Mapleton Lions achieve recognition

4 years ago

On Monday evening, Feb. 17, the Mapleton Lions Club hosted Maine Lions District 41 2nd Vice President Jeff Woolston, who spoke to the club members on international and district priority projects and activities.  

He thanked the Mapleton Club for their ongoing service to the community through support of local and County youth programs and services.

Additionally, Woolston recognized three members of the club.  The custom of Lions Clubs International is to recognize members for each five years of continuous membership. Members recognized this year were Ron Leonard for 45 years; Frank Richards, 15 years; and Bob McBay, 10 years.  Each received a letter of appreciation and pin chevron designating their years as members of Lions Clubs International.  

Mapleton Lions Club Member Ron Leonard, right, is recognized by Maine Lions District 41 Second Vice President Jeff Woolston for his 45 years of continuous membership in the Mapleton Club.  Also recognized were Lions Frank Richards and Bob McBay for 15 and 10 years, respectively.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

Leonard has worked on many projects over the years, including the renovation of the Mapleton Lions Hall, which was formerly the Mapleton Community Hall.  Over his 45 years, Leonard has held many officer and director positions, including three terms as club president.  

Richards, in his 15 years, has served on many projects and became known as the grill chef of the club at many food booths they operated at community events. Richards served in various officer and director positions and as club president for four terms. 

McBay, having worked on many projects, is best known for improving the food quality and service at the club’s various food booths.  As co-owner of the Mapleton Diner, McBay has helped make better food choices for the club’s food booths and by also using the diner’s kitchen for the preparation of some food items.

Following these recognitions, the club discussed the coming charity auction.  This year there will both online bidding as well as live auction bidding. Solicitation has already begun for the items and services to be auctioned.  The auction will take place May 2 and will be preceded by the club’s traditional ham and baked bean dinner. Be watching for more information regarding the auction, which is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year. 

Big photo coming up

The Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club is known far and wide for its large aerial photo celebrating the excitement of snowmobiling in Aroostook County and the state of Maine.  The club will do another aerial photo with snowmobiles on Saturday, Feb. 29, at their clubhouse located on Town Hall Road in Chapman.  

They will need many sleds and riders for the photo.  The times are not firm yet, so please call Sue Maynard at 764-1236 if you have an interest in being in the photo.  Many residents were in the photos done in 2009 and 2011, taken in conjunction with the Relay for Life Rides scheduled for the same day.  

Riders may still register at rflaroostook.ticketleap.com/sledrun or on Facebook at Aroostook County Sled Run.

Snowmobile club events

The Chapman Ridge Runners’ next regular directors’ meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4.  The club’s special social event for March will be a Soup and Sandwich Night with a fun Bingo tournament.  

Sue Maynard asks those attending to bring either a soup or sandwiches.  This is always one of the most enjoyable evenings of the winter. If you need more information, call Maynard at 764-1236.

March luncheon  

The monthly First Friday Luncheon for February was hit by the big first-of-the-month snow storm.  The next is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6, at the Mapleton Methodist Church.  

We will be nearing winter’s end as spring will arrive in time for the April luncheon. The chefs will prepare the foods you love for the change of seasons and the change to daylight-saving time.  

Come out and enjoy being with long-time friends as well as making new friends and sharing family updates, stories and memories. 

Remember there is no charge for the lunch, but donations will be accepted.  

March senior luncheons

The next luncheon for the Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill Senior Citizens group will be at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 2.   The second senior luncheon in March will be Monday, March 16.  

Caroline Ballerstein reminds everyone over age 55 who lives in Central Aroostook that you are invited to attend and join the group.  Please keep in mind the luncheon is potluck.

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.