Houlton Council of Catholic Women
By Lois Downing
Houlton Council of Catholic Women met in the parish center of St. Mary of the Visitation Church on Sunday, March 4 following the last Mass.
Joining the 14 members were Rev. Dave Raymond, Deacon Al Burleigh, Bill Roach, Jackie Junkins and Lucy McNally. Lucy was a former member and was welcomed back.
Co-president Mary Armour called the meeting to order and members said the traditional prayers, salute to the cross and pledge to the flag and sang the hymn, ‘’O Beautiful Mother.’’
Father Dave commented on how he appreciates the hard work that Council women provide for St. Mary’s Church. He stated that in the forefront of his mind is the St. Patrick’s Bazaar, which not only recognizes St. Patrick as a saint, but also the Irish heritage, predominant in the community. Fr. Dave led them in prayer before the luncheon.
The meeting resumed after the meal and Jane Stile, recording secretary, read minutes from the February meeting. Janet Barker, co-president, gave a financial report in the absence of Mary Grant, treasurer.
The seminarian basket was available for those wishing to donate. Jane Mitchell, vice president, read thank-you notes.
Alta Reardon has purchased the 100-cup coffee maker and the local Knights of Columbus paid for half the cost.
Co-presidents Janet and Mary highlighted the Valentine’s dinner on February 10. Those attending enjoyed the evening.
Margaret Casey received a call from Barbara Spellman who was overjoyed with her Valentine bag, received from Council. Many positive comments were shared regarding other recipients.
It was noted that Rose Levesque, Betty Ann Childers, Shirley Reardon and Clifford Barker was very successful in soliciting items for the St. Patrick’s Bazaar. Co-president Janet distributed sheets of paper for members to sign up for help, cook, clean up or provide desserts, etc.
Janet Mitchell and Melissa Berube will organize and conduct the cake walk. Jane is also seeking the assistance of members to provide cakes for the walk. A sizable sum of money was donated to the dinner by members. Mary Armour encouraged members to thank Anna Ritchie for her work in making the church environment so lovely.
Prayer intentions were recognized with many intentions for the world and church and three Hail Mary prayers were recited.
Birthdays were recognized. Janet Barker won the door prize.
The meeting and luncheon was in charge of the March committee.
The next meeting will be Sunday, April 1. All Catholic ladies are welcome.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly ME 0233, HOULTON
By Lois Downing
Take Off Pounds Sensibly £ME 0233 of Houlton met at the Aldergate building on High Street for its Friday, March 9, meeting. Fifteen TOPS were present; two KOPS. Diane Folsom had charge of the meeting.
Reports were given by Joanne Scott, co-weight recorder, and Charlotte Marley secretary. Loser of the week was Betty Wyman with runner-up Joanne Scott. The skinny dish was awarded to Charlotte Marley.
Barbara Troy gave a report on the Shamrock contest she is heading. She thanked everyone for participating. A good portion of the program was on buying new scales. Diane turned the program over to Charlotte Marley who introduced another TOPS person who gave a little ditty on tracking your food.
Charlotte’s program was in the form of questions. Some were: ‘’Have you ever made a list of your assets? How about your bad points. Which list is longer?’’; ‘’How do you think being at goal weight might change your life?’’; ‘’If a TOPS friend comes by and you’re eating something you think you shouldn’t, what do you do?;’’ Every answer was different and many comments were given.
Every Friday chapter 0233 meets at the same time—8:00-8:45 a.m.; 9-10 a.m. meeting. No one is weighed after 8:45 to allow the workers to figure their charts. If you need questions answered you may call Charlotte Marley at 757-8483 or Betty Ivey at 532-6375. Come, enjoy, socialize and take off weight.
Island Falls news
By Riva Hawkes
On Friday, March 30, at 6:30 p.m. a movie will be shown at the snowmobile clubhouse on Route 2 entitled “WindFall.” This is an award-winning movie concerning the construction of wind turbines and the affects they would have on the area. The public is cordially invited to attend, with no admission fee and any questions will be answered by a group, which is headed by Donna (Sewall) Bonham, a resident of Island Falls.
Tom Hawkes, Chris Hawkes and wife, Amanda, all from Glenburn, have been recent visitors of Riva Hawkes. While here a few chores were done around the house and they were amazed at all our snow up here. They haven’t had any in Glenburn for quite some time — just mud, I understand.
I still have the two gray squirrels vying for position on the bird feeder — and the little red squirrel has to wait his turn. He hides beneath the front steps until the coast is clear then finishes what is left.
Still chilly in the morning and when I take out the peanut butter mixture the woodpeckers and blue jays are right there to get their fill — waiting patiently until I am gone then close in to get their breakfast. Now that the days are longer, the deer wait until dusk to arrive to get the goodies I give them— apples and bread only. I saw five the other day, but only on the back lawn — just two showed up for their dinner. I have to wait until almost dark to feed them, as the crows will arrive and eat up the bread if I am too early. The deer still use their trail from the woods as the snow is still thick out back.
Oakfield Seniors meet
By Peggy Sanders
The Oakfield Senior Citizens met at the Smoki-Haulers Snowmobile Club for their first meeting in March.
After a good lunch and the treasurer’s report and the secretary’s report, we had an auction. We had a lot of items. It was a fun time with Don Marley and Jeanne Clemons. Wanetta Townsend gave the card report and we sang happy birthday to Geo Barrows, Mary Lawler and Mildred Gagnon.
Linda Bartlett won the afghan we sold tickets on with the money going to senior citizens. Bonnie Pratt of RSVP spoke of things coming up for seniors. On Tuesday, March 27, there will the third annual Senior Wellness Day, sponsored by Houlton Recreation Department, University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Houlton Regional Hospital at the Houlton Rec at 128 Main St., Houlton. It is free to all seniors; last year, over 75 attended.
TRIAD, including southern Aroostook Houlton police officer Stephen Nason, community resource officer, needs six to 10 SALT committee members to meet twice a month. Don’t have to be a senior, just someone interested in helping seniors. It includes mail fraud, phone scams and elder abuse. Visit wwwnationaltriad.org or call 532-2287.
