Fire department turns 100
MARS HILL NEWS
by Tomi Henderson
The Mars Hill Fire Department is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. There are anniversary coffee mugs currently for sale for $7 each at the Town Office. There will also be hats and T-shirts available soon.
The department will be hosting the spring meeting of the Aroostook County Fire Chiefs Association on Saturday, April 30, at the Mars Hill and Blaine Community Center. During the meeting, from 3 to 5 p.m., the Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting BINGO in the CAHS cafeteria, sponsored by the Presque Isle Elks Lodge. All are welcome to join in for the games.
From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., the 96th annual Fireman’s Ball will be held, with music by Wally and the Virginians. Advanced ticket purchases are encouraged. Tickets are $20 per couple and are available by contacting any Mars Hill fireman or by contacting Assistant Chief Bob Collins at 425-4989.
The department will also be hosting the County Fireman’s Muster on Aug. 6, with many events being planned, from parades to a street dance. More detailed information will be provided later, but mark your calendar’s now!
Rotary Club
The Mars Hill Rotary Club met on Tuesday morning, April 12, at 6:30 at the Aroostook Health Center. The special speaker was Rotarian Dan McClung, Mars Hill town manager. Dan has been at his new job for nine months and gave an update of what has happened since he took over.
The equipment and operating systems have been updated in the office, so the systems will now “talk” to each other and share information. They also started from scratch with the budget and have held the mil rate at last year’s level.
There is a new town truck and a new furnace at the town garage. The Recreation Center has received a grant and will have a new furnace installed as well as new lights in the gym.
There is now a new sign at the Town Office to help keep people informed of town happenings. There is also a new website: www.marshillmaine.com and the recreation program is on Facebook.
Other programs that are new are the Saturday ski program at Big Rock — which was a huge success this winter, an AYBL basketball league and more adult activities at the Rec Center. Plans are also under way to make improvements at the town pool.
Dan sees the town at a crossroads. Although we are OK financially, the town needs a comprehensive plan in place to help the town figure out where we are and where we want to go. There is grant money available for changes and upgrades if a plan has been done. He proposes to form a committee to begin the process, which can take up to two years to do.
Among the things that need to be planned for are ways to attract new businesses to the area, a capital plan, road maintenance, a new town garage and salt shed. He would also like to see a committee in place to be a tourism council to spread the word about what Mars Hill has to offer.
Big 13 ATV Club
The Big 13 ATV Club will hold it’s first meeting of the season on Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Mars Hill. All interested riders and supporters are welcome to attend as plans are made for the upcoming riding season.
Benefit
There will be a benefit dinner for Evan Bretzke on Saturday, April 23, at Central Aroostook High School. Originally from Limestone, Evan was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.Evan and his wife, Alishia (Grow), will be traveling to Dana Farber for his treatments.
A dinner of beans, hotdogs, rolls, coleslaw, potato salad and apple crisp will be served from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Cost is by donation. Proceeds will be used to assist them with medical and travel expenses.
Students of the Month
In a continuing effort to recognize outstanding student citizenship, the faculty of Central Aroostook Junior-Senior High School announces that Carly Grass and Tiffany York have been selected as the February Students of the Month. Sean Brock, Logan Brewer, Rachael Grew and Whitney Peavey have been selected as March Students of the Month. They were selected in recognition of their commitment to the pillar of character.
Carly Grass
is a member of the eighth grade. She is a member of the girls’ basketball and softball teams, high school and junior high chorus, the yearbook staff and is class treasurer. Her favorite subjects are algebra I and science. Outside of school, Carly enjoys skiing, playing softball and basketball, being around family and friends and volunteering at the Bridgewater Recreation Program in the summer. The daughter of Andy Grass and Leigh Belair, Carly plans to go to UMO for pediatric nursing.
Tiffany York
is a member of the Sophomore Class and lists geometry, chorus and basic design as her favorite subjects. Outside of school, she enjoys hanging out with friends, singing and dancing. The daughter of Crystal and Acil York, in the future Tiffany plans to become a cosmetologist and start a family.
Sean Brock
is a member of the eighth grade and is the son of Darci Ladner and Donald Brock. He lists social studies, algebra and art class as his favorite subjects and also enjoys the Wintergreen Art Center class he takes. Outside of school, Sean enjoys making origami pieces. His future plans are to become a marine biologist.
Logan Brewer
is a member of the Senior Class and lists math as his favorite subject. He is a member of the ski team, FFA and Student Council. Outside of school, Logan enjoys snowmobiling, skiing, going to camp, hunting and fishing. He plans to attend the University of Maine to get a degree in sustainable agriculture. Logan is the son of Rodney and Shelley Brewer.
Rachael Grew
is a member of the Junior Class and lists chemistry and English as her favorite subjects. She is a member of the soccer, basketball and softball teams and is also a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, Rachael enjoys sports and hanging out with friends and family. Rachael is the daughter of Glen and Tracie Grew. Her future plans are to attend college to become a registered nurse.
Whitney Peavey
is a member of the Junior class and lists English and Science as her favorite subjects. She is a member of the yearbook staff and is on the TRUST team. The daughter of Jay and Melissa Peavey, Whitney enjoys spending time with friends and family outside of school. She also enjoys four-wheeling. In the summer, she enjoys bonfires and going to the beach. Her future plans include graduating from college and then starting a family and getting a good job working with kids.
MZ. Mars Hill 2011
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
MZ. Mars Hill 2011 was crowned
following an exciting pageant on Saturday, April 16.
Anita Honey (Logan McLaughlin) was crowned, making “her” parents, Ward and Stephanie McLaughlin, very proud!!
Pictured with Anita is Miss Greater Mars Hill 2011 Whitney Klein.
United Methodist Women
The April meeting of the Mars Hill UMW was held in the church vestry at noon on April 11. There were eight members present and two guests — Laurine York and Margaret Hebert. The noon lunch was sandwiches brought from home and dessert, drinks, chips and Easter candy provided by the hostess and co-hostess, Joan Walsh and Joan Boone.
After an hour of socializing, the meeting was called to order by President Donna Brewer. After she welcomed the guests, she led all in the UMW Purpose Pledge and Prayer. As there were guests present, it was decided to have the program before the business meeting. The meeting was turned over to the program chairperson, Joan Walsh.
Joan introduced Frances Banks and Clara Hussey, who did a book review on the newly-published book “The Old Maine Woman” by Glenna Johnson Smith of Presque Isle, the story of Smith’s life. To create the right background, they sat in two antique rocking chairs with two recently-made prayer shawls around their shoulders. (The prayer shawls are an ongoing project by the Mars Hill UMW.) A very lifelike cat sat at their feet, completing the right background.
Frances presented the life of Glenna from early age to the present. Clara read portions — mostly humorous — from the book. They were presented a gift of appreciation.
The business meeting was opened by President Donna. The secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were read and approved as read. Then acts of kindness were shared.
Plans were made for those going to the UMW Northern District meeting in Mapleton on Wednesday, April 13. It was voted to buy “special” hymn books “Of Faith We Sing” to be used along with the regular hymn books. As the third Easter Vesper Service will by at the Mars Hill Church at 4 p.m. on Palm Sunday, April 17, plans were made for soliciting food.
It was voted to have the May meeting as a work program meeting at 10 a.m. instead of noon. Necessary sorting and arranging recipes is needed to complete a cookbook, which is a new ongoing project.
After the benediction, the meeting was adjourned. Members present were: Donna Brewer, Elaine Bailey, Joan Walsh, Joan Boone, Diane Ketchum, Gladys Long, Frances Banks and Clara Hussey.
Bottle drive
There will be a bottle drive for the Walter T.A. Hansen Memorial Library during the month of April. Anyone willing to help can drop off their cans and bottles at the local redemption center, mentioning that they are for the library. You can also drop off bagged bottles during regular library hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; or Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Smith becomes consultant
Barb Smith of Blaine has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct sales company featuring more than 60 delicious, easy-to-prepare foods.
As an independent business owner, Smith offers delicious food samples at home taste-testing parties, along with easy ideas for everyday meals, recipes, serving suggestions and fun.
Tomi Henderson is the correspondent for Mars Hill, Blaine, Bridgewater and Westfield. She can be reached at 429-9126 or e-mail tomihen@yahoo.com.
