Tag sale continues at library
MARS HILL NEWS
The Walter T. A. Hansen Memorial Library is running its tag sale at the former Grew’s store in Mars Hill. It will be open various hours — Saturdays, some evenings, etc. Basically, if there are lights on and cars outside, it’s open.
Those who would like to volunteer and help with the sale should contact Ione Dixon at 429-8790. Even a few hours would be appreciated.
Those with items to donate for the sale should call the library at 429-9625 to arrange for a time to drop off items or to have them picked up. Thank you to all who help with this fundraiser.
Rotary Club meets
The Mars Hill Rotary Club met Aug. 9, 2016 at the Aroostook Health Center and the guest speaker was Jason Johnson of Aroostook Hops in Westfield, which started in 2009. They grow five varieties, which are mainly used in beer production. They can also be used to make tea, soap and in aroma therapy. The vines are used to make wreaths and other decorative items.
This is a perennial plant that usually takes about three years to establish. They began with one acre, but now have four acres in production. There is a lot of work to do before any shoots can be planted. They dig post holes and put in tree length poles. The poles are connected with cables and coconut husk strings are run from the ground to the cable for the plants to climb. The strings are cut when the plant is harvested, so they have to be replaced each year.
Established plants can grow to be 18 feet tall or more. When the shoots come up in April, they cut all but three or four vines to allow for a healthier plant. They use a drip irrigation system to ensure that the plants are receiving the water they need, but are very particular what is used for fertilizer or for pest control as they are an organic facility.
When they started, they gleaned the plants by hand, but now have a special stationary harvester. The vines are cut and taken to the harvester where the cones are separated from the vine. The vines need to be processed within a few hours of being harvested, so they take care to only cut what can be handled within the time available. The hops are then spread out in special racks so they can dry before being packaged for shipment.
They sell their products to breweries in Maine, New Hampshire and New Brunswick. Jason and his wife, Krista have been leaders in the re-introduction of hops to Maine and the Northeast, conducting research, giving presentations and working with researchers at the University of Vermont. For more information, check out their website at www.AroostookHops.com.
Food Cupboard need
The Mars Hill Food Cupboard is in need of a special volunteer that can be available on the first Wednesday of each month from 2-5 p.m. for the food delivery. This individual or couple will be responsible for unloading the food products and stocking them on the shelves. For more information, please contact Caroline Hallett at 429-9059. Please consider this volunteer opportunity as a way to help those in need.
Bridgewater music
Thursday night music is back in swing at the Bridgewater Historical Center. Playing from 6-9 p.m. each Thursday, the group plays some great foot tapping music. It’s hard to stay seated and most don’t. For more information, contact Sue Shaw, president of the Bridgewater Historical Association at 429-8268.
Aroostook Health Center
Upcoming events for the week of Aug. 17-23 include: Wednesday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Fun with Noodles at 9:30 a.m. and Crossword Puzzles at 1:30 p.m. Thursday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m., Horse Racing at 1:30 p.m. and Faith Baptist at 6:30 p.m.
Friday will feature Shopping Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Karaoke with Larry and Larry at 1:30 p.m. Saturday will be a free day with games, puzzles and movies available in the day room. Sunday will feature televised church in the day room in the morning. Monday will feature Nails by Shallie and Melissa and Hand Massages by Diana at 9 a.m. and Game Time at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday will feature 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.
Bingo
The William Cousins Post 118 of Mars Hill is hosting Bingo on Saturday evening beginning at 7 p.m. at the Post. There are cash prizes and refreshments are available. Come on out and enjoy a fun evening with friends!
Tomi Henderson is the correspondent for Mars Hill, Blaine, Bridgewater and Westfield. She can be reached at 551-6791 or e-mail tomihen@yahoo.com.
