On Nov. 16, 2016, the Mapleton Lions Club was recognized by the Aroostook County Commissioners with the Spirit of America Award for outstanding community service and volunteerism.
Presenting the award was County Commissioner Paul Underwood, who cited the Mapleton Lions Club for their work on behalf of the residents of Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill. He listed the club’s work with the local municipal government, other local organizations and its help to people in need.
Each year the club submits a summary in the three towns’ annual report. Historically, the Lions built the first Mapleton swimming pool and contributed significant funds for the updated pool. The club went on to start the Mapleton Little League, which was eventually added to the Mapleton Recreation Program. To help support the Recreation Program, the Mapleton Lions Hall is made available to the summer recreation program at no charge.
From these projects, members went on to install the veterans memorial monument, host the Memorial Day Parade and act as the host sponsor for Mapleton Daze. The club, in partnership with the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, hosts the annual Crown of Maine Balloon Fest.
Besides these large projects, several smaller club activities continue. These smaller activities include college scholarships, eyeglasses and hearing aids for low-income individuals, benefit dinners for individuals with medical needs or school groups, and sponsorship of the Mapleton Boy and Cub Scouts.
Club members were quite surprised when they were notified of the Spirit of America tribute, and the Lions thank the Aroostook County Commissioners for this special recognition. Next year will be the club’s 60th year and it remains committed to helping make life better in the three towns. This tribute tells the club that it is doing what needs to be done to achieve this goal.
Scout spaghetti dinner
Mapleton Boy Scout Troop 170 will host a spaghetti supper at the Mapleton Lions Hall, Main Street, on Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to raise funds to attend the national jamboree in Washington, D.C., this upcoming summer. Donations will be accepted at the door.
In addition, to raise awareness of those who are less fortunate, the troop will collect non-perishable foods to be donated to local food pantries. Those attending are asked to bring food items to support those who need them the most.
Anyone who can’t attend the supper may drop off food items anytime during the afternoon or early evening. For more information, contact Robby Gross at 227-4367. Troop 170 thanks everyone for their continued support.
Fire Prevention Contest
In October, Mapleton Elementary School took time to educate its students on how to stay safe by preventing fires. Their guest instructor during fire prevention month was Adam Rider, assistant fire chief at the Mapleton Fire Department. Rider spoke with students and left information materials to help the students participate in a Fire Poster Contest with the theme of “ Don’t be late – check the date!”
He reviewed all the posters and chose a winner from each classroom. The winners were: Phoebe Gamblin, morning kindergarten; Henry Robinson, grade 1; Megan Wood, grade 1; Emily Hallett, grade 2; Carrlyn Buck, grade 2; Carter Vigue, grade 3; Silas Baser, grade 3; Jacob King, grade 4; Addison Clairmont, grade 4; Tayler Thompson, grade 5; and Dakota Pelletier, grade 5.
Each won a smoke detector and a T-shirt. From the winners, Chief Rider chose a top winner for grades Pre-K to grade 2 and a winner for grades 3-5. Megan Wood in Mrs. Langille’s first-grade class was the Pre-K-2 winner, and Tayler Thompson won in grades 3-5. Their special award was a ride in the fire engine to school.
Mapleton Elementary would like to extend a special thanks to Assistant Fire Chief Adam Rider for all the time he gives.
Christmas Craft Fair
The Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club will hold a craft fair on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the clubhouse, 94 Town Hall Rd., West Chapman.
There will be many handmade items for sale, including baked goods, crafts, quilts, wall hangings, wooden crafts and items from “Grandma’s attic.” Cinnamon rolls and coffee will also be available.
Donations gratefully accepted. All proceeds benefit the clubhouse mortgage for the Ridge Runners Snowmobile and ATV Club. For more information, contact Audrey Christie at 764-1769.
Thanksgiving Vacation
I will be out of state for this Week. If you have an announcement or news, please email the information to me by Thursday, Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day, for the Nov. 30 edition of The Star-Herald. Thanks.
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.
