2 min read

AUBURN — Students at Washburn Elementary School are enjoying the snowy season with some high-quality new gear, thanks to a community partnership aimed at getting kids moving.

The school recently took delivery of L.L.Bean snowshoes and Sonic sleds, providing
students with expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation during the school day and beyond.
The acquisition was made possible by a donation from the Lost Valley Competition Program.

The initiative was spearheaded by Karly Eretzian, a program coach, board member and member of the Snow Ball Fundraising Committee. Eretzian worked closely with the school and the Maine-based retailer to coordinate the delivery.

For Eretzian, the project was about more than just gear, it was about fostering a lifelong love for the Maine winter.

“We are so happy to be a part of encouraging kids to get outside and enjoy the winter months,”
she said.

The donation ensures that all students, regardless of personal access to winter gear, can participate in outdoor recess activities, she said.

For more information on the Lost Valley program and upcoming events, visit lvcpsnowball.com.

Washburn Elementary School Principal Mark Thibodeau, middle, tightens snowshoes to Emelia Farr on Monday morning as others wait to try the new winter gear during recess at the Auburn school. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)
Washburn Elementary School second grader Nolan Turcotte runs through snow Monday morning on a pair of newly donated snowshoes during recess at the Auburn school. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)
Washburn Elementary School second grader Emmerie Simons slides down a snowbank Monday morning during recess at the Auburn school. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)
Washburn Elementary School first grader Rosalie Michaud climbs a snowbank with a pair of newly donated snowshoes Monday morning during recess at the Auburn school. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)
Washburn Elementary School second grader Ayden Libby walks over snow on a pair of newly donated snowshoes Monday morning during recess at the Auburn school. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)
Washburn Elementary School students try out newly donated Sonic sleds Monday morning during recess at the Auburn school. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)

A lifelong resident of Lewiston, Russ stumbled into photography as a college student working toward a career in psychology. His great-grandfather Louis B. Costello was the publisher of the Lewiston Daily...

Join the Conversation

Please your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.