Mars Hill residents
invited to donate to town sign project
MARS HILL NEWS
by Tomi Henderson
Now that you have had the opportunity to enjoy the new informational sign located at the Mars Hill Town Office, we would like to ask individuals and families to participate in paying off the balance of the sign.
The original investment for the sign was just under $10,000 plus $1,000 for the concrete work, which provides the anchor network for the sign. Warren and Nolan Cushman were generous in donating all the groundwork for the removal of the old sign and preparation work for the new one. Tim Brewer donated his time for the electrical work.
The idea for the sign was originated by the Mars Hill Rotary Club and an initial $2,500 was approved by the Club. A generous donation was approved by the Mars Hill Town Council from monies left to the town from the Gilpatrick Family Trust in memory of Dr. Ora Gilpatrick and his wife, Mabel Carpenter Gilpatrick. Dr. Gilpatrick was a longtime dentist in Mars Hill. In his honor and memory, a memorial plaque will be placed at the base of the new sign.
The Rotary Club is asking families or individuals to donate a minimum of $100 toward the balance of the sign. To thank you for your donation, we are giving you the opportunity to place a name/names on the plaque to honor someone you would like to have remembered. Each $100 donation can represent an individual or couple.
Our hope and mission is to have the sign all paid for and the memory of your loved ones kept alive each time you view the sign. Thank you in advance for your donation.
Light Up the Town contest
Photos courtesy of Tomi Henderson
PLACING FIRST this year in the large business category in the Light Up the Town contest was Katahdin Trust Co. Congratulations!
PLACING SECOND in the large business category in the annual Light Up the Town contest in Mars Hill was the Mars Hill Town Office.
Congratulations to Fort Street Elementary School
CONGRATULATIONS GO TO the Fort Street Elementary School for placing second in mechanical design at the Food Factor Maine FLL Championship Tournament held at the Augusta Civic Center Saturday, Dec. 10. There were 62 teams that competed in several divisions of competition using LEGO robotics. Under coach Jenn Mahan, the team had 5-6 weeks to prepare. Although the competition has been held for 12 years, this was the first time the school was able to compete, thanks to a donation by Time Warner Cable. Team members pictured in front of their practice board are, from left, front row: Noah Boyce, Lillie Mahan, Wyatt Corey, Olivia Pelletier and Michaela Pelletier. Back row: Seth Hawksley, Shane Stackpole, Gabrielle Ricker, Isabelle Wright and Keara McCrum.
United Methodist Women
The Mars Hill United Methodist Women met Dec. 12 in the church vestry for the annual Christmas party. There were 11 members and eight guests present. The tables and buffet were decorated in the Christmas motif. All enjoyed the delicious sandwiches, fruit tray, chips, relishes and assorted sweets.
The blessing was given by Pastor Sue Brown. After an hour of socializing, President Donna canceled the business meeting and a short program was enjoyed. Elaine Bailey read a very timely Christmas poem, “Getting to the Front of the Stable” by Ann Weems. Diane Ketchum read a special thank-you note from a very grateful recipient.
Donna Ireland entertained with her accordion with all tapping their feet and singing along. The group always enjoys Donna’s visits and her sharing her special talents.
President Donna announced that the new cookbooks, the latest ongoing missions’ project, had arrived and were selling very fast. The cost per book is $10.
The last hour each member opened a gift, but weren’t always able to keep is as a Yankee Swap was enjoyed by all.
Guests present were the Rev. Sue Brown, Betty Mahan, Amy Janre Kneeland, Joanne Bell, Donna Ireland, Toni Campbell, Gaye Cronkite and Jackie Bradley. Members present included Donna Brewer, Elaine Bailey, Ruth Sylvester, Joan Walsh, Diane Ketchum, Frances Banks, Gradys Long, Eldora Carter, Marie Hewitt, Clara Hussey and Janice Footer.
Aroostook Health Center events
Upcoming events for the week of Dec. 21-27 at the Aroostook Health Center in Mars Hill include: Wednesday — the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Staff/Resident Wii Bowling at 9 a.m. and Karaoke with Fireman Fred at 1:30 p.m.; Thursday has the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Christmas Party at 1:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 23 will feature Christmas Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Dayroom Cinema featuring “Miracle on 34th Street” at 1:30 p.m.; Saturday is Christmas Eve; Sunday is Christmas; Monday will see Coffee Chat at 9:30 a.m., Fancy Nails at 10 a.m., Karaoke with Larry at 1:30 p.m. and Gospel Group at 6:30 p.m.; the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Karaoke with Fireman Fred at 1:30 p.m. 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 at the Aroostook Health Center Dec. 13 at 6:30 a.m. The special speaker was Harry Orser. Harry has spent over 40 years as a basketball official. He spoke of the many hours that are involved.
Each official begins by taking 12-14 weeks of classes and must be a citizen in good standing. There is a written test that must be taken and passed with at least a score of 86. They then must take a floor test. The area used to have almost 100 officials, but is now down to 40.
He then spoke about this year’s rule changes, as well as some of the games terms and plays.
Rotary raffle
The Mars Hill Rotary Club is holding a raffle for 1 ton of mixed pellets. Costs are $5 per ticket or $20 for five. The first place winner will receive a ton of pellets, second and third will each get a half ton of pellets. The winners will be drawn during half time of the varsity game Tuesday, Jan. 10. Please see any Rotarian for tickets.
Library news
The library is planning on another online auction at www.biddingforgood.com. The time of the auction will be announced soon. 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.