Washburn residents to consider
the future of Mill Pond
WASHBURN NEWS
by Christie Cochran
A meeting was held on Wednesday, Dec.1, for interested citizens to begin to determine the future of the Mill Pond Park — more locally known as the “swimming pool.”
This is a beautiful area dedicated to long-time Rotarian and Town Manager Milford Blackstone. Many came to Washburn to enjoy the grounds and the water of the Mill Pond Park. Public input is now needed to create a place where many can gather once more to enjoy the outdoors in our small hometown.
The geese are a problem and can be discouraged from staying if there is consistent human activity. A burm is not aesthetically pleasing as it would occlude the beauty of the pond.
Washburn Rotary has been planning to erect a special playground in memory of Robert “Bob” Ellis, a former Washburn Rotarian, insurance agent and one who had a deep interest in Washburn and its residents.
The town of Washburn has requested that the Rotary take over the Mill Pond Park as a community-based service project, being responsible for improvements and fundraising. Grants will be sought to make this area more recreationally-viable and the town of Washburn will oversee spending of the funds.
Several groups have expressed interest in getting involved in the pond’s revitalization, including: Boy Scouts, the Trail Runners Snowmobile Club and the Washburn Beavers ATV Club.
Preliminary plans include re-doing the dam and expanding the trail system for summer and winter foot traffic which will enhance area usage for all ages.
Your thoughts are an important part of the possibilities. Anyone interested in this effort, or wishing to share ideas, is asked to contact Rotarian and Rubber Ducky Derby Coordinator Cindy Richendollar, Town Councilor and Rotarian Mike Umphrey or former Washburn Recreation Director, lifeguard and Rubber Ducky Derby fundraiser Doug Flanagin.
Correspondence may be sent to: P.O. Box 471, Washburn, ME 04786.
The next scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Washburn Civic Center. All are welcome to attend.
Birthdays/anniversaries
Those celebrating birthdays this week are: Megan Farley, Graydon K. Buckingham, Sharon McPherson, Mary Baker, Jerry Tompkins, Crystal Hobbs, Kris Tarbox, Tyler Turner, Roberta Belforti, Mike Brooker, Jill Maynard, Lindsey McKeen, Carl Pinette, Roger Herrick, Leon Tarbox, Gloria Doody, June Churchill, Rena Drost, Madisyn Umphrey, Robert Mette, Mavis Carter, Betty Connor, Emilia Churchill, Abram Dow, Laurie Blackstone, Ernest Bragg, Gerald Carney, Autumn Tuttle, Greg Anderson, Wade Willett, Jana Shaw and Chuck Cunningham.
A special anniversary wish goes out to Wallace and Linda Tupper.
Rec Center schedule
On Wednesday, Dec. 15, there will be basketball for grades 2 and 3 at the elementary school from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
On Thursday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m., the senior citizens’ group will be enjoying a Christmas dinner at the Rec Center. Their guests will be the senior citizens from Easton.
On Friday, Dec. 17, there will be a movie shown at the Rec Center from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. This is open to students in grades K-4.
On Monday, Dec. 20, there will be K-1 basketball held at the elementary school from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
Also on Monday, Dec. 20, there will be Men’s basketball at the elementary school from 7:15 to 9 p.m.
On Tuesday, Dec. 21, there will be holiday gift making at the Rec Center from 2:45 to 4:15 p, m.
On Wednesday, Dec. 22, there will be grades 2 and 3 basketball at the elementary school from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
Those participating in recent holiday gift-making at the Rec Center pictured from left are: Kyli Farley, Braxton Jencks, Natalie Charette, Kristen Dube, Sarah Maynard, Jaden Doody, Kassie Farley, Brittney Kaelin, Catherine Butler, Sydney Doody and Emily Butler.
Washburn historic facts sought
On Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011, Washburn will be entering its Sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary year, and beginning with the Wednesday, Jan. 5, edition, there will be a new item added to the Washburn column.
It will consist of Washburn Trivia items, and depending on the size, there could be several items included. Please keep in mind that this is your column, and items are needed to make it an interesting read for all. The current title is “Remembering Washburn’s History,” but that can be changed by any other ideas, perhaps even a new title monthly. Photos are welcome also. The items can include ancestry, town memorabilia and memories, trivia facts and lots more.
This will be an ongoing item throughout the year, as part of the Sesquicentennial celebrations.
Town notes, reminders & events
The next scheduled meeting for the new group of those interested in participating in the Mill Pond future will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Washburn Civic Center. All are welcome to attend and bring your ideas.
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.
Maine State law requires that dogs 6 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.
Boy Scout Troop 177 is selling Christmas trees for $25 each, and sizes range from 5- to 7-foot tall. They are available at the home of Scout Leader Ron Rand on the Washburn-Presque Isle Road. Local delivery will be available on Saturdays in the Washburn, Wade, Perham and Crouseville areas. This is a major fund raising event for the troop, and all sales are appreciated.
Christie Cochran is the correspondent for Washburn, Wade and Perham. She can be reached at 455-8034 or gramchristie@yahoo.com.
