by Jennifer Buzza
The Mapleton Lions Club is preparing for an active and event-filled year. To start 2013, the Mapleton Lions Club inducted Jon Frederick of Mapleton into the club as a new member. Frederick is the town manager for Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman. He was sponsored into the club by Lion Wesley Buck. Club President Frank Richards welcomed Frederick into the club. Buck received recognition from Lions International for sponsoring Frederick as a new member to the club.
In other club business, the members discussed plans for the coming year. Work on the club’s spring auction has begun. The auction is the club’s largest fundraiser and will be held May 4 with its traditional community bean dinner preceding the auction. Also in May, the club will conduct the annual Mapleton Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony. Anyone interested in participating in the parade may contact Lion Steve Hanning for information.
The club also discussed its continued sponsorship and hosting of three major area events this year. Representatives from the club are meeting with the Mapleton Daze Committee to plan their weekend’s activities. As has been the tradition for over 20 years, the Mapleton Lions Club will host its famous Friday night chicken barbecue to kick the weekend into high gear. In March, a community dinner will be held at the Mapleton Lions Hall to raise funds to cover the costs of the fireworks and other activities for Mapleton Daze.
As part of Mapleton Daze, the Lions Club will also continue as one of the sponsors for the Maple Meadow Farm Fest. Two days of demonstrations will be held showing farming when farmers used the power of real horses. There will also be crafters and other demonstrations involving portable log saws and other equipment. Mapleton Lions members will be there both days selling your favorite foods including their famous sausage sandwiches and french fries.
The last big event of the summer will be the Crown of Maine Hot Air Balloon Fest running from Aug. 22-25. Mapleton Lions members are working with the COMBF organizing committee as they prepare to host 15 hot air balloons for this year’s special event. COMBF will celebrate its 10th year for the balloon fest. The committee is planning special celebration activities for this year to mark this milestone in the fest’s history. This year will be the third year for the Mapleton Lions Club to sponsor and host the balloon fest.
Be watching for news releases regarding all of these activities, including information that can be found on the Facebook page for Mapleton Daze and the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest web site. Should you want more information regarding any of these events, please speak with any club member who can connect you with those working on the different projects.
Birthdays
Birthday wishes this week go out to Karl Hoffses, Chad Carter, Cameron Wilcox, Julia Blake, Dylan Mountain, Michael Michaud, Martin Carter, Ross Doyen, Joe Greaves, Donald Gilson Jr., Brooklyn Parker, Nancy Vigue, Adam Lafland, Maren Millard, Carol Allen, Lucie Simpson and Lucas Wood.
Anniversary
Happy anniversary this week to Harvey III and Judy Brown on the 28th.
Friday luncheon
The Mapleton United Methodist Church will be hosting its monthly luncheon Friday, March 1 at 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend and enjoy a delicious meal.
50/50 winner
Last week’s winner of the Mapleton Daze 50/50 raffle was Sylvia McHatten of Mapleton. Tickets can be purchased at Tenney’s, the Mapleton Town Office or the Mapleton Diner and all proceeds will benefit the 25th annual Mapleton Daze festivities.
World Religion Seminar
The Mapleton United Baptist Church will host its continuing World Religion Seminar this Sunday, March 3 from 6-7 p.m. at the church building. This week’s topic will be Confucianism and Daoism. The seminar will be presented by Dave Raymond, church member and chair of the Northern Maine Community College arts and sciences department. Refreshments will be served.
Mapleton Baptist is located directly across from the Mapleton Elementary School and is handicapped accessible. For questions and further information, please call the church office at 764-6034. The public is invited 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.
