Cutline (Fred 1, 2 or 3) – Fred Farnham cuts and serves a cake, celebrating his birthday at town hall on Wednesday. Staff photo by Robert Lowell

Farnham shares a birthday penny

Buxton selectmen and town office employees surprised Code Enforcement Officer Fred Farnham with a birthday cake and ice cream on Wednesday at town hall.

Gifts to Farnham included a pack of gourmet jellies, as he enjoys peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch. He credited eating his favorite sandwiches, and oatmeal for breakfast, with keeping him young.

But he said reaching his birthday required more than just eating oatmeal and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. “These reflect my daily motto to live simply and to simply live,” he said. “I try to find something in each day that makes being here worthwhile.”

He said that philosophy is his “penny” for the day. “That idea comes from Anne Dillard’s book, ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,'” he said.

Farnham said when Dillard was a little girl she would place pennies along the sidewalk to see the delight of those who found them. “I’ve applied this concept to keep the delight of life in my life,” he said.

Farnham didn’t reveal his age. “You’re only as old as you feel,” Farnham said as he served the cake and ice cream.

Meet ‘Dorcas Dishes’ at fair

Kathy E. Miles said that the Dorcas Society would have its annual fair and lawn party in conjunction with the Buxton Community Fair on Saturday, July 16, at Tory Hill, intersection of routes 112 and 202.

Fairgoers will have a chance to meet the “Dorcas Dishes,” the local models who appeared in their much talked about calendar.

Post 130 installs officers

The Hutchinson-Boulter Post 130 of the American Legion installed its officers in ceremonies on Monday, June 13.

Wayne Butler was installed as post commander and Norman Palmer, first vice commander. Others were William Butler, adjutant; Harold Smith, finance officer; and Robert Patterson, chaplain.

Paul Neal, Charles Gavett and Carl Smith of American Legion District 1 officiated. A luncheon was served for members and guests.

The post plans a second annual raffle throughout the summer with winners to be announced during the municipal election in November. In another summer activity, a yard sale is scheduled rain or shine on Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, at the post headquarters, 401 Bar Mills Road, Hollis. Those wishing to donate items should call 727-3449.

The money generated by the fundraisers will be used for building maintenance, contributions to established veterans’ programs and a Buxton fund for a memorial to veterans of the Korean War.

Post 130 is recognized as the American Legion post of Buxton/Hollis.

Robey on dean’s list

Christina Robey has been named to the dean’s list for the spring term at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I.

Robey is pursuing an associate degree in travel tourism management from the university’s Hospitality College.

Watering trough moved

The Maine Department of Transportation recently moved a historic Buxton watering trough on Route 112.

Selectman Carol Sanborn said the watering trough, which was located near the roadway, was only moved a few feet for protection. “It only had a couple of chips believe it or not,” Sanborn said.

It was installed in 1892 by the West Buxton Social Club, a women’s group. Selectman Bob Libby said the trough is fed by a spring that flows constantly.

The watering trough now in its new spot is less likely to be damaged by snowplows. “The horses never knocked it over,” Libby said.

Another Buxton watering trough on Fountain Street was restored earlier this spring. Designed by architect John Calvin Stevens, it was constructed in 1894 in honor of the town’s first minister, Rev. Paul Coffin, and his grandson, Cyrus Woodman.

Fuel tank replaced

The town of Buxton has replaced a 500-gallon gasoline fuel tank at the town garage.

A pinhole leak was discovered in the 30-year old tank early on Wednesday, June 22. The spill was contained, and there was no ground contamination.

Selectman Bob Libby said the new tank cost $500.