By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
HOULTON — A recent playgroup for 30 local children in coordination with Healthy Families of Aroostook got started with excitement and unexpected thrills even before they reached Memorial Park. 
Contributed photo/Eileen Bustard
MOOSE ON THE LOOSE — Children from Eileen’s Day Care spotted this young moose on Charles Street. “It was unbelievable. Some of the children had never seen a moose,” says Bustard who gave each child a copy of the photo. No reports on where the moose went.
Morgan Bolling, nine years old, said: “Today we saw a moose walking in front of us.” She said she wasn’t startled when the moose went across Charles Street.
Young Bolling continued on with her friends from Eileen’s Day Care to the playdate that included activities from ice cream making and a scavenger hunt to Kool-Aid painting with ice cubes. 
Heidi Pratt presents Madison Bolling, 7 years old, with a hacky sack for successfully completing the scavenger hunt.
She will probably be looking for this story since she said she reads the Pioneer Times regularly because it “tells about the things happening in town.” She also looks for garage sales and stories about pets. “I’m saving my money for a pet. I love dogs and cats.”
Danielle Langley, director of Healthy Families of Aroostook, said the summer monthly playgroup is held outside when possible as a chance for parents to share experiences and for children to socialize with peers. 
Even though it was a warm day, Pierson James Schools, 4 years old, in his swim trunks, decided to wear mittens while making his personal batch of homemade ice cream.
Langley added that some of the crafting activities could be replicated at home.
For more information on the free activity program, Langley says watch for local advertising or call: 532-7405.
Will George with stepson Bradley Bean, 5 years old, said it was important for both of them to enjoy the activities together.
Best friends Nicholas Austin, 3 years old, and Grace Langley, 4 years old, seemed to really enjoy the ice cream they made at the park.
Morgan Bolling, 9 years old, and McKenzie Schools, 6 years old, said they enjoyed the Kool-Aid painting with ice cubes which left them with temporarily colorful hands. Bolling, a Pioneer Times fan and reader says she likes to find out what is going on in town through the newspaper
