MAPLETON NEWS
by Jennifer Buzza
The Mapleton Parent Organization recently sponsored a “book vote” for all Mapleton Elementary School students. The book vote was an opportunity for staff to take a few moments to teach the students a little more about the voting process. As done in previous years, all students got the chance to cast a vote for the book they would most like to read together with their families. The book with the most votes will be purchased for the students to keep as a gift from the Mapleton Parent Organization.
Teachers in grades pre-K through grade 5 took time with their classes to discuss the grade selected book nominations and talked about the importance of voting as a future adult. Organizers felt that an early education on voting can make a great difference in their lives. In fact, according to the group Kids Voting USA, the voting rate for registered 18-year-olds is 14 percent higher in communities that teach civic responsibility, such as voting, in the classroom, than in those that do not. Voting took place the morning of Nov. 10 using the town’s voting booths, delivered to the school by employees of the Mapleton Town Office.
The book nominations this year were: “Hiccup-potomus,” “Giraffes Can’t Dance” and “I Wish That I Had Duck Feet” for grades pre-K and grade 1. The book receiving the most votes was “I Wish That I Had Duck Feet” by Theo Lesieg. Nominations for grades 2 and 3 were “The Story of Ferdinand,” “Duck!Rabbit” and “Redwoods.” The winning book was “Duck!Rabbit!” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Fourth- and fifth-graders could vote on “The Owl Keeper” and “Dear Hound.” After the voting, the winning book was “The Owl Keeper” by Christine Brodien Jones.
Birthday wishes this week go out to Lynn Christie, Jennifer Buzza, Malerie Buck, Joyce Smith, Kelsey Buck, Natasha Tompkins, Maralee Gardiner, Rena Carlin, Kristy Kenney, Carol Kennedy, Owen Estey, Patty Brewer, Susan Doyen, Clarissa Buck, Katherine Buck, Jacob Scifers and Elizabeth McHatten Brewer.
Happy 45th anniversary to Hugh and Sandra McHatten on the 19th!
Hunter Timothy Steeves was born at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010. He is the son of Tom and Kelsey Steeves. He weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Paternal grandparents are Dave and Bonnie Steeves of Mapleton. Maternal grandparents are Tim and Lori Faulkner of Clinton. Paternal great-grandmother is Patricia Steeves of Presque Isle. Proud big sister is two-year-old Angeline Erin. Well wishes to the family can be mailed to Tom and Kelsey Steeves, 10333 LeDoux Lane, Eagle River, AK 99577.
One of the year’s most exciting events is here! The Scholastic Book Fair is under way at Mapleton Elementary School. This year’s theme is “Here’s To Our Heroes! Reading Saves the Day!” Parent volunteers have worked hard to coordinate, organize, and decorate this semi-annual event that promotes literacy in the home and school. The book fair will be open TODAY (Wednesday) during school hours from 8 a.m.-noon and 5-8 p.m. during parent-teacher conferences; Thursday, Nov. 18 during school hours from 8 a.m.-noon and 12:30-3:30 p.m. during parent-teacher conferences; and Friday, Nov. 19 from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. during school hours. Come and support the students at MES by purchasing from the book fair!
Local students planning to attend Youth 2011 are hosting two family photo days (one in Mapleton and one in Washburn). Photographers will schedule 15-minute photo sessions. Unedited photos will be given to you that day on a CD. Photos can then be used to make Christmas gifts, cards and prints. The cost will be $25 for a 15-minute session and will include dozens of pictures. All money raised will help send the kids to Youth 2011 next summer. Youth 2011 is the national youth gathering for the United Methodist Church. It is an event that only happens every four years and is the largest single gathering of UMC youth in existence. This four-day conference will bring together top United Methodist leaders, as well as the best ecumenical speakers, bands and talent with thousands of youth from all around the nation.
Call Torry Eaton at 764-3762 (or e-mail meaton@mfx.net) to schedule your session in Mapleton at the Mapleton United Methodist Church beginning at noon Dec. 5 or call Lisa Reed at 493-0989 (or e-mail randsguide@ainop.com) to schedule your session in Washburn at the Lidstone United Methodist Church beginning at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 21.
Many local residents were very supportive during Pauline McHatten’s health crisis last year. Her mother, Sandra McHatten, wanted to provide an update on her daughter’s health. Since having 80 percent of her brain tumor removed last August, she has had a recent MRI and things are unchanged. Pauline and her 15-month-old daughter, Gloria, are doing great! She feels good and with a toddler in the house, she is staying busy!
Local students planning to attend Youth 2011 are hosting two Christmas shoppers’ childcare evenings (one in Mapleton and one in Washburn). We will watch your child(ren) in Mapleton and Washburn so that you can go do your last-minute Christmas shopping (maybe even dinner out)! We will provide supper, crafts and entertainment. Adult supervision will be provided. All we ask for is a donation for our trip to Youth 2011!
All money raised will help send the kids to Youth 2011 next summer. Youth 2011 is the national youth gathering for the United Methodist Church. It is an event that only happens every four years and is the largest single gathering of UMC youth in existence. This four-day conference will bring together top United Methodist leaders, as well as the best ecumenical speakers, bands and talent with thousands of youth from all around the nation.
Call Torry Eaton at 764-3762 (or e-mail meaton@mfx.net) to reserve your slot(s) in Mapleton at the Mapleton United Methodist Church from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 17 or call Lisa Reed at 493-0989 (or e-mail randsguide@ainop.com) to reserve your slot(s) in Washburn at the Lidstone United Methodist Church from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 18.
Midshipman 4/C Keenan Eaton was recently named an Honor Midshipman Under Guidance during his first semester as a member of the Maine Maritime Academy Regiment of Midshipmen in Castine.
The MMA Regiment of Midshipmen, a student-run leadership and management program, is comprised of students seeking a U.S. Merchant Marine license as a third mate or a third assistant engineer following graduation. For other students at the college, participation in the Regiment is optional. The regimental system promotes learning and self-reliance, leadership, effective communications and interpersonal skills.
Eaton was one of eight midshipmen selected for the first-year honor based upon exemplary performance as a junior member of the Regiment. He demonstrated personal growth and excellence, enhanced teambuilding skills, and improved leadership ability during the Regimental Preparatory Training process. Eaton, a graduate of Presque Isle High School, is a member of the MMA Class of 2014 and is majoring in marine systems engineering. He is the son of Mike and Torry Eaton of Mapleton.
The Northern Lights Youth Choir will be hosting its annual fundraiser auction Friday, Nov. 26 at the State Road Advent Christian Church Family Life Center. Viewing of the items and the sale of concessions will begin at 5 p.m. and the live auction with auctioneer Bert Winslow is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Youth Choir’s annual spring concert tour.
The Mapleton Daze Committee would like to announce a change in their plans for the annual supper and auction. Rather than having a supper this year, the committee has decided to offer free coffee and desserts in conjunction with the auction at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20. The location has also changed for this year. The event will be held at the Mapleton Methodist Church. Mapleton resident Bert Winslow will serve as auctioneer.
Pillowcases are now being collected to benefit several local groups including the hospital, fire department, Sister Mary O’Donnell Homeless Shelter, and Hope and Justice Project. Donations must be 100 percent cotton pillowcases and can be purchased or handmade. Please drop off the pillowcases to Sue Skidgell at the Mapleton Town Office by Friday, Dec. 3. Thank you for supporting this ministry!
The United Methodist Church will be hosting its weekly luncheon Friday, Nov. 19 at 11:30 a.m. There is no charge for the luncheon, but donations are accepted. All are welcome to attend.
Jennifer Buzza is the correspondent for Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman. She can be reached at 760-9115 or by e-mail at jbuzza@ainop.com.
