Glodfelters talk about Indian work

by Contributed
6 years ago

The Mars Hill Rotary Club met on Tuesday, May 1, at 6:30 a.m. at the Aroostook Health Center.  The guest speakers were Ed and Carmen Glodfelter, who have been working in Kolkata, India (formerly Calcutta) in the last year or so.

Kolkata has a population of 14.4 million people, or about 63,000 per square mile.  The largest challenge is poverty, with a quarter of them living on less than 2.50 per day.  Illiteracy and lack of medical care are huge issues for some of the population, the couple said.

Ed and Carmen work to supply micro-loans to individuals that will lead to micro-businesses. These will allow the individual to be able to support their family.  These businesses could be raising poultry, sewing or some other vocation.

Carly Guerrette shows the Pie Plate that was one of the 58 items up for auction during the Caring for Karen benefit held on Saturday, May 5, at Central Aroostook High School. This portion of the benefit raised over $8,000 for the Cushmans. Many thanks to all who attended the dinner, silent and live auctions to support Karen and Nolan. Special thanks to Bert Winslow for handling the auction duties.
(Courtesy of Tomi Henderson)

They also work with literacy programs teaching Bengali and English. In addition, they have a medical van that travels to neighborhoods and villages providing dental, eye and general medical help as well as medications.  

Another aspect of their work involves opening homes for children that have been rescued from sex traffickers.  

They started their work in Asia in 2001 in China, where Carmen worked with a Kindergarten program.  She is still the vice principal with the English program and travels to the school a few times a year to help with planning.

Library events

Events happening at the Walter T. A. Hansen Memorial Library in Mars Hill include a number of informative presentations.

Upcoming events, all slated from 2-4 p.m., include: hospice care with Rick Duncan on Wednesday, May 9; an overview of the Aroostook Agency on Aging and Medicare by Tammy Delong on Wednesday, May 16; how to protect your assets in a long-term care event with Pam Scheppele on Wednesday, May 23; and pre-planning funeral arrangements with Doug Hunter on Wednesday, May 30.

Aroostook Health Center

Upcoming events for the week of May 9-15 include: Wednesday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Table Tennis at 9:30 a.m., Karaoke with Larry, Larry and Bill at 1:30 p.m. and United Baptist and East Ridge Union Church at 6:30 p.m.  Thursday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m., a Mexican Theme Dinner and and Horse Racing at 1:30 p.m. Friday will feature Five Card Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Music by The Countrymen at 1:30 p.m. Saturday is the start of Nursing Home Week and will feature a Mother’s Day Dessert Social at 1:30 p.m.  Sunday is Mother’s Day and will have televised church available in the day room. Monday is “Dress Super Day” and will feature Waffles by Tee from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m., Nails with Shallie and Melissa at 9:30 a.m. and Story Time with Donna at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday is “Take me out to the Ballpark” day when folks are asked to wear their sports attire and will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and a Ballpark Social with hot dogs, popcorn and drinks 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.

Bingo

The William Cousins Post 118 of Mars Hill will host Bingo on Saturday evening beginning at 7 p.m. at the Post. There are cash prizes. Refreshments are available. Come on out and enjoy a fun evening with friends.

Tomi Henderson is the correspondent for Mars Hill, Blaine, Bridgewater and Westfield. She can be reached at 551-6791 or e-mailing tomihen@yahoo.com.