Over the past two weeks, the Christmas spirit has been alive and well in our three towns. The towns’ churches had many special services including Christmas Eve and music programs. The season of Christmas is special to the community churches as they seek to tell the story and meaning of the birth of the baby Jesus. In addition to the church activities, there were some other Christmas events held by towns’ organizations and groups.
On Monday, Dec. 16, Mapleton Lions Club Member Wesley Buck, left, was presented with the Mapleton Lions’ 2019 Lion of the Year Award for his work and accomplishments on club projects and events. Club President Eric Rodd presented the Club’s highest award to Lion Wes on behalf of the Club’s members who gave him a rousing standing ovation in appreciation for his support of the Club. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
The Mapleton Lions Club celebrated the season with a special oyster stew dinner on Monday evening. At this dinner meeting, the club presented its most significant award which is the club’s Lion of the Year Award. Lion Wesley Buck was named the 2019 Lion of the Year. Lion Wes was cited for his hard ongoing work on Mapleton Lions Club projects. He has been part of the Club’s flag team that is up early on mornings of holidays and special events making sure the American flags at displayed through downtown Mapleton. On every project and event run by the club, Lion Wes makes his presence felt by his hard work. As Lion Wes enters his eighth decade, his support of the towns through Mapleton Lions Club projects and events is strong and unwavering. At the conclusion of Club President Eric Rodd’s presentation to Lion Wes, all the members gave him a rousing standing applause of appreciation.
Also on Monday, the Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill Seniors held their year-end Christmas Party at Governor’s Restaurant in Presque Isle. The members expressed their appreciation for the work of their President Caroline Ballerstein, treasurer and Judy Kennard over the past year. They reviewed a list of charities that the group will be making donations from the funds they have raised. Following lunch and business meeting, the members celebrated the gift giving season by conducting an active and energetic special Yankee Swap. They invited senior from the central Aroostook to join and attend their meetings which are held on the first and third Mondays of each month between October and June each year. The meetings are 11:30 a.m. and are held at the Mapleton Methodist Church. The next meeting is Jan. 6, 2020.
The Mapleton United Methodist Women met Dec. 17 at Leisure Gardens in Presque Isle for a special Christmas lunch, business meeting and a rousing Yankee Swap. Here, second from left, UMW President Susan Black took special delight in being able to make a swap. Beside having fun, the group made plans for preparing their annual fruit baskets for those in need. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
On Tuesday, the Mapleton Methodist Church United Methodist Women met for a special Christmas dinner at Leisure Gardens in Presque Isle. A number of the Mapleton UMW members reside at Leisure Gardens or Leisure Village. Their fried chicken lunch was enjoyed by everyone present. Before the business meeting a devotional focused on the Christmas season and the birth of the baby Jesus was given. A short business meeting was conducted that included the reelection their leadership. Their 2020 officers who will serve are Susan Black as president, Caroline Ballerstein as treasurer and Lori McPherson as secretary. Also plans were made for preparing the fruit baskets they give local residents in need. The meeting ended with an exciting and fun variation of a Yankee Swap.
The monthly First Friday Luncheon is scheduled for this Friday Dec. 5 at the Mapleton Methodist Church. The time of the luncheon is 11:30 a.m. We will be in the middle of the holiday season so come out and enjoy a terrific meal prepared by the First Friday chefs. Newly harvested potatoes may be on the menu for those friends and neighbors who will be in attendance. The chefs are planning an enjoyable holiday lunch for everyone. While the food is always delicious, the real joy is being with long-time friends as well as making new friends and sharing family updates, stories and memories. Remember there is no charge for the lunch, but donations will be accepted.
Trip to North Pole
On Saturday Dec. 14, Santa Claus did come to town – Mapleton, that is.
At the Mapleton Daze “Adventure to the North Pole” held Dec. 14 at the Mapleton Lions Club, Santa Claus was a big hit. Here he visits a family to hear all of their requests for Christmas. The Mapleton Daze Committee is happy with the turnout of approximately 130 children who came on the “Adventure to the North Pole.” (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
He was the featured guest at the Mapleton Daze “An Afternoon at the North Pole” held in the Mapleton Lions Hall, 1713 Main St., Mapleton. From 1 to 4 p.m., the Lions Hall was Christmas Central. Approximately 130 children came out to meet Santa and participate in a number of North Pole arts and crafts activities.
The Mapleton Daze committee wishes to give thanks to everyone who came out for their event. Lots of fun was had by kids and adults. The hall was decorated for Christmas and there were lots of volunteers to help the kids and adults enjoy the afternoon. The Mapleton Daze Committee Elves hosted An Afternoon at the North Pole that included crafting activities, cookie decorating, viewing a holiday movie with popcorn and a visit with the big guy himself. The jolly Santa heard all the kids’ requests and verified their placement on the good list.
This event had a dual purpose. First to provide the area children and their families with a fun Christmas experience and secondly it served as a fundraising project to support Mapleton Daze 2020. The Mapleton Daze Committee appreciates the support they received for next year’s Mapleton Daze. They hope that this special event helps the children and adults who attended have a great holiday season.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 207-764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
