Students show speaking skills

Christie Cochran, Special to The County
17 years ago

Junior Exhibition
The Junior Class of SAD 45 held their annual Junior Exhibition night on Saturday, April 11, at the high school with a good crowd of family, friends and neighbors attending. Six members of the Class of 2010 were speakers, and the entire class walked in together and were all seated onstage for the presentation.

Class President Amber Reed welcomed all, and introduced Mistress of Ceremonies Hillary Harris and Master of Ceremonies Cody Frank. Also introduced were judges Donna Chasse, Tammy Delong and Gail Hagelstein.
The Class Ushers and Usherettes were Cameron Huston, Kyle Huston, Sarah Sjoberg and Lindsey Blackstone. Special entertainment was provided by Rachel and Matt Donnelly.
Mrs. Londa Brown was Junior Exhibition director and the Junior Class advisor is Miss Tammy Tatlock.
The Class Song is “If Today Was Your Last Day” by Nickelback and the Class theme is “Our lives are before us, our pasts are behind us but our memories are forever with us.”
Those speaking included Jessica O’Donnell with a talk on “School Daze,” Kayla Pike spoke on “The Final Act” and Alicia Saucier told of when “I Was Only Five.” Amber Reed brought her ideas on hunting by her talk “Bambi Killer,” Felicia Cochran had her speech on things she wished her mom would say, entitled “Mom Would Never Say This” and, last but not least, Justin Howe gave a moving patriotic talk “Thayer Award Acceptance Speech” by General Douglas MacArthur.
During the judging, thank-you gifts were presented to Sarah Sjoberg, Lindsey Blackstone and Cameron and Kyle Huston, Miss Tatlock, Mrs. Brown, Don Thompson and Zach Davis. Special medallions were given to each of the speakers by Mrs. Brown and last year’s Jr. Ex winner, Julie Stephenson.
Judge Tammy Delong announced the winners. They included People’s Choice and third place, won by Justin Howe; the second-place award went to Jessica O’Donnell; and the 2009 Junior Exhibition first-place honor was won by Amber Reed.
Junior Class members are: Chelsey Baechle, Danikkah Bean, Sydney Beckwith, Nicholas Bull, Jordan Chandler, Felicia Cochran, Matthew Donnelly, Rachel Donnelly, Alexander Fantasia, Tasha Flaherty, Cody Frank, Hillary Harris, Chris Hartman, John Helton, Justin Howe, Courtney Johnson, Alison King, Linda Michaud, Jessica O’Donnell, Trevor Pendexter, Kayla Pike, Amber Reed, Alicia Saucier, Kira Swimm, Jacob Theriault, Curtis Thompson, Adam Wilcox and Mitchell Wilcox.

Birthdays/anniversaries
Those celebrating birthdays this week include: Macey Currier, Kayla Pike, Benjamin LeConey, Jodale Lagassie, Derin Howe, Lorraine Harrison, Ed Clark, Joni Howlett, Nancy Dickinson, Erika Churchill, Devin Thompson, Tom Bolstridge, Mike Myshrall, Andy Soucier, Robin Keener, Tyler Jardine, Fred Tompkins, Wade Snyder, Leslie Weeks, Bennett Worley, Linda Connolly, Tom Vaughn, Peggy Ross, Delma Emery, Nicole Dobson, Laura Fantasia, Alex Fantasia, Peter Johnson, Tammy Susi, Vicki Silver and Deanie Shorey. Anniversary wishes go out to: David and Cathy Conley, Butch and Sharon Thompson, Mike and Laura Michaud and Tim and Nikki McLaughlin.

Town Council notes
On Monday, April 13, the Washburn Town Council held their regular meeting at the Washburn Civic Center at 7 p.m. The meeting was opened by all reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public participation included Ray Wood, first selectman of Perham, speaking on the lowering population of Perham, thus lower tax revenue for the town, and a wish that the fee for fire protection from Washburn be lowered.
The Council approved the minutes from the March 17 Town Council meeting and signed off on the minutes for the March 17 annual Town Meeting. They also reviewed and approved the financial figures through March 31, 2009.
In other business, the Council approved a request for a donation to be given by the town of Washburn to the winning team for Destination Imagination who will need to raise money to go to the Global Competition in Knoxville, Tenn. The Council voted to donate a sum which will be contingent on the team going.
Buildings and Grounds put in a request for a one-ton truck, with payment to come from the department’s Capital Reserve Fund and a payment from the cemetery account. The Council noted that if a local dealer would match the best-priced one from out of our area, the choice would be to buy locally.
The Washburn Fire Department also is looking at trucks and gave the Council an up-to-date idea of where they stood. It was decided that getting the department’s Mac back on the road is the best decision. The Town Council also requested that a Steering Committee also be formed for information on truck purchases. The Council moved to purchase a new pump pending inspection from a fire department authority with the purchase price not to exceed $13,000. And it was voted to purchase a new pump to refit on the department’s tanker, putting it into full service. The Council also approved that burning permits be issued through the Town Office as soon as staff can be trained.
The Council was advised that the Houlton Regional Communications Center who currently serves as dispatch for both Washburn Fire and Police departments will be billing the town on a per capita basis which will raise our fees in the coming year. It was recommended to stay with the HRCC for the town’s needs, as their services have been excellent and professional over the past. The Council was advised of the many safety issues and voted to keep the HRCC dispatch services, signing a two-year contract for both the departments. This vote is subject to change according to decisions being made in upcoming State Legislature voting.
In the manager’s report, the Council was given a variety of information from MMA, MTCMA and ASPA on helpful tips and advice for councils in their meetings during these tough economic times.
The Council voted to draft letters concerning several municipal department services and include a contract for those services which will be renewed annually.
The Council was also informed that the cell tower from Mariner, Inc., will be going up and operational this month.
It was also noted that Adam Wilcox will be winding the town clock until further notice.
The Council approved a rate set-up for rental of the Civic Center. The rates will be set at a $25 minimum per 2.5 hours each event and a cost of $10 per hour for hours over the 2.5 agreement. The Center will only be available for rent by local residents and they will be required to sign a contract.
The next scheduled Town Council meeting will be held on Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. at the Washburn Civic Center.

Events/reminders
The next order week for Friendly Coop is for Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1, and a scheduled pick-up date of Friday, May 15. To place your order please contact Brenda McCoy at 455-8421 or e-mail her at bunny@ainop.com.
April is Healthy You Spring Forward Month, and Washburn residents can enjoy and benefit from the following programs.
On Thursday, April 30, from 7 to 8 p.m. the Washburn Rec Center will be the site of a pilates workshop, a program including exercise that aims to help your strength and flexibility. This free introductory workshop is appropriate for people of all ages and fitness levels. Comfortable clothing is recommended and exercise mats will be provided, or you are welcome to bring your own. For further information, you may contact Cary Public Relations at 498-1361 or kjones@carymed.org.
The Washburn Beavers’ ATV Club will hold their annual meeting on Wednesday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Gould Street Club House. Included in the agenda, there will be an election of officers for the upcoming ATV season, and the area trails are scheduled to open on Friday, May 15.
TOPS will be meeting each Monday at the Washburn Trailrunners clubhouse, starting with weigh-in at 4:15 p.m. and the meeting to follow from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. New members are always welcome.
The Washburn Soup Kitchen schedule will include regular meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays, served from 3 to 5 p.m. and there will also be special senior citizen meals served on the second Friday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Special winning customer
Chris Haines was the March winner of the $30 gift certificate for customer of the month at the Washburn Redemption Center. New winners will be drawn each month and are eligible to put a ticket in for each $5 in returnable bottles or cans they bring each time to the redemption center during the month.

Rec Center schedule
On Wednesday, April 22, there will be a trip to Presque Isle for bowling and lunch at McDonald’s from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is for grades 3 and up and is limited to the first 14 who sign up.
On Thursday, April 23, There will be rollerskating at the Melody Rink in Caribou for grades K-8. The group will be leaving Washburn at 12:30 p.m. and return at 3:30 p.m.
On Friday, April 24, the Rec Center will be sponsoring a trip to Limestone School for grades 4 and up. The group will leave Washburn at 11 a.m. and return at 3:30 p.m. The day’s events will include swimming, a movie and open gym.
On Monday, April 27, there will be men’s basketball from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and On Wednesday, April 29, there will be women’s basketball at the elementary school from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Rec Center seniors
Several ladies went to Caribou on Wednesday, April 15, and took a nice tour of the Catholic Charities store. They met the Director Dixie Shaw, who gave them a demonstration of the store’s “talking deer” and then explained some of the things the store takes in for sale and other things they do. The clerks, Debbie Pelkey and Jeanna Gardiner, were pleasant and seemed to enjoy the ladies’ visit, and the girls were also surprised at the great variety the store had to offer. They found everything from books and records to furniture and decorations. They were also impressed by the tables that were for sale that were also “set” with dinnerware that also was for sale.
The group also took photos and the staff took photos of them as well. They were invited back, either as a group or by themselves, and urged to bring friends with them.
They also went to lunch at Napoli’s in Caribou and enjoyed the wide variety of luncheon specials with everything from steak and cheese to salads, garlic knots and chicken fingers. The owner, “Mr. Kurt,” stopped by their table for a visit with the ladies, and they all told him how great his food was and how nice their waitresses, Ericka and Laura, were to them. Those attending included: Recreation Director Marcie Barbarula, Evelyn Woodman, Bern Rossignol, Lorraine Harrison, Arlene Cole, Wilda Goodall, Eunice Carman, Norma Baker, Glenna Ewing, Glenna Bragg, Drucilla Turner, Marion Turner, Audrey Pavlick, Sylvia Wardwell and Fran Dickinson.

Family trip
Several members from the families of the Hoyt’s, Bragdon’s, McPherson’s and Fletcher’s had an enjoyable trip to southern Maine this past month. They toured the area near Wells, and stayed at a beautiful place called Village by the Sea. They enjoyed a heated indoor pool and hot tub as well as the availability of a fitness center. They were also near the beaches of Kennebunkport, the Rachel Carson Wildlife Preserve and the tidal salt marshes where they could watch the great Blue Herons.
While in the area they also attended the wedding of Josh and Cynthia (Tow) McPherson, which was held at St. Mary’s Church in Wells and a reception and sit-down meal featuring Beef Wellington, Chicken Marcella and lobster ravioli, while enjoying a live band. Others attending, but not in the photo, included: Brenda Jencks; Scotty Bragdon; Mary White; David Hailey; Hannah Haley; Logan and Katra Vanderpyl; Joshua, Jason, Ruby and Ayla Mae Hoyt; Jazmine Bragdon; and Neal Grimes, Michelle Daigle and E. B. Brown.

Perham news
There will be a special fun event at the Perham Town Office on Friday, April 24. The movie, “The Tale of Despereaux,” will be shown from 4 to 6 p.m. and light refreshments will be served. This is a sponsored event by the Perham Recreation and Events Committee, and there will be no charge. For further information please contact Debra Viola at 498-3433.
The Perham REC is beginning its work on the annual Barbara Goodyear Environmental and Family Fun Day which will be held on Saturday, July 18. The Committee would like to have community input including suggestions, vendors or exhibitors and volunteers. Anyone wishing more information may contact Debra Viola at 498-3433.
Another Perham book is in the making, to be filled with revisions and updates of the town of Perham’s history book. The Perham Ladies are seeking anyone who has photos or memories of Perham that they would like to share and see included is asked to contact Ellie Snyder or Joan Connolly at 455-8340. This is an ongoing effort and the project will be representing those who have lived, made a living, raised a family or lived in Perham for generations or just a short time. Arrangements can also be made to take down your story for you if you wish, and all stories, long or short, need to be preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

50’s and 60’s dance
Remember to keep your calendar clear for the “Spring Fling” dance to be held on Saturday, May 2, at the Washburn Trailrunners clubhouse on Station Road in Washburn. The dance will be from 7 to 10 p.m.  and there will be lots of drawings including door prizes and a 50/50.
The special DJ for the evening will be the group’s own Kathy Plante and guests are invited to dress in the fashions of the era, poodle skirts, T-shirts or other novel ideas. Even though this is being billed as a “senior-age” prom, all ages are welcome to join in and see how life in the “dance lane” used to be. It will be a fun way to recapture old memories or make new ones.
This is a major fund-raiser for TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and they appreciate any donations. The dance tickets are $5 for pre-sold and $6 at the door and can be purchased from any group member or by phoning Club President Birdina Cochran at 455-8353.

    Christie Cochran is the correspondent for Washburn, Wade and Perham. She can be reached at 455-8034 or gramchristie@yahoo.com.