Run up Mars Hill Mountain challenges local athletes
MARS HILL NEWS
by Tomi Henderson
There were 41 runners and hikers that made the trek up Mars Hill Mountain on Saturday, Aug. 6.
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
MOUNTAIN RACE — There were 41 runners and hikers that took part in Aroostook County’s Toughest Mile on Saturday, Aug. 6. The participants raced up Big Rock’s ski slope to the top of Mars Hill Mountain. The fastest time was clocked by Philip Boody in 13:37 minutes! Congratulations to all those who took part in this annual event.
Winners included Philip Boody for Male Age 39 and under with a time of 13:37; Emma Pope-Welch for Female Age 30 and under with a time of 16:50; Julie French for Female Age 40 and over at 17:03; and Ed Therrien for Male Age 40 and over at 17:45.
This was the first of what will become an annual event at Big Rock, so plan on trying this for yourself next year! This year included many families, with one group showing up with three generations! A big thank you goes out to all the volunteers that helped with registration and water stations!
FIRE DESTROYS GARAGE
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
A fire on Monday, July 25, at Finishing Touch Auto Shop in Mars Hill was determined to be electrical.
There was between $350,000 and $400,000 in damage between the building, contents and vehicles. The building was a total loss. The property was insured. Owners Larry and Stacy Willette indicated they plan to restart the business but at another location in Mars Hill. They are currently looking around to see if they’ll buy something existing or build new. The Mars Hill Fire Department responded, with assistance from firefighters from surrounding communities.
School starting
The first student day for SAD 42 schools will be on Wednesday, Aug. 17, according to Asst. Superintendent of Schools Roger Shaw. Workshops for teachers will be held on Monday, Aug. 15th and Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 8 a.m. in the Music Room at Central Aroostook Jr/Sr High School. Lunch will be served both days.
New students to the area may register for Jr/Sr High School (7-12) classes at the Central Aroostook Jr/Sr High School, 26 Pleasant Street, on Aug. 8-12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Guidance Office. Parents wishing to register PreK-6 students may do so at Fort Street Elementary School, 38 Fort Street, on Aug. 8-12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The bus schedule will remain the same as last year. Hot lunches will be available beginning the first day of school at a price of $1.85 at the elementary school and $2.10 at the Jr/Sr high school. Reduced-priced meals are $.40 cents for all qualifying students at both schools. A breakfast program is also offered at both the elementary and Jr/Sr high schools. Breakfast prices are $1.15 for both schools or free for qualifying students. Applications must be approved prior to receiving free or reduced meals. Only one application per family is required.
Anyone having questions regarding the 2011-12 school year may contact the Superintendent’s Office at 425-3771, the Jr/Sr high school at 425-2811 or the Fort Street Elementary School at 429-9514 during regular business hours.
AWARDS
(Top Picture) Receiving Baseball Awards from Coach Jackins during the eighth-grade graduation in Mars Hill were, from the left: Ryan King, Caleb Dube, Zac Grass, Zac McClung, Chandler Brewer and Eli Pangburn.
(Bottom Picture) Receiving Softball Awards from Coach Metzler during the eighth-grade graduation in Mars Hill were, from the left: Whitnie Bradbury, Rae Brewer, Jordan Canney, Bailee Durost, Carly Grass and Courtney Milliard.
(Top Picture) The Eighth-Grade Yearbook was dedicated to Fred Boyd during graduation activities on June 14 in Mars Hill. Making the presentation were, from the left: Whitnie Bradbury, Jordan Canney and Carly Grass.
(Bottom Picture) Performing a vocal selection during eighth-grade graduation on June 14 were, from the left: Brittany Baird, Chelsea Czekalski, Emily Pickance, Carly Grass and Whitnie Bradbury.
(Left Picture) PARTY TIME — Enjoying the after-graduation party in Mars Hill on June 14 are Chelsea Czekalski and Cameron Todd.
(Right Picture) The NHS Scholastic Achievement Award was presented to Emily Pickance by NHS President Vicki McIntyre.
Rotary Club
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
ROTARY OFFICERS — Officers for the 2011-12 year at the Mars Hill Rotary Club are, from the left: Richard Watson, secretary; Tomi Henderson, president; Larry Fletcher, Board of Directors; Pam Townsend, Board of Directors; Jim Shaw, Board of Directors; Rena Kearney, treasurer; and Ed Wright, past president.
The Mars Hill Rotary Club met on Tuesday morning, Aug. 2, at the Aroostook Health Center.
The special speaker was Ryan Shaw, trustee of the Walter T.A. Hansen Memorial Library. He spoke about the library and the work that is planned, using funds from recent grants they received. With funds received from USDA Development and Steven and Tabitha King Grants, they plan to have the bricks re-pointed, a metal roof installed, new windows, lighting, siding and doors. This work should help make the building much more energy-efficient, which will help cut down operating expenses.
They have also received a couple of grants from The Libri Foundation and The Rudman Foundation that enabled them to buy a number of new children’s books.
The library holds other fundraisers to help with purchasing new books, etc., for the adult collection.
The library would like to be able to become more self-sufficient and need less funding from the towns that it serves.
(Left Picture) Maliseet Tribal Chief Brenda Commander spoke at the Mars Hill Rotary Club on July 12. She is shown with her granddaughter Jordan and Rotarian Steve Hitchcock.
(Right Picture) HONORED FOR SERVICE — On July 12, Mars Hill Rotary Club outgoing President Edward Wright was presented with a plaque in appreciation for his year of service by incoming President Tomi Henderson.
Library news
The library would like to thank everyone that participated in the gas card raffle drawn during the Firemen‘s Muster. Winners of the four $50 gas cards were: Gloria Allen, Charlotte Shaw, Troy Grass and Rena Kearney. Also thanks to everyone that stopped by the hotdog booth during the muster. Your support of the local library is greatly appreciated.
The library is also planning on another online auction at www.biddingforgood.com this November and December. Anyone with questions or who is willing to donate items for the auction is asked to contact Ryan Shaw at 429-9500 or at rshaw24@yahoo.com.
Westfield Jubilee
Westfield Jubilee Days are just around the corner and there are many exciting events lined up for the whole family.
Friday, Aug. 26, will be filled with kids games, including antique tractor games for the whole family, an outdoor movie and an alcohol-free family Street Dance under the canopy. Come bring the family and enjoy an evening of fun and good food.
Saturday, Aug. 27, will begin with a Pancake Breakfast that is sure to start your day off right. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., there will be a “Water Boiling Contest” where contestants will need to bring their own ax or hatchet.
The day will be filled with lots of fun, including kids games (including the ever popular water balloons), antique tractor pulls, live music, gymnastic show, fry pan toss, wagon rides and good food. Saturday afternoon brings two events that should prove to be great fun. The “Westfield Gold Rush” is back this year.
New this year is the “Westfield Red Neck Fashion Show.”
Saturday will end with the ever-famous pig roast/bean-hole-bean supper and the ever-popular “Fireman Fred Show.”
If you are looking for a weekend of fun, plan to come and join Westfield for its 17th annual Westfield Jubilee Days on Aug. 26-27. There will be something for everyone in your entire family.
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.
