MARS HILL NEWS
by Tomi Henderson
The nation is joining together Friday, Dec. 21 to walk 27 minutes in honor and remembrance of those that were killed in Newtown, Conn. Dec. 14. It will be a time of prayer and remembrance.
We will be walking together in Mars Hill leaving the American Legion parking lot at 8:15 a.m. and ending at Fort Street Elementary School at 8:42 a.m. The school will be presenting its Christmas program at 9 a.m. Those not attending the program may walk back to the Legion.
Christmas Cantata
The Blaine First Free Baptist Church will be presenting its Christmas Cantata “Behold Emmanuel” Sunday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. We invite you to celebrate “His” birth with us.
Community theater group for Mars Hill area
We are looking for any individuals from age 16 through adult who might be interested in helping to start a theater group in Mars Hill, Blaine and Bridgewater. We are currently looking at doing a dinner theater during Winterfest, themed the 50s. If you are interested in being part of this group, please let Dave Collins know by calling 227-0485. Tryouts will begin in early January.
Rotary Club
The Mars Hill Rotary Club met Dec. 11 at 6:30 a.m. at the Aroostook Health Center. The special speaker was Harry Orser, who spoke about IAABO and the Maine Basketball Commission.
Basketball officials must undergo a great deal of training and pass a test before they qualify to work at games. They will also start working at junior high games before being scheduled to work at high school or college games.
He spoke about differences, advantages and disadvantages between 3-person and 2-person officiating. Currently there are 48 officials in the area, compared to the 96 officials that worked in the area a number of years ago. There is a need for young, energetic officials in Aroostook County, so if you’re interested in becoming an official, contact Orser at 425-4451.
Benefit supper planned
There will be a benefit supper and auction for Dustin McCrum Saturday, Jan. 12 at Central Aroostook High School at 6 p.m. McCrum was recently diagnosed with Marfan’s Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder. Because of this, he underwent emergency open heart surgery Nov. 29. He will be out of work for quite a while, so funds will be used to help the family with travel and other expenses.
To learn more about Marfan’s syndrome, go to www.nationalmarfanassociation.com. For more information on the benefit supper, to donate items for the auction or to volunteer, please contact Tara McCrum at 551-4384 or Brooke Sperrey at 227-9851.
Aroostook Health Center
Upcoming events for the week of Dec. 19-25 include: Wednesday will have the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Moving to Music and Reminiscing at 9:30 a.m., and Zumba at 1:30 p.m.; Thursday will feature the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m., Christmas Party at 1:30 p.m. and Bridgewater Free Baptist at 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 21 will feature Gift Box Bingo at 9:30 a.m., Nail Beautiful at 1:30 p.m. and Karaoke with Fireman Fred at 1:30 p.m.; Saturday will feature Dayroom Cinema “Twelve Dogs of Christmas” at 1:30 p.m.; Sunday will feature Karaoke with Fireman Fred at 1:30 p.m. and Mennonite Hymnsing at 6:30 p.m.; Monday will include Reminiscing Christmas Past at 9:30 a.m., Christmas Carols with Priscilla at 1:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Christmas Day is a free day to spend with friends and family. All of these activities are subject to change. If you would like to volunteer to help with any of these activities, contact Connie or Vicki at 768-4915.
Bridgewater Historical Association
Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Christmas party at Bonanza in Presque Isle, the winning tickets were drawn for our Dance For The Dogs project raffle. Special guests at the event were Aroostook County Deputy Mitch Wheeler (Mitch’s canine partner, Maxx, was the recipient of our first project’s proceeds which provided him with a protective vest), and Maine State Trooper Chad Fuller and his canine partner, Gleni. Gleni will be the recipient of this year’s project proceeds which will provide him with a pen. There are times when canine officers need time away from it all to relax when they are off duty. Mitch and Chad drew the winning tickets for the raffle.
First prize, a handmade quilt, went to Reta Hersey of Bridgewater, second prize, a wood carving, went to Audrey York of Houlton, and third prize, a food basket, was won by Cindy Willette of Houlton. The BHA would like to thank everyone for their support in helping us help the area’s canine officers. At this time, we don’t have a specific plan for our next Dance For The Dogs project, but we are open to suggestions.
As current president of the BHA, Jann would like to thank the great crew at the BHA for making this a wonderful year. Wayne, Sonny, Shirley, Pam, Dave, Gloria, Stephanie, Sue, Brenda, Jean, Eldon and Bob — you guys are the best! A special thank you goes to Simon for helping with many projects at the hall. More thanks to the volunteer musicians of “OUTSIDE IN” — regulars Bob, Pam, Simon, Hughie and Eldon, and on occasion, Carole and Charlie, who along with myself spent their Thursday nights providing live music for your listening and dancing pleasure at the BHA hall. Everyone has pitched in all year to get our projects done. We may be a small group, but we get quite a bit accomplished. I am proud to be a part of this organization and of all we have done. Last but not least, thank you to all who support our group throughout the year.
Mars Hill Community Cupboard
In January, the cupboard will resume its regular dates of being open the second Tuesday of each month from 1-3 p.m. and the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. at the Mars Hill and Blaine Community Cupboard. The food pantry serves the communities of Westfield, Mars Hill, Blaine, Robinson, E-Plantation and Bridgewater. If you have questions, please contact Rena Kearney at 429-9041.
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.
