Rotary learns about organic farming
MARS HILL NEWS
by Tomi Henderson
The Mars Hill Rotary Club met on Tuesday morning, Jan. 29, at 6:30 a.m. at the Aroostook Health Center. The guest speaker was Jim Gerritsen of Wood Prairie Farms in Bridgewater. Jim is the president of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, a group active in a lawsuit seeking to protect family farmers and the public’s right to choice in the marketplace.
This organic farm was begun 35 years ago by Jim and his wife, Megan. Helped now by their children Peter, Caleb, Sarah and Amy, this family farm now ships a large variety of produce to customers in all 50 states. They continue to harvest their crops by hand with local crews. To be certified organic, land must spend at least 36 months free of any contaminants.
To learn more about their products, call 800-829-9765 or check out their website www.woodprairie.com.
Ray Mersereau was sworn in as the interim town manager in Mars Hill on Thursday, Jan. 31. In addition to town manager, he will also take on the roles of town clerk, treasurer, tax collector, overseer of the poor, road commissioner, health officer, election warden and NMDC member. Pictured from the left are: Town Councilors Ward McLaughlin, Penny Rideout, Nick McCrum, Mersereau, and Town Councilors Nolan Cushman and Sam Mahan.
Ray Mersereau signs the official paperwork appointing him as the interim town manager for Mars Hill on Thursday, Jan. 31, as Town Council Chairman Nick McCrum looks on.
Recreation action
In addition to basketball and adult events, the following activities are planned at the Mars Hill and Blaine Community Center:
Thursday, Feb. 7 — Moms-on-the-Go, a walking group, meets weekly at the Rec Center from 8-9 a.m. Swimming lessons after school at the Presque Isle pool.
Friday, Feb. 8 — From 9-10:30 a.m. will be a Valentine Party for Moms-and-Tots at the Rec. Bring the kids with dry sneakers and remember to wear red. Snacks, crafts and games will be provided. All children from birth to school-age are invited. After school on Friday, there will be snowshoeing at CAHS until 4:30 p.m. Snowshoes will be provided at no charge as long as supplies last.
Saturday, Feb. 9 — Ski-4-Life from 10 a.m. to noon at Big Rock. Lift ticket, lesson and equipment provided.
Tuesday, Feb. 12 — After school is a Valentine Party at Big Rock. Crafts, snacks and supplies are provided at a cost of $3 per child. Transportation from Fort Street Elementary School is available. Please bring warm clothing as it is hoped that sliding can be part of the fun. Parents need to pick kids up at Big Rock by 4:30. NOTE: you must register by Friday, Feb. 8.
The Rec Center is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those wishing to walk. Any questions regarding these events please call Jamie at 227-7194.
STUDENTS AND STAFF of Central Aroostook Junior/Senior High School celebrated National Wear Red Day on Friday, Feb. 1, an event sponsored by the American Heart Association to raise awareness for women’s heart disease. The day began 10 years ago to raise awareness about heart disease which is the top killer of women in America, claiming hundreds of thousands each year. The SAD 42 Wellness Team offered daily heart health tips this past week as well to help make the students and staff more aware of their heart health.
The Mars Hill Rec kids prepared for a game of laser tag at the Limestone Winter Carnival thanks to G Force Laser Tag. Pictured are, front from the left: Walter Middleton, Jazmyn Brown, Keynan Campbell, Liberty Fulton and Ellen Billings. In back: Carly Guerrette, Abby Farley, Izabel Pryor, Brandon Wright, Mckenzie Green, Colby Scott and Rec volunteer Jamie Guerrette. The winner for lasting the longest was Brandon Wright.
Attending the Winter Carnival in Limestone with the Mars Hill Recreation Department were, front from left: Jazmyn Brown and Izabel Pryor. In the second row: Brandon Wright, Liberty Fulton, Abby Farley and Ellen Billings. Colby Scott is in the third row, while the back row includes: Carly Guerrette, Walter Milton, Keynan Campbell and Mckenzie Green.
SLED DOG FUN — Mars Hill Recreation kids and chaperones enjoyed a day of dog sledding, sliding, snow mobility, laser tag, crafts and more at the Limestone Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 2. Pictured are Colby Scott and Keynan Campbell as they prepare for their first dog sled ride with an unidentified musher.
Volunteers needed
We are currently finalizing plans for the Fort Street Elementary Winter Carnival for the kids, which will be held Friday, March 1. We need volunteers to help run station events and volunteers with snow sleds to give rides. If you have some free time for the day please 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 the oil is delivered from.
Birthday 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.
Aroostook Health Center
Upcoming events for the week of Feb. 6-12 include: Wednesday will have the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Crossword Puzzles at 9:30 a.m., Table Tennis at 9:30 a.m. and Residents Council at 1:30 p.m. Thursday will feature the Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Skip Bo Tournament at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, will feature Hearts Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Dayroom Funnies with “Beverly Hillbillies” at 1:30 p.m. Saturday will feature the APC Church Service at 3 p.m. Sunday is World Wedding Day and will have Dayroom Cinema with “An Affair to Remember” at 1:30 p.m. Monday will include Sit and Fit at 9:30 a.m., Nail Beautiful at 9:30 a.m., Karaoke with Larry at 1:30 p.m. and Gospel Group at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Karaoke with Fireman Fred 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.
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.
