PARIS – Foster Carroll Post 72, American Legion, and Auxiliary sponsored six boys and three girls to the Girls and Boys State week-long programs on government in June.

The delegates, now seniors, were invited to the Legion as guests, with their parents and siblings, to the special supper in October held so they could tell sponsors of their experiences. Also attending as guests were Girls State Assistant Director Caroleen Caldwell of New Sharon and Jim Haney of Boys State.

Ray Brown, Coach Sean Slicer and Ken Kennison presented a plaque thanking the Legion and Auxiliary for funds and support for the Bessey’s American Legion baseball team.

Commander Joe Lamonte accepted the plaque and emceed the supper speakers with assistance of Unit President Virginia Gammon. She introduced Joyce Linindoll, who has served almost 25 years as unit Girls State chairwoman. Linindoll introduced Caldwell and delegates Abigail Rogers, Alycia Fleck and Jill Cole who each spoke.

Jim Taylor spoke about Boys State, and Tim Seams, delegate, told of his experiences. Haney, who has worked at Boys State for 26 years, spoke on how instrumental that week’s experience is to leadership training and understanding of how government works.

During the business meeting that followed, thank-you letters were read from REACH for the $25 donation sent; MS for $25 donation; and $20 to the Lewiston-Auburn veterans “Price of Freedom” Monument Fund.

Food donations were voted to go to the Oxford Hills Community Food Pantry; $50 for the Dr. Manning Fund; $100, Western Maine Veterans Home Gift Shop and $50 for their Christmas party; $25, Christmas for Kids; $50, Christmas for Teens; two $50 gift certificates to two needy families at Thanksgiving; and $25, tree lights in memory of deceased members.

Plans were made for the Oct. 23 craft fair (which brought in $295) and the Halloween party held for community children on Oct. 31.

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