Friends gather for unveiling
of “Arnie’s ramp”
WASHBURN NEWS
by Christie Cochran
Only in a small community like Washburn, located in Aroostook County, is one likely able to refer to a special project such as this one by “Arnie’s ramp” and have everyone know who and what is being talked about! Nearly the full work crew put the finish to the project by installing the rail. Keith Brown donated his engineering skills to design the ramp as well as being there to help with construction. Friend, neighbor and Fire Department Auxiliary member Bonnie Lavway was responsible for the majority of the fundraising for this event and Bob Ouellette was the contact man but made it known that all worked as a team. Several area firemen were involved in the project, including some from other towns.
All in all, this project made all volunteers and the receiving family very fortunate to have been a part of the work.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
FRIENDS FINISH RAMP — “Carpenters” met at the home of Arnie and Brenda Devoe on Saturday, Dec.18, to finish putting the railing onto the new ramp. Others included in the photo are fundraisers and interested parties along with some volunteer firemen. Pictured in the front from left are: “Mr.” Nicholas Clickman and Ashley Dora Rose Clickman along with special recipient Arnie Devoe. Back row: Dave Guerrette, Kermit Fuller, Dale Lavway, Keith Brown, Bonnie Lavway, Tim Stitham, Scott Fitzgerald, Lance Johnson, Bob Ouellette and Allen Laferriere. Absent when photo was taken was Randy Thompson.
Birthdays/anniversaries
Those celebrating birthdays this week include: Art Griffin, Lindsey Blackstone, Holly Tompkins, Simone Willett, Roderic Emery, Emilia Churchill, Brandon Farley, Alex Bird, Marie Drost, Tyler Paradis, JoAnn Bragg, Sandy Dahlgren, Jay Blackstone, Tony Sellars, Joanna Pike, Maurice White Jr., Robbie Helstrom, Paul Wilson, Tyler Boyd, Deborah Tarr, Diane DuMont, Nicholas White, Lacey Archer, Roger Connolly, Don Thompson Sr., Michael Bragg, Gaynel Tilley, Michelle Pinette, Aaron Kofstad, Amy O’Donnell, Elizabeth Kofstad, Penny Richardson, Scott Huntley, Kathy McCarty and Edna Sherburne.
Special New Year’s birthdays are being celebrated by: Kristie Kelley, Scott Whipkey, Chris McCoy and Loren Johnson.
A very special 1-year-old birthday wish goes out to Isaiah Daniel DuMont.
Anniversary wishes go out to: Willie and Judy Drost, Jim and Debbie LeClair and Gary and Laurie Blackstone.
Town notes, reminders, events
The All Aroostook group will be traveling to Houlton on Friday, Jan. 14, for practice rehearsals and the big event will be Saturday, Jan. 15. The 12 participants include: Jessica Aube, Nick Silver and Andrew McLaughlin, and their chorus director, Crystal Hobbs. Josh Reed, Brittany Corey, Jessica Aube, Elizabeth White, Hannah Heald, Tori Koch, Lindsey Blackstone, Kamryn Irving and Catelyn Coulombe, and their band director, Sean Diette.
There are only a few days remaining to register your dogs without the possible fines being imposed. Dogs six months old or older must be licensed by Jan. 1. At the time of registration, bring the old license and proof of a rabies vaccination. The fees are $5 for each dog that is spayed or neutered or $11 for those dogs who are not. A $15 fine may be applied for a late fee on all dogs registered after Jan. 31. For further information, contact the Washburn Town Office at 455-8485 during regular hours.
Rec Center schedule
On Monday, Dec. 27, there will be a trip to the Caribou Cinemas from1:30 to 4 p.m.
On Monday, Dec. 27, there will be K-1 basketball from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., followed by men’s basketball from 7:15 to 9 p.m. at the elementary school gym.
On Tuesday, Dec. 28, there will be a trip to Gentile Hall with lunch at McDonald’s from noon to 3:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, Dec. 29, there will be roller skating at the Caribou Melody Roller Rink from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
On Monday, Dec. 28, there will be basketball for grades 2-3 at the elementary school gym from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
On Thursday, Dec. 30, a special fun day of snow-tubing will be held at Big Rock in Mars Hill. The van will leave the Rec Center at 12:15 p.m. and return at 4:45 p.m. Trip limited to 14 students.
Just what Santa ordered!
Seven-year-old first grade student Abbie Easler recently won the giant Christmas stocking at the Washburn Food Mart. Owner Dan Martin generously donated the huge sock full of goodies including games, puzzles, a baseball bat, “Star Trek” figurines, along with a “Shrek” doll and a Dandy Candy game. Also one could see the corners of electronic games including Mario and the Millionaire games.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
Giant Christmas stocking — Abbie Easler showed some pure Christmas excitement at her notification of being the lucky winner of the giant stocking donated by the Washburn Food Mart. Shown here presenting Abbie with her prize is Food Mart staff member Sam Cochran.
Abbie had entered only one ticket for the prize and came up with the lucky one! Luck runs in their family as her sister Katie Easler, now 10 years old had, won the Food Mart stocking when she was only three!
Christie Cochran is the correspondent for Washburn, Wade and Perham. She can be reached at 455-8034 or gramchristie@yahoo.com.
