Carter is hutmaster

Sarah Carter of Buxton is a hutmaster for Maine Huts & Trails, which manages backcountry eco-lodges and miles of trails.

A 2007 Bonny Eagle High School graduate, Carter is the daughter of Mike and Martha Carter.

In her position, Carter ensures guests have a comfortable experience at her hut. She fixes three meals daily for guests at the Grand Falls hut.

Carter stokes a wood boiler among her duties that promote energy conservation and outdoor ethics. “We bake our own bread, get creative with all of our locally-sourced food and we do all the dishes by hand,” Carter said in a statement.

She graduated from Colby College in 2011 with a degree in sociology, and science, technology and society. She has worked as a wilderness therapy guide in Vermont, led outdoor adventures in the Southwest, and recently returned from Nepal.

Maine Huts & Trails said she is excited to be part of the hut-to-hut trail system in Maine.

“The best perk of the job, of course, is being able to access 50 miles of trails as soon as we walk out of our front door,” Carter said.

Brewster mansion tours on Saturday

The owners of the Royal Brewster mansion in Buxton are opening the doors to their home for tours benefiting the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society.

Tours are scheduled for 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, in the landmark at the intersection of routes 202 and 112. A suggested donation is $12; $10, seniors.

The mansion, a national historic site, is owned by Richard “Sandy” and Beverly Atkinson.

The home was built in 1805. Jan Hill, president of the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society said the mansion was the home of Royal Brewster, the first doctor in Buxton.

Hill said registration for tours would be in the barn adjoining the mansion. Beverly Atkinson said some of the ladies serving as tour guides will be dressed in period attire.

The home features a doll room, and a former carriage house has been converted to a family room. The mansion’s de?cor includes artwork by the early American painter John Brewster Jr., the doctor’s brother, who was deaf.

Jackson awarded Silver Star

At a ceremony at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., last week, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree presented the Silver Star to Robert Jackson of Buxton for his heroic actions, saving lives of fellow soldiers during a fierce battle in 1970.

Jackson, who joined the Army as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, repeatedly ran into enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers, a statement from Pingree’s office said.

Although Jackson was awarded the Silver Star more than 40 years ago, he never accepted it. He said he didn’t want to accept it because some of his fellow soldiers died in the battle, and he didn’t think it appropriate to accept a medal at the time.

“Over the years I’ve thought a lot about what happened in Vietnam,” Jackson said in a statement. “And I came to believe that accepting the medal would complete the circle for me. I still think about my comrades who never came home that day and what their deaths did to their families. And I thought about them today when Congresswoman Pingree pinned that medal on me.”

Jackson approached Pingree about getting the medal earlier this year. Her office, working with the Pentagon, obtained the Silver Star and three other commendations and arranged a ceremony this morning at the Vietnam War Memorial. Dozens of family members and visitors looked on as Pingree presented Jackson with the medals.

“He served our country bravely,” Pingree said. “Rob is a humble man, and will always be the first to give credit to others, but today we want to recognize his service and his bravery. He is a hero and he deserves this honor.”

PFC Jackson served in the U.S. Army, Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, according to text of the Silver Star citation.

Jackson distinguished himself by heroic actions on Oct. 15, 1970, while serving as a medical aidman, the citation released by Pingree’s office said.

“With complete disregard for his own safety, Private Jackson unhesitatingly maneuvered under a hail of enemy machine gun fire to reach the wounded soldiers and render first aid,” the statement said.

The Silver Star is the nation’s third highest military honor behind only the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross for soldiers.

Pinder earns university degree

Jodi Pinder of Buxton graduated from the University of New Haven on Jan. 18 with an undergraduate degree in marine biology.

Smooth Transitions new Buxton business

Bonita Usher, wife of Ron Usher, recently started a new business called Smooth Transitions, which assists seniors moving from homes to smaller apartments or nursing homes.

Usher can be contacted at 838-1032, email Bonita@smoothtransitionsmaine.com or visitwww.smoothtransitionsmaine.com.

Sarah Carter