Ricker Rumblings
By Lois Downing
The “old” crew of the Pioneer Times met at Pizza Hut last Wednesday for a little reunion. We haven’t done that in a few years. Six of us were together – Kaye Trickey, Carol Hand, Margaret Campbell, Sheila McKay, Gloria Austin and organizer Lois Downing. Some of us worked under Marshall Hammond. That takes us back a bit! Marshall had “You’re Cornered” and Kaye had “Discover Houlton” for columns. More on this at a later date.
In a previous issue I listed Sylvia Cummings. The correct name is Sylvia Thompson. Sorry to both Sylvias.
My brother, Paul H. Phelan, recently published his latest book entitled, “Electile Dysfunction.” Paul, well known in The County and state, has written over 20 books, mostly unpublished. If you want a copy, you’ll find it most fascinating and comical. Give me a ring at 532-2125 for a copy.
On Ricker’s bulletin board is a thank you note from Joyce Bryant and Peggy Robinson. They collected “Dollars for Dot” for Dorothy Weston who turned 100 on Sept. 27. Dot is a patient at Houlton Regional Hospital, and to my knowledge, she is the oldest living tenant at Ricker Plaza. We love you Dot!
Donnie and Sylvia Thompson had visitors from Tennessee this past week.
Evelyn Callnan is enjoying her stay at Ricker Plaza and we are glad to have her. Evelyn was one of the first ladies I met when I moved from Lewiston a half century ago.
Raining on this Sunday morning. We still need rain I’m told, but the dark days and rain are sure to be followed by sunshine.
Visited Riverside Park on Friday to see the new addition, the bear. Take a ride to the park and see for yourself how nice it looks, so neat and trim.
Shirley Nason’s niece, Leanna, was a recent visitor.
If you know Florence MacDonald and knew Shirley Ellis (now deceased) you would say they are sisters. The resemblance is scary.
Are you celebrating Halloween? I’ve dressed up a few times at Ricker. Some like it while others do not. Everyone’s different.
Our sympathy goes out to Peter Carr’s family. Peter was a music teacher at St. Mary’s School many years ago.
Fall is a beautiful time of year, for some, their favorite. Have you had your ride around The County to view God’s wonders? Talking about wonders – my Christmas cactus has pink buds. I’ll be showing it off in the lobby soon.
My angel phrase is: God made angels so that humans would have someone to lean on when he was busy tending universes.
Annual rummage sale at St. Mary’s is this weekend, Oct. 4, 5 and 6. If you want good cheap clothing, that’s the sale of the year. People come from everywhere for our sale. I even had a call this week from beyond Caribou inquiring about the sale.
Bible verse is: “There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9: 39-40).
Helen Cunliffe is a “rehab” patient at Madigan Estates Nursing Home for a few days. Helen was hospitalized after a fall and is recovering at Madigan.
Have a good week.
Island Falls news
Mr. and Mrs. Don Burton have closed up their cottage on Mattawamkeag Lake and have returned to their home in Rancho Cordovas, California. While here during the summer they had a great time visiting with friends and relatives and also enjoying all the festivities of the Island Falls Summerfest.
On Sept. 22, Clayton and Charlene Webb were in Hampden where they attended the funeral of Mrs. Barbara Colson, Charlene’s aunt, who was very special to her and will be sorely missed. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Pankratz have returned to Manhattan, Kan., after spending the summer at their cottage on Pleasant Pond. The Pankratz’s have been summer residents here for over 40 years and have made many friends over the years, who look forward to their return each year.
I have now been putting out sunflower seeds for my birds and they are flocking to the feeders in large numbers. Even have one or two blue jays but mostly there are nuthatches, chickadees, gold finch and wrens. Have seen a few pigeons flying about the area but so far, they have not been a nuisance.
The weather has been real chilly the past couple of weeks, so I have seen no fat little woodchucks near my front steps where I think he has been living. Been some time since I have seen the one and only deer who has been grazing once in awhile on my back lawn. My friend who has been having deer attack his garden told me that a deer was struck by a car near his home the other day. It was not fatally hurt and limped off and we think it may have been the one that was coming to my lawn. Still throwing out old bread crumbs now and then for the crows who seem to be living in this area.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly ME 0233, HOULTON
By Lois Downing
Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Chapter 0233 of Houlton, met at the Aldergate building on High Street for its Friday, Sept. 28 meeting.
Leader Diane Folsom led the meeting. Roll call was given by 11 TOPS and six KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly).
Loser of the week was Denise Clark with Shirley Ethier as runner-up. Reports were given by secretary Brenda Lacostic and Denise Clark. The skinny dish was held over for another week.
No program was presented. The chapter made plans to attend the fall rally in Brewer at the auditorium there.
It was noted that leader Diane and her husband Sonny celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Allie Smith and Lois attended the celebration at the fire station; it was a lovely party.
If you need more information on the chapter, you may call Betty Ivey at 532-9653 or Charlotte Marley at 757-8483, a Smyrna number.
Weigh-in is every Friday at 8-8:45 a.m.; the meeting is next at 9 a.m. Come, enjoy, socialize and lose weight.
