The Easton United Methodist Church members and friends of the church enjoyed the 100th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Aug. 9, with the morning service in line with an old-time service program. Rev. Jim McPhee, assistant to the bishop, and a former pastor of the Easton/MarsHill churches, was the guest speaker for the morning service.
Bethann Black, a former pastor who is now serving a church in Florence, Kansas, had a prayer and shared memories of when she was in this church. She also asked those gathered for memories of former members and special times.
The Easton/MarsHill choir, accompanied on the piano by Dot Beaton, praised God in song, as did the Cluster Choir. Pastor Wes Lavigne, of Presque Isle, offered a short prayer and the recent former pastor, Rev. Dan Blevins, shared a time of rededication to this ministry, to the church, to this place and to God.
A hamburger/hotdog barbecue, catered by Peary/Trainer Caterers of Presque Isle, was held at noontime with many in attendance. A cake with a picture of the church was enjoyed by all.
The afternoon service began at 1:30 p. m. with the Lively Spirits band playing for the gathering. The afternoon service was more of an “old-fashion revival” celebration with lots of singing and a skit, “Grandma’s Sunday School,” put on by the ministers and members of different Methodist churches. Easton/ MarsHill’s new minister, Sue Brown, on guitar and Rev. Dot Matson of the Mapleton/Washburn’s Lidstone Church with accordion, played “Old Time Religion,” while Lynne Josslyn cleverly showed word cards. The Cluster choir performed again and a former pastor, Rev. Lynne Josselyn, related memories and testimonies to God’s grace. Larry Park of Washburn performed with his banjo at both the morning and afternoon services. Mari-Jo Hedman, of the Washburn Church, played piano and also sang some special music in the afternoon. The sermon for the afternoon was delivered by Northern District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Pat MacHugh.
The Choral Benediction “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” was sung by all, and the service was closed with the dismissal and blessing by our new pastor, Sue Brown. In all, approximately 100 people attended during the day and we were pleased with the turnout.
Food pantry
Anyone wishing to donate any of their fruits and vegetables out of their gardens may do so to the Easton food pantry. Please contact Pastor Vaughn Martin to make arrangements at 488-6681.
Senior citizens tour Houlton
The senior citizens, under their rec director, Hillary Trainer, left the hall bright and early at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 5 for Houlton. While in Houlton, they toured a museum which I hear was quite interesting. Their tour guide was 90 years old. After the tour, they went to the candy store, just like a bunch of little kids again. But it does sound yummy. They also ate at the Elm Tree Diner while in Houlton. They returned home with their tummies full around 2:30 p.m. Those who attended were: Hillary Trainer, Rena Richardson, Ezalee Smith, Nina and John Trask, Marjorie Niblett, Ida Doak, JoAnn Johnson and Margaret Adams. Leslie Ferris drove the bus for them.
Back in school
School is back in full swing in Easton. Of course we also have beautiful, hot weather now. There have been some new teachers, coaches and janitors added to our roster this year. Taking the janitor position is Vance Smith. Miss Erica Phillips is our new phys ed teacher along with the new health teacher. Miss Phillips also is our new junior high girls’ soccer coach. Ryan Shaw is our new high school boys’ soccer coach. We would like to welcome them all to our school system and we wish them all the best of luck. I’m sure they will all be great for our school system. Mrs. Giles has also moved over to the elementary school, taking Mrs. McKinney’s place, and Heidi Brewer has taken Mrs. Giles’ place at the high school. Good luck to you both as well.
Senior news
On Aug. 19, there will be exercise at 1 p.m. at the manor rec room.
On Friday, Aug. 21, Senior Game Day in the recreation room at the manor at 11:15 a.m. Please bring a bag lunch.
Monday, Aug. 24, there will be a senior nutrition class starting at 11 a.m. There will be a $2 fee and lunch will be provided.
Rec news
The Easton Recreation Department has distributed fall program booklets through the schools. If you have not received one, please pick up a copy at the Easton Town Office. Program offerings for the fall session include grades 1 and 2 soccer, 3 and 4 soccer, 5 and 6 soccer, after-school programs, senior citizen activities, cooking camp, archery camp, swim lessons, gymnastic classes, harvest field trips/activities and yoga. For more information please write eastonrec@myfairpoint.net.
The Recreation Department Soccer Program starts this week, beginning Aug. 17. The 1st- and 2nd-grade team will practice on Tuesdays from 2:45 to 4 p.m. The 3rd- and 4th-grade team will practice Monday and Thursday from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Practices will be held on the Recreation field behind the playground. A complete game schedule will be available at the first practice. All programs are co-ed.
On Wednesday, Aug. 19, there will be junior activities from 9:30-11 a.m., open to children Early Childhood Program age and younger. After-school program “game day’ at the hall from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. Open to grades 1-8.
On Aug. 20, there will be soccer practice at the elementary school for grades 3 and 4 from 2:45-4:15 p.m. on the field behind the playground. Pre-registration required.
On Friday, Aug. 21, the Rec will be having junior activities from 9:30-11a.m.
Monday, Aug. 24, grades 3 and 4 soccer will practice from 2:45-4:15 p.m.
On Monday, Aug. 25, there will be grades 1 and 2 soccer from 2:45-4 p.m.
New home
Tyler Clark is enjoying his new home that he just purchased on Center Road, the old Main Street. He purchased the old Vernon and Mary Sharp home. Welcome to the neighborhood, Tyler. Best of luck to you.
Trip
Ruth and Arlene struck out for another adventure on Aug. 5. They also took Arlene’s sister, Ada Pearley, from Perth-Andover, NB with them. They left Easton and spent the night Sunday night with Ginger Asel in Barre, Mass. Monday they drove to Sidney, N.Y., to her son Marvin’s to visit with him and his family. They spent a few days there and then went to Niagara Falls for the first time. They landed back at Marvin’s on Thursday. Friday was a fun-filled day spent shopping — many hours’ worth. But what woman wouldn’t like that? They started home on Sunday driving to Portsmouth, N.H., for the night. Monday morning they went to Kennebunkport, to see the Busch summer cottage. They loved it. They came home Monday night.
Visits
Chris Demerchant and his children, Ethan, Jacob and Ava, visited with his parents, Liana and Paul Demerchant, last week for a few days. They also surprised Lillian Flewelling with a visit.
Birthdays/anniversaries
On Aug. 19, Angela and Carl Mullen and Tim and Kim Embelton have an anniversary. Happy anniversary to you all.
On Aug. 20, Nathan White, Carlos DaCruz, Leah Ferris, Clarence Mullen Jr. and Eugene Johnson all have birthdays. Hope you all have a nice day.
Kempton Adams has a birthday on Aug. 21. Happy birthday to you.
You can wish Jay Winger a happy birthday on Aug. 22; and also wish Kevin and Cindy Marquis a happy anniversary on this day.
Aug. 23 is celebration day for Shelley McLean, Vicki Daigle, Rhylee Kinney, Ethan Fitzherbert, Isabelle Dionne and Darren West. They are another year older. Also on this day Loren and Peggy Flewelling, Joshua and Julie King and Sharon and Rick Brown have anniversaries.
Happy birthday to Floyd Flewelling and Tyler Clark and Macenzie Nichols on Aug. 24.
On Aug. 25, Laurie and Vaughn Martin have an anniversary. Blessings to you both on your special day. William Turner has a birthday on Aug. 25, too. Happy birthday, Billy.
Debbie Smith is the correspondent for Easton. She can be reached by e-mail at debbiesmith04_69@hotmail.com or call 488-5530.
