Prior to the Chapman annual town meeting held on March 24, a special presentation was made to resident Pat Sutherland for her 50 years of community service.
Sandra Fournier, Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman town manager, started the recognition celebration saying, “On behalf of the town of Chapman and the citizens of Aroostook County, it is with great honor and gratitude that we recognize your remarkable milestone of 50 years of continuous civic service. Your unwavering dedication and tireless commitment to the betterment of our community have left an indelible mark on the lives of many.”
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Fournier listed many public positions Sutherland has held as well as many community services she has performed. These include: 1974-1981, MSAD1 school board director and first woman chair; 1974-2002, Chapman budget committee; 1983-2004 and chair 1986-2004, Chapman Planning Board; 1989-present and chair 1995-1997, Chapman representative on the Northern Maine Development Commission; and 2006-2009, Maine state representative.
Sutherland also served as Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman joint select board chair in 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024; from 2005 to present and chair from 2012 to present, Chapman Select Board; from 2014 to 2017 on the Maine Municipal Association Executive Committee; and from 2020 to present, Ignite PI Board.
Highlights of her service include leading efforts to unite Chapman’s east and west sides in the face of challenges, fostering collaboration and mutual respect; spearheading Chapman’s Centennial celebration in 2015; and being honored with the Maine Municipal Association’s Ethel Kelly Award in 2016.
In addition, she drove the successful adoption of Maine’s first three-town comprehensive plan in 2013, ensuring that Chapman, Mapleton and Castle Hill could work together harmoniously, and representing Chapman on the Northern Maine Development Commission and serving as its first woman chair, where her advocacy has profoundly benefited the entire region, Fournier said.
As tokens of appreciation and recognition, Fournier presented Sutherland with a rocking chair on behalf of the select boards.
Sutherland also received the Maine Spirit of America Award for the three towns, signed by all of the members of the select boards.
A letter of thanks and appreciation from Senator Susan Collins was read and presented by Trisha House from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ Presque Isle Office.
“From your role in the state Legislature to your position on several state and regional boards, your passion for your community is evident. I am pleased to join your family, friends and community in applauding this wonderful recognition,” the letter stated.
Finally Sutherland received a card and gift of appreciation from Ryan Pelletier, Aroostook County administrator, on behalf of the County Commissioners and staff. Pelletier thanked her for her 50 years of dedicated service. He added a personal thank you for her support and personal advice she has given him over the past 25 years.
Sutherland thanked everyone in attendance, adding she truly appreciated the town managers she worked with, including two former town managers who attended the event. Coming back from New Hampshire was Jon Frederick, who is currently town manager of Jaffrey, New Hampshire. and Martin Puckett, currently the executive director of the Central Aroostook Association.
Sutherland’s celebration ended in a typical Maine way: with the start of the Chapman annual town meeting.
Chapman annual meeting
Chapman held its annual town meeting March 24 at the Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club.
In an election prior to the meeting, voters elected Isaac Braley to a three-year term as select board member and assessor.
Residents approved the 30 articles of the posted warrant, including total anticipated revenues of $399,754 and $359,811 as its share of joint expenses for fiscal year ending Dec, 31. These appropriations were set by the joint select board, pursuant to the interlocal agreement and private and special laws of 2009.
Voters also approved a solar garden ordinance, a dog nuisance ordinance and an updated land use ordinance. For more specific information on these ordinances, or to obtain copies, contact the Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman Town Office.
Chapman voters approved to raise and appropriate funds for Public Safety in the amount of $32,946, along with $7,636 for community services and $1,500 for general assistance. More specifics are available at the town office.
Charity auction
The Mapleton Lions Club will hold its annual charity auction May 10 at the Mapleton Lions Community Hall. This is the club’s largest fundraising activity and helps fund many charitable activities. A supper will be held prior to the auction and everyone is invited to dine at the club and then come to the auction.
Dates to remember
April 19: Mapleton Daze Spring Craft and Vendor Fair, Mapleton Elementary School, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 4: Mapleton pageants sponsored by Mapleton Daze, Mapleton Elementary School, 3 p.m.
May 10: Mapleton Lions annual charity auction and dinner, Mapleton Lions Hall, 4:30 dinner and 6:30 auction.
May 26: Mapleton Lions Club Memorial Day parade, 2 p.m., with remembrance ceremony following at Mapleton Elementary School.
June 23-29: Mapleton Daze 2025.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
