Memorial Day began early in the morning as the Mapleton Lions Club put American flags on display along the town’s Main Street. Later in the afternoon, the poignant Mapleton Memorial Day Ceremony was led by the Mapleton Lions Club. Mapleton Lion Terry Sandusky was master of ceremonies.
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- The featured speaker at the Mapleton Memorial Day remembrance ceremony was Chief Master Sergeant Kelly S. Hoffses, Maine state command chief of the Joint Task Force of the Maine Air National Guard. She grew up in Mapleton and is the daughter of Dennis and Myra Hoffses. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
The remembrance ceremony was opened by Lion Jacob Graham who sang the National Anthem as the Mapleton Fire Department raised the United States and State of Maine Flags. Nathan Gardiner, pastor of the West Chapman Advent Christian Church, offered the invocation prayer.
Chief Master Sergeant Kelly S. Hoffses served as the Grand Marshal of the Mapleton Lions Club’s Memorial Day Parade and the featured speaker at the Remembrance Ceremony following the parade. A Mapleton native, Hoffses is the Maine state command chief of the Joint Task Force of the Maine Air National Guard.
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- Disabled American Veterans members, from left, former U.S. Army and Air Force Sgt. Rod Cameron, former U.S. Navy PO1 Andrew Kinney and former U.S. Army Sgt. Denis Madore, offer salutes following the laying of wreaths at the Mapleton-Chapman-Castle Hill Veterans Monument. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
She spoke on the history of Memorial Day and importance of remembering and honoring those made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in military service to the country. She has 35 years military service that includes a combination of active and reserve duty with the U.S. Army, Air Force and the Maine Air National Guard.
Wendell Hudson, Castle Hill resident and former member of the U. S. Army, sang “God Bless America,” then the high point of the ceremony occurred with the laying of three wreaths at the Mapleton-Chapman-Castle Hill Veterans Monument in front of the Mapleton Elementary School. Laying the wreaths were members of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Rod Cameron, former sergeant in the U.S. Army and Air Force; Andrew Kinney former PO1 in the U.S. Navy; and Denis Madore, former sergeant in the U.S. Army.
The high inspirational moment of the Mapleton Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony came as Christopher Nelson and Jonathan Staples played taps. Both of these young men are students at Presque Isle Middle School. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
A moment of silence was observed just before the playing of taps by Presque Isle Middle School students Christopher Nelson and Jonathan Staples. The ceremony closed with a benediction by Rev. Nathan Gardiner. The day ended in the evening as the Mapleton Lions retrieved all the American flags that lined Main Street.
The Lions Club thanks all who participated in the ceremony and parade. The community’s support of the club’s work is most appreciated.
Indoor yard and food sale
The Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile and ATV Club will host an Indoor yard/craft/food sale on Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be something for everyone and the prices are really reasonable.
Donations of items to sell are also needed. Call Sue Maynard at 764-1236 if you have something to donate.
Sue is looking for some help with the sale; call her if you are available. All proceeds will benefit the clubhouse mortgage fund .
First Friday luncheon
The monthly First Friday luncheon held at the Mapleton Methodist Church is scheduled for June 7, 2019, at 11:30 a.m.
The chefs are planning an enjoyable lunch for everyone. While the food is always delicious, the real joy is being with long-time friends as well as making new friends sharing family updates, stories and memories. Remember there is no charge for the lunch, but donations will be accepted.
Mapleton summer Rec
The Mapleton Recreation Department has several programs scheduled for the summer. A special youth program is being offered called “Microwave Master Chef“ for 9- to 16-year-olds. The registration deadline is June 14.
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.
