Easton celebrates Arbor Week
EASTON NEWS
The third full week in May is the official Maine Arbor Week and it was celebrated in style in Easton. As the only town in Aroostook County and only one of seven in the state to receive a Project Canopy Planting Grant in 2016, activities were held from May 19-23, 2016 centering on beautifying the community with trees. The grant was for $8,000.
The purpose of Project Canopy, a program sponsored by the Maine Forest Service and GrowSmart Maine, is to encourage communities to become educated and create and maintain healthy urban and community forests for economic, ecological, and quality of life benefits for Mainers.
The program started off May 19 with an all-grade assembly. Presentations were provided by local foresters and they focused on the importance and functions of trees. Seedlings, provided by JD Irving, were provided to each student and faculty member for them to take home and plant in a special location.
On May 20, 23 students planted a windbreak of white spruce trees adjacent to the elementary school to reduce the heat loss from the school during those cold windy wintry days. The May 21 project revolved around the theme and main objective of the grant application which was planting street trees along Duncan Drive, a relatively new development lacking trees for privacy, shade and beautification.
The idea for this project came from the award-winning project developed by last year’s Envirothon class whereby the class designed the landscape plan for Duncan Drive. These feature trees are Greenspire Lindens, chosen for their hardiness, salt tolerance, beautiful shape and pleasing spring bloom fragrance.
The May 23 activity included planting a visual barrier of white spruce trees between Perry Drive and Estes Cemetery.
Easton’s Project Canopy 2016 Program was a huge success. Special thank you goes out to Ellen Trask and her Envirothon class, FFA students and all other students who helped in the planting efforts; Andy Keep and Bruce White, who provided equipment needed for the efforts, the Town Highway Department for the much needed water, school administrators for helping coordinate student support, homeowners who pitched in labor and watering, Irving forester Andrew King for a presentation and supply of the tree seedlings, Maine Forest Service forester Randy Lagasse for a presentation, and Dave Hopkins, Easton resident, forester, Town Tree Warden, grant writer and program coordinator.
Elementary school’s outstanding students
Three students have been selected as student of the quarter for the third quarter at Easton Elementary School.
Rylee Chasse is a fifth-grade student who is the son of Lindsey LaPointe and Wayne Chasse. He is a quiet leader at school, a great school citizen and always looking to help others out. Cheyanne Day is a fifth-grade student who is the daughter of David and Denise Day. She is an extremely hard worker, thoughtful and kind, and a friend to all.
Olivia Bate is a third-grade student who is the daughter of Kristie Bate. She is a kind young lady who works hard and has great perseverance. She is very polite and respectful in school.
Second annual Bears Brunch
Vonda Lavway’s second-grade students hosted a Reading Brunch with parents/guardians and senior citizens Monday, May 23. Students read “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt. Students wore their crayon color and read their crayon’s letter to Duncan, a character in the book, about their coloring career; joys, hardships, and genuine concerns.
Everyone involved had a superb time with this humorous story. Students gained confidence in their reading, public speaking and hosting an event in the library. A special thank you to Anne Theriault and Madison Leach for attending and assisting with the program.
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.
