Rene’s Take

The largest one day fund raiser for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program raised over 80 thousand dollars again this year. The Logan Graves Golf Classic continues to be a huge success and a huge fund-raiser. Bob and Lynne Graves have given so much of themselves since their son Logan passed away in December of 1998. The Graves started the golf classic seven years ago and with the help of family and friends the event is a huge success and has raised several hundreds of thousands of dollars for the MCCP . They are two of the strongest people that I know. They have kept Logan’s memory alive while helping others.The Graves not only give to this event, but also to the MCCP in other ways. Bob is the current President of the Board of Directors and has helped in other fund-raising event. I can’t imagine the feeling of losing a child, but the Graves are so strong they are able to channel their energy into a cause they believe in and have helped raise funds and awareness in the Program.  A fun day on the golf course for the participants who always keep one thing in mind. The money raised goes to a good cause.

Aroostook County has a very deep sports history. I am always in awe when I speak with Dwight Hunter, the former Athletic Director at Caribou High School. Dwight has been one of my unofficial historians over the years whenever I have a question about sports in the 50 and 60’s he always has an answer or steers me in the right direction. I like to think of myself as  a sports history nut. I relished the half hour show that I produced on the history of cross country skiing in the County. Speaking with Ralph Ostlund, Lefty Johnson, Eddie Ouellett, Chub Clark and Dallas McCrea gave me an apprecation for the outstanding athletes and accomplishments on skis. Whenever I talk to Norm Johnson and Bud Smith they remind me of the the heyday of high school hoops. When I did the story on John R Braden it was Helen Brooks who gave me the information. She is a walking encyclopedia on the horse. Triple Crown jockey Ron Turcotte has always been one of my favorite interviews. The passion he has for riding Secretariat to the Triple Crown is genuine.

Football in the 30’s, the Maine New Brunswick Baseball league that competed against Former Major Leaguers, The Boston Celtics trips to the County, these are all a part of the history of the County that many people in their 20’s to 40’s aren’t aware of.  The next time you run into someone in their Golden Years sit down and talk to them and get a truer picture of the history of the County. It will fascinate you.