Christmas giving time nears
The town of Washburn is beginning to take donations and toys for the Christmas for Tots program. There are lots of ways to contribute, such as a food box for a family costs $25 and families or individuals can donate everything from socks, underwear, mittens, boots and toys. Anne Carter at the Town Office has a list of items needed and would be glad to talk with you about it.
You can reach her at 455-8485. If you know of a family or someone who needs help during this season, please call Anne, as sometimes these are the people who hesitate to ask for themselves.
All donations must be in by Wednesday, Dec. 19, in order to get the boxes ready for delivery. Please also note that all the donations of money, food or gifts go directly to the needy in Washburn. If toys or clothes are left after all needs have been met, the town shares them with Perham and Wade. Last year over 40 children were taken care of. With the price of gas and fuel, likely the total will be more this year. Any assistance you can give will be appreciated.
Coats are available at no cost at both the Perham and Washburn town offices during regular business hours. Washburn also has an abundant supply of clothing as well.
Perham’s ‘angels’
There are Christmas ‘angels’ ready to give to the children of Perham. For those wishing to donate gift items, stop in at the Town Office or the post office to pick up your ‘angel.’
Anyone who has children in need of winter items, warm p.j.’s, boots, hats, mittens, snow pants, etc., please contact Michele during office hours. Also feel free to phone Michelle to add your name (or someone you know) to the list for giving of some special toys from the United Way of Aroostook.
Birthdays/anniversaries
Belated birthday wishes go out to Willie Drost. Those celebrating birthdays this week include: JoAnn Hewitt, Tammy Mills, Guy Boyce, Jeff Doughman, Clark Hulburt, Mike Tarbox, Nancy Troeger, Clifton Boudman, Anthony Henderson, Amber Griffin, Burt Tilley, Crystal Drost, Bradley Turner, Josh Corey, Ronnette Bragg, Taylor Wilson, Wyatt Condon, Lexie Barker, Rachel Driscoll, Robbie Kapuscinski, Mavis Carter, Harry Johnson, Bobbi Jo Bennett, Nola Amero, Keegan Robbins and Wendy Carson,
Belated anniversary wishes go out to Dale and Beverly Knowles and Dave and Anissa Levesque.
Lights for Christmas
The town of Washburn will be having their second annual Christmas Light Decorating Contest. The judges will also be going out on Friday, Dec. 21, and checking all around Washburn, but if you want to be sure your home is judged, please phone the town office at 455-8485 to be added to the list. The contest will not cover homes in Perham or Wade, and residents of those communities should contact their town officials to see if they’re having a light contest.
The judging will cover six categories including: Best Winter Wonderland Theme, Best Use of Lights and Color, Best Patriotic Theme, Best Youth Category, Most Decorative and Most Original. There will be one prize given for the winner of each category.
American Legion
Members of the Dow Post 48 of the American Legion will begin their new season of meetings on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at the Washburn Civic Center. Meetings that include a potluck supper will begin at 6:30 p.m. and regular meetings will start at 7 p.m. The legion members will meet the third Tuesday of each month. For further information on the Legion, contact any member or Kermit Fuller.
Events/reminders
The next scheduled Washburn Town Council meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. All interested citizens are invited to attend.
The next scheduled meeting of the Perham Selectmen will be held on Monday, Dec. 17, at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
TOPS will be meeting each Monday at the Washburn Trailrunners clubhouse, starting with weigh-in at 4:15 p.m. and the meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For further information, contact Birdena Cochran at 455-8353.
Bingo games are held at the Washburn Trailrunners Snowmobile clubhouse each Tuesday starting at 7 p.m.
Washburn still has several openings on boards including two positions for alternates on the Zoning Board of Appeals, one seat and two vacancies for alternates on the Planning Board and two vacancies for seats on the Library Board of Trustees. Interested volunteers are needed, and anyone interested is asked to contact Andrea Powers, town manager, at the Washburn Town Office or phoning 455-8485 with any questions concerning the positions and or the boards.
Perham survey
A very important survey will be in the mail to Perham residents this coming week.
There will be two sent to each household, with more available for additional adults in each residence at the Perham Town Office.
Information provided by these surveys is crucial for grant writing done by the town’s Grant Writing Committee. Community and citizen input is vital and may make the difference in obtaining a grant or losing out on one.
Please return the completed surveys as soon as possible. For those wishing further information, feel free to contact Committee Chairperson Jan Grieco at 455-4907 or Committee member Deb Viola at 498-3433.
State approves Perham plan
News also important to Perham is that the state of Maine has approved the Comprehensive Plan for the town of Perham. A few copies are available to be previewed at the Town Office. Input by the community will be appreciated, and residents should be informed as to what is included in this plan. The vote concerning this plan will be held during the March annual meeting. For more information, contact Michelle McLaughlin, town administrator, at 455-5887.
Rec Center schedule
There will be basketball for grades 3-4 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the elementary school on Thursday, Dec. 6.
On Friday, Dec. 7, there will be a movie at the Rec Center for grades K-4 from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m.
On Monday, Dec. 10, and Wednesday, Dec. 12, there will be holiday gift making at the Rec Center for students in grades 1 through 4 from 2:45 to 4:30 pm.
Also on Monday, Dec. 10, there will be men’s basketball at the high school gym from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
On Tuesday, Dec. 11, there will be K-2 basketball at the elementary school from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
For further information on any Rec Center programs, contact Director Marcie Barbarula at 455-4959.
Boy Scout notes
Members of Washburn Boy Scout Troop 177 recently held their annual training and program planning at the Wilcox camp at Mud Lake near Sinclair. During the weekend the boys learned about their positions of responsibility and took part in team-building exercises. Another part of the weekend was to complete the 2008 annual plan for the troop to provide programs and outings for each month and week, as well as advancement and fund-raising.
Following a Saturday night supper of several Dutch oven entrees put together by the boys, an evening watching the old classic film “Follow Me Boys” was enjoyed by all.
Chief cooks for the other meals included Don Wilcox, Ron Rand and Greg Page. Additional support came from Pam Wilcox, visiting with Eagle Scout Troy Wilcox. Scoutmaster Larry Harrison conducted the training with the help of Adam Wilcox, the incoming senior patrol leader. Others attending included: Curtis Thompson – assistant senior patrol leader; Keagan Page – patrol leader, Eagle Patrol; Daniel Roy – assistant patrol leader, Eagle Patrol; Bryan Schurman – sssistant patrol leader, Hawk Patrol; Jacob Reed – scribe; Kody Brissette – librarian; Andrew White – chaplain aid; and Stephen Kinney – quartermaster.
The new leaders were presented with completion certificates and ‘trained’ patches for their uniforms. Troop 177 has moved back to the Rec Center for the winter months and meets each Thursday at 7 p.m. New Scouts are always welcome. For more information, stop by on Thursday to meet the troop and leaders.
Historical Society to meet
The Salmon Brook Historical Society will be holding their quarterly meeting on Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Washburn Civic Center. Please note the supper will begin at an earlier time, with the buffet line starting at 6 p.m. Please bring a main dish or dessert and your place setting. All are welcome, so bring your friends and neighbors.
The business meeting will follow the supper and a monetary collection will be taken for Washburn’s needy families, enabling the town to help provide them a better Christmas.
Last call for cookbooks
There are less than two boxes of the cookbooks put out by the Crouseville Advent Christian Church left. Why not pick one up just in time for Christmas gift giving, while supporting the hard work of the church ladies. They are aiming for a ‘sell-out’ and will not be ordering any more of these special cookbooks.
The recipes include some new taste treats, as well as time-honored and treasured family recipes from local cooks. To get your copy, please phone Sherry Thibodeau at 764-0397 or Carolyn O’Donnell at 455-8437.
Wreaths for sale
During this Christmas season, the Class of 2008 will be selling Christmas wreaths to be delivered on Saturday, Dec. 8. The cost is $10 for plain and $15 for decorated ones. To order yours, please contact any member of the senior class or Tracy Reed at the high school at 455-4501. Proceeds will be going towards the Project Graduation-sponsored class trip in June.
Rotary ‘wheels’
The Washburn Rotary is currently selling 2008 Faces and Places calendars. The cost is $10 and the calendar consists of a cover photo and 12 photo collages depicting Washburn, Wade and Perham at their best.
The calendars are available from any Rotarian, ask for them at White’s Exxon, Katahdin bank or phone 455-8034. This is an important fund-raiser for this civic-minded group, and they are asking for your support.
Officers for the current Rotary year are President Cindy Richendollar, Vice President Ellen Fitzsimmons, Secretary Stuart Turner and Treasurer Peggy Bugbee.
The director of business sales for Maine at Fairpoint Communications will be giving a presentation at the Dec. 5 Rotary meeting, starting at 6 p.m. and the public is welcome to attend.
School district consolidation
There is an Act to Repeal the school district consolidation law currently being circulated in the Washburn, Wade and Perham areas. The aim of the petition is to gather signatures in favor of repealing the laws related to the consolidation and have the state Legislature act on this issue.
There will be representatives of the three communities available during Washburn District High School ball games and other activities in order for area residents to sign this petition.
The deadline for filing the petitions in order for them to appear on the November 2008 ballot is Monday, Jan. 28.
