A graduate of Central Aroostook High School and Northern Maine Community College, Dylan Murray, 22, was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He had a lump in his neck which turned out to be cancerous.
He is unfortunately unable to afford health insurance and is not receiving any financial aid. He has worked for three years as a PCA in an assisted living facility, but had to get done due to his illness and treatments.
While he had managed to save some money, this fact leaves him ineligible for temporary disability or rental assistance. He will soon deplete his savings, and will appreciate any help. He has been taking chemo treatments and seems to be responding well. He has more treatments to go before he beats this.
The “Share your Love for Dylan” fundraiser will take place at Bigrock Mountain on Saturday, March 4, from 8:30 to 11:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door from 8:30-10.
The band Star City Syndicate will perform, and food will be available such as loaded fried, nachos, veggie platters, cookies and brownies. For those over 21 years of age there will be a cash bar.
National Miss Ashley Caron Estey will attend to bring to light the fact that cancer knows no age limit and to help support Dylan in his fight.
Library speaker
The Walter T. A. Hansen Memorial Library in Mars Hill will host Ron Chase, author of “The Great Mars Hill Bank Robbery,” for a talk on Thursday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m.
The true crime biography chronicles the life of Bernard Patterson, a much decorated Vietnam War hero turned real-life version of Don Quixote, Butch Cassidy and Robin Hood all rolled into one. Patterson led an adventure-filled and controversial life that brought him across the United States, then to Europe and North Africa before he was finally captured by Scotland Yard on the Isle of Jersey after he had spent most of the stolen $110,000.
Chase’s book explores the life, motives and mystery surrounding both the historic robbery and the man behind it. He will have copies of his book for sale.
Library evening hours
The library will offer a trial of extended night hours in February, March and April. Due to requests for more evening hours, the library will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If this is well received by patrons, it will become the new standard.
MARKING HISTORY — Mars Hill town staff and residents celebrated the town’s 150th birthday during an open house held Feb. 21 at the Town Office. At the refreshment table are, from left, Town Clerk Nancy Clark, Dawn Mahan and Cathy Craig, while Town Manager Dave Cyr looks on. (Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson)
Rotary Club
The Mars Hill Rotary Club met Tuesday morning, Feb. 21 at 6:30 a.m. at the Aroostook Health Center. The special speaker was Betsy Allen, who gave an update on the recovery of Abdelkhalek, the young man from Morocco who had his feet fixed at the Shriners Hospital in Massachusetts.
Allen first saw Abdelkhalek when she visited Morocco in 2013. Born with severe club feet, his parents were unable to afford to have them taken care of at that time. He learned to walk on the sides of his feet and was trained as a barber, but couldn’t stand for long lengths of time, which affected his ability to work.
In the spring of 2016, Allen began a fundraising effort to fly him to the US and support him through his surgery and recovery. He had surgery in September and November and is now undergoing physical therapy three times a week. He has an apartment in Springfield and has his mom there to help care for him.
A doctor in the area has taken an interest and plans to help find a shop for Abdelkhalek in Morocco so he can work when he returns home. Allen continues to raise funds to pay for his expenses while he recovers. Visit her blog at fixingabdelkhaleksfeet@blogspot.com.
Aroostook Health Center
Upcoming events for the week of March 1 – 7 include:
Wednesday: Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., iPad Fun at 9:30 a.m. and Resident’s Council at 2:00 p.m. Thursday: Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m., Horse Racing at 1:30 p.m. and Blaine Free Baptist at 6:30 p.m.
TOWN CELEBRATION — Mars Hill Town Manager Dave Cyr cuts the cake during a celebration of the town’s 150th birthday. Town office staff held an open house on Feb. 21 with cake and ice cream.
Friday: Game Time at 9:30 a.m. and Dayroom Cinema with popcorn at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday: Free day with movies, puzzles and games available in the day room.
Sunday: Televised church available in the day room and the Full Gospel Assembly at 3:00 p.m.
Monday: Nails by Shallie and Melissa at 9:30 a.m., Catholic Mass at 1:30 p.m. and Devotions with Velma at 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday: Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Card Games at 1:30 p.m.
Activities are subject to change. To volunteer to help, 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. 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-mailing tomihen@yahoo.com.
