Many of us drive by the Mapleton Elementary School on a daily basis, some more often than that. How observant are you? Did you know that there is a memorial site in front of the school dedicated to a former teacher? For those who didn’t realize that, it is likely because the memorial stone has been hidden by overgrown brush for years. Recent activity at the Sarah F. Stephenson memorial stone has resulted in a lovely improvement at the site.
It was established in 1980 by the Mapleton Alumni and had been in need of pruning and weeding. Members of the Alumni, along with employees of SAD 1, spent some time clearing the brush and debris to beautify the site. In addition to the school staff, Alumni members devoting time to cleaning up the site were Maynard and Joy Buck, Charles and Anita Currier, and Clyde and Trudie Buck. The Alumni Association is most grateful to Tibby Caron and his crew for their assistance with this project.
Sarah Stephenson taught English and mathematics at Mapleton High School from 1919-1957. According to those that knew her and were fortunate to have her for a teacher, she was loyal and dedicated and her students revered her. She passed away in 1988.
The West Chapman Advent Christian Church will be hosting a Vacation Bible School in the evenings from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 10-14 for community children ages pre-K through the sixth grade. The theme for the week will be “Cosmic City” involving singing, Bible lessons, crafts and snacks. All area children are encouraged to attend!
Birthday wishes this week go out to Dan Coulstring, Julie Powers, Michelle Dunham, Renee Keep, Tamma Dumais, Adam Peterson, Chris York, Mary Michaud, Scott Estey, Dean Rafford, Brody Smith, Ryan Joseph Michaud, Andrew McQuade, Michaela Powers, Molly Turner, Jim Burrill and Drake Richard Boucher.
Happy Anniversary this week to Brian and Renee Ellis and George and Lisa Dean on the 5th; Steve and Terri Brown on the 10th; and Scott and Kristy Kenney, Steve and Kathie Beaulieu, and Randy and Laurie Stephenson all on the 11th.
There will be a bake sale at the Mapleton Pool Saturday, Aug. 8 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Proceeds from the sale will help replace the pool deck. If you would like to donate items for the sale, please drop them off at the Town Office by Friday, Aug. 7 before 4 p.m. Any support would be greatly appreciated!
If your child participated in any summer rec activities and you were unable to attend the awards ceremony last Thursday, please stop by the Town Office to pick up your child’s awards. The Town Office opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.
The Mapleton Community Vacation Bible School was held July 20-24 at the Mapleton Baptist Church. Joshua and Melanie Duncan led this exciting time travel expedition where they traveled back in time to visit three of the world’s most important events, including the creation, flood, and crucifixion. Forty-two area children enjoyed fun games, crafts, Bible stories, video making, snacks, and prizes. The week’s Missions Project was to help raise money to support missionary Kristy Engel and her dog, Kobe, in the Dominican Republic. The children collected over $100 to assist Kristy in her mission to teach children proper dental hygiene. The closing program was held Friday afternoon after the children took turns launching the bottle rockets they had made. All of the children received certificates and a treat bag for participating in the weeklong Bible School. Some children in the three age groups were recognized with a special prize (of their choosing) for earning the most points. Points were earned by attending, bringing a friend, and learning Bible verses throughout the week. The program concluded with family and friends watching the video that the children made showing of all the activities and events that took place during the week.
Aug. 10 marks National S’mores Day. Yes, this an actual documented holiday on holidayinsights.com. The origin of S’mores dates back to the 1920s. It’s believed the recipe was first discovered by Girl Scouts. (Finally … to be known for more than just selling good cookies!). S’more folklore suggests that S’mores got its name right by the campfire. After eating one, young children chanted “gimme some more!”
For those of you that have been deprived of enjoying a homemade s’more, all you need are graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate! Roast a marshmallow and layer it on a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham crackers. It’s that simple! If you are unable to roast a marshmallow over a campfire, they can be made and cooked in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. It’s not the same as experiencing one made around a campfire, but when you have a craving for a s’more during this rainy summer, it will do!
The Haystack Historical Society will be hosting a garage sale in the east wing of the museum through August every Saturday that the museum is open. New items have been added! Summer hours are on Saturdays now until Aug. 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Society has voted to offer a couple’s lifetime membership for $150. If two people from the same family would like to join, this option would save $50, rather than purchasing one lifetime membership for $100.
The Grange Hall is available for rent May 1-Nov. 1. Please contact any member if you are interested in renting the hall for your event. The Society meets one night a month from February through November and welcomes new members. Please consider helping the Society preserve a piece of local history.
The United Methodist Church luncheon will be held Friday, Aug. 7 at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
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.
