Mars Hill American Legion
to host dinner on Saturday
MARS HILL NEWS
by Tomi Henderson
The Mars Hill American Legion will hold a baked bean dinner on Saturday, Feb. 16. The meal will include beans, hotdogs, potato salad and more.
United Methodist Women
The Mars Hill Methodist Women met on Monday, Feb. 4. Those attending were: Donna Brewer, Diane Ketchum, Joan Boone, Ruth Sylvester and Elaine Bailey. A lunch was enjoyed followed by a delicious dessert provided by Ruth. The meeting was called to order by President Donna Brewer where all joined in praying the Prayer of Invocation followed by the Purpose of United Methodist Women.
The secretary’s report was read by Elaine, as Secretary Clara Hussey was absent. It was approved as read. Diane gave the treasurer’s report which was approved as presented. She also read several thank-you notes.
Joan, who has been in charge of purchasing Christmas gifts for several people at the Mars Hill Nursing Home, suggested that beginning this December we donate $100 instead, to be used where it is needed. After some discussion, on motion made by Joan and seconded by Elaine, the measure was unanimously approved.
It was decided to present Gladys Long with a Mission Pin for her untiring work for the church.
Following the business meeting, they reviewed proposed budget for 2013. We had to cut back on giving to some institutions previously donated to because of having only one fund-raising event per year. Those present said we should concentrate on local needs, though we will continue to participate in some global missions. A motion was made and the 2013 budget accepted as presented. The meeting ended with all saying the Benediction.
Volunteers needed
Plans are currently being finalized for the Fort Street Elementary Winter Carnival for the kids, which will be held Friday, March 1. If you have some free time for the day, let Mrs. Pangburn know at Fort Street.
Heating oil raffle
The American Legion Post 118 in Mars Hill is selling raffle tickets for 100 gallons of heating oil for $5 apiece. Only 200 tickets will be printed and the drawing will be on Feb. 15. If interested, contact any of the Mars Hill American Legion Post 118 members. The winner can choose who delivers the oil.
Reading Night
To celebrate students’ hard work and encourage reading for all ages, a special Reading Night was held Jan. 24 at Fort Street Elementary School in Mars Hill. Pre-K through second-grade students were separated into two teams — Cats and Dogs — to see which team could read the most over a two-week time. Giant food bowls filled with bones and fish were displayed in the hallway to help students chart their progress. In the end the cats won with nearly 300 hours of reading logged in!
Over 160 students, parents and grandparents came attended for a night of “‘Reading’ Cats and Dogs!” Students and parents rotated through stations, where a special guest was there to read to them, including: Nick Bailey, state trooper; Gary White, firefighter; and James Hotham, veterinarian, share a story with our students! PK-2 teachers shared a special activity to go along with each book. For a special treat, Sparky the Firehouse Dog (Stewart Craig) and Fire Chief Darrell Wilson paid a visit and mingled with the students. A fun night was had by all.
Calendars
The Rotary Club Annual 2013 Birthday Calendars have arrived and are being distributed. They can also be picked up at the Katahdin Trust Company, Mars Hill Town Office, Blaine Town Office or at the Mars Hill IGA. Cost is $6 each.
Rotary Club
The Rotary Club met on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 a.m. at the Aroostook Health Center. Guest speaker was Steve Farnham, executive director of the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging. He has worked as an advocate to improve the quality of life for older people for 38 years at the local, state and national levels.
Steve spoke about getting help with nursing home care expenses, and of Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance for skilled and long-term care in the nursing home. Qualifying for Medicaid help for long-term care depends on income and assets.
Steve said the most important thing to do is to plan ahead to save time, money and emotional trauma for both the individual and their family. FMI about the agency, call 764-3396, 800-439-1789 or visit www.aroostookaging.org.
Library donations
The Mars Hill Redemption Center is accepting bottles and cans to benefit the Walter T.A. Hansen Memorial Library. To make a donation, drop off your returnables and tell them they are for the library.
Aroostook Health Center
Upcoming events for the week of Feb. 13-19 include: Ash Wednesday will have the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Wii Bowling at 9 a.m., Alpha Ball Toss at 9:30 a.m. and Men’s Pie of the Month Club at 1:30 p.m. Thursday will feature the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Grab a Heart Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Valentine Social at 1:30 p.m. Friday will feature Five Card Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Crayola Craft at 1:30 p.m. Saturday will feature the Donna Nelson Singers at 1:30 p.m. Sunday will have the Full Gospel Assembly Service at 3 p.m. Monday is President’s Day and includes Music with Priscilla at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Communion with Rev. Kierstead at 1:30 p.m. All of these activities are subject to change. FMI, call 768-4915.
Rec action
In addition to basketball and adult events, the following activities are planned at the Mars Hill and Blaine Community Center:
Wednesday, Feb. 13 — Wiffleball League at 3 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 14 — Moms-on-the-Go, a walking group, meets weekly at the Rec 8-9 a.m. Swimming lessons after school at the Presque Isle pool.
Friday, Feb. 15 —9-10:30 a.m. will be Moms-and-Tots at the Rec. Bring the kids with dry sneakers. Snacks, crafts and games provided. Children from birth to school age are invited. After “early release day” at school on Friday, there will be snowshoeing at CAHS until 12:30 p.m. Snowshoes provided.
Saturday, Feb. 16 — Ski-4-Life 10 a.m..-noon at Bigrock. Lift ticket, lesson and equipment provided.
Tuesday, Feb. 19 — At the Rec Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be Lego Day, with kids bringing their Legos to play with and share. Kids will also be sliding at Duane Grass’s so bring warm clothes. Pizza will be supplied at a cost of $10 per child. Parents need to pick kids up at the Rec by 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 20 — includes an outing to Presque Isle at a cost of $10 per child. Day starts at 9 a.m. with Zumbatonics and crafts at the Rec, followed by bowling in Presque Isle and a tour of WAGM studios. All children must be picked up at the Rec by 3:30 p.m. NOTE: Limit for the Presque Isle trip is 30, so sign up early.
The Rec Center is open daily 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those wishing to walk. FMI, call Jamie at 227-7194.
Correction
An article in the Jan. 30 issue of The Star-Herald indicated the Mars Hill town manager had been fired, when in fact his contract was not renewed. Councilors could not give a reason for the decision, since it is a personnel matter and not public information. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
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.
