EASTON NEWS
by Hillary Hallett
On Monday, March 30, 10 students from Casco Bay High School and two advisers visited Easton High School classrooms and met with staff. The students were able to experience what it is like to go to school in a small rural school. The students made comments later about how apparent it is that students respect their teachers and that Easton is a close-knit community.
Later in the morning the staff and students all joined for an assembly to hear “My Story” by Sarah Hassan, an immigrant from Somalia. She described the life she and her family had back in Somalia and the reasons they had to leave their country. They first moved to San Diego and then came to Maine, where they were accepted and treated kindly.
Other students from Casco Bay were: Ayan Ahmed, Somalia, Patti Wani, Sudan, Sumii Awale, Ethiopia, Gashim Nyapir, Sudan, Mohamed Hassan, Somalia, Camile Kirongozi, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Asael Sibo, Rwanda. Staff from Casco Bay and heading up the assembly were Mr. Scott Shibles and Mrs. Mallory Haar.
After Sarah’s presentation, students and staff listened to a TED Talk presented by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie called “The Danger of a Single Story,” which described some of the reasons why we all have preconceived ideas about other people’s race and religion. She expressed that we all have a story, different stories from each other, no matter where you come from or who you are. Students broke into small groups, each group with a student from CBHS to discuss questions like: “What is it like to be a teen in my town?” and “What are your traditions in your home and community?” The morning culminated with a final comment from Mr. Shibles and question to all students and staff, “ What was the one thing I learned today?”
The students from CBHS and Easton host students and advisers were treated to a tour of the sap woods at The Maple Moose in Easton, visited the local Amish Store in Easton, and ended their day at the home of Brent and Tina Bradley for a spaghetti supper.
On Tuesday, the students were given a tour of Huber in Easton, the SAD 1 School Farm in Presque Isle, and ended their visit at UMPI, where students toured the college and learned about the programs UMPI offers. Easton students included: Blake Bradley, Logan Halvorson, Drew Sotomayor, Macey Currier, Trevor Hathaway, Taylor Howe, and Emma Bonner, along with Mr. Darren West and Mrs. Ellen Trask, who will travel to CBHS April 6-8 to learn about the culture of CBHS and the surrounding community.
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JADON ELLIS was all smiles after sliding down the Hill during the town of Easton’s Winter Carnival Sliding Party.
Happy Days Club update
The Easton Happy Days Senior Citizens Club met on March 26 in the recreation room at the Manor for a potluck lunch with 14 members and one guest present. Their guest, Judy Hennessey, from TAMC Live Safe, spoke of the services and equipment the program provides. The next meeting will be a potluck lunch at the Manor at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9. Seniors, please join us and bring a friend.
Sesquicentennial news
The Sesquicentennial Committee is currently selling the following items to commemorate Easton’s year-long 150th celebration: 20-ounce glasses with Bears & Sesquicentennial logos for $8, royal blue T-shirt with Sesquicentennial logo for $8, royal blue hoodie sweatshirts with sesquicentennial or Bears logo for $25 and two-tone caps or standard caps with Easton Bears logo for a price of $10. Orders can be placed by emailing info@eastonme.com or calling the Town Office at 488-6652. To see samples please visit eastonme.com on the Internet.
The 150th Anniversary Committee is in search of photos of the railroad siding and the multiple potato houses that were once along that area, the Rackliff’s store and another other landmark buildings. Please drop off at Easton Town office to be scanned. Thank you!
School registration
The Easton School Department is now accepting registration for children entering kindergarten or pre-K in the fall of 2015. All children residing within the Easton school district who are 5 years old on or before Oct. 15 are eligible for enrollment in the kindergarten class, and children residing within the Easton school district who are 4 years are eligible for the pre-K class. Please call the Easton Elementary School at 488-7700 as soon as possible to register your child for either of the above classes. The classroom teacher will notify parents/guardians when an informational meeting for parents is scheduled. The following documents are required by the state: proof of immunizations, birth certificate (hospital copies are not acceptable), and proof of residency (rental agreement, utility bill, etc). These documents must be presented prior to the child beginning school.
Exercise classes
Heidi from LiveWell United brings “Cardio Mash-Up” to Easton Elementary School on Tuesdays and Thursday at 5:30 p.m., running through April 14. The class will include Turbo Kick, Zumba, Power Hour and Dance Fit. Please bring a mat, hand weights and water bottle to each class. For more information email heidi@livewellunited.com.
Kiwanis meetings
The Kiwanis Club of Easton meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall; everyone is welcome to attend. Dinner provided for a small fee. Please plan to join them.
Rec calendar
Wednesday, April 8 — Junior Activities from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Hall.
Thursday, April 9 — Happy Days at 11:30 a.m. in the recreation room at the Manor. Lego/Block Day after school at the Hall until 4:15 p.m.
Friday, April 10 — Junior Activities from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Hall. Senior Easter Lunch at 11:15 a.m. in the Rec Room at the Manor.
Monday, April 13 — Senior Nutrition class at the Manor beginning at 11 a.m. The cost is $3. After-school cooking at the Hall until 4:15 p.m. Weight Watchers meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the elementary school library.
Tuesday, April 14 — Movie after school at the Hall until 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15 — Junior Activities from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Hall.
Hillary Hallett is the correspondent for Easton. She can be reached by sending an e-mail to: hillary_jt@myfairpoint.net or call 551-7737.
