Family get-togethers are always special events enjoyed by everyone. The Donald Turner family recently had a get-together and discovered members from five generations were present. Everyone gathered around Donald Turner, who is the senior member of the family.
Don received Castle Hill’s Boston Cane in October 2016 signifying him as the oldest town resident. With him was his daughter, Carol Turner Soucy, who is the great-grandmother of the youngest member of the family. Carol’s daughter, Joanna Soucy Newlands, along with her son, Nicholas Barclay, the father of young William Barclay, joined the gathering. William was born in December 2017.
Don was a mechanic and garage owner while members of his family are well known in the Mapleton area, especially for their service to the Mapleton Elementary School. Don’s wife, Gwen, was the cook at the Mapleton Elementary School for many years. Generations of students remember Gwen’s raised rolls and school pizza. Their daughter Carol worked at the school, helping start the school’s Pre-K class, in which she worked and from which she recently retired. Today her daughter Joanna works for VNA Home Health and serves on the Maine Administrative School District 1 School Board.
The Turner family enjoyed their time together and look forward to more adventures together in the future.
Photography Contest
Today marks 37 days before the start of the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, sponsored by the Mapleton Lions Club. This will be the 15th year for the balloon fest, which will feature 15 balloons. The COMBF is scheduled for Aug.t 23-26 at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds.
One of the highlights of each balloon launch is the number of passengers and spectators who enjoy taking exciting photographs of the balloons as they fly over countryside. The COMBF committee encourages the taking of these photos for the fun and enjoyment of balloon fest.
If you plan to take photos, then consider entering your best photos in the COMBF Amateur Photography Contest. There are two divisions: Division I for those age 18 and older and Division II for those 17 and under. All photographers must be amateurs. Individuals are limited to two entries, which must be taken during the 2018 fest. Entries will be judged on composition and originality.
There are cash prizes for the top three places: first place, $50; second place, $25; and third place, $15.
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- Five generations of the Donald A. Turner Family were at a recent family gathering. Shown here the five generations, from left, back row: great-grandmother Carol Turner Soucy and grandmother Joanna Soucy. Front row: great-great-grandfather Donald Turner, young William Barclay and father, Nicholas Barclay. (Photo courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Flight Reservations
The new online flight reservation system is operational and the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest is now taking reservations.
The limited numbers of passenger openings are always snapped up quickly, so do not take too long to think about secure your flight reservations. Go to: http://www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org/reserve-your-flight/.
Also put on your calendar the Meet the Pilot and Crew Breakfast, which will be held on the morning of Aug. 25 in Chapman. The Chapman Snowmobile Ridge Runners Club will host the breakfast at their clubhouse.
A closing breakfast will be held on Sunday morning, Aug. 26, at the Masonic Lodge.
The Mapleton Lions Club encourages everyone to come and enjoy the balloons as they fly from the Northern Maine Fairgrounds. While at the COMBF, remember to visit the Mapleton Lions Club’s food booth for the best burgers and fries in town.
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- The hot air balloon Aerloon lands along State Road in Mapleton in 2014. The Mapleton Lions Club is busy preparing for this year’s Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, slated Aug. 23-26 at the fairgrounds in Presque Isle. (Photo courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Beat the Heat
By now everyone has felt the heat of summer. Just in case you would like to beat the heat, do remember the Mapleton Pool is open. Free swim is Monday through Friday, 2 to 6:45 p.m. It is also open on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4:45 p.m.
Everyone is invited to enjoy the summer pool experience and beat the heat.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
