Swanson recognized
as outstanding parent in autism community
EASTON NEWS
By Hillary Hallett
Maeghan Swanson of Easton was recently awarded the Margaret L. Bauman, MD Award for Excellence in serving the autism community at the CTIA (Current Trends in Autism) 2015 Conference in Dedham, Mass. The award was established by Friends of LADDERS in 1990 to honor the most distinguished and respected Bauman.
Recipients of this awards are nominated by patients, families and colleagues who wish to recognize the outstanding achievement of one who has had a strong, positive influence in their lives by demonstrating outstanding professionalism, ability, dedication and passion for improving the lives of people with autism.
The group, Aroostook Autism Support, led by Swanson and Lisa Brewer of Presque Isle, was born in their living rooms and originally started as a parent-based support group. Their first event in April 2013 was the Autism 5K Challenge along with a dinner/auction. Since then, there has been nothing stopping this dynamic duo. They have organized and run many events including Safety Training with Matt Brown, a Fall Kids Safety Fair, training with the Maine Parent Federation, sensory friendly movie screenings at the Braden, monthly support groups, Christmas celebrations with sensitive Santa, summer playgroups, worked with local recreation department to organize an adaptive swim class, organized workshops with Karen Montenaro and hosted Maine author Derek Volk and Jess Wilson from popular blog “Diary of a Mom.”
Maine author Tim Caverly came to Easton Elementary School Nov. 16, 2015 to speak to fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students. Caverly spoke about his six books, including the “Allagash Tails,” and the writing process with students. Students enjoyed a memorable slide show presentation, book raffle and snacks during the visit. Winners of the raffle were Maggie McQuade and Olivia Keep. The Easton PTO sponsored the event. To learn more about Caverly, visit the website allagashtails.com.
Christmas movie marathon planned by Class of 2018
On Saturday, Dec. 12 at Easton Junior/Senior High School from noon-4 p.m., the Class of 2015 will host a Christmas Movie Marathon. Movies include Elf (PG), A Year Without a Santa Claus (G) and The Santa Clause (PG). The cost is $5 for adults and children are $3. Concessions will be available.
There will a raffle of a movie bucket prize (Braden Theatre tickets, popcorn and candy). Everyone will get one free ticket with admission and more can be purchased at $5 for five raffle tickets and $8 for 10 raffle tickets.
Other activities offered will include Christmas coloring, writing a letter to Santa Claus, face painting and a photo booth.
BEARS Club announces new members
Easton Elementary School recently announced new Bears Club members, including Grace Ellis, Maggie McQuade, Jenna Cochran, Grace Flewelling, Cheyenne Day, Rylee Leavitt and Mason Adams.
To be nominated, the current club members come up with a list of students who are good role models and are in high academic standing. The list then went to a teachers’ meeting for input from the faculty. Once the list was agreed upon, nomination letters went out asking students to write a letter explaining why they would make good club members. The current members scored the letters and the group took on the top four from each grade level. Congratulations to all the new members!
Science Center to hold holiday craft Workshop
Join the Francis Malcolm Science Center for their popular holiday craft workshop and make your own wreath, centerpiece, or swag. They provide the materials you will need, but you are welcome to bring your own decorations (ribbon, ornaments, etc.) if you choose. The prices are as follows: large centerpiece or wreath, $12; swag or small centerpiece, $ 5. Members receive a 50 percent discount.
The dates workshops are offered will be Thursday and Friday, Dec. 3 and 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Call 488-5451 to make your reservation or e-mail at info@francismalcolmsciencecenter.com.
Trunk or Treat a success
Easton Wesleyan Church reported successful Halloween festivities. There were 12 trunks set up in the parking lot, games inside with prizes and door prizes given away. After, those who chose to stay settled down to watch the Veggie Tales movies.
PTO plans Christmas bazaar
The Easton PTO plans to hold a Christmas bazaar at the elementary school Dec. 9. This event allows children to ‘shop’ for parents and siblings, arriving home with a wrapped gift chosen especially for them.
Each item is only $1. However, the bazaar will only be able to run if there are enough donations made. Examples of items they are seeking include coffee mugs, neckties, unused candles, knick, knacks, small toys, books, DVDs, home decor, tools, decorations, crafting supplies, stationary, games and puzzles, jewelry and sports memorabilia.
The Easton PTO is seeking gift items for all members of the family, but typically run low on gifts for men. Items can be left at the main office of the Easton Elementary School. Gift bags and tissue paper of any theme are also needed. If unable to drop them off, please call the school 488-7701 to arrange for pick up.
The PTO is excited about its upcoming Book Fair at the elementary school from Nov. 23-Dec. 10. An amazing selection of books is headed our way! You will find the latest and finest titles for kids, as well as books of interest to parents. Mark your calendar for the event where the whole family can join in the fun and you can contribute books to your child’s classroom library.
The fair is a great way to get everyone excited about reading. Here is a link that highlights the big dreams that can be realized through family reading: http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/family.
An 1865 Christmas being planned
The Sesquicentennial Committee and Little School Restoration Committee is teaming up to offer a 1865 Christmas and tree lighting on Sunday, Dec. 6. Committee members are in hopes of giving out mittens to children who attend. If you’re willing to knit (or know someone who is), we will provide the yarn. Please contact Hillary at 551-7737 for more info.
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 everyone is welcome to attend. Dinner is provided for a small fee. Please plan to join them.
Sesquicentennial items make great Christmas presents
The committee is currently selling the following items to commemorate Easton’s year-long 150th celebration including Easton History Books for only $10, 20-ounce glasses with Bears and Sesquicentennial logos for $8, glass coffee mugs with Bears and Sesquicentennial logo, royal blue T-shirt with sesquicentennial logo for $8, royal blue hoodie sweatshirts with sesquicentennial logo for $25, blue sweatshirts with sesquicentennial logo for $20 and two-tone caps or standard caps with Easton Bears logo or Sesquicentennial logo for $10.
Orders can be placed by emailing info@eastonme.com or calling the town office at 488-6652. To see samples, visit eastonme.com or stop by the town office.
Movie trip planned
On Wednesday, Nov. 25, a trip to the Braden Theatre is being offered by the Easton Recreation Department, departing at noon from the elementary school. The cost is $7 (includes admission to a movie, popcorn and soda). The bus will depart directly after-school (early release) and return at 2:30 p.m. Concessions will be available.
Hillary Hallett is the correspondent for Easton. She can be reached by sending an e-mail to hillary_jt@myfairpoint.net or calling 551-7737.
