On Saturday, Sept. 15, Pearl Williams celebrated her 97th birthday with family and friends. The party was held at the Mapleton United Methodist Church.
There was a luncheon with all who attended, followed by singspiration provided by the family’s “Yet-Unnamed” band. The whole event was put together by Sherry Thibodeau and Alice Littlefield, both of whom are Pearl’s nieces. They decided to plan and put on this birthday celebration as Pearl has outlived most all of her immediate family.
In the crowd that attended, there were many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, covering four family generations.
At the end of the celebration, Pearl thanked everyone who came.
Pearl Williams, center, celebrated her 97th birthday with her two nieces, Sherry Thibodeau, left, and Alice Littlefield, who planned and hosted a birthday celebration at the Mapleton United Methodist Church. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
She said, “I am 97 years old and I have been here a long time. Most of my personal family, my sisters and brothers are all gone. God has chosen me to still be here. I don’t know why, but I just leave it up to Him.”
She closed the celebration by reminding everyone “Only one life that will soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last.”
Sherry and Alice are thankful for everyone who came shared time with Pearl, and to Pastor John De Felice for helping lead the celebration.
Special services
The West Chapman Advent Christian Church will hold annual special services with Rev. Brenda Cross.
Brenda and her husband, Arden, pastor the Gospel Light Fellowship in Bath, Maine. These services will be held Sept. 28-30 with the theme being Hebrews 12:1.
Brenda will conduct services for ladies on Friday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 29, at 9 a.m. There will be light refreshments at both of these services.
Services will also be held Saturday, Sept. 29, at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30, at 10:45 a.m. and everyone is invited to attend these services.
If anyone has any questions, please call Maralee Gardiner at 764-4133; leave a message if there is no answer.
Balloon Photo Contest
This Friday is the deadline for submission of photos taken at the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest. The Mapleton Lions Club reminds amateur photographers that photos must be turned in at the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce Office by 5 p.m.
There are two age divisions — age 18 and under and age 18 and older. Rules of the contest are online at the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest Website (http://www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org/balloon-photography/amateur-photography-contest/) or at the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. There are cash prizes as well as the publication of the winning photographs in next year’s Crown of Maine Balloon Fest 2020 Calendar.
Rec Soccer
The Mapleton Recreation Soccer Program is underway. The schedule for practice and travel games can be found on the Mapleton web page at http://www.mapleton.me/index.php/town-services/recreation.
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.
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- At Pearl Williams’ 97th birthday celebration, her extended family, consisting of several musicians and also known as the “Yet-Unnamed Family Band,” led a singspiration with all who came to celebrate. Members of the band are, from left, Wendell Hudson, Dale Hudson, Sherry Thibodeau, Jennifer Bartlett, Ryan Miller and Bob Thibodeau. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
