TOPS group meets
Take Off Pounds Sensibly Chapter ME 0233 of Houlton met at the Aldergate building on High Street for its Friday, Sept. 14, meeting. In attendance were 12 TOPS ladies and 5 KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) making 17 altogether.
Leader Diane Folsom led the meeting. Next meeting Charlotte Marley will present a program. Losers of the week were Diane as best loser and Janette Nelson and Brenda Lacostic were the runners-up. The skinny dish was held over. Janette gave a monthly financial report.
Betty Ivey distributed papers relating to a new contest she was headiing. Papers on the contest, called ‘’Loser Lotto,’’ were distributed The contest requires $1.00 to join and the papers will be given to Betty each week for 10 weeks.
Charlotte Marley gave a review of the workshop held at the Court Street Baptist church, hosted by our chapter on September 8. Comments were made and discussed on the workshop, deemed very successful. Receiving a KOPS award at the workshop were Diane Folsom and Charlotte Marley; Shirley Ethier and Brenda Lacostic were also given awards.
The next fall rally will be in Brewer in October. Lois Downing read a story about a little girl on an airplane besides an article from the Bangor Daily News about McDonald’s and vegetarians. If you need more information about the chapter, you may call Charlotte Marley at 757-8483 or Betty Ivey at 532-9653. Weigh-in is every Friday morning at 8-8:45; the meeting starts a 9 o’clock and usually ends an hour later. Come, enjoy and take off weight.
Island Falls
Mrs, Janette Parady sends her sincere thanks to all the groups and the individuals who have contributed to the Pantry. The groups include the Island Falls Fire and Ambulance, Boy Scouts, The Island Falls Free Wheelers, local town offices, the churches, and various groups who had fundraisers during the Summer fest, and the local grocery stores. To donate contact Janette Parady at 463-2449 or Anita Baker at 462-2183.
Dennis and Becky Drew have returned home form a two-week trip to the west where they visited with their son and family, Adam and Yanira Drew and grandchildren, Dennis and Dalia. While there Dennis and Becky, along with the grandchildren, traveled to Laughlin, Ariz., to visit with brother, Paul Drew and his wife, Donna., where a day was spent in Oatman, a small former mining town high in the mountains and each day burros come down from the hills and meander through the streets being fed and enjoyed by the tourists. Also a gunfight is staged each day at high noon, with a “sheriff and bad guy” shooting it out on the street.
On the day this all took place the temperature was was noted as being 107 degrees. A second trip was to the Grand Canyon Caverns where deep underground caverns were discovered in 1934 and at 274 feet deep it was beautiful to explore and learn about, and that evening supper was had in a mountain resort while watching deer and elk from their table.
On Labor Day weekend the two families drove to Denver to shop and to celebrate granddaughter’s seventh birthday at the American Girl Doll Store. Their final outing was dinner in Aurora, Col. with Sharman (Hoar) Ball and her husband, John. The trips were very much enjoyed, especially for the wildlife, scenery, and the many wildflowers.
Not much activity around my place right now and no deer have been seen in quite some time but a friend has informed me that his garden is still being attacked by the deer and he has now harvested most of it for himself and wife. The hummingbirds have departed for warmer climates and now I anticipate the onslaught of the pesky squirrels as soon as I put out the sunflower seeds. It hasn’t been too awful cold yet so have hesitated about the seeds. Think I will buy myself a new tube feeder to see if I can discourage coons and pigeons and squirrels.
Ricker Rumblings
by Lois Downing
Good day everybody! A beautiful fall day in Maine with the sun shining bright and a slight breeze. I can understand why fall season is the favorite with so many. Here’s the “rumblings”.
Did I ever thank Sylvia Cummings and Lavina Byron plus Charlene Henderson for the super job they did with our beautiful rock garden on the front lawn. These thanks also go for the many persons who watered the flowers throughout the season.
BIG NEWS!! On September 11, 2012 Peter and Monica Bates became the proud parents of identical twin boys, Beckham Erwin, 5 pounds 5 ounces and Bentley Eugene, 5 pounds 10 ounces. They are Lavina Byron’s great-grandsons! One of the twins wore a yellow cap in the hospital to distinguish him from his twin. There is great interest here in the twins, another of God’s miracles. God bless all!
The editor attended the funeral of Elizabeth ‘’Betty’’ Spain September 12. I wasn’t personally acquainted with the deceased but the funeral was a beautiful service.
On this Sunday we are having a barbecue in the community room. Chef Brian Henderson is the official cook and I look forward to his delicious food, plus all the other goodies provided to us. The Armstrong and Hall family is certainly busy. On Wednesday or Thursday of last week Paul was in Bangor attending a clinic while his wife Jeannie was in Presque Isle with a friend. Busy, busy people.
Bill Cogswell left by bus to his home in New York. Bill is the brother of Norma Bates, Lavina Byron and Gerry Dunn. They miss him and I do too coming and going. Such a friendly person, is Bill. The following is a list of people visiting last weekend at Lavina Byron and Norma Bates’ apartment during Lavina’s birthday: Bill Cogswell, New York City, Ken and Moe Bates, Cookie Doherty, Marysville, N.B., Lisa and Dave Bates, Houlton, Richard, Flossie, Bryon of Queensburg, N.Y., Dale and Cheryl Nason of Fort Fairfield, Gerry Dunn, Sharon Smith, Carolyn Carmichael, Jody Peabody, Jen Carmichael, Lois Downing, Roger, Laurie, Elayne, Lydi Byron of Benton, Eva Morse, Littleton, Carole and Leah Bates and James Bates. These people attended the ‘’whopper’’ I referred to last week (in my column).
To all who give me bags for our Good as New thrift shop, I appreciate it. Just leave them by the door or on my door handle, if I am not home and you want to donate to a good cause. Thanks a lot.
Lorrie Stevens is our newest tenant on the first floor at Ricker Plaza. She is one of my new neighbors. Welcome to the Ricker Plaza community, Lorrie. Our hope is that you have a long and happy life here at Ricker.
Thomas Suitter was in Bangor one day last week to pick up his bicycle after a repair job was done on it. I understand there is no bicycle repairman in Houlton. What a shame if this is a fact.
I was recently scammed again! A male voice called and identified himself as my grandson. He wanted money for returnable bail after police pulled him over in a vehicle with some friends. I didn’t ‘’bite,’’ but it gave me some fears. I know of another lady recently having a similar phone conversation. Beware!
Saw both Dot Weston and Lillian Stairs at Houlton Regional Hospital this past week. Lillian was outside with her daughter Norma and Dot was her witty self. Great to see both.
Shirley Nason was a patient at Houlton Regional Hospital last week. Shirley is home now and we’re glad to report that she is doing well. My thought on angels: ‘’An angel’s love is as pure as a child’s heart, as big as a child’s imagination and as steadfast as a child’s faith.’’
My Bible verse is taken from Corinthians 13-7-8: ‘’It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.’’
Have a wonderful week, full of love, joy and hope.
Purple Hat Society
by Lois Downing
The Purple Hat Society met in Smyrna at the Brookside Inn Restaurant on Tuesday, Sept. 11, with 15 members and two guests — Joe Messina from Smyrna and Linda Ruffin from Houlton. Greeting everyone at the door was leader Charlotte Marley.
To start off the meeting the ladies held the Ten Fingers icebreaker. That’s a smart way to find extra facts about the ladies. A get well card for signatures was distributed for Larry Sanders, husband of member Peggy Sanders. Larry recently had surgery and is doing well at this time.
Sandy Wyman and Cindy Gray both read comical stories. Winners of the Purple Hat purses were Kay Grass and Cindy Gray. Each lady wore her Purple Hat—there is an extra fee if you didn’t wear one!
The next meting will be the Halloween program at Smoki Haulers snowmobile clubhouse in Oakfield. Leader Charlotte informed everyone to wear comfortable shoes for games. A prize will be given for best decorated Purple Hat. The time is slated for 11:30. Dress for Halloween please but you may attend if you do not wish to dress for the occasion.
Here’s a list of attendees: from Cary, Joanne Scott, Brenda Lacostic and Denise Clark. Only one lady attended from Houlton—Linda Ruffin. Also from Littleton, Kay Grass; from Dyer Brook, Wannetta Townsend, Marie Gillotti and Sandy Wyman; from New Limerick, Doreen Messina.
Also, from Oakfield, Sandra Holmes, Delores Locke, Elaine Barrett and Mildred Gagnon; from Merrill, Arlene Friel. Also, from Smyrna, Cindy Gray and Charlotte Marley.
See you all next month — in October! Happy Halloween.
Catholic Women
by Lois Downing
Houlton Council of Catholic Women commenced the 2012-13 season with their traditional mass in the chapel and their potluck supper in St. Anthony’s Hall on Monday, Sept. 10. The mass was celebrated by our pastor, the Rev. David Raymond with Deacon Albert Burleigh. Rita McDade was lector.
The officers of the council were the official chairmen of the potluck but many ladies ‘’helped out’’ in a lot of ways. Father Dave gave the blessing before the meal. A guest at the meeting was Margaret Casey’s granddaughter Amira.
After the potluck supper was enjoyed the ladies began their meeting, the first of the new season. After greeting everyone Janet Barker, president, began making plans for the annual rummage sale, to be in the hall (St. Anthony) Oct. 4-6. Clean clothing and usable items will be accepted before this printing. The committee is requesting no items are to be left outside the church building. Also, no large pieces, like microwave ovens or similar items will be accepted.
Volunteers are needed for the sale. Please call Janet at 532-3581, if you can help in any way, regardless of church affiliation.
Jane Stile gave the secretary’s report and Mary Grant gave the treasurer’s report. Mary is accepting dues and they may be mailed or paid at any meeting. Mary also gave the financial report and an audit will be made soon, if possible.
Corresponding secretary Lois Downing read a thank you note, addressed to Lynette Dobbs, thanking us for cancelled stamps sent to Sister Francine in Reading, Pennsylvania. Council has been saving stamps for a long time. If you have cancelled stamps, please leave a small space outside the stamp (before cutting) and give to Lois Downing, 73 Military Street, Houlton, Maine. Lois revived this savings project after a long absence.
Lois also read a letter from Mary Armour, who now is Mary Doster. Mary now lives in North Carolina. We all wish Mary and her family blessings and love. Deacon Al is now replacing Mary in Faith Formation religious education. If you have a question on this subject, please call Deacon Al.
Jane Mitchell took up the seminarian fund basket while Ethel Schools won the door prize from a drawing. Jane will have charge of door prizes and the seminarian fund.
Leona Clark was mailed a birthday card from Council. Leona is celebrating her 94th birthday and she is the mother of Bunny Tidd, Jane Stile and Mary Grant, sister to Ethel Schools, aunt of Ethel Mersereau, all HCCW members.
A get well for Joel Voisine was distributed for signatures. Joel is home and has been on the ‘’sick list’’ for several months. Birthdays and anniversaries dates were acknowledged too. Mary Grant advised members that Dr. Goodwin’s office is accepting eyeglasses now to be sent overseas.
Father Dave praised Council for its many projects: Margaret Casey will chair the annual Thanksgiving dinner, Nov. 22; Molly Bailey will head the annual Christmas bazaar, Dec. 8. The meeting ended with many prayers, with the notice of the next meeting to be Oct. 1.
Happy Losers meet
By Shirley Sides
The Happy Losers held the weekly meeting at the Congregational Church vestry in Island Falls. Jackie Pratt, the leader opened the meeting with the usual pledge and roll call.
Ten ladies weighed-in and eight attended. Weight loss for the week was excellent. Jackie Pratt was the person who lost the most weight for the week and Ann Morse was runner-up. Great job ladies.
The secretary gave report for the week, as the treasurer was absent. The leader led the program for the week. Her topic was on an article called Sugar Hideouts. Sugar is in a lot of foods that we don’t realize, like pasta sauce, instant oatmeal, fat free salad dressings and juices. Meetings are always interesting and informative.
Please feel welcome to our group every Wed. 8-8:45a.m. weigh-ins and meeting starts at 9 a.m. Call 365-4884 for more info. See you there!
Dance for the Dogs
By Jann Bonkowski Votaw
In 2010, stemming from a suggestion by our good friend, Gloria Bradstreet, the BHA hatched the plan to raise money to purchase a protective vest for the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Dept canine officer. We were successful in our project and were happy to say Deputy Mitch Wheeler’s canine partner, Maxx, is protected.
It has since come to our attention that the state trooper canine officer, Gleni, stationed in Houlton needs a pen with a roof to allow him to have some down time and also give his handler some relaxation time. Once again as you know, the canines are unable to go and purchase what they need. So, to continue our efforts to assist the area canine officers, the Bridgewater Historical Association will be holding its second “Dance For The Dogs” on Saturday Sept. 29, from 8-11 p.m. Tickets for the dance will be $6 for one and $10 for two.
Some refreshments will be available at the dance. The volunteers of “OUTSIDE IN” will once again provide music. There will be door prizes and raffles. One of the prizes for the raffle will be a hand made quilt. We hope all of you will come out and support our efforts and, Gloria‘s idea. The raffle tickets will be drawn at our last event of the year. That date will be announced shortly.
The BHA will hold its final yard sale of the year on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19-20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some tables will be available for rent for the two days at $10 per table. This will be different from our other sales this year as our members will be renting the tables so there will be new items for you to purchase. Some refreshments will be available.
Don’t forget to get your costumes ready. It is getting close to our Halloween Dance time. Hopefully all will be in costume this year. Since its inception, almost everyone comes to our dance in costume. We hope to keep up the tradition.
Our Thursday Night Music by “OUTSIDE IN” is still happening, so come on out and have a good time. They play a wide variety of music including, Country, Oldies, 60’s- 70’s Pop, old time Rock & Roll, etc. The atmosphere is very laid back and we have a great wood floor to dance on. Line dance or couple dance there is plenty of room. Refreshments are available. We don’t have a cover charge, but donations are greatly appreciated and all proceeds go to the BHA for supplies, repairs, etc.
We thank everyone who attends our events and supports the BHA and the community. Your assistance in our efforts is greatly appreciated. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook.
