 |
| Staff photo/Kathy McCarty Joining her dad for the first half of the 10th annual Andy Santerre SnoRun was 10-year-old Sara Santerre, who was born a few months after the first event was held. |
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Weather conditions were nearly ideal Saturday for festivities marking the kickoff of the 10th annual Andy Santerre Sno-Run, which raises funds for Aroostook Mental Health Center’s sexual assault awareness services — specifically those services benefiting area youth.
Unlike last year which saw the cancellation of the snowmobile ride due to poor trail conditions and slushy roads for runners and walkers, this year’s event was greeted by sunny skies and ample snow for sledders. And though temperatures proved a bit chilly, that didn’t stop several walkers and runners from participating in the fundraiser.
Registration for the walk, run and ride was held at Griffeth’s in Caribou, with 21 individuals taking part. Walkers and runners traveled along Main Street, then along Bennett Drive, before finishing at Cary Medical Center. Snowmobilers ventured north, where they stopped for lunch in Van Buren before looping back to Caribou.
“Adam Murchison served as our lead for the 5K, with awards given out at Cary to the different age groups and genders by Kris Doody, Cary’s CEO, and AMHC CEO Greg Disy,” said event organizer Lorraine Chamberlain, LCSW, director of AMHC’s outpatient operations and emergency services.
Runners and their finishing times included: Marie Beckum, 22:56; Nicholas O’Brien, 24:13:05; Rajiv Ayyangar, 24:14; Doug Levesque, 25:44; Chris Robinson, 26:20; Vanessa McDougal, 30:17; and Sue Santerre (Andy’s wife); 34:58.
Walkers included: Todd Player, Tamara Player, Anne McQuade, Nicole McQuade, Ross McQuade, Sylvio Dubois, Amanda Robertson, Jessie Santerre (Andy’s mother), Jennette Hitchcock, Lisa Cantafio, Pam Morgan, Randy Hitchcock, Christine Brown and Arthur Thompson.
Dozens of snowmobilers turned out for the 10th anniversary ride.
“We had 80 sleds on the 100-mile run to Van Buren who supported the star design in the snow, with Andy on the north point and Joe (Chamberlain, co-organizer) right below him. Lunch was at the Van Buren American Legion Post 49, which included a wonderful chicken stew for all. Lunch was put on by club members from the Gateway Snowmobile Club and Post veterans,” said Chamberlain.
 |
| Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie De La Garza Winter Fun Day in Limestone had laser tag, dog sled races and sledding — but all Evan LaPierre needed for a fun day with his parents was a high vantage point and a snowball. For more Fun Day photos, please turn to page 10. |
As has been done in past years, riders once again took part in creating a design in the snow, using their machines to complete a unique design. Past symbols have included the outline of Aroostook County, and the word “Maine.” This year participants formed the word “Acadian” enclosed in a star. Presque Isle photographer Paul Cyr, with the help of Presque Isle pilot Gene Lynch, took aerial photos of the process, from the first arrival of the sleds to the finished symbol.
“The design was Joe’s brain child, then Jay LeJoie, president of the Gateway Club, got his club involved and agreed on the design, with Paul’s eye for detail. Jay got the design surveyed so that it was accurate,” said Chamberlain.
Chamberlain said only a couple antique sleds attempted the vintage ride, with those heading for lunch at the Washburn Trail Runners Club in Washburn, rather than attempting the longer run.
Dinner was also well-attended this year.
“We had over 300 for the dinner and auction, which was made possible by Patti Crooks (mall manager) and her staff at the Aroostook Centre Mall. Patti stepped forward to help us when we found ourselves without a place to hold the dinner, following the closure of The Crow’s Nest,” said Chamberlain.
“We’re still finalizing numbers for this year’s event. We should have a total by the end of the week,” said Chamberlain. “We’re hoping to be close to last year’s figure.”
Last year the Sno-Run raised about $52,000, bringing the nine-year total to just over $340,000.
AMHC Sexual Assault Services is a member of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, also known as MECASA, and serves as the sexual assault crisis and support center for Aroostook County. The service mission is to put an end to sexual assault and sexual abuse in the region. For more information, call toll-free 800-550-3304 to get involved with the annual Sno-Run event or to provide funding support.
(The final total raised and more from the dinner and auction, as well as photos, will appear in next week’s issue.)
 |
| Staff photo/Kathy Mccarty Handcrafted items, like this end table made by Harry McCarthy of Woodland, were among the many up for grabs during the 10th annual Andy Santerre SnoRun Dinner and Auction at the mall in Presque Isle Feb. 8. Pictured holding the table is volunteer Amber Kelley, as auctioneer Bert Winslow solicits bids. |
 |
| Staff photo/Kathy Mccarty Art Thompson, of Limestone, said he’s been running for 40 years but this is the first time he’s taken part in the Andy Santerre SnoRun 5K, benefiting AMHC’s sexual assault awareness services. |
