Hodgdon teacher receives support of community

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Remarkable might well be the word to describe Hodgdon High School teacher Roberta “Bobbi” Willard, whose life has been altered dramatically by recent illnesses and surgeries.

Now undergoing rehabilitation at the New England Rehab Center in Portland, Willard fought for her life while the rest of us were enjoying our Christmas Day.

Two decades of health problems, including the loss of her spleen, asthma, Raynaud’s disease and pneumonia, combined to cause a situation that deprived her of oxygen to her hands and feet, resulting in the amputation, earlier this month, of both legs below the knee, her right hand at the wrist and parts of some fingers on the left hand.

Despite what she has gone through, according to Hodgdon High School Principal Stephen Fitzpatrick, Willard’s spirits are excellent and, it is expected that, with the help of prosthesis, she will be able to walk again.

“She has a very positive attitude, and she is a fighter,” Fitzpatrick said of the woman known and loved by so many whose lives she has touched throughout her career.

A mother of four sons, she has taught in the area for more than 30 years at Hodgdon High School and in the Houlton adult education program.

Despite those family responsibilities and the rigors of maintaining a multiple career, Willard still found time to be involved in extracurricular activities such as being HHS senior class adviser, and adviser for Jobs for Maine’s Graduates.

Friends, colleagues and students are rallying around this gutsy lady and planning several fund-raisers to help with the many expenses she is incurring that are not covered by insurance.

The first event is a “Benefit Supper for Bobbie Willard” set for 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Southside Elementary School, 65 South St. in Houlton.

The menu includes ham and the fixings with brownie a la mode for dessert.

There is no set fee for the meal, just a request for generous donations.

Also planned is a Snowsled Poker Run on Saturday, March 9, at Hodgdon High School.

Other activities to help with Willard’s expenses include a bottle drive at the Houlton Redemption Center, 84 Bangor St. in Houlton, where you can call for information at 532-6620.

Also, community members have formed an Hour Club in which individuals donate an hour’s wage to the Roberta Willard Fund.

Anyone who cannot attend the supper, or who is unable to help in any other way, may make donations to the Bobbi Willard Fund, c/o Hodgdon High School, 175 Hodgdon Mills Road, Hodgdon 04730, or to the Bobbie Willard Fund, Houlton High School, 7 Bird St., Houlton 04730, Attn: Joe Inman.

The Maine Education Association will match up to $5,000 of the funds raised.

Many people suffer at least one problem in a lifetime.

Bobbi Willard has suffered many problems in her lifetime but, with your support and love, she will prove that multiple problems can be overcome.

The newly formed Aroostook Visual Arts Coalition invites artists to attend its next meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, March 4, at the Caribou Public Library, 30 High St. in Caribou.

The group expects to become a major force for the arts in The County and welcomes all those who are committed to their art to attend and learn more about its program.

For information about this meeting, or the coalition, call Linda Crane at 496-3650.

As March approaches, we are reminded that it brings with it the first flower of spring, and a very worthy cause.

The American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days campaign is under way, and is accepting advance orders now through Friday, March 8.

Daffodils are available in bouquets of 10 flowers for $6.

A Gift of Hope, which is available for $15, is a bouquet arranged in a glass vase and given, anonymously, to a cancer patient in a local hospital or nursing home.

Orders for daffodils may be made by calling the society’s office at (800) 464-3102.

School counselor Elena Kimball of SAD 63, which serves the communities of Eddington, Holden and Clifton, called to report that SAD 63 will be developing Student Codes of Conduct, a program approved by the Legislature in 1999.

The legislation requires all school districts to develop a code consistent with statewide standards for ethical and responsible student behavior, and core community values.

The district begins that process through a public forum at 6:30 tonight at the Holbrook School on Route 46 in Holden.

Child care and transportation will be provided.

Abby Kidder of the Institute for Global Ethics in Camden will be the facilitator, and copies of “Taking Responsibility Standards” will be available.

Your participation is encouraged, and your guidance will be appreciated in this effort.

For information about this forum, or the Student Codes of Conduct program, call 843-6010.

The 17th annual Ski-A-Thon for Maine Handicapped Skiing is Saturday, March 16, at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry.

Teams of five are asked to raise a minimum of $600 to help support the free winter adaptive ski program for adults and children with physical disabilities.

Those who participate receive a free lift or trail pass courtesy of Sunday River Ski Resort or Sunday River Inn and Cross Country Ski Center, three meals, an event T-shirt, goodie bag and the opportunity to win great prizes.

For information about participating in this fund-raiser as MHS celebrates its 20th year teaching winter adaptive sports, call (800) 639-7700, e-mail info@skimhs.org or visit www.skimhs.org.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.