of the town hosted by Bryan Lawrence, Kevin Marquis and Tammey White.
This year’s open house revealed many improvements including the addition of The Little School Community Park next to the school with a gazebo and six park benches. The benches, constructed by Dwight Flewelling, were donated by several families in memory of loved ones. A handicap ramp was also completed to provide wheelchair access. Inside the school improvements include the repair of windows in both classrooms, painting, refinishing of the floor in the grade two classroom and the addition of seats and a TV in the grade two coatroom for the viewing of historical pictures of the school. New to the school this year is the addition of the Historical Society in the grade two classroom, where many historical pictures and items were on display during the open house.
A special guest during the open house was Oliver Gardner of Charlotte, Vt., whose mother Madeline taught grade one at the school from 1949 through 1969. Oliver donated pictures taken by his mother during her years at the Little School which brought back many memories for those who saw them.
The committee would like to thank everyone who attended the open house and those whose support is making the restoration of the school possible, including many businesses. Special thanks go to the alumni who have contributed over $9,000 to the restoration, including this year’s contributions of over $5,000. For more information about The Little School Restoration Project, call Bryan Lawrence at 551-5849.
Upcoming rec youth activities
Cooking Camp will take place on Aug. 10, 11, 13 and 14 from 9:30 a.m.-noon at the Hall. The cost is $10. This is being offered in conjunction with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. We’ll be making pesto pizza, taco pizza, breakfast pizza, dessert pizza and many more. On Friday of that week, we’ll be serving the senior citizens and grandparents.
Karate lessons will be offered at the Hall Aug. 10, 11 and 13. The cost is $15 and pre-registration is required. Sensei Brett Varnum will teach the art of To-Shin, which is based on ancient warrior disciplines handed down by nine historical Japanese family lineages. At the same time, his is a modern approach to handling confrontations.
Upcoming rec senior activities
Lunch will be prepared and served by “Kids in the Kitchen” Cooking Camp. The children have been at cooking camp this week and will try their new skills on their grandparents and Easton seniors on Friday, Aug. 14 at 11:15 a.m. at the Hall. The cost is $3.
The group will travel to Washburn for a barbecue with Washburn and Ashland seniors groups. This year we’ll have musical entertainment on Thursday, Aug. 20 at the Park. Transportation provided from the Manor departing at 10:30 a.m. There is no charge for this program.
On Aug. 24 we’ll travel to the Lake House. There have been major renovations since the last time Chris hosted us, so come and see. The trip departs from the Manor at 10:30 a.m. and there is no charge.
Happy Day Club update
The Happy Days Senior Citizens’ Club met on Thursday, July 23 for a potluck lunch with 11 members present. The next meeting will be another potluck lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13 in the recreation room at the Manor. Please join them and invite a friend.
High school library hours
Did you know that the Easton High School library is a public library and anyone from town can get a library card with proof of residency. The below hours are subject to change: Aug. 7, 13 and 14 from 8 a.m.-noon.
Volunteers needed at food pantry
The Friends Helping Friends Food Pantry is looking for a couple of volunteers who would be willing to deliver food boxes to needy families in Easton every other month. Each month two vehicles are needed for about an hour on the third Sunday afternoon from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Each vehicle delivers food to two or three families. If able to volunteer, call Vaughn Martin at 488-6608 or email vaughnmartin@myfairpoint.net.
Sesquicentennial items for sale
The committee is currently selling the following items to commemorate Easton’s year-long 150th celebration, including 20-ounce glasses with Bears and Sesquicentennial logos for $8, glass coffee mugs with Bears and Sesquicentennial logos, royal blue T-shirts with sesquicentennial logos for $8, royal blue hoodie sweatshirts with sesquicentennial logos for $25 and two-tone caps or standard caps with Easton Bears logos or Sesquicentennial logos for $10.
Orders can be placed by emailing info@eastonme.com or calling the town office at 488-6652. To see samples please visit eastonme.com.
Easton PTO Update
The Easton Elementary School PTO will continue collecting Box Tops for Education throughout the summer. Please drop off at Easton Elementary School office during regular business hours.
Kiwanis meetings
Kiwanis Club of Easton meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall and every is welcome to attend. Dinner is provided for a small fee.
Rec calendar
Thursday, Aug. 6 — County Fun Day at Birch Point in St. David from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. We’ll end the summer with rec departments from around the County for food, musical entertainment and water fun. A barbecue lunch will be served. Please bring swim suit, sunscreen, water toys/floatation devices, towel and money for the ice cream truck.
Friday, Aug. 7 — Final swim lesson departing from the Hall at 8:30 a.m. Please wear swim suit and returns to Hall at 10:15 a.m.
Playgroup at the Hall from 10:30-11:45 a.m. for those in Kindergarten and younger.
Softball playoffs at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8 — Softball playoffs at 9, 10 and 11 a.m.
Sunday, Aug. 9 — Softball playoffs and championships at 3, 5 and 6 p.m. Family softball barbecue at 4 p.m. at the school grounds.
Monday, Aug. 10 — Cooking Camp from 9:30 a.m.-noon at the Hall. Pre-registration required.
Karate camp at the Hall from 12:15-1:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 11 — Cooking Camp from 9:30 a.m.-noon at the Hall. Pre-registration required.
Karate Camp at the Hall from 12:15-1:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 12 — Field Trip to Birch Point from 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The cost is $5. Children should have swim suit, towel, water shoes and sunscreen. Hot dog roast for lunch. Bowling, game room, arcade and concessions on site. Floatation devices and water toys encouraged. Open to grades 1 and up. Participants must be able to swim to attend, or be accompanied by an adult.
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.
