EASTON News
by Debbie Smith
Logan Harvorson, a sixth-grade student at Easton Elementary School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Jan. 13, and a chance at a $25,000 scholarship. The school-level bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 22nd annual National Geographic Bee. The bee is sponsored by Google (visit www.google.com/educators/geo).
Halvorson 
Thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participate in this academic competition. The school winners, including Logan, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers in each state will be eligible to compete in their state bee on April 9.
The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the National Geographic Bee national championship on May 25 and 26. “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals. This program will air on television. Check local listings for dates and times.
The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the Society and a trip to the Galapagos Islands, courtesy of Linblad Expeditions and National Geographic (visit www.expeditions.com).
Anyone can brush up on geography with GeoBee Challenge, an online geography quiz at www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee. The game poses 10 new questions a day.
Once again the churches of Easton will join together for a Fifth Sunday Service, Sunday Jan. 31, at 6 p.m. at the Easton Wesleyan Church. We will be having an old-fashioned hymn sing service that is interspersed with scripture reading and times for testimonies. Everyone is invited to attend.
The snowshoe trails at the Francis Malcolm Science Center are now open to the public. There are several trails ranging from a half mile to two miles in length. You must sign in as you enter the woods and snowshoeing on the property is at your own risk. You may rent snowshoes for $2 a pair by calling 488-5451 or Pastor Vaughn Martin at 227-3589.
The Science Center is looking for used snowshoes to use for the many school, rec and specialty groups coming to the Center for snowshoeing activities. You may call the center at 488-5451 or Pastor Vaughn Martin at 227-3589 if you have any donations. The center would also accept any new snowshoes you wish to purchase for our programs. Call and we will let you know the sizes we need the most.
On Wednesday, Jan. 27, Jeff Larsen and Ezalee Smith have birthdays. Happy birthday Ezalee, have a great day.
On Thursday, Jan. 28, Betty Eberhart (Pendexter), Loris Allen and Michael Corey all have a birthday. Happy birthday to you all.
Sheryl Foster and Vincent Pelletier will be celebrating their birthdays on Friday, Jan. 29.
On Saturday, Jan. 30, Colleen Milbury, Katelyn Tompkins and Kyle Turner will be another year older. A special birthday wish to my friend, Colleen. Also James and Monica Cilley have an anniversary on Jan. 30.
Sunday, Jan. 31, Kyle White, Mark Page, Hannah Ferris and Ray Yslava will be celebrating their birthdays. Have a great day everyone. Also on Jan. 31, Kyle and Carrie Woodtke have an anniversary.
On Monday, Feb. 1, Pat Lamoreau and Matthew Jordan have a birthday.
On Tuesday, Feb. 2, Sam Hazelton and Galen Holmes III each have birthdays to celebrate. Also, Flora and Mallory Ireland will be celebrating their anniversary that day.
The following scholarships are available through the Easton high school guidance counselor, Linda Foren- Turner.
Erin Sperry Scholarship — Erin Sperry was a young woman who was just beginning to set goals for herself when she was killed. She planned to return to college and study graphic design. Her legacy will live on in the scholarship that bears her name. The Erin Elizabeth Memorial Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors at Aroostook County high schools who are pursuing a degree in early childhood education (preschool) or liberal arts rather than sciences. Preference is given to students who have successfully completed an alternative high school program.
Phyllis Dow Scholarship — The Phyllis Dow Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support to graduates within a 15- mile radius of Mapleton. Priority will be given to members of the church in Mapleton who are attending an accredited four- year college or university. Application deadline is April 30.
The first meeting for the Miss Easton Pageant will be held on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m. at Kyla Lagassie’s home. Kyla lives at 9 Bridge Rd. in Easton. The girls that are eligible are girls from grades 1-12. Again this year there will be five titles given. All five winners will go to Fort Fairfield to compete in the Maine Potato Blossom Pageant. If you have any questions you can contact Kyla at 488-6689.
All-Star Gymnastics will be offering an eight-week session of gymnastics classes from Feb. 3 and running through March 31 at the gym in Mars Hill. The cost is $40 or $30 for each additional child from the same family. Classes will be held in Mars Hill but transportation will be provided. Class will run from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. (with another class added if necessary). Open to ages 4 and up. Pre-registration is required.
Mark your calendars for Easton Recreation Department’s Winter Carnival on Feb. 25, 26 and 27. Activities will include laser tag, family game night, cribbage tournament, sliding party, community supper, mother-daughter/father-son basketball games and more!
Wednesday, Jan. 27 — Junior activities (for ages 2 through ECP) at the Hall from 9:30-11 a.m. Senior exercise class starting at 1 p.m. in the recreation room at the manor. Little Bears’ cheerleading practice from 2:45 to 4 p.m. at the hall.
Thursday, Jan. 28 — Skiing at Big Rock from 3-8 p.m. The bus will depart directly after school from the elementary school. The cost is $13 for lift ticket, ski rentals and a lesson. Children must be able to ski or have an adult with them.
Friday, Jan. 29 — Playgroup (for ages 2 through kindergarten) at the hall from 9:30-11 a.m. Seniors’ Winter Fun Day, starting at 11 a.m. in the recreation room at the manor. The cost is $2 and lunch will be provided.
Saturday, Jan. 30 — Little Bears’ grades 1 and 2 practice from 9-10 a.m. Little Bears’ grades 3 and 4 practice from 10-11:15 p.m. Grades’ 5 and 6 boys’ practice from 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Grades’ 5 and 6 girls’ practice from 12:30-1:45 p.m. All practices take place at the Easton Elementary School gym.
Monday, Feb. 1 — Senior nutrition class in the recreation room at the manor at 11 a.m. The cost is $2 and lunch will be provided. Cross-country skiing after school until 4:15 p.m. at the Ferris’s home on Lander Rd. Little Bears’ cheerleading practice from 2:45 to 4 p.m. at the hall.
Tuesday, Feb. 2 — Girls Day after school until 4:15 p.m. at the hall. Open to grades one and up.
Photo courtesy of Debbie Smith
Kaitlyn Tompkins was chosen Student of the Month at Easton Jr./Sr. High School for the month of October. Kaitlyn is an eighth grader. Congratulations Kaitlyn. We are proud of you.
Debbie Smith is the correspondent for Easton. She can be reached by e-mail at debbiesmith04_69@hotmail.com or call 488-5530.
