MAPLETON NEWS
by Jennifer Buzza
The town of Mapleton recently installed a new playground structure at its community pool area to replace some timeworn pieces of equipment that were beyond any repair.
The new commercial grade playground features galvanized steel posts and heavy duty molded plastics for durability and it meets national safety standards. In addition to the playground, the broken pavers around the pool were all replaced with asphalt. This was all made possible through the hard work from the highway department for the towns and a $10,000 grant received from the Marshall L. and Ruth-Anne Gibson Municipal Charitable Program.
Marshall L. “Jack” Gibson provided roadwork services to 175 municipalities across Maine through his company, Commercial Paving & Recycling, Co. Now retired, Jack defines philanthropy at its best with his numerous charitable contributions to schools, memorials, toy funds and even a cancer treatment center located at Maine Medical Center. As if this wasn’t enough, Mr. Gibson created the Municipal Charitable Program, with a very simple concept. Each month for the next five years, Gibson will send a check for $10,000 to one of the municipalities which his company did business with between 1945 and 2004. This totals 60 towns and $600,000.
His first 12 letters were sent last year stating, “I have not forgotten the loyalty and trust afforded me by the municipal officials and taxpayers of your community.” He then requested each municipality to complete a form, suggesting that towns funnel the funds toward their children, their community centers, or their elderly.
Gibson’s hope is that the news of his donations will travel and companies and individuals will be inspired to do the same during these difficult times. While many are concerned about protecting their fortunes during any economic downturn, Jack Gibson recognizes the fact that the best use of his wealth is to return it where it’s most needed.
(Special thanks to Town Treasurer Tammy Getchell for writing and submitting this information for publication)
Supper cancelled
The Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club’s Oct. 20 Potato and Pie Supper has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Birthdays
Birthday wishes this week go out to Dot Rafford, John Greenier, Dick Tompkins, Katelyn Amero, Jeramy Buck, Emma Langille, Jeanese McPherson, Vicki Murchison, Melissa McGary, Debbie Pelkey, Andrew Christie, Jeana Carter, Sarah Hansen, Bob Hoffses, Susan Kennedy, Diana Coulstring, Lucas Ireland and Aiden Boyles.
Anniversaries
Happy anniversary this week to Marty and Denise Turner on the 10th and Ashley and Jon Cole and Barrett and Mary Potter on the 14th.
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.
