Cup O’ Joe: Potpourri of topics

Next Tuesday, voters throughout the state will head to the polls to cast their ballots on four state referendum issues. While some may be tempted to pass on casting their votes this year, due to relatively few items on the ballot, there is no greater responsibility for a citizen than voting.
    In Houlton, there are six individuals — Carl Lord Jr., Sue Tortello, Michael Jenkins, Phil Bernaiche, Robert Hannigan and Paul Cleary — vying for four seats on the town council, while three others — Elizabeth Anderson, Cynthia Hillman-Forbush and John Tribou — are seeking election to the SAD 29 school board.
The Houlton Pioneer Times detailed the four referendum questions in this week’s issue. We also profiled the candidates for town council, while the school board profiles appeared last week. Do your homework and read up on the four referendum questions and candidates so you can make an informed decision when casting your ballot.
Kudos to the Houlton Higher Education Center and Houlton Recreation Center for the Halloween parties they hosted over the weekend for area youth. The University of Maine college students, who did an excellent job of creating a fun atmosphere for the children, sponsored the HHEC’s event. Rooms featured cupcake decorating, mini games, Halloween story time and a spooky room for the more adventurous. The Rec Center’s event drew about 100 children, with money raised from the event going towards youth programs.
Speaking of tricks, snow fell across southern Aroostook County Saturday night and early Sunday blanketing the area with wet, sticky snow. While it was not the foot of snow that many were predicting, it was still enough for area children — and the young at heart — to get outside and make their first snowman of the season. Fortunately, by Monday much of the snow melted away, but it’s only a matter of time before it returns.
The Houlton boys soccer team is vying for the Eastern Class C crown Wednesday when the No. 3 Shires host No. 4 Orono at 3 p.m. Having a chance to host a regional championship is not something that happens too often. If you have not had a chance to see the Houlton boys play, now is the time to do so.
It is also an excellent opportunity for the student body to come out and support their team (and school) with a strong showing. Sports teams feed off the energy of their fans, so come on out and cheer the Shires on to victory.
Next Monday (Nov. 7), a community forum on the dangers of “bath salts” will be held at the Houlton High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Presenters will include representatives from the Northern New England Poison Control Center; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; and Aroostook Mental Health Center.
Following a presentation on what bath salts are and how they are affecting people, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you have questions on this new dangerous recreational drug, bring them to the presentation to pose to the panel of experts.
  Joseph Cyr is a staff writer for the Houlton Pioneer Times. He can be reached at pioneertimes@nepublish.com or 532-2281.