Society researches former schools
MARS HILL NEWS
by Tomi Henderson
The newly-formed Central Aroostook Historical Society is holding a public meeting on Sept. 12, at the Central Aroostook High School Cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.
The communities included in this new group are Blaine, E Plantation, Mars Hill, Robinson and Westfield.
The main topic for this meeting will be one-room school houses. There are about five school buildings still standing in some form or to some extent in the area. There are those like the school at the intersection of the West Ridge Road and Westfield Road that have only the remains of a foundation overgrown by bushes. At some locations, there is no evidence of any building.
Please come to the Sept. 12 historical meeting and help us add to the list of former schools. We will have a map showing what we know and can add what is learned at the meeting.
At the Westfield Jubilee
Photos courtesy by Tomi Henderson
THE SLOWEST TRACTOR competition on Friday night between father and son, Leon and David Plaud of Westfield, was just one of the games dreamed up for the antique tractor crew.
TWO-YEAR-OLD KASEN BELL enjoys the small inflatable tube during the kids’ games on Friday night at the Westfield Jubilee on Aug. 26.
Watching over him is game organizer Ashley Wood.
NOAH BRADSTREET, at left, took third place in the 4,500 class on a 1952 Massey 44 Antique Tractor during the pulls on Saturday at the Westfield Jubilee.
MADISON CROUSE took third place in the young ladies’ Fry Pan Throw on Saturday at the Westfield Jubilee.
Kaleigh Kinney placed first and Jenna Crouse took second.
The adult ladies’ results were: First, Lynn Dube (63 feet); Second, Kenna Prue (49 feet); and Third, Holly Wood (52 feet in a throw-off).
HOLLY WOOD tried her hand at building a fire during the Water Boiling Contest” on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Westfield Jubilee.
She said, “What — I only get three matches!?!”
AHC events
Upcoming events for the week of Sept. 7-13 at the Aroostook Health Center in Mars Hill include: Staff/Resident Wii Bowling at 9 a.m., “On The Go” activities at 1 p.m. and Crossword Puzzles at 2 p.m. on Wednesday; Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Horse Racing at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday;, WalMart Shopping at 9 a.m. and Karaoke with Fireman Fred at 1:30 p.m. on Friday; Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and APC Church Service at 3 p.m. on Saturday; on Sunday — Grandparents Day and Patriot Day — the Full Gospel Assembly at 3 p.m.; Karaoke with Larry at 1:30 p.m. and Gospel Group at 6:30 p.m. on Monday; Bingo at 9:30 a.m., Card Games at 1:30 p.m. and Piano with Judy at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday. If you would like to volunteer to help with any of these activities, contact Connie or Vicki at 768-4915.
Rotary Club
The Mars Hill Rotary Club met on Tuesday morning, Aug. 30, at the Aroostook Health Center.
The special guests were Leigh Cummings, Jr. and his wife Sandy, of Houlton. Leigh is the Rotary District 7810 governor for the 2011-12 year. Retiring in 2008 after 38 years with the U.S. Postal Service, 22 of those years as Houlton postmaster, Leigh has been a longtime Rotary member and is a Paul Harris Fellow.
He spoke of the theme for 2011-12 year as determined by Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee — Reach Within to Embrace Humanity. He hopes to emphasize family, continuity and change so that we can, in peace, harmony and friendship, bring about a more peaceful world.
Leigh spoke of the strategic plans for the district. First is to support and strengthen clubs. A dynamic club attracts new members, invigorates the existing members and motivates up-and-coming leaders. Rotary has always emphasized the importance of diversity in clubs and the need for clubs to engage in a wide variety of service activities. Rotary International is committed to helping each club strategically determine the service projects and activities that best suit the needs of the community and the interests of its members.
The second goal is to Focus and Increase Humanitarian Service. Rotary and its Foundation are unifying their strategic direction by promoting sustainable projects in six areas of focus: peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development. The goal of Polio Plus is closer than ever, with only 333 cases reported in the past year. Down from the 618 cases reported in the previous year, eradication is closer than ever!
The third goal is to Enhance our Public Image and Awareness. An organization that doesn’t promote itself will soon be left behind. From publicizing local service projects and fund-raisers to raising Rotary International’s profile on the global stage, this will ensure that Rotary will become known worldwide as the service organization of choice. It isn’t enough to do good things. We must tell the world what we are doing so all will want to join and support Rotary. Every Rotarian should be ready to give a short answer of what Rotary is. This will inspire others to want to join and help change lives in communities both at home and around the world.
Library news
The library is 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.
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.