Buddy Bench honors Paige Lento’s memory

At the Easton Elementary School’s Christmas Concert held Dec. 21, the Easton PTO dedicated a “buddy bench” in memory of Paige Lento. 

This seemed like a most fitting memorial as Paige had the ability to make friends with many children and adults. After recognizing PTO members, Cyndi Kimball explained that a buddy bench is a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground.  It’s a spot where a child who needs a friend to play with should be able to take a seat, and other children, knowing the rules of the bench, will come to hang out with them. The buddy bench is never to be a place where students are sent for disciplinary reasons.

Kimball  said the PTO spent a lot of time over the past year selecting a bench, but the price of what they wanted was more than they could budget. Community spirit made the project happen, and Kimball thanked many.

Last year the Easton High School Key Club donated $300 toward the bench.  Bruce and Elaine White of Center Farms Transport arranged to pick up the bench in North Carolina and bring it to Easton. Dirk Duncan from North State Transport in Caribou was instrumental in getting the bench from the manufacturer to the Center Farms truck. Jeff Kimball assembled the bench. Andy Keep figured out how to support the bench so it could be moved on and off stage easily and not obstruct elements of the concert.

Kimball concluded, “As we remember our friend Paige, let’s remember to tell a joke once a while,  always be kind, [and] have a grateful heart.” 

The bench sits in the main hall near the elementary gym. It will be permanently installed on the playground in the spring.  

Kids give back

Kimberly Hemphill’s sixth-grade homeroom class from Easton Elementary School recently donated several items to Presque Isle’s Sister Mary O’Donnell Homeless Shelter. 

At the beginning of the year, sixth-grader Madison Seeley asked if the class could hold a bake sale and donate the money to someone in need. As Christmas time got closer, Mrs. Hemphill talked to Madison about perhaps taking useful items to the Homeless Shelter.  Madison thought that was a great idea and the whole class graciously brought items in each day for the shelter.  

The class enjoyed a field trip to the shelter and Tim Horton’s one afternoon. Those participating in the giving were Augustus Bonner, Mrs. Hemphill, Grace Ellis, Rylee Leavitt, Owen Sweeney, Madison Seeley, Olivia Keep, Mason Adams, Trey Brewer, Dawson Lamoreau, Maggie McQuade, Alexander Hale, Amelia Bate, Reilly McIntosh, MaKenzie Kinney, Madison Stevens and Summer Sponberg.  

PTO news

The end of November found Kris Lento organizing another successful Scholastic Book Fair.  The PTO was able to keep it open during the Easton Christmas Craft Fair, allowing another shopping opportunity for craft fair attendees. 

At the close of the event representatives selected books from students’ wish lists, wrapped and presented to the students on the last day of school before vacation. Many thanks go out to those who kept the book fair open and organized.

The PTO held a Christmas bazaar in early December, which was a rousing success with all students able to shop to their hearts’ content. Many thanks are in order for those who took the time to volunteer and make this event happen.  Lots of hands were needed to set up, run the event and clean up at the end.  

Community calendars

The Easton Community Celebration Calendars have arrived at the Town Office.  Please pick up your copy (copies) as soon as possible.  There are extras available.  

Happy Days Club

The Happy Days Senior Citizens’ Club’s first meeting of the new year will be Thursday, Jan. 11, at 11:30 a.m. with a potluck lunch.  The meeting will be for new nominations for officers for 2018; the vote will take place at the Jan. 25 meeting.

Please join them and bring a friend.  

Bone Builders

Class will be offered every Monday and Friday in January starting at 9:45 in the Recreation Room at the Manor.  Everyone is encouraged to check out this great class to get you moving more in the new year.

For more info please contact Julia Allen.  

Community Library Change

The community library at Easton High School will no longer be open for regular hours on Saturday mornings.  In the future, library services will still be available on an “as requested” basis to arrange a mutually convenient time please contact Steve Demaio at 805-2702.

Hillary Hallett is the correspondent for Easton. She can be reached by sending an e-mail to: hillary_jt@myfairpoint.net or calling 551-7737.