Mapleton resident Peggy Gudreau was determined to shine a bright light on the work of the Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery, which had to cancel the annual Planet Head Day fundraiser at the University of Maine at Presque Isle due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Gudreau raised $2,510 for the C-A-N-C-E-R program. She has raised funds each year for the privilege of having her head shaved and painted to resemble one of the planets in the solar system.
Though the fundraiser was canceled, she still wanted to go through with shaving and having her head painted. She said she just didn’t feel like she had done her whole job without this experience, especially in the stressful and challenging days of social isolation ahead in the fight against the coronavirus.
Susan Black of Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery, right, accepts a check from Mapleton Resident Peggy Gudreau in the amount of $2,510, which Gudreau raised as part of the cancelled Planet Head Day . Her Planet Head was painted by a volunteer at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church in Presque Isle before services on March 15.
(Courtesy of Valerie Black)
So Gudreau enlisted her church, Grant Memorial United Methodist Church in Presque Isle. On Sunday morning, March 15, folks gathered to watch the shaving and painting of Peggy’s head. There was much fun and cheer as her hair fell to the floor and the paint was applied.
Gudreau then presented her gift to Susan Black and Valerie Black, both members of the C-A-N-C-E-R board. This year’s total of $2,510 was a 44 percent jump from her total last year of $1.750. She enjoys helping C-A-N-C-E-R because proceeds help patients within Aroostook County who are going through cancer treatments.
Donations may be sent to C-A-N-C-E-R, P.O. Box 811, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
Senior luncheon
The next luncheon for the Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill Senior Citizens is planned April 6.
Ridge Runners
The Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club has canceled the April 4 pizza party/election of officers, and has also canceled all Wednesday night groomer meetings due to coronavirus safety concerns. The election of officers will take place in September and notices will be sent to all members.
Town office update
The municipal office is closed to the public, but there is a drop box outside the building to help service residents in need of new registrations. All other services will be handled by phone, email or mail. Office staff will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday by phone or email. Payments are still acceptable by credit card over the phone.
For more information, call 207-764-3754.
Recreation Department
Jacob Graham, Mapleton Recreation Department Director, said swim lessons will be postponed until the University of Maine at Presque Isle reopens Gentile Hall. The Recreation Department will share this information as it becomes available. Swim lessons will be extended to ensure that all classes are honored in full once they have started. For more information, contact the town office.
Other town services
All property services such as assessing, planning, and zoning are by appointment only. Contact the assessing agent by phone at 207-764-3754.
All code enforcement building permits will be issued by appointment only. All other issues and concerns will be handled over the phone. Contact the code enforcement officer at 207-764-3754.
Access to the Fire Department will be closed to the public, except to the volunteer emergency responders. Emergency needs for fire or first responders will continue as usual by calling 911 for assistance.
Residents are strongly advised to continue following the safety guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control. Monitor the town’s Facebook page and website for continuing information.
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.
