03/12/2026
The detailed Rec Department Report that didn't make the Town Report:
2025 was a great summer at the rec department, with some new faces joining our staff, as well as seeing several returning veterans!
Members of our staff in 2025 included:
New Staff Members:
Audrey Bennett (Lifeguard)
Emily Collins (Lifeguard)
Kason Bua (LL Umpire/Daytime Staff)
Trent Mastro (LL Umpire)
Charles Doyen (LL Umpire)
Evan Ellis (LL Umpire)
Todd Foisy (LL Umpire)
Peyton Chandler (Daytime Staff Fill-In)
Carrlyn Buck (Daytime Staff Fill-In)
Parker Kilcollins (Fall Soccer)
Walker Kilcollins (Fall Soccer)
Returning Daytime Staff Members:
Hattie Cogswell
Summer Sponberg
Addison Clairmont
Lindsey Himes
Alex Wasson
Hailey Himes
Sierra Farley
Carlee Wood
Lucas Wood
Carter Vigue
Little League Umpires/Staff
Shannon Kidney
Travis Mastro
Carter Vigue
Griffin Berry
Ryder Chandler
Together they all created an atmosphere filled with fun and learning for all our kids, and we feel they deserve recognition for all that they provided!
All of our favorite activities were back in full swing last summer, filled with participants who were happy to get out and interact with their friends after a successful school year! We offered daytime baseball fundamentals, tennis fundamentals, soccer fundamentals, arts & crafts, swim lessons, and evening little league.
Our little league program remained very strong in 2025, continuing with seven teams! The support was incredible, and we were happy to see the community out supporting our kids each night during games. We saw improvements to our fields, including an outfield fence on our second field donated by the Mapleton Lions Club, and the purchase of a scoreboard donated by Columbia Forest Products. A plan was made to build dugouts as well, and Irving and Huber made donations to start that process. Our fence-sign sponsors grew tremendously, which provides funds that go directly back into supporting the Little League program. We are incredibly grateful for all the generous individuals and businesses that continue to give and allow us to support our youth.
In the fall, we were fortunate to hire staff that allowed us to bring our soccer program back. We saw lots of kids come out to enjoy and learn the game of soccer on those chilly evenings as the leaves began to change. We hope to continue to staff this program and see it grow. Erica Whitaker coached our travel team which traveled around Aroostook County competing against other area rec departments.. She has been a huge asset for us the past couple years, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have her. Her coaching makes for a fun atmosphere that allows our kids to be competitive, and learn the game of soccer while having fun with their teammates!
Of course, our programs wouldn’t be possible without the great support we have from our community, including the businesses that step up to sponsor our Little League teams each year. This year we were happy to have the following sponsors return: Mapleton Lions Club, Buck Family Farms, Buck Construction, Mapleton Oil Company, Porter Farms, Langley Outdoors, and Squapan Mountain Outfitters. A big thank you also goes out to our volunteer coaches who gave so much of their time to help our kids learn the game of baseball. All of our teams worked hard and improved all summer, but it was Buck Farms who finished on top as champions for the second year in a row! The championship game was an exciting one, and all players should be proud of the way they played. Thank you goes out to the Mapleton Lions Club who sponsored a hotdog bbq once again for all who attended!
We want to thank everyone who comes out to support us each year. We have always tried to do our best to provide a program that allows the kids to have fun and be active, and it’s your support that has always allowed us to keep doing that.
In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t let the community know that after 13 years, I am disappointed not to be returning for 2026. Being the Rec Director for the towns of Mapleton, Castle Hill, and Chapman is something I’ve taken a lot of pride in. It’s always been more than a job to me. I love my community and have always enjoyed being able to give back.
Living right in the center of town, I’ve always loved being in the middle of all the events taking place. I’ve spent countless hours taking care of our facilities and planning and setting up events and activities. I’ve always tried my best to be present and willing to listen when people have new ideas or concerns they need addressed.
I’ve built some great relationships and worked with a lot of great people over the years, including some incredible volunteers who have given their time and money to make our programs a really special place to be. I started as Rec Director when I was 24 years old. I was just a kid myself and have grown a lot through doing this work. I now have kids of my own and have been proud to be part of providing programs that they have, and will, benefit from.
To my kids, summers are spent grooming athletic fields, cleaning pools, serving lunches, spending nights watching baseball, and organizing events. They don’t know any different. It has always been my hope to continue doing this for as long as I can. I would be lying, though, if I said the toll the job has taken on me has never made me question whether I should continue. As much as I love it, it can be hard sometimes.
We have a lot of great staff and volunteers, but there are many times when no one is there to help, and it all falls on me to still make things happen. I get a lot of positive feedback, but every now and then there are those who are quick to complain and are often the loudest voices in your head as you reflect on the job you’re trying to do. It can wear a person down, and those closest to me have heard my gripes and seen the stress it’s caused. I’ve never given up, though, because I care too much and haven’t had the heart to let it go.
I’ve tried to focus on the positives because the good has always far outweighed the bad. I’m a person who always aims to improve, and I believe that can be seen in the way our programs have continued to grow over the years. I truly appreciate everyone I’ve had the opportunity to work with. It has been the pleasure of my life, and I am truly grateful.
Despite my best efforts to remain open to conversation about change and improvement, the powers that be feel I am no longer the right person to continue in this role and believe a change is needed.
Thank you again to all who have supported me over the years. The kids, the families, and the community—you have all made it worth it. I appreciate you all.
Jacob T. Graham
Rec Director
2013-2025
