MARS HILL NEWS
by Tomi Henderson
There was a special book signing at the Walter T.A. Hansen Memorial Library on Friday, April 12.
Author Susan Dahlgren-Daigneault spoke at the library about the book written about her father, the late Edward C. Dahlgren. “In The Shadow of a Mountain: A Soldier’s Struggle with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder” was written about what Ed experienced following World War II. He was presented with a Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the war.
Following her Dad’s passing, Susan Dahlgren-Daigneault wrote as a coping mechanism to recover from his loss. She found it very therapeutic to put pencil to paper with her thoughts and memories.
The name of the book came from the mountains in her Dad’s life. Ed lived and is buried in the shadow of Mars Hill Mountain. During the war, he was wounded on the side of a mountain, but the biggest “mountain” he climbed was PTSD. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is suffered not only by many veterans returning from war, but by anyone that has suffered a trauma in their life.
Susan decided that her Dad’s story was bigger than the Dahlgren family, as PTSD is still very significant today with returning veterans. Although it was years before her father sought treatment, she hopes any veteran that reads her book will realize that there is no shame in seeking someone to talk with about their memories. They are not alone.
ACI/CAHS Reunion
The next ACI/CAHS Reunion planning meeting will be held on Monday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the music room at Central Aroostook High School. Homecoming Committee representatives are encouraged to attend.
Bridgewater Historical Association
The seniors at the “Who Gives A Hoot Nursing Home” are escaping. There is no telling what they are going to do. You will have to come to the Bridgewater Historical Hall on Saturday, May 18, at 6 p.m. to find out what they are up to.
After its debut at their hall on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, the fine folks from the Smyrna/Merrill Historical Society are bringing the play, “The Great Nursing Home Escape,” to the BHA Hall. Both locations will be a dinner theater. Tickets in Smyrna/Merrill will be on a donation basis and are available at the Smyrna/Merrill Town Office. In Bridgewater the tickets will be $10 each and are available at the Bridgewater Town Office, by contacting any BHA member, or by calling Jann Votaw at 425-7901.
Be sure to mark your calendars and get to one of the shows. It is a comedy and we are sure you will have a good laugh.
The play will be the first event at the BHA Hall for 2013. Association members hope to see you at this and other events this year. Votaw said they’ll be continuing the Thursday night music featuring Outside In beginning shortly after the play. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates on the music program and other events at the hall. They will also be holding more yard sales this year and are looking for donations. Please, no clothing or electronics. All are thanked for their support.
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MZ. MARS HILL 2013 Heaven Lee Chested (Steven Decker) was crowned on Friday, April 12.
The Mz. Mars Hill pageant, the top senior Project Graduation fundraiser, was held Friday, April 12, at 7 p.m. at the Mars Hill and Blaine Recreation Center. The show opened with a dance routine to “California Girls” by Katy Perry.
Barbie Dahl (Bryce McClay) sang “Folsom Prison Blues” as her talent. The “daughter” of James and Lisa McClay, her escort was Ken By Mattel (Amanda Smith). She was named Mz. Guided.
Kandy Kane (Cody Barber) is the “daughter” of Mike and Kellie Barber. She performed an exercise routine to “Let’s Get Physical” as her talent. She was escorted by Brock Lee Spears (Laken Kingsbury). She was named Mz. Understood.
Heaven Lee Chested (Steven Decker) was crowned Mz. Mars Hill 2013. Her talent was singing and dancing to a medley of songs. The “daughter” of Harold and Kathleen Decker, she was escorted by Harry Chested (Katy Estey).
Big Judy Booty (Tyler Cadet) was escorted by Big Tim Timber (Mackenzie Hatt). Singing “For You I Will” as her talent, she was named first runner-up as well as Mz. Ruble. She is the “daughter” of Meredith Hill and Arthur Battle.
Wanda Party (Derek Rusby) is the “daughter” of Scott and Jill Rusby. She sang “Domino” as her talent and was escorted by Will U. Maryme (Bridget Garrison). She was named Mz. Taken.
Anita Bath (Joe Stiles) danced to “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” as her talent. The “daughter” of Jeb and Shelby Stiles, she was escorted by Major B.O. (Olivia Garrison). She was named Mz. Placed.
Rec news
On Wednesday, April 17, there will be a trip to Presque Isle leaving at 9:30 a.m. to visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society, WAGM studio and to go bowling.
Thursday, April 18, participants will be leaving at 1:30 for dinner and a movie — watching “The Croods” at 2 p.m. and having dinner at Governor’s, then returning at 6 p.m.
Friday, April 19, will be a carb night dinner and get excited rally for the triathlon at 5:30 p.m. All race supporters are invited to attend. If you want to join us, please RSVP to Jamie. No cost for this spaghetti dinner, dessert and more. Come make a poster for your favorite triathlete.
Saturday, April 20, will be the cub tracks triathlon at UMO. Pre-race meeting at 9 a.m., race starts promptly at 10 a.m.
Also Saturday at the rec: Huber, McCain’s and Bigrock with be hosting a basketball tournament; all money raised will go to Relay for Life. Admission at the door, concessions for sale as well. Also Saturday, April 20, will be free baseball clinic at the high school from 10 a.m. to noon. Open to boys and girls ages 7-12; bring your glove and sneakers.
If you have any questions, call the Rec at 429-8429 or Jamie at 227-7194.
Rotary Club
The Mars Hill Rotary Club met on Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30 .M. at the Aroostook Health Center. The special speaker was Jay McCrum of County Super Spuds. He spoke about the many changes that have taken place on the family farms in Aroostook and around the country.
Today’s lifestyle is looking for healthy, but also convenient, foods. With work and care, the County can learn to take the potato and make it more convenient to use, becoming the “vegetable basket” of the East Coast. He said the local economy needs manufacturing opportunities that use our natural resources. This will encourage young people to stay in the area. McCrum noted the County is known for having creative, innovative people with a good attitude and work ethic.
Aroostook Health Center
Upcoming events for the week of April 17-23 include: Wednesday will have the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Crossword Puzzles at 9:30 a.m. and a Lunch Outing at the hotel at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will feature the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m., Karaoke with Fireman Fred at 1:30 p.m. and Bridgewater Free Baptist at 6:30 p.m. Friday will feature Bingo Bucks at 9:30 a.m. and “I’m so glad we had this time together” at 1:30 p.m. Saturday will feature Karaoke with the Deschesnes at 1:30 p.m. Sunday will feature Full Gospel Assembly Service at 3 p.m. Monday will include Moving and Memories at 9:30 p.m., Karaoke with Larry and Larry at 1:30 p.m. and Gospel Group at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Card Games at 1:30 p.m. All of these activities are subject to change. If you would like to volunteer to help with any of these activities, call Connie or Vicki at 768-4915.
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.
