Tritown area recognizes volunteer firefighters

Terry Sandusky, Special to The County
1 day ago

The Towns of Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman, which have enjoyed being an interlocal cooperation Since 1992, recently celebrated their employees during an appreciation supper and awards ceremony at the Mapleton Lions Hall. 

At a recent employee appreciation dinner, the Towns of Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman recognized members of the Mapleton Volunteer Fire Department. Members attending are, from left, front row: Logan Johnson (Lance’s son), Lance Johnson, Braylin Glasscock (Johnson’s granddaughter and current department mascot), Marvin Langley, Gabriel Power, Brian Corey, Chief Adam Rider and Parker Sawyer. Back row: Lt. Tristen Woodworth, Capt. Aaron Buzza, Secretary Jessica Guptill, President Maddie Buzza, Bryce Bridges, Keith Draper, Lieutenant John Hoffses and Dawson McCoy.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

Among those recognized was firefighter Lance Johnson, who marked 35 years as a volunteer with the Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman Fire Department. Johnson has held roles as firefighter, lieutenant and is the department’s current safety officer. 

Firefighter Andrew Paterson was recognized for five years of service in the department and is serving as treasurer.

Night at the museum 

Members of Seniors Achieving Greater Education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle will join in a history-filled evening from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Haystack Historical Museum, located at 1565 Main St., Mapleton.  

The evening will start with a museum open house for SAGE members followed by a presentation on the town’s history by Dena Winslow. The museum will open at 4:30 for SAGE member exploration and the program will begin at 5:30 pm. 

After the Mapleton history presentation, a light supper will be served, which will be followed by Winslow’s presentation on her latest book, published this year: “Aroostook War: The Untold Story.”  

SAGE members will dive into the explosive real history behind the 1839 war, when Maine and New Brunswick stood on the brink of international battle. This high-energy program uncovers the actual people, places, and political tensions that pushed the U.S. and England toward a third war, based on Winslow’s 30 years of deep archival research.

She will present never-before-told stories, surprising discoveries and dramatic events unknown to earlier historians. Experience the gripping truth of the conflict that reshaped the region forever — and leave with a whole new understanding of northern Maine’s past.

Winslow, a well-known historian and writer, grew up in Mapleton. Her latest book about the Aroostook War was published in 2026.

SAGE provides educational and travel events for people 50 and up. To attend this special evening, preregistration is required, which involves becoming a member. Participants can register online at sageumpi.coursestorm.com, by emailing SAGEatUMPI@outlook.com or calling 207-768-9501. Leave a message.  SAGE staff will answer your email or return your call, help you become a member and then preregister for this event.  

There is an additional fee of $10 to help cover the cost of the meal.  Residents are encouraged to become members of SAGE in order to attend this event.

Mapleton Daze volunteers rapidly fill stew and chowder orders at the Mapleton Lions Hall during the club’s recent drive-thru stew night.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

Stew night a success

Mapleton Daze volunteers held their annual fall drive-thru stew night, offering chicken and beef stew and Mapleton Diner’s fish chowder by Darcy McBay.  Biscuits and whoopie pies topped off the meals. 

The committee thanks all who came out to support Mapleton Daze 2027.

The Mapleton Daze Committee held their annual drive-thru stew night at the Mapleton Lions Hall on Sept. 26. Here Jennifer Buzza takes orders from Wayne Cushman and his wife as they drive through in their slightly modified 1951 Chevrolet pickup truck.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

Craft and vendor fair

The annual Mapleton Daze Fall Craft and Vendor Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Mapleton Elementary School.  

The fair is a second fundraiser for Mapleton Daze 2027.  The public is invited to come and support our small tri-town community and its local crafters. Mapleton Daze volunteers describe this fall fair as “the best little craft fair you will find.”

Two of everyone’s favorite food trucks will be on hand: Roadside Fries, where loads of freshly harvested potatoes will become french fries, and County Kettle Corn selling their fresh, hot and delicious kettle popcorn. This will be your last chance to enjoy great kettle corn before they put their trailer up for the season. The winter is going to be long without these two terrific fresh, hot treats.

Roadside Fries, a Mapleton food truck, will be at the Annual Mapleton Daze Fall Crafter and Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday , Oct. 10, at Mapleton Elementary School. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

Shelby Pelletier will also be on hand to take donations for our Mapleton Food Pantry, so please bring canned and nonperishable goods for the pantry.  The Mapleton Daze Committee is pleased to a significant supporter of the Mapleton Food Pantry.

All are welcome to attend the fair.

Terry Sandusky is The County’s correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.