Hentosh gives
Kicking Bear program presentation
MARS HILL NEWS
by Tomi Henderson
The Mars Hill Rotary Club met on Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 a.m. at the Aroostook Health Center. The speaker was Dave Hentosh of Smoldering Lake Outfitters in Bridgewater.
Dave showed pictures and shared stories about Kicking Bear, a weekend of activities for kids ages 5 to 15. This will be the fifth year for Kicking Bear in northern Maine. Dave began the event after working with Ray Howell — a world-renowned bow shooter who was led to begin Kicking Bear as a way to reach at-risk youth. Ray knows firsthand how much it can mean to a young person to have a mentor take an interest in them. Just to spend time in an outdoor setting can help guide one in their life, giving them healthy new activities to take part in and having a mentor take an interest in them. Kicking Bear currently takes place in 20 states throughout the year, with Ray attending many of them, as his calendar permits.
This year, Kicking Bear will kick off on Friday night, July 12, with games and a campfire after tents are set up. Saturday begins with a safety meeting before groups head out for the many stations set up for bow hunting. Following a gathering when prizes are drawn and gifts are handed out, Ray or another mentor gives their testimony. There are two lifetime hunting licenses given out each year: one in memory of Edgar Wheeler and one in memory of Keith McCrum. The event ends with a wonderful meal at midday before everyone heads home. Parents state that their kids usually go to sleep early on Saturday night!
The first year, there were 50 in attendance. Last year, the number of participants and volunteers had grown to 250! To check out more about Kicking Bear, or to sign up your child for this year’s event, go to www.kickingbear.org and navigate to the Bridgewater, Maine section. There is no cost for this event; expenses are covered by donations from area churches and individuals.
Other activities that Dave sets up for some of the kids from Kicking Bear are goose banding in the spring, ice fishing at Drew’s Lake and going with state experts who are researching black bears by tagging mother bears.
QUEENS CROWNED
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
The Bridgewater Pageant Tea was held on May 11. Josephine Boyce was crowned Little Miss Bridgewater 2013. She is the 8-year-old daughter of Adrian and Tracy Boyce. For her talent she recited the book “In a People House.” At right is Caitlyn Chambers, who was crowned the 2013 Junior Miss Bridgewater. She is the 13-year-old daughter of Joe and Veronica Chambers. For her talent she recited a self-composed poem entitled “Best Friends.”
Aroostook Health Center
Upcoming events for the week of May 29 through June 4 include: Wednesday will have the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Moving and Memories at 9:30 a.m., a van ride to Houlton Farms Dairy in Presque Isle at 1 p.m. and the United Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. Thursday will feature the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Karaoke with Fireman Fred at 1:30 p.m. Friday will feature Team Bingo at 9:30 a.m., Patio Social with ice cream cones at 1:30 p.m. and Men’s Group at 3:30 p.m. Saturday will feature Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Donna Ireland Entertainment at 1:30 p.m. Sunday will feature Sunday Service with Jonathan at 1:30 p.m. Monday will feature Moving and Memories at 9:30 a.m., Catholic Mass at 1:30 p.m. and Gospel Group at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday 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, call Connie or Vicki at 768-4915.
Television access
The Access Channel is up and running again. This channel details town and school happenings. Check it often to see what’s happening at school, at the recreation center, in town and at the library.
Library news
The Walter T.A. Hansen Memorial Library is planning on doing another tag sale on June 14 and 15, and June 21 and 22. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. all four days. If you would like to donate items for this sale, call 429-9625. Arrangements can be made to pick up your donations. The Library Board of Trustees is very thankful for all the support from the communities it serves.
Bridgewater Historical Association
The Bridgewater Historical Association will hold a meeting and elections on Friday, May 31, at 6 p.m. at the BHA Hall, 485 Main Rd., Bridgewater. All members are asked to attend. New members are welcome.
The BHA would like to express their thanks to all who attended the play on May 18. We hope you had as much fun as we did. A special thank-you to the Smyrna/Merrill players for bringing the play to the Hall. What a great group of people. The evening was a great success. We hope to see you at more of our events.
Again this year we have our Thursday night music by Outside In from 6-9 p.m. each week. We are planning some dances, demonstrations, yard sales and other events, so keep your eyes on the look out for updates.
If you would like more info on the BHA, contact the Bridgewater Historical Association, P.O. Box 341, Bridgewater, ME 04735 or call Jann at 425-7901.
Caitlyn Chambers was crowned our 2013 Junior Miss Bridgewater. She is the 13 year old daughter of Joe and Veronica Chambers. For her talent she recited a self composed poem entitled “Best Friends”.
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.
