Area news in brief

13 years ago

“Outside In” is back

BRIDGEWATER — The Bridgewater Historical Association is happy to welcome back the volunteer musicians who make up the band “Outside In”. Bob Heller, Pam Green, Simon Clair, Carole Trafford, Hughie Gray, and Eldon Lawrence join BHA Pres, Jann Votaw on stage to perform on Thursday nights from 6 – 9 PM beginning May 26. So dust off your dancing shoes and come on down. The atmosphere is very relaxed and we are all there to have a great time. We are trying something a bit different with the Thursday night music, it will not be an open jam. If possible, we may have an open mic night on another night of the week.

Friends and members helped get the hall in shape for this season. The side stairs have been replaced, more painting has been done some plumbing work has been done and of course lots of cleaning was done. A huge thank you to everyone who helped out. What a great crew!!!!!  We hope to get more painting done during the year.

We were also able to purchase three showcases. They are not filled yet, but we hope to get them ready soon. If anyone would like to make a donation, we would love to accept them.

Donations are also being accepted for our yard sales. Please no clothes or electronics. Once again thank you for all of the help. We look forward to seeing everyone at our events. You can reach us at: Bridgewater Historical Association, PO Box 341, Bridgewater, ME 04735 or by phoning 425-7901.

Peterson marks 90th birthday

Louise Peterson of Monticello celebrated her 90th birthday at Grammy’s Country Inn with her immediate family. She was born in California Settlement, New Brunswick, on May 22, 1921, the daughter of John A. and Maria Doody. She moved to Washburn with siblings Warren, Herman, Marshie, Raymond and Edward at a young age. Louise married Harold Peterson on July 3, 1943, and moved to Monticello where she has since resided. She has served as pianist for over 75 years at several of the Aroostook County Pentecostal churches.

Ted and Marge presented her with a cake made by Grammy’s Country Inn, and Dixie pinned her with a pink carnation corsage. The waitresses graciously sang “Happy Birthday” as the family joined them. She received several gifts.

Those attending were: children Ted and Marge Peterson, Doris and Royce Sargent of Monticello, and Janet and Jeffrey Tucker of East Waterford; grand-children Annette Williams and husband Al Bernier of New Hampshire, Dixie and Bret Delong of Blaine, Stephanie and Mickael Dumais of Mapleton, Collin Tucker of East Waterford, T.J. and Cindy Peterson and Jennifer and David Johnston of Monticello; great-grandkids Erin, Cameron and Chase Williams, Dustin and William Delong, Emma and Mariah Peterson, Jessica and Jason Dumais and Dylan and Cody Johnston.

She received a phone call from Andrew and Paulina Sargent of Georgia. Unable to attend was Kara Tucker and friend Kris, also Hunter and Tyler Sargent.

Louise thought she was attending a celebration for grandson Collin’s high school and great-grandkids Erin and Cameron’s college graduations, but on arriving was surprised to learn it was for her 90th birthday. After many, many years the family finally pulled a fast one on her – actually two because – on May 22 a surprise Sunday morning honorary service was held for Louise at the Bridgewater Full Gospel Assembly where she has been pianist for 40 years.

Terry Finnemore led song service accompanied by Dawn Drost. Gabe, Maria and Jesse Gonzalez sang “Grandma’s Sweet Bye and Bye.” Sharon Boyd sang “Pass through Jericho.” Myreta Shaw played her harmonica. Emma Peterson played “Amazing Grace.” Dylan Johnston sang “Psalm 151.” Stephanie Dumais and Jennifer Johnston gave readings “Her Praying Hands” and “My Grandma” then sang “No Other Grace but Amazing.” Howard MacPherson gave an exhortation and church folks gave honorary comments. Great-grandkids presented her with flowers and gifts with an honorarium from the Church while Mariah Peterson sang “Happy Birthday.”

Doris read notes from former pastors: McIntyre, Mott, Ammuzini, Randall; and a poem she wrote about her mother’s life. Dixie gave her grandmother’s response by reading a poem called “Mother’s Promise – When I am Old and Live with My Kids.”

Louise was escorted to the piano to sing her trademark song, “Sheltered in the Arms of God” with granddaughters Dixie, Steph, Jenn and daughter Doris as back-up singers. Louise then thanked her family and Church family and said she would like to celebrate with them again on her 100th.

Her 98 year-old brother, Herman Doody of Washburn, gave final comments and closed in prayer.

Davis makes dean’s list

Jocelyn Davis, a 2009 graduate of Presque Isle High School, has been named to the dean’s list at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts for the spring semester.

Colby College dean’s list

WATERVILLE — Area students were named to the dean’s list at Colby College in Waterville for their outstanding academic achievement during the spring semester of the 2010-11 year.

Kelsey M. Park, a member of the Class of 2014, is the daughter of James and Jan Park of Presque Isle and is majoring in psychology with a neuroscience concentration at Colby. Park attended Presque Isle High School.

Mimi E. Smith, a member of the Class of 2013, is the daughter of Charles and Marguerite Smith of Presque Isle and is majoring in theater and dance at Colby. Smith attended Presque Isle High School.

Students whose grade point averages were 3.68 or higher were named to the dean’s list.

Chief Irwin visits Probus Club

Presque Isle Police Chief Matt Irwin was the guest speaker at the June 16 meeting of the Probus Club of Central Aroostook.

President Karen Sweeney called the meeting to order and Pearl Carmichael opened the meeting with a poem entitled “I’m Just The Man To Make Things Right”. Mel Fitzherbert then introduced our new Chief of Police, Matt Irwin. Chief Irwin told us about himself and his background of his service of 29 years in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in Orlando, Fla. He spoke of the many different types of violent crimes that they had to deal with on a daily basis and the diversity of the population in that area.

Chief Irwin went on to talk about how he and his wife happened to decide to move to Maine and how they happened to choose Presque Isle and not the southern or coastal parts of Maine. Irwin said that he is still getting acquainted with the geographical area and meeting the citizens of Presque Isle. He spoke of some of the immediate issues he has had to address in the department and the workings of the city council. He talked about what he sees as some of the real problems in Presque Isle including the drug problem, especially the use of prescription drugs. He discussed the use of the “bath salts” compound which has surfaced recently and the deadly effects it can have. Irwin stated that there is a local business in town that has been selling this item and they have been strongly encouraged to discontinue this. The problem with this is that it is not illegal to sell but deadly if used.

Chief Irwin also addressed the issue of domestic violence and said that the department works very closely with the Hope and Justice Project. He also encouraged the group to be very aware of keeping their prescription drugs out of sight in their homes and to be sure to lock all doors. There have been many cars that have been broken into and attempted home break-ins.

Mel presented Chief Irwin with a Certificate of Appreciation from Probus and Chief Irwin handed out packets from the police department with helpful items and suggestions.

Pearl Carmichael read another cute poem entitled “Summer Hummer”.

Secretary and treasurer’s reports were read and approved. Jerry Gallagher, Dick Barker and Helen McConnell volunteered to serve on the nominating committee for next year’s officers.

Dave Maxcy volunteered to give his life story at our next meeting.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.