Stories by Staff Pioneer Times

9 years ago

Wishing our readers a blessed holiday

Cup O‘ Joe
By Joseph Cyr

Christmas is an occasion to spend time with family and friends, both new and old, in a cozy, comfortable setting. It’s a time for a renewed sense of spirituality for many. After all, the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ.

My family and I witnessed this first-hand Sunday evening as we attended a candlelight service at the Houlton Wesleyan Church. An evening filled with joyous Christmas carols culminated with the congregation circling the church and lighting candles for a rendition of “Silent Night.” It was truly an awe-inspiring moment to see a darkened room slowly become aglow in a sea of warm light.

9 years ago

Getting over and getting on

By Dale Landrith Sr.

In 2008, Americans voted for “hope and change.” We got the change but the hope seems to have been lost in the change. I have not seen it written anywhere but Americans on November 8th again voted for hope and change, but this time it was called “Make America Great Again.” The reaction by the American people has been simply amazing.

9 years ago

Geographical prejudice: part one

By Andy Torbett

The recent debate (I’m being kind; “tantrums” is the more accurate term) concerning the Electoral College has brought into sharp clarity the desire or belief by some that only certain areas, and those that reside there, should decide the political fortunes of the rest of the nation.

It would seem if you follow this line of thinking (again, I’m being kind), that a mere residency in certain enlightened geographical locations endows said resident with more political fortitude than those from less desirable locals, and therefore, those residents who reside in the “cool place” their votes should have more import, clout than those who reside in the “not-so-cool place.”

9 years ago

ACAP, partners offer resource guide

PRESQUE ISLE — According to the 2014 Hunger in Maine Report, Feeding America, more than 200,000 Mainers are food insecure, meaning they lack regular access to enough nutritious food to live a healthy life. This includes one in four children. Based on 2014 data from Catholic Charities, up to 37 percent of Aroostook County residents […]

9 years ago

Happy Losers

On Dec. 14, the weight group called The Happy Losers held their weekly meeting at the United Baptist Church vestry in Island Falls.

Jackie Pratt, the leader, opened the meeting and welcomed members, followed by the pledge and roll call. Twelve members weighed in and 10 attended the meeting.

9 years ago

Island Falls Seniors

The spirit of Christmas prevailed as the Island Falls Senior Citizens group gathered at the municipal building for our annual Christmas party.

The bill of fare included a wide variety of finger foods and fabulous desserts. After lunch, we all enjoyed a very entertaining Yankee swap.

9 years ago

Purple Hat Ladies

The Smyrna Merrill Historical Society (SMHS) was the meeting place for the Purple Hat ladies for their Christmas party on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The dining table was decorated with a Christmas theme.

The Purple Hat ladies brought food and supplies for the animal shelter wrapped in newspaper to play their Christmas swap game. After number 1 chose her gift and unwrapped it, everyone took their turn and it was a fun time ending with lots of goodies for the shelter.

9 years ago

Catholic Women

The Houlton Council of Catholic Women met in the Parish Center on Dec. 5. There were 13 members and moderator, Father Dave, present.

Following the opening prayers and hymn, the group enjoyed a potluck supper.

Vice President Jane Stile read the minutes of the November meeting. Treasurer Mary Grant gave the treasurer’s report. Alta Reardon, corresponding secretary, read a thank you note from the Houlton Animal Shelter for the donation they received from the council.

9 years ago

Island Falls News

On the Christmas weekend, the local places to eat in Island Falls will be open on the following schedules:

River Café: open 7-7 on Friday, Dec. 23; closed Saturday and Sunday.

Maine Slice: open Thursday and Friday, 4-8 or later, and closed Saturday and Sunday.

9 years ago

Halls of Houlton

Director of Adult & Community Education

Adult education is a lot more than earning a GED. There are multiple facets to today’s world of adult education, and our own local program is prepared to meet those ever-changing needs. Houlton/Hodgdon Adult and Community Education is located at the Houlton Higher Education Center, and a completely new office team is ready to serve the community.

Director Joe Fagnant brings 22 years of educational experience in working for both RSU 29 and SAD 70 school districts, and his experience working for Jobs for Maine’s Graduates is valuable for new workforce development requirements.