MARS HILL NEWS
by Tomi Henderson
Carly Grass recently attended the National FFA Organization’s 2012 Washington Leadership Conference June 26-30, representing the FFA Chapter of Mars Hill. The annual conference focuses on leadership development, personal growth and community service. More than 2,200 students — up to 340 a week — from throughout the U.S. who are FFA members will attend one of the conference’s seven week-long sessions in June and July.
“Students come to the Washington Leadership Conference wanting to make a difference. They leave knowing they can — and will,” said Dwight Armstrong, CEO of the National FFA Organization. “I believe students are generally aware of global problems like hunger and poverty but many are sheltered and disconnected from what’s happening in the world. During their time in Washington, FFA members experience real-world problems and take critical steps toward personal growth and developing leadership skills they’ll need to make a difference in people’s lives, starting in their own communities.”
Created in 1969 and held annually in Washington, D.C., the conference helps students develop leadership skills, identify personal strengths, develop awareness of societal differences and human needs, and strategize how they can help others through community service. Throughout the week, each student develops a community-service initiative for their local community, with the intention of students returning home and implementing their plans.
The conclusion of each weekly session of the Washington Leadership Conference is a Day of Service, where students work together on a real, hands-on community-service project. Last year, through each week’s Day of Service, students contributed a total of $85,283 worth of volunteer labor to the greater Washington, D.C. Students packed, sorted and distributed more than 29.5 tons of produce and shipped more than 100,000 meals overseas.
This year, students will volunteer more than 9,500 hours to pack and ship thousands of meals to Nicaragua to help the Third World country battle hunger.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 540,379 student members in grades 7 through 12 who belong to one of 7,489 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at www.FFA.org, on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.
New Marine
Marine Corps Pvt. Matthew T. Amnott, son of Lori and Philip E. Amnott of Blaine, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C.
For 13 weeks, Amnott stayed committed during some of the world’s most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine — instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies.
One week prior to graduation, Amnott endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits’ minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time. He is now undergoing training in communications in California.
Amnott is a 2011 graduate of Central Aroostook High School in Mars Hill.
Cropleys reach lemonade stand goal
For their ninth year, Jessica and Cathy Cropley hosted an event to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation at the Mars Hill IGA. ALSF is a national charity which has raised over $50 million to find a cure for pediatric cancer. The goal this year of the Cropleys’ lemonade stand was to raise $500. Thanks to all the businesses and personal support, the stand raised $516! As a way to reach that goal, two $25 Mars Hill IGA gift certificates were raffled off, and the winners were Hershel Smith of Mars Hill and Gail LaPointe of Limestone. The Cropleys want to thank all those who made this year’s stand such a success!
Rotary Club
The Mars Hill Rotary Club met Tuesday morning, July 3, at the Aroostook Health Center. Members discussed the upcoming year.
Aroostook Health Center
Upcoming events for the week of July 11-17 include: Wednesday will have the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Wii Bowling Challenge at 9 a.m., Residents Council at 10 a.m. and an “I Love Lucy” Marathon at 1:30 p.m.; Thursday has the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m., Horse Racing at 1:30 p.m., and the Old Fashioned Revival Center at 6:30 p.m.; Friday, July 13, will feature Moving to Music at 9:30 a.m. and Crossword Puzzle Challenge at 1:30 p.m.; Saturday will feature Bingo with Velma at 9:30 a.m. and the APC Church Service at 3 p.m.; Sunday will feature the Full Gospel Assembly at 3 p.m.; Monday will feature Moving to Music at 9:30 a.m., Communion with Pastor Jewell at 1:30 p.m. and Gospel Group at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, July 17, will have the 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, contact Connie or Vicki at 768-4915.
Bridgewater Historical Society
The Bridgewater Historical Association would like to welcome everyone back to their hall for Thursday night music with Outside In. The music runs from 6-9 p.m. If you find yourself bored and want something to do, come on out and have some fun at the BHA Hall. Come to dance or just sit and listen. All are welcome.
Community Cupboard
The food pantry, serving the communities of Westfield, Mars Hill, Blaine, Robinson, E-Plantation and Bridgewater, is open the second Tuesday of each month from 1-3 p.m. and the fourth Tuesday of each month 6-8 p.m. at the Mars Hill and Blaine Community. Any questions, call Cathy Cropley at 429-8043.
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.
