Lions close out holidays

5 years ago

On Sunday, Jan. 6, the Mapleton Lions Club closed the area’s Christmas season as club members took down the Christmas lights on Mapleton’s Main Street.  

Putting up the Christmas lights on Thanksgiving weekend each year for the last 30 years continues to be a fun event for the club.

The annual lighting started when the City of Presque Isle decided to stop decorating Main Street.  Their lights were purchased by the Mapleton Lions and used for 20 years to light the town. Then 10 years ago the original lights were replaced with lighted wreaths using standard outdoor tungsten lights.  Four years ago, the lights were switched out and replaced by LED lights that effectively reduced the cost of the lighting.

This year the club faced a significant challenge as Emera replaced all the utility poles along Main Street.  All of the Christmas light connections had to be relocated from the old poles to the new poles before Emera could energize all the receptacles needed for the lights.   The Mapleton Lions appreciate the cooperation with the utility.

The Lions thank all the many contributors at its various fundraising events.  It is through these donations that they are able to maintain and cover the annual cost of holiday decorations.  With the lights now in storage, the club looks forward to this year’s Christmas season.

Town Office news

The Town Office reminds all residents in Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill that there are significant changes in waste management in the three towns, particularly to the recycling program.   Last week’s column contained information regarding these changes.

Should anyone have questions and desire more information about the changes and the arrangement with the area trash haulers and the new Aroostook Waste Solutions (AWS), they may visit the Town Office or the following webpage for more information:  http://www.mapleton.me/images/Notices/2018/2019_Information_Solid_Waste_Packet_for_Residents-c.pdf.

Time is beginning to run out for registering and obtaining dog tags for 2019.  Come into the Town Office and register before Jan. 31 and beat the $25 late fee.

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.