Turner receives Castle Hill’s cane
MAPLETON NEWS
By Terry Sandusky
Castle Hill resident Donald A. Turner, 91, was presented with the town’s Boston Post Cane by Castle Hill Selectman Robert Vigue last month.
The cane is given to the oldest citizen residing in the town to be used by the recipient as long he or she lives. At the recipient’s death, the cane is handed down to the next oldest citizen of the town. The town’s gold-headed ebony Cane was donated by the Boston Post for the purpose of recognizing the oldest living person in the town.
Turner was born in Castle Hill on Oct. 16, 1925. He has lived in Castle Hill all of his life except for the two years he served in Army during World War II. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the European Theater, moving through France, Germany and Belgium, earning many medals.
After the Army, Turner returned home to Castle Hill. Two years later, in June 1948, he and Gwendolyn Anna Louise West started a marriage of 61 years. When talking about his life, he explained that he was “especially proud of my big family.” He and Gwen had nine children ‚Ä“ seven girls and two boys. Their children are: Donald B. Turner, Carol Soucy, Nancy Saucier, Annette Roope, Mary Michaud, Alice McQuade, Julie Hotham, Martin Turner and Marcia Hartt. They now have 22 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Turner has been retired for some time, but all his working life he was a mechanic. He worked for Charlie Delong, Archie Bishop and Sons, Etscovitz and Carroll’s Auto Sales, where he earned the title “Doctor of Motors.” Then he decided to work for himself in Presque Isle and Mapleton as owner of “Turner’s Auto Service.”
In the presentation, Selectman Vigue offered the congratulations of the town along with the cane, and wished Turner many more years of happiness with his family and friends.
Wreath and Tree Decorating
Tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Mapleton Parent-Teacher Organization will build the 8-foot wreath that hangs on the outside wall of the Mapleton Elementary School.
An activity is also planned for the kids to benefit St. Apollonia Dental Clinic. The kids will decorate ornaments for a tree that will be part of the St. Apollonia Festival of Trees. The festival is a significant fundraiser for the dental clinic for children. To support the clinic, the PTO will donate the tree to the festival.
Any volunteers who wish to help with these projects are welcome.
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. The fair will be held at the clubhouse at 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. Please come and support Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile and ATV Club. Donations will be gratefully accepted. All proceeds benefit the clubhouse mortgage.
For more information contact: Audrey Christie at 764-1769.
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.
