LUMBRA’S MILL CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
BY VALERIE ROBERTSON (WITH A LOT OF HELP FROM LAURA STANCHFIELD!)
Shown above: (from left to right) Front, Benny Lumbra, Reuben Lumbra, Lynn Ricker. Back, Roddy Rublee, Stephen Lumbra.
     On Friday, Nov. 15, a surprise party was held at Oscar & Reuben Lumbra Inc., at which the employees were treated to cake and given a jacket commemorating the 50th birthday of Lumbra’s Mill.
     In 1952, father and son partners Oscar L. Lumbra and Reuben W. Lumbra, established Oscar & Reuben Lumbra Inc., a hardwood lumber manufacturer. The original mill was in Enosburg Falls, Vermont and moved to Milo in 1960 to take advantage of a better supply of hardwood logs. After a fire destroyed the sawmill in 1962, the company moved to its present location at 122 River Road. The sawmill operation continues as a family owned business. Reuben W. Lumbra is still active in the business along with three of his children, Lynn Ricker, Benny Lumbra, and Stephen Lumbra, and nephew, Rod Rublee.
     The sawmill provides hardwood lumber to the furniture, flooring, and pallet industries. Hardwood lumber production capacity is 7 million feet annually. Native Maine hardwoods are sawed and the species are as follows: (listed in order of greatest to least amount processed.) Hard Maple, Soft Maple, Yellow Birch, Ash, Beech, Oak and Basswood. Lumber is graded according to the National Hardwood Association (NHLA) rules and sold in trailer load quantities. Lumber is sold “green” (not dried), kiln dried, or air-dried. Primary sizes of the boards are 4”x4”, 5”x5”, 6”x6”,and 8”x4”, along with 4x4 and 4x6 pallet stock and pallet parts. Waste products, such as pulp chips, bark, and sawdust are marketed to area paper companies, biomass companies, and farmers.
     The customer base for the lumber includes manufacturers of furniture, flooring, stairways, architectural millwork, molding, baskets , paddles and oars, pallets, and boxes. The market area is primarily the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic States, Quebec, and New Brunswick.
     Hardwood logs are purchased from large and small landowners and public lands. Logs are then scaled with the Maine Rule and are competitively priced. Loads of mixed hardwoods are purchased year round. As a sawmill that doesn’t own it’s own forestland, Oscar and Reuben Lumbra, Inc., has long been dependent on the health and sustainability of Maine’s forests.
     The present sawmill became operational in 1996, and is an amazing complex. Technological advances in the manufacturing

process have helped better utilize the forest resources. The sawmill utilizes computer optimizing and scanning equipment that allows the recovery of more lumber from each log. The last several years have brought constant change to company operations, and Reuben and the gang always give the health and beauty of Maine’s forest lands consideration, as well as efficiency of the mill. The old sawmill was dismantled and sold because it was not cost effective to saw in the old plant. A drying kiln was added in 1999, which adds value to the lumber, while reducing shipping costs because the boards weigh less. A cut-up shop was added in 2000 to make “ready-to-nail” pallet parts. The cut-up shop allows better utilization of low-grade lumber.
     Oscar and Reuben Lumbra, Inc. is currently one of the largest property tax payers in the town of Milo, as well as one of its largest employers. Many families have benefited from the scholarship established at Penquis Valley High School to benefit employee’s children, or local children whose parents work in the forest or wood products industry.
     Because Lumbra’s Mill is off the beaten path, we don’t realize the large work force employed there. The following is a list of the employees and the length of time each has worked at the mill. You can see that Lumbra’s Mill makes a giant impact on the financial well being of our area, and that we are so lucky to have this thoughtful and thriving family business in our town.
     Here’s to a future filled with success and love to all of the owners and employees.

COMING DECEMBER 5
A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL FOR THE COMMUNITY
"HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL"
MILO TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER
THURS., DEC.5 -- 7:00 PM
SPONSORED BY THREE RIVERS KIWANIS
for
"SECRET SANTA"
FREE ADMISSION

is to 'share' the little things in your life. Point out the simple things in life to someone you care about or better yet, tell a stranger what a beautiful day it is.
     Find the good in your life....all you have to do is look around you!
     Until next week!
Aunt Bea Kind

United Methodist Women News
BY CAROLINE SINCLAIR
     The United Methodist Women met on Nov. 14 for their regular monthly meeting. With the help of Melanie Hussey's elementary students we have appoximately 30 shoe boxes to send to Franklin Graham's Operation Christmas Child. The boxes contain age appropriate items and will be sent all over the world. We will be delivering the boxes to the Brewer First United Methodist Church sometime during the week of Nov. 18-22, where they will be packed for shipment to Boone, N.C. From there they will be sent all over the world to children who have a need.
     We also finalized plans for the Christmas Fair, which will be held on Dec. 7th.
     Our program was about missions around the world that are supported by the United Methodist Women and we all brought the change that we have been saving throughout the year as our Thank Offering. These monies will be sent to the Office of Global Ministries to support missions around the world.
     Also, the UMW catered a party for Eleanor Heath for her upcoming 90th birthday. The party was held at the church.

IN MEMORIAM
DAVID E. LEEMAN
MILO - David E. Leeman, 55, loving husband of Donna Leeman, died Nov. 11, 2002, at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft. He was born Aug. 1, 1947, in Milo, the son of John E. and Ruth (Applebee) Leeman. He graduated from Brownville Junction High School in 1966. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969. He worked at P.C.I. National in Brownville and as a mechanic for Prouty Ford in Dover-Foxcroft. He is survived by his wife, Donna of Milo; two daughters, Dawn Johnston and her husband, Bill of Mexico, Donna Leeman and her companion, Dennis Brown of Milo; his father, John Leeman of Brownville Junction; his father-in-law, Ernest Mills of Brownville Junction; three brothers, James S. Leeman of Atkinson, Frank R. Leeman and his wife, Grace of Williamsburg; Roger A. Leeman and his wife, Donna of Brownville Junction; three sisters, Ruth L. Heath and her husband, Ray of Brownville, Joanne Estes and her companion, Edward Lapointe of Williamsburg, Barbara J. Lamore and her husband, Mike of Cambridge, Vt.; sisters-in-law, Allana Washburn and her husband, Rodney, Carol Beaudoin and her husband, Gataen, Sharon Rozos and her husband, Mike, Sheila Kirby; brother-in-law, Eric Mills and his wife, Judy; two granddaughters, Hope Cole and Faith Brown of Milo; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Ruth Leeman; one sister, Helen Ann; and mother-in-law, Ivy Mills. Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, at the Brownville Community Church in Brownville, with the Rev. David McLeish officiating. Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Milo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 52 Federal St., Brunswick, ME 04011-2194.
BERNICE V. STONE
BROWNVILLE - Bernice V. Stone, 82, wife of the late Edward F. Stone, died Nov. 8, 2002, at a Dover- Foxcroft hospital. She was born Oct. 2, 1920, in Howe Brook, the daughter of Horace and Eva (White) Russell. She was a member of the Junior Welfare Club, Maine Rebekahs Orion No. 16, OES, Brownville Junction High School Alumni Association, and the Bernard Jones American Legion Post No. 92 Auxiliary. Bernice was an avid bingo and card player, and she loved to read. She is survived by three sons, Ronald, Walter and his wife, Kay, Pat and his wife, Ginger, all of

blessed them with happiness. The people who went in war, who work at the hospital, the police and the fire fighters should all be treated like royalty. Because they save lives and help make our country free. so God bless them. God bless them all.
WHAT VETERAN'S DAY MEANS TO ME
BY LAUREN BELLATTY
     Veteran's Day means pride and respect. To honor those people who served in the war. People who have grandparents or aunts or even an uncle. We thank those people for fighting in the war. Every Veteran's Day we honor them with pride and respect.

MILO’S TERRIFIC KIDS
FROM THE CLASSROOM OF:
Mrs. Barden- Our Terrific Kid is a great little girl. She has been working very hard in the room. She uses her manners and is a big help to her teachers. Mrs. Martin says she works hard every day. We are excited to have JESSICA CROMMETT for our terrific kid.
Mrs. Mills- Our Terrific Kid has done a great job working on his classroom behavior. He is using his time wisely and has been making great choices. He is so excited to be learning about flight and the solar system. I think that one day he may become an astronaut. We are happy to have SHANE EMERY in our class.
Mrs.Dunham- Our Terrific Kid is a very kind, friendly young man. He works very hard every day. He is helpful to his teachers and classmates, especially at bus time. He always makes sure everything in the room is picked up before his bus is called. We love having TONY JAY in our room.
Mrs.Dell'olio- DANIELLE NEWMAN is our Terrific Kid this week. She is trustworthy, respectful, a true friend, smart, and helpful. Congratulations Dani!
Mrs.Hayes- Our Terrific Kid is a great American. She is A - Always kind, M -Merry and happy, E - Easy to play with, R - Really special, I – In school every day, C - Caring, A - Active at recess, and N - Never rude. We love our great American, COURTNEY LYFORD!
Mrs. Tardiff and Mrs. Hussey- HANNAH GUTHRIE- Hannah has come a long way in her independence this year. She is a great friend and follows the "I care" rules. She is a wonderful worker and writer. Her homework is always passed in too. We are proud of you Hannah!. BRITTANY BANKER- Brittany has been working very hard on her handwriting. She works well in class and is a terrific friend. We are glad to have Brittany in our class.
Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Carey- The kindergarten TK's this week will really make our veterans proud. The first TK is a dear little girl with a heart of gold. She shares, says kind things to her friends and teachers, is always helpful, and a great follower of the Golden Rule. We love our days with MEGAN WITHAM. Our second TK should win an award for PATIENCE!!!! He is kind,
friendly, helpful, a teeny bit shy, and just a terrific friend to all. We sure are glad JACOB BARNABY is part of our kindergarten family.

NEWS FROM BROWNVILLE ELEMENTARY
     Brownville Elementary School was the place to be Friday, November 15. Northern Stars Planetarium visited the school and presented two programs, "Our Family in the Sky" for grades K-2 and "Native American Sky Legends" for grades 3-5. Students spent over an hour inside a dome to experience an educational and entertaining sky presentation.
     Mr. Sun guided the children through a tour of the Solar System in the program, "Our Family in the Sky". This included the planets, comets, asteroids, the Moon, and a constellation point out. Children were fascinated.
     "Native American Sky Legends" was a true storytelling experience. Traditional Native American legends about the sky were featured during this program.

     Children were heard asking John Meader, director, to visit again next year! The staff at Brownville Elementary wishes to thank the PTO for supporting such a fine program in their school.
Brownville's Terrific Kids
     Brownville had some t-totally-Terrific Kids Friday, November 8th. The assembly, led by Mrs. Bradbury, honored: KEITH GRANT in Kindergarten, JOYCE FOSTER in First Grade, DYLAN LOUGEE in Third Grade, SHELBY WESTON in Fourth Grade, and PAMELA ALMODOVAR in Fifth Grade. Congratulations to all of Brownville's Terrific Kids.
     Brownville's Terrific Kids honored at their assembly on November 15, 2002 were: ALEXIS COOVER in Kindergarten, MICHAELA WESTON in First Grade, ZACHARY SLAGLE in Second Grade, CHELSEA COBB in Third Grade, JOSH DILLON in Fourth Grade and WAYNE TELLIER in Fifth Grade. Congratulations to all of Brownville Elementary's Totally Terrific Kids.
Brownville Elementary Book Fair Coming!!
     The Brownville Elementary School will be holding their Scholastic Book Fair in December this year. Plan on saving some of your Christmas shopping money to spend at our fair. It will be a perfect chance for parents to come in to school and shop for Christmas books for their children. The fair will run from Monday December 9th through the day on Thursday December 12th. Final choices will have to be made by the first thing Friday morning as the company will be around later in the afternoon to pick up the fair.
     This is the only book fair we will be running this year. We are hoping to do well on this one fair. It's nice to get lots of new books for our classrooms as well as put a little money in our treasury for things that the children need over the school year. Every little bit helps. If you have an hour or two to spare that week, you might give Mrs. Witham a call and volunteer to work on the fair.

COOK SCHOOL NEWS
     Lindsay Turner (Ms. Ivy's class), Billy Parker (Mrs. Carter's class) and Jacob Turner (Miss K's class) were recognized as Terrific Kids at out November 14th assembly. We are very proud of our Terrific Kids and their Terrific Attitudes. Mr. Bill Sawtelle was our guest Kiwanian. The students are always excited to have an author visit our school.
     Bus Driver, Kathy Foss awarded certificates to Michaela Noke, Rachael Wood and Rose Theriault. Kathy thanked them for riding safely.
     The students and staff had a special surprise for an additional Terrific Kid this week. Mrs. Rhoda was acknowledged for her hard work at our recent book fair. A rousing rendition of "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow" was sung while the students presented cards to Mrs. Rhoda.
     Thanks for your help and dedication Mrs. Rhoda. We appreciate you.
     To our friends in the LaGrange PTO-You are amazing. Our school is very fortunate to have you. We thank you for everything you do. We think you are Wonderful!!!!

6th GRADE NAMES STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
     The staff at The 6th Grade Junction would like to announce their students of the week. The staff has chosen STEPHEN MORSE, AARON RICHARD and BRITNEY CROSS due to their hard work and friendly attitude.
Congratulations students!

PENQUIS VALLEY HONOR ROLL
FOR THE FIRST GRADING PERIOD, 2002
Grade 12
HIGH HONORS:
NYCOLE BEARD, COLBY CHASE, AMANDA CROUCH-SMITH, JEAN HAMLIN, MELISSA K. MADDEN, LUCAS MORRIS
HONORS:
HEATHER BEAIR, ABIGAIL COWING, LEAH LANDRY, AMANDA MARTIN, DANIELLE WILLETTE
Grade 11
HIGH HONORS:
DESIREE HOGAN, AMANDA KAHL, REBECCA MADDEN
HONORS:
SHAWN BURKE, HEATHER DOLLEY, SHANNON GERRISH, JENNIFER HUSSEY, ANTHONY MERRILL, KRYSTLE MORRILL
Grade 10
HIGH HONORS:
ELYSE KAHL, MARIA MILLS, LINDSAY SMALL
HONORS:
ERIN BEASLEY, DEREK BREWER, ASHLEY CASE, ELIZABETH COMEAU, DANIELLE GRAVES, KATHERINE HAMLIN, LISA KOELSCH, JESSICA LAMUNYAN, HILARY LONDON, KRYSTLE PARKMAN
Grade 9
HIGH HONORS
KYLIE PALMER, BRIAN TWITCHELL
HONORS:
DUSTIN GRINNELL, JENNIFER HARTMAN, TYLER HERBEST, ELIZABETH LEMIK, JEREMY PERRY

MILO FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS
BY JUDITH MACDOUGALL
     A very strange thing happened at the library Wednesday. A man came in from the street and asked if there was a pay phone nearby. With one accord Pam and I, without looking out , indicated with our hands, the phone that has always been in front of the library. A few minutes later he came back, quite puzzled, and said he could not find it. Pam and I then turned to point out the obvious to him. But we were the ones surprised. THERE WAS NO PHONE! Only a cement platform. We were stunned and made our apologies to the gentleman. When was the phone removed and why? Since I first wrote those words , I found out the answer. Jane Jones, the town manager, said that with the surge of cell phones, the public phone was no longer cost productive to the phone company to maintain it. However there is still a public pay phone attached to the C & J building .
     The bookcases are coming. We have been promised they will arrive on a good day. We are looking forward to the great changes they will allow us to make in the library. Right now we have books piled everywhere as part of our renovations . It will be very exciting to clear off some of these surfaces.
     We had more good news on Wednesday . We were told that the Three Rivers Kiwanis Club would donate money to help out with the cost of our new children’s area. We certainly thank the Kiwanians for their interest and very useful gift. When our children’s area is complete, I hope you will all come in to see how well we have spent your money.
     Here are our newest titles. Most were backordered but one was a gift from a generous patron.
Braun, Lilian Jackson SHORT & TALL TALES
Binchy, Maeve QUENTINS
Brown, Sandra THE CRUSH
Cornwell, Patricia PORTRAIT OF A KILLER
Evanovich, Janet SEVEN UP
Evanovich, Janet VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS
Evans, Richard Paul THE LAST PROMISE
Karon, Jan ESTHER’S GIFT
Ludlum, Robert THE JANSON DIRECTIVE
Woods, Stuart BLOOD ORCHID

Please note- we will not be open on Nov. 29 due to the Thanksgiving holiday
However we will be open Sat. Nov. 30 2:00-4:00

National Register of Historic Places Within the Three Rivers Community Circle and News from Doodlebug Don.
(Submitted by C.K. Ellison, 2002)
BROWNVILLE: Brown House (added 1985 - Building - #85000273) High St., Brownville
BROWNVILLE: Slate House (added 1995 - Building - #95000217) 123 Church St., Brownville
BROWNVILLE JUNCTION: Katahdin Ironworks ** (added 1969 - Structure - #69000011) NW of Brownville Junction at Silver Lake, Brownville Junction
MEDFORD: Little Schoodic Stream Archeological Site (107-4) (added 1989 - Site - #89000256) Also known as 107-4