Even though the spring is still cold, now is the time to make plans for summer recreation. The Mapleton Recreation Department has opened Little League summer registration and is now live. As a result of some behind the scenes work by one of the great parent volunteers, the program has the ability for online registration this year. Recreation Director Jake Graham is thankful for this parent’s willingness to volunteer the time and effort to make online registration possible. Everyone involved in managing and coaching the Little League Summer Program is more excited than ever as the start of this season.
The Mapleton Little League has been active for approximately 50 years and has been slowly growing over time and has been a summer highlight for generations of area kids. The last three has been special because the program has seen rapid growth and expansion with many more boys and girls wishing to play in the Mapleton Little League. Now is the time to join in the fun!
Early bird registration occurred. For those who have not registered yet, the second discount window ends Sunday April 27. Registration for this season closes on May 9 so don’t miss out. Register as soon as possible. Players must be between 8 and 12 years old as of May 1.
Ready to step up to the plate, then sign up now at: https://registration.teamsnap.com/form/25137. Discounts will be applied at checkout. For families unable to register online, paper registrations will also be available upon request at the town office. Graham is excited about the coming season and asks that everyone spread the word — let’s make this the best summer yet! Batter up, Mapleton!
Mapleton Lions start planning for new recreation area
At the Mapleton Lions Club meeting on April 7, Tim Roix, engineer and surveyor at B R Smith Associates Inc., and Sandra Fournier, town manager, joined the club members to begin the preliminary development planning of the Willard C. Doyon and Sons Family Field. Roix conducted the land survey of the donated property next to the Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman Recreation Park.
The evening’s discussion focused on what work would be needed to prepare the donated land. The first two installations for the park will be a parking area attached to the Mapleton Pool parking area and the start of the new baseball diamond. Roix pointed out the need for bringing in considerable fill in order to properly grade the property and deal with water flow and drainage. Also some of the trees on one side and the back of the property will need to be cleared as well.
Fournier will serve as the liaison between the Mapleton Lions Club and the town government. She discussed the possibility of seeking community development grants when the time comes to pay for the work and materials that will be needed to develop the property. The Lions Club hopes to have an official groundbreaking this summer and an open public forum to collect public reaction to the planned development. Meanwhile, should anyone have additional suggestions as to what is needed in terms of new and expanded recreation opportunities, please feel free to give them to Mapleton Lions Club President Rick Fowler at 227-3656.
Going shopping into Presque Isle on Mondays?
There was excellent attendance at the April 14 community meal held by the Aroostook Agency on Aging.
The next Monday Meal will be April 28 and will continue weekly through May 19. For Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman folks aged 60 and above, who may be going into Presque Isle to shop, you can come by the Aroostook Agency on Aging for their congregate lunch that is served each Monday at 11 a.m. A nutritious sit-down meal is held every Monday, except for holidays, for persons 60 and older who do not receive home-delivered meals. Preregistration is required to hold a place for each diner. There is no charge for the meal, but donations are encouraged. Older residents in/and around Presque Isle are welcome to attend. To register for lunch, call the Aroostook Agency on Aging at 764-3396 and ask to be put on the registration list.
Mapleton Lions Club to hold Annual Charity Auction
The Mapleton Lions Club’s Annual Auction will begin online at Matt Gregg Auctions where bids can be entered online starting on May 6. The auction website will be https://www.greggauctions.com/. The last night of the auction will be in-person on May 10 at the Mapleton Lions Community Hall. Their auction has been the largest fundraising activity of the Lions Club and the largest source of funding for many charitable activities of the club. The Mapleton Daze Committee will host a public supper prior to the auction. Everyone is invited to dine downstairs at the hall and then come upstairs to the auction. All funds raised will help support the work of the Mapleton Lions Club in our three communities.
Mapleton dates to remember
May 4 Mapleton Pageants sponsored by Mapleton Daze at the Mapleton Elementary School starting at 3 p.m. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/603157565825725.
May 10 Mapleton Lions Annual Charity Auction and Dinner at the Mapleton Lions Hall 4:30–6 p.m. dinner and 6:30 p.m. auction. The online portion of the auction will begin on May 6 at: https://www.greggauctions.com/.
May 26 Mapleton Lions Club Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony – parade starts at 2 p.m. with ceremony starting immediately after the parade at the Mapleton Elementary School.
June 23–29 Mapleton Daze 2025 will be held throughout Mapleton at various locations. They are planning a fun filled week, with everyday having an event that readers will not want to miss. The full schedule will be coming out in May at https://www.facebook.com/MapletonDaze.
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.
