Community Notebook – week of October 28, 2009

Happy Losers
By Shirley Sides
ISLAND FALLS — The Happy Losers met for their weekly meeting in Island Falls Oct. 21. Jackie Pratt, our leader opened the meeting with our pledge and roll call. We had 12 ladies weigh-in and 10 attended our class. Loretta Bouchard was the person who lost the most weight for the week and Dotty Rand was runner-up. Great job ladies.
    Reports were given by our secretary and treasurer for the week. The Harvest Moon team is still winning in our contest.
Our program for the week was on Healthy Meals. Our fall outing was held last week and enjoyed by all.
The Happy Losers held their first meeting in the month of October at the Congregational Church vestry in Island Falls. Jackie Pratt, our leader, led the meeting with our pledge and roll call.
We had 14 ladies weigh-in and 11 attended our class. Jeanne Watson was the person who lost the most weight for the week; Jackie Pratt and Annie Jane Smith were runners-up. Great job ladies.
The Harvest Moon team is still winning in our contest, but the Autumn Leaves team is closing in. Our secretary and treasurer gave reports for the week. We had no meeting because of furnace issues.
Please feel welcome to our group every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Weigh-ins and meetings start at 9 a.m. Call 365-4884 for more information. See you there.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Chapter No. 0233, Houlton
HOULTON — Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Chapter No. 0233 of Houlton met at the Aldergate building on High Street on Friday, Oct. 23. Fifteen ladies and five KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) were present. Joyce Estey, leader, led the meeting.
After roll call, Joyce gave the weight recorder’s report in place of absent Joanne Scott. Linda Bartlett was the winner of the skinny dish. Loser of the week was Janice Shaw with runners-up Lois Downing, Linda Bartlett and Barbara Grant.
Joyce read a letter from Janice Cote, our representative. She announced the last workshop of the year at Caribou at the Knights of Columbus Hall on November 7. The theme is “A gift of TOPS friends,” those attending will bring a wrapped gift not exceeding $5 in value.
Linda Bartlett gave a report on her attendance at fall rally in Augusta. She told how she felt very comfortable. Fifty-six chapters attended; Linda won several certificates. A member of the TOPS group gave the program. It contained facts about the elderly not needing many calories; your muscle mass decreases; we are less active as we age; 1,200 calories is sufficient for most. One should eat where there is adequate lighting, do not smoke, use sugarless gum, your diet should contain leafy green foods.
The next meeting will be Oct. 30 at the same location. If you need information about the chapter, please contact Betty Ivey at 532-9653 or Charlotte Marley at 757-8483.
Oakfield Senior Citizens
The Oakfield Senior Citizens club met at the Smokie-Haulers Snowmobile Club on Oct.21 with 28 members and guests attending. The group had a good lunch and the fellowship was great. Marie Gillottim, who as usual, did a good job, decorated the club for Halloween.
Bob Locke led us in the Lord’s Prayer and the flag salute. The treasurer’s and the secretary’s reports were given and accepted. Wanetta Townsend gave the card report. Ginny Garrett from RSVP said they were having a craft fair the day after Thanksgiving at the rec building in Houlton.
There was no new business or any old business so we left early. Attending were Tessie Barrett, Linda Bartlett, Geneva Bell, Kathleen Boutlier, David Burpee, Elelyn and Merle Burpee, Bernice Campbell, Jeanne Clements, Roger Ethier, Thelma Flowers, Arlene Friel, Mildred Gagnon, Marie Gillett, Sandra and Wendall Holmes, Mary Lawler, Bob and Delores Locke, Ursula Levesque, Charlotte Lowell, Charlotte and Don Marley, Doreen and Joe Messina, Peggy and Larry Sanders, Shirley Smith, Wanetta Townsend, guests Ginny Garrett and Connie Barry and a new member, Marie Cleary.

Houlton Council of Catholic Women
by Lois Downing
HOULTON — The Houlton Council of Catholic Women met in the parlor of St. Anthony’s Hall at St. Mary of the Visitation Church Monday, Oct. 8 for its regular meeting.
Rev. David Raymond, moderator, was in attendance.
Co-president Mary Grant conducted the business meeting at 6:30. Reports were given by recording secretary Jane Stile, finances by Bernette Roach and correspondence by Lois Downing.
We recited Council prayers and sang a hymn before the meeting. New booklets were given to those needing one. Mary reminded those who borrowed one because she left it home or for another reason, to please return it after the meeting so as to have enough for new members.
New cushioned mats will be purchased for the kitchen.
Cruz-Cruz, chairman of the International Dinner October 18, asked for donations. Sunday, the day of the dinner, the Mass will be 10:30 a.m. so as to accommodate diners for the dinner.
Cruz-Cruz was voted “Woman of the Year.” Her name will be submitted to the state at its annual meeting in Augusta October 24. The meeting will be attended by Cruz, Mary Ann Childers, Mary Grant, Jane Stile, Alta Reardon and Janet Barker. Each state unit will submit its lady who has been an outstanding asset. Cruz fills that bill. Lynette Dobbs is state second vice president, Betty Ann is chairman of Community Affairs, and Cruz is historian and all will relinquish their office.
The Giving Tree will be set up in the church the weekend before Thanksgiving. Letters have been delivered to the various schools for names for the needy. Joyce Hughes and family will continue with its dolls and cradles presents for its project. Heading the Giving Tree is Mary Grant, Jane Stile and Alta Reardon.
The subject of the rummage sale was brought up by Janet Barker. Her sister-in-law was Betty Ann Childers introduced Peter Marcotte, Human Resource Director from Community Living Assocation in Houlton. His discussion was on the history of CLA, a non-profit agency existing in Houlton for 42 years. It was formerly known as the Southern Aroostook Assocation for Retarded Citizens. He told of its mission, vision and value statements of the organization and CLA strives to provide the best possible services to our consumers, while maintaining to operate efficiently. Several handouts were distributed. Peter said it was a pleasure to interact with the consumers.
The speaker for November will be Rev. Ron LaBarre, who will give homilies at the weekend Masses November 7-8. Father LaBarre was interim priest before Fr. Raymond was officially its pastor last year. He is a great favorite among the people and community.
Janet Mitchell read the Prayer for Priests. The seminarian fund was offered. Ethel Mersereau was the winner of the door prize, a Halloween decoration.
Birthdays and anniversaries were acknowledged. Prayers for the sick were gathered and before the meeting adjourned, our co-president said, “As we are getting ready for the sale and all our other projects let us take a few minutes to let our hearts and minds rest in the Lord and listen to the Servant Song, as we are all servants of the Lord.” A cassette was played and we adjourned.
On the refreshment committee were Rita McDade, Jane Stile, Mary Grant, Linda Livorsi, Mary Ann Marciniak, Ethel Mersereau, Ethel Schools, Gail Schools, and Shirley Smith.

Anniversary Trip
Brian and Linda Wing of Crystal have just returned from a Cyr Bus tour to Vermont in observance of their 43rd anniversary.
“The leaves were just starting to turn and the visits to the apple orchard and the maple museum were very informative and enjoyable,” said Linda Wing. “People were very friendly and welcomed us warmly.”

Patten Senior Citizens
Patten senior citizens met at Meadowbrook Manor on October 20, with eleven members and one guest present.
Marilyn Somers led the Lord’s prayer before the boiled dinner was served.
After the meal, the business meeting was opened by president Jackie Palmer, who also led the Flag salute. Secretary and treasurer reports were read and accepted.
Cards were signed and sent to Jessie Johnson, Madelyn Townsend, Gordon Dauphinee and Dean McKenney.
A letter was read by president Palmer about the annual meeting of the Aroostook Agency on Aging that will be held in Presque Isle on Oct.26. The next meeting will be on November 3. The menu will consist of hot dogs, rolls, beans and salads.
The game will be played.
Members present were Jackie Palmer, Marilyn Somers, Annette Noyes, Rubenia Botting, Nettie Shorey, Dot Binette, Jean Tarr, Gloria Noyes, Maxine Brackett, Mary Lawler, Pearl Grant and guest Karen Hall.

RICKER RUMBLINGS
Lois Downing
Hello again this sunny Sunday. The wind is blowing, the leaves are blowing. Yes, we still have leaves on the trees. We also had our first snowstorm of the season. Our “angel,” Paul Armstrong cleaned the car of snow, as he did for many others. Now, that is an act of kindness. Thanks, Paul.
Elinor Schenk has left for the day. Elinor fell outdoors recently and acquired a black eye. Elinor, it looks better already and will soon be gone.
Our sympathy is extended to the families of Bob Rush and Mary McGillicuddy, two very nice families. Our sympathy is sent to your families.
Our Bingo day finally arrived and what a nice time we had. Every Wednesday, ladies. Keep it in mind.
Another program is about to start here at Ricker. Registration is free; class times are Thursday, Nov. 12, Wednesday, Nov. 18, Wednesdays Dec. 2-23. To register contact Janet Vose at 532-5969. This program is called Healthy Living. How will this program help me you might ask: The answer is setting goals that are doable for you; working with others, finding support and solutions to your health concerns and make your daily tasks easier. Invite a family member, friend or caregiver to participate.
Peggy Robinson, daughter of Arlene Friel, has returned from Indiana. She drove that distance so we are always glad when she returns.
Carolyn Carmichael and friend Paul Armstrong were at Raymond’s Corner, N.B. on a Sunday recently visiting Carolyn’s sister, Brenda
I have been receiving many phone calls about the coming election. How about you?
My brother sent me his composition of the song which he wrote in remembrance of the 150th anniversary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Calais. Congratulations, Paul. It is beautiful.
Doris Hogan has been working on some beautiful quilts and coverings for her grandchildren. I have seen them and I will verify they are beautiful. Keep up the good work, Doris. Doris also likes to complete puzzles and had a pretty one completed.
Have you had your flu shot? One of the offices was busy on Friday and Saturday giving them, I was one of the many. Charlene and Brian Henderson have returned from their Florida vacation and reported to have had a wonderful time with grandson and his father Ben, Adam, two more of her children and they slept at a campground in Orlando. Now what could be better than that?
Shirley Nason attended a baby shower given by her sister for her granddaughter. It was a fun day.
Here’s a little statement that is so very true: “Do not undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is so special.”
I like the psalms so here is one: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:1-2.
Have a wonderful week.