The Flagstaff Area Business Association in Stratton- Eustis is gearing up for a busy summer. I spoke with the secretary, Sue Fotter, this week who said that they have obtained some 70 flags that will be going up on the streets of the town in May. "We are a looking for donations of $45 per flag for at least 25 more flags that can be given in memory of anyone," Sue said. Donations can be sent to FABA, PO Box 134 Eustis, Maine 04936 or by calling the FABA telephone number 670-0808.

FABA is also looking for donations to erect a granite bench at the elementary school park in memory of the late Lynn Fotter, a longtime school teacher at the school. These donations may be also sent to FABA, said Sue.

She added that FABA is working on Stratton/Eustis Family Fun Days to be held on June 26 to 28. This year the theme will be "Wild, Wild West Days." "We are looking for more people to enter floats this year," Sue said. Anyone interested in taking part should call the FABA telephone number and leave a message. FABA members also are going to be working on making the communities of Stratton/Eustis more beautiful in a "beautification downtown project."

I spoke with my buddy, Police Chief Scott Nichols, this week and as a member of the Farmington Rotary Club, Scott is trying to sell "Vidalia onions" (what a great job for him) to benefit the Rotary Club's charity project "Safe Passage," a program in Guatemala which provides for education for impoverished children in the city. The order must be in by April 22. Everyone loves Vidalia onions and it's for a good cause. Anyone who would like to order the onions can send e-mail to info@franklincountymaine.org

Pat Franz of Coplin Plantation, a member of the Stratton/Eustis Lion's Club, is the new incoming chairman of the Regional Lion's Club Speak Out Competition. Pat said that two high school students from Monmouth Academy and Nokomis Regional High School were the winners this year of the competition that was sponsored by Lion's Clubs throughout the state. The final Speak Out challenge will be held on April 29 at the Samoset Resort.

I was at a home party this week hosted by Holly Tranten Paul and was amazed when this woman introduced herself and found out that she was Raynard and Viola Morrell's little girl "all grown up working at the Kingfield Credit Union." I always think children shouldn't grow up...

Those "angels" in Kingfield, Dottie Stone, Doris Stone and Carmen Boucher (along with the help from Elie), have made and delivered some 43 bedrolls and lap pads for the homeless and elderly.

In New Portland, Gary Agren was reappointed the town road commissioner and Robert Dunphy as the code enforcement officer. Becky Taylor, the new town clerk, has named Marilyn Gorman, the town historian, as her deputy town clerk. On April 28 there will be a referendum vote on whether to keep the Central Elementary School open, which is due to be closed at the end of this school year. The vote will be at the Central school from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. An approximate operating cost to keep the school open has been set at $292,312 this is in addition to the $34,586 monthly subsidy already paid to the district.

On Thursday April 16 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a Chocolate Potluck held at the New Portland Library. Bring your favorite chocolate dish.

On May 21 there will be a Spring Cleaning Creation when you can create a beautiful work of art at the library at 6:30 p.m. It may be something that has been stored in your attic for years.

The annual Plant, Book and Bake Sale will be held on June 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the New Portland Community Library. Anyone interested in helping with any of these projects should call Stephanie Campbell at 628-2072 or Pete Bearor at 628-3061.

The next meeting of the Wire Bridge Sno Travelers in New Portland will be on April 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the fire station community building.

A very Happy Birthday goes out to my friend and town historian Beulah Moore April 21. Let's get cards sent out to a woman who has done so much for our community. A Happy Anniversary to Charlie and Joline Howard, too.

It seems that Nona Young and I have something in common; we can't seem to stay "upright." I do hope Nona gets well soon from her recent fall. I am still coping with a broken elbow. Dr. Caldwell is the best we are lucky to have him in Farmington.

My prayers and thoughts go out to the Carla Pinkham family. Carla always had a smile on her face and made you feel good every time you met her in town.

June Delong of Kingfield is one lucky woman... she was at her sister, Gloria Lane's home two weeks ago on the Cross Town Road in Embden with the two women sitting in the kitchen when all of a sudden they looked up and the front porch was on fire. There was no way out but through the porch so June slammed her hand through two panes of glass going out through a window. With her hand bleeding she tried to pull her sister out but she collapsed and was unable to. A passing motorist in the remote area heard June screaming and came running, pulling Gloria from the window. Between the smoke and fire June said her sister lost everything she owned. If anyone would like to help they can contact June at 265- 4051. In the meantime Gloria is staying in Kingfield with June and her husband, Donny, until she can rebuild.

The Kingfield Senior Citizens will be eating with Kingfield Elementary School students on Thursday April 16 at 11 a.m. All seniors are welcomed. It's wonderful to visit with the children I always have to ask who they belong to they all grow so fast.