$1M Pappas donation prompts field fund OK.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Ellie Oleson

AUBURN - Martha R. Pappas announced last night to her fellow town meeting members that she and her husband, Dr. Arthur M. Pappas, will donate $1 million toward the development of new playing fields on Pakachoag Hill.

After giving Mr. and Mrs. Pappas a standing ovation, town meeting voted unanimously to support $4.3 million in borrowing for the project.

Charles A. Baker, town moderator, immediately asked for a nonbinding motion to ask selectmen to name the new sports park after the Pappases.

Little League President Victoria R. McLaughlin made the motion, noting, "The Little League has waited a long time for this. We are so grateful."

Following a unanimous vote by town meeting, selectmen immediately reconvened their meeting and voted to name the complex as requested.

"That came as a complete surprise," Dr. Pappas said.

The gymnasium at Auburn High School is also named after the Pappases in honor of an $800,000 donation...