The Boone Family Surprise
By Helen Cooper
Marge Boone Park of New Gloucester recently celebrated a special birthday, so the children of deceased Warden and Muriel Boone formerly of East Hodgdon gathered in Portland, to surprise her. In early January Tim Parks asked his wife to pack a bag for a special weekend, to celebrate her 50th birthday. With the suggestion not to ask any questions, Marge remained silent as they pulled into her favorite restaurant. Tim stepped to the Hostess desk and gave them his name. The hostess immediately escorted them into the dining room. That should have been the first clue that something was up.
“I turned the corner and there sat my sister, Barbara (Brookline, N.H.),” Marge said. “My hand went to my mouth as I gasped in surprise. Beside her sat my sister, Helen (Danville, Ind.). I spanned further left and my sister, Lois (Sheridan, Wyo.) came next. I could feel the tears well up now. Evelyn, (Greenfield, Ind.) was taking pictures beside her. My heart started to race. Could this really be happening? At the end of the table was my only brother, Dave (Phillipsburg, N.J.) and his wife Jean. My hands were shaking and I couldn’t get my coat unzipped. I started hugging people! I needed to sit down. I tried to understand the complexity of the whole surprise. All my sisters and my brother had traveled many miles, some by plane to celebrate my birthday.”
That was the beginning of a fabulous mini family reunion. The girls with their escort Dave spent the weekend in Portland; eating out, shopping, going to the play “Mama Mia,” playing games, visiting and just plain laughing. Time was spent reminiscing about childhood days grown up in northern Maine and memories of our Mom and Dad. Our parents always had time for family and friends and they instilled that same desire in each of us. There is no blessing greater than the Love of a Family.
Ricker Rumblings
by Lois Downing
Another Sunday, and what a beautiful one it is. We’ve had hail, sun, wind, snow and overcast days but ‘’Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in it.’’
On Thursday of last week, we signed up for vegetables via Judy Oliver. Many of our tenants took advantage of this offer. Barbara Spellman, an ex-tenant here, has been transferred to a Lincoln facility. Hope you are happy there, Barbara.
Our St. Patrick’s Bazaar took place at St. Mary of the Visitation Church on Saturday past. A great turnout took part in this bazaar, cake walk, prizes, food sale, and many other things besides the delicious supper—turkey, mashed potatoes, peas/carrots, stuffing, gravy, corned beef, cabbage, rolls, desserts.
Paul McGillicuddy was honored with a small party after cardio rehab on Friday. Paul turned 99 years old and it was a delightful time for him. The snow which we thought we would never see the end of is disappearing fast. And aren’t the days nice, now that we are on the new time.
An old Irish greeting—These things I warmly wish for you—Someone to love, Some work to do, A bit o’ sun A bit o’ cheer And a guardian angel Always near. We are now into our fourth week of Lent. How the time goes!
From Luke 6:36-37: Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged.’’ Have a safe and healthy week.
Military Notes
Major General (Ret.) John W. Libby, the Adjutant General for the Maine National Guard, has announced the promotion to the rank specified below for the following Maine Army National Guard Soldiers:
Shane Quint of Houlton, promoted to the rank of Specialist; and Joshua Mcninch of Littleton, to Private II. Both men are members of the 185th Engineer Support Company.
Purple Hat Society
by Lois Downing
The Purple Hat Society met at the SAVE building, Houlton for their Tuesday, March 13, meeting. Delores Locke had charge of the meeting. The tables were festive with shamrocks on each table, in observance of St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.
Each lady gave her introduction and her Purple Hat name. Wannetta Townsend gave the blessing before the meal. ‘’Happy Birthday’’ was sung to Mildred Gagnon. Cindy Gray, Marie Gillotti, Sandy Wyman and Arlene Friel gave readings.
Receiving purple purses were Betty Wyman and Cindy Gray. Catherine Leaman spoke of her time spent overseas. She was a teacher in China for a year. It was a very interesting talk.
Attending were: Jackie Colella from Cary; from Houlton, Betty Wyman, Marcia Reed; from Littleton, Kay Grass; Dyer Brook, Wannetta Townsend, Sandy Wyman and Marie Gillotti; from Oakfield, Dolores Locke, Evelyn Johnston, Mildred Gagnon, Bernice Campbell; from Merrill, Arlene Friel; from Smyrna, Peggy Sanders and Charlotte Marley; from United Kingdom, Catherine Leaman.
Peggy Sanders will have charge of the next meeting, Tuesday, April 10. For information on the chapter, you may call Charlotte Marley at 757-8384 or any of the other ladies.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly 0233, Houlton
by Lois Downing
Take Off Pounds Sensibly Chapter 0233 of Houlton met at the Aldergate building on High Street for its Friday, March 16 meeting. Seventeen members were weighed; two were KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly).
The meeting was led by Denise Clark. The members were weighed by Denise and Diane Folsom. Diane obtained new scales for the group and she was thanked for her time in doing this.
Loser of the week was Shirley Ethier with Barbara Troy as runner-up. The skinny dish went to Barbara Whited. Denise had charge of the meeting and read about Nordic diets. Charlotte gave the secretary’s minutes of the last meeting.
Barbara Troy gave a report on the Shamrock contest and said it is going well with Jannette Nelson and Barbara Troy as the top ones. Barbara also led us in exercises at the end of the meeting. Denise read a letter from Janice Cote about a workshop in Van Buren March 31.
The next meeting will be March 23 at the same location. Weigh-in time is 8-8:45; no one is weighed after this time to allow the members to figure their sheets. A meeting is held at 9 o’clock and usually ends an hour later.
Every Friday we meet at the same location. If you need information about the chapter you may call Charlotte Marley at 757-8384 or Betty Ivey at 532-9653. See you there!
New Boston Cane Post recipient sought for Bridgewater
By Jann Bonkowski Votaw
The Bridgewater Historical Association is seeking nominees in its search for a new Boston Cane recipient. Nomination forms are available at the town office or by contacting the BHA. Forms must be received by April 1.
The association is also announcing that the Smyrna/Merrill Historical Society will be bringing its show on the road to the BHA hall on May 5-6 and presenting their play, “Hood of Sherwood.” It is a two-act play. There will be dessert served at intermission. Show time is 6 p.m. both nights.
Tickets are required so organizers know how much dessert to prepare. Tickets will soon be available at the Bridgewater Town Office or by contacting the BHA. They are limited so get yours early. Tickets are available on a donation basis. Donations will benefit both the Bridgewater Historical Association and the Smyrna Merrill Historical Society. This is our first joint project and we hope it will be a big success. Thank you for your support.
