By Lois Downing
Houlton Council of Catholic Women met in the St. Mary of the Visitation Church —St. Anthony’s hall for its Monday, Nov. 5 meeting.
President Betty Ann Childers welcomed everyone and introduced Rev. Eddy Morin, our parish priest, and David McGill cuddy, parishioner, who were present to speak on the cluster plan.
Fr. Eddy said the abundance of priests in the 1950 and 60s was not the norm—not that many priests. The shortage now is no reason to panic. The church has been here 2,000 years and will continue to be present—to be one Catholic community worldwide.
David continued with the statement our parish is lucky to be ahead of the game regarding consolidation. Fifteen years ago the Island Falls priest was transferred and the idea came that maybe they could share a priest with Houlton. He said our cluster is second nature now and a natural process.
We are cluster IV and cluster members are David McGillicuddy, Bill Roach, John Fowler, Evelyn Dupree and Kathy Dyer. The past two years the group has met and through prayer and process our cluster was established for St. Mary’s in Houlton, St. Agnes at Island Falls and St. Paul’s in Patten.
Betty Ann then thanked Father Eddy and David and the secretary’s report was accepted as read. Bernette Roach gave the treasurer’s report. The vote was taken about Masses for deceased and the motion will be a Mass for deceased members and spouses once a year and one Mass for all other deceased family members.
Correspondence was read by Lois Downing pertaining the honor bestowed on Janet Barker as a “woman of faith,” as designated at the state meeting recently.
Janet was chairman of the rummage sale and thanked everyone for helping—those who packed and unpacked, those who sent food and helped in any way. As always the sale was very successful.
At the state meeting in Oakland attended by Betty Ann, Cruz-Cruz, Janet, Cindy York, Lynette Dobbs and Louise Guillette. it was revealed that Houlton “stood out.” Our unit received the Seminarian award, a certificate for most members participating, 100 percent participation and largest donation all for the Patron’s Fund and the “Woman of Faith.”
Quarterly meetings have been set for January 26, April 26 and July in Houlton hosted by HCCW.
The tables were decorated in the fall colors and Betty Ann thanked everyone for the luncheon. Dec. 3 will be the Christmas party and Yankee Swap. Each member attending will bring a wrapped gift not to exceed $5 in value.
The Giving Tree will be our endeavor again and Lynette Dobbs will chair. Letters were mailed to 102 families; Lynette will need help with tags and the tree will be set up November 17 with gifts to be given on December 21.
Judy Reid and Margaret Casey will co-chair the Thanksgiving dinner, open to anyone, parishioner or non-parishioner.
Pricilla Farrar and Molly Bailey decorated the beautiful Christmas tree on display. Chances will be sold at the Christmas Bazaar December 8, proceeds to go to the Seminarian Fund.
Birthdays and anniversaries were acknowledged. Door prize was won by Rita McDade. Alta Reardon became a member.
The meeting adjourned with prayers for the sick and deceased. The ladies partook of a beautiful luncheon solicited by the November committee.
By Charlotte Marley
Oakfield Senior Citizens met at Southern Aroostook Community School for Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 14. It is always great to see all the students and teachers and get a chance to talk with them. Thanks also to the cafeteria crew for a great meal.
Those attending were: Aubine Fox, Edith Hardy, Juanita Lilley, David Burpee, Thelma Flowers, Marie Gillotti, Wannetta Townsend, Bernice Campbell, Lois and Bud McDonald, Merle and Evelyn Burpee, Peggy Sanders, Charlotte Marley, Ursula Levesque, Bob and Delores Locke, Bunny Stewart, Tessie Barrett, Sis McLaughlin, Lois Somers, Helen Blois and Kathleen Boutilier. Larry Sanders and Don Marley assisted in preparing and serving the meal.
Our next meeting will be on Dec. 5 at Smoki-Haulers Snowmobile Club in Oakfield and will be the Christmas Party. Remember to bring a wrapped gift if you want to participate in the Yankee Swap, also non-perishable food for the food pantry.
Don’t forget the Christmas Craft and Bake Good Sale at the Rec Building in Houlton on Friday Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24.
Call Peggy Sanders at 757-8634 for more information about Oakfield Senior Citizens.
By Lois Downing
The holiday season is upon us. Had a nice dinner at the American Legion today. The menu was mashed potatoes, turkey with gravy, dressing, mashed squash, peas and carrots and plus your choice of pie. It was nice to see your friends and neighbors there and to say “hello.” Thanks to the American Legion on the Bangor Road and all their workers and volunteers. It is a wonderful community effort.
We also had a scrumptious dinner at Ricker Plaza on Saturday, put on by the staff, Brian and Charlene. Brian got a deer and we had homemade mince pie. That was delicious. Our menu was the same as the American Legion with the exception of the squash. We thank the staff and all their helpers. We enjoy our get-togethers — no vacant seats this time and Charlene and Brian received an ovation from the tenants, well deserved.
Received the Southern RSVP Gazette in the mail a few days ago. Our coordinator is Gini Barrett. If you need anything, get in touch with Gini, (800) 439-1789.
She’s been on the job three months now and has made many contacts.
Attended the “Wizard of Oz,” at Houlton High School on Friday night. I can’t say enough about how good it was. It’s amazing what the kids can do, their costumes were super, choreography well done, and the acting, songs, props were all great. Everybody took their part well and the teenagers, volunteers, band, costume designers, lighting, directors, etc. was very good. Thanks to all — it was well worth the money.
Althea Lloyd had company last weekend — her daughter Bonnie Lloyd and friend, Marien Jaeter of Newington, Conn.
Here’s a blonde joke: A girl was visiting her blonde friend who had acquired two new dogs and asked her what their names were. The blonde responded by saying that one was named Rolex and one was Timex. Her friend said whoever heard of someone naming their dogs like that? The blonde said, “They’re watch dogs!”
Dianna Faulkner’s granddaughter Marissa was visiting her one day last week.
Norma Bates returned after surgery a couple of days ago. We hope you are better, Norma, and if you need anything we are there for you.
Have a good holiday filled with love, joy and spent with family and friends.
Have a nice week.
By Lois Downing
Take Off Pounds Sensibly 233 of Houlton met at the Aldergate building on High Street for its Friday, Nov. 16 meeting.
Eighteen members were weighed. Nineteen stayed for the meeting. Four were KOPS. Kathy Hall was a guest.
Loser of the week was Joanne Scott with Charlotte Marley as runner-up.
The program was planned by Charlotte Marley, a testimony to our leader, Kay Grass. Kathy Hall, Lois Downing’s daughter, was mistress of ceremonies. Each lady presented Kay with a rose, either, yellow, pink, red or white. She was dressed for “Queen for a Day,” and wore a crown with a long red robe and sat in a chair draped with gold mesh and other colors.
Each lady was called upon to share their love and laughter with Kay. Her husband Luther was present as was Barbara Troy, her high school friend who remained her friend throughout the years. We all sang a song directed by Charlotte Marley, to the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” and we all held hand instruments to make some music.
Kathy Hall, dressed as a bobby soxer gave a revue at the end of the program, a monologue about Kay and her high school and early teenage years.
It was a wonderful tribute to our leader of two years, and planned by Charlotte Marley. She was also given a book of memories and a book of photographs, compiled by Charlotte.
The 50/50 was won by Joanne Scott, mystery gift went to Margaret Dudley and Kathy Henderson received the 50/50.
Our Christmas party will be Dec. 7 at Grammy’s Restaurant in Linneus.
There will be no meeting the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23.
If you want information on the chapter you can call Charlotte Marley at 757-8483 or call Betty Ivey.
Meetings are held each Friday at 9-10 a.m. The weigh-ins are 8-8:45 a.m.
Come and join us for a fun-filled morning.
By Shirley Sides
The meeting of TOPS#145 was held Nov.14 at the Congregational Church vestry in Island Falls.
We had 12 members weigh-in and 10 attended our meeting.
Our person who lost the most weight for the week was Jackie Pratt and runner-up was Mary Shaw. Great job ladies!!
Reports were given by our secretary and treasurer for the week. We voted to give the Island Falls Pantry a donation for Thanksgiving.
The Brown team has lost the most weight for the week, but the Orange team was close. Should be interesting the results of the contest that will end Dec.19.
Our leader led the program for the week. We had a six-question quiz. The answers were interesting.
Please feel welcome to our group that meets every Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. weigh-ins and meeting starts at 9 a.m. Call 365-4884 for more information, Everyone have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
