Bradstreet marks 90th

Mildred Viola Beals Bradstreet, born in Blaine on Feb. 2, 1917, was honored by her church, Gospel Light Fellowship, of West Bath, on the occasion of her 90th birthday. She was ushered to the head table by her daughter, Tavia, and son-in-law, Rev. Barry Dutton, while 120 guests greeted her with the traditional “Happy Birthday” song. The Pastors, Reverends Mr. and Mrs. Arden Cross and Associates, Reverends Mr. and Mrs. Donald Maguire, along with church family, hosted this celebration with presentations, a comedy skit portraying areas of her life, songs, words of tribute, two dozen long-stemmed pink roses, and a lovely buffet complete with silver tea service, chocolate and punch fountain. The focal point was a three-by-four-foot picture of  Millie as a youth. A miniature china tea set was given to Audrey Charbonneau, age 10, who shares the same birth date, because she guessed her age in the picture. ne of the joys of the evening was an older sister, Juanita Rideout, along with nieces and nephews, sharing family memories. Younger sister Doris Terrell was not able to attend due to poor health. Among the visitors were friends from Pennsylvania and New Hampshire who presented her with a bouquet of pink carnations and expressions of gratitude concerning Millie’s ministry of 70 years.  Remembrances of thankfulness were given about Mildred and her belated husband, Rev. Hanford Bradstreet, and their ministry as pastors N.H., Bellows Falls, Vt., Exeter and Brunswick.
Mildred called the party “one of the most wonderful events” of her life and composed a poem of appreciation which was read by her daughter, Tavia. Rep. Tom Allen and Sen. Olympia Snowe sent letters of commendation.
Snowe stated, “Historians would be jealous of the historic moments you experienced firsthand. Your current community service is truly admirable as is your wonderful history of helping others throughout the years.”
Mildred’s younger daughter, Tania Bielak, and husband Walter, granddaughters, Lauren Bielak, of East Stroudsburg, and Tammy Dutton, of Martisnburg, W.Va., were unable to attend and celebrated with a birthday dinner in February. At age 90, Millie continues to serve her community in Youth Prison, Nursing Home, Women’s and visitation ministry, along with being a distinguished board member of GLF.