By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Organizers of the eighth annual Planet Head Day, held Feb. 15 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, are pleased with this year’s turnout, with over 150 people either having their heads shaved and painted or donning skull caps that were then decorated with their favorite planet. Proceeds benefit C-A-N-C-E-R — Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery.
“It was by far the best one of them all. Even with Friday’s heavy snow, Wieden Hall was filled. We had over 100 heads painted and over 50 were shaved. This is the first year we had so many women joining in,” said Louise Calabrese, of C-A-N-C-E-R and chair of PHD.
Calabrese said there were many moving stories told by those who had their heads and beards shaved.
“Two men had not seen their faces in over 30 years and found out what their face skin looked like,” she said.
A Mapleton father and son came together to have their heads shaved, in honor of their late wife and mother.
“Tim Graham and his son, Dusty Graham, had their heads shaved, with Tim also having his beard removed. Both father and son did this in memory of Heidi Graham, Tim’s wife and Dusty’s mother, who passed away last year,” said Calabrese.
For some, a recent loss inspired their participation.
“Linda Cobb lost her uncle, Scott G. Libby, last Saturday. Linda came to have her head shaved, donating her hair. She raised over $300 in just five days. She said if she could help one person, she would definitely do it again,” Calabrese said.
Once her head was free of hair, Calabrese said Linda had her uncle’s name printed on her head, to bring further honor to him.
“Linda was heading to the funeral that was about to begin — a celebration of Scott Libby’s life followed. Linda wanted everyone she saw there to know about C-A-N-C-E-R and what they do, so other’s could be helped,” she said.
Local groups and organizations also joined in fund-raising efforts.
“The Knights of Columbus came to bring in money they collected from their churches, and had their heads shaved and painted as planets, so they could show them off later,” said Calabrese.
Calabrese said the Grant Memorial Methodist Church’s new pastor, Ernie Farrar, and parishioner John DeFelice brought in donations they’d collected and also took part in the shaving festivities.
“This year we had a children’s craft table set up; we wanted something for the younger ones to do. We were hoping they’d want to leave some of their artwork they made, so we could put it in our Bread of Life bags,” said Calabrese, noting, “most took what they made home, but seven said we could keep it for the bags.”
Door prizes were offered this year, donated by Presque Isle merchants, and a 50/50 drawing took place.
“There were free Pizza Hut pizza, cake, popcorn and water again this year. The popcorn and machine were donated by Gail Clukey, in memory of her husband, Tom Clukey. The aroma filled the gym, letting you know exactly where you could go to get some,” she said.
Calabrese said everyone that came, gave generous donations.
“Those that raised funds came with their sponsor sheets tallied, buckets were getting filled and the atmosphere was one of a party — a celebration of planets and support for cancer patients and their families. Ted Shapiro was the emcee and kept those in the gym happy as no one else could. The WAGM team came, mingling with the crowd. They helped out and spent time with us,” said Calabrese.
Students from Presque Isle High School helped and became part of what was going on.
“Some chose painting heads or running the popcorn machine, others helped with the food — all putting in the time toward the community service hours they have to accumulate before graduation,” she said.
Calabrese said one couple came with their dog, Oscar, who stayed in the planet painting section, meeting and greeting those about to become a planet.
“UMPI’s Kevin McCartney and Jeanie McGowan kept us all painted and educated about the heavens that surround us,” said Calabrese.
She said despite the economy still struggling, this year’s event not only continued to raise awareness for her organization but also much-needed funds.
“It’s been a very tough year for us and also for everyone. But we’re still hoping to do better than last year or just about the same. At the end of the three hours at Planet Head Day a total of over $19,000 was raised. I’m sure there will be checks in the mail because of the weather preventing people from traveling,” said Calabrese.
“We’re all on this road together — this journey through life. I am so proud of where I live and to be called a Mainer from Aroostook County. We do pull together; we are what I like to call us, ‘neighbors helping neighbors.’ I am also so happy to be able to chair Planet Head Day and C-A-N-C-E-R every year and help get the word out about our local organization, telling people who we are and what we do,” she said.
Calabrese said PHD is “always a good time for us to help raise awareness and funds” and is a “time to share with each other.”
“C-A-N-C-E-R is there for each and every one that was recently diagnosed with cancer or is in treatment for cancer. If you would like to send in a donation, make your check out to ‘C-A-N-C-E-R’ and mail to: PO Box 811, Presque Isle, ME 04769 and mark it ‘PHD,’” said Calabrese.
For more information, visit www.c-a-n-c-e-r.com.
