Happy Losers
By Shirley Sides
On Jan. 2, the Happy Losers held the meeting finally after the storms. It was held at the Congreational Church in Island Falls.
Jackie Pratt, the leader opened the meeting with the usual pledge and roll call. Eleven ladies weighed-in and nine attended and a guest.
Mary Shaw was the person who lost the most weight for the week, and Jackie Pratt was runner-up. Great job ladies.
After the meeting the group had the Christmas Party, then motored to the Brookside Restuarant for breakfast and lunch. Those who attended were Jackie, Jane, Judi, Cecilia, Riva, Dotty, Joan, Mary, Loretta, and Shirley. All enjoyed the day!
Please feel welcome to join our group every Wed. weigh-ins from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Meeting starts at 9 a.m. Call 365-4884 for more info. See you there!
Sherman Seniors meet
The Sherman Senior Citizens met Jan. 2, 2013 for a combined Christmas/New Year’s dinner, which had been rescheduled because of the weather. There were nine members present. They were Donna Grass, Eva Perry, Mary Lawler, Paul Qualey, Sandra Qualey, Esta Greenier, Bonita Staples, Annie Atkinson and Linniea Perry.
Get-well cards were sent to Phillip Lane, Diane Lane, June Gantnier and Kimmie London. Sympathy cards were sent to the families of Bonnie Lovett, Isabelle McAvoy, Marge Hall and Leota Hare.
Next meeting is Jan. 16.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
Oakfield Seniors gather
Fourteen brave members of Oakfield Senior Citizens met on Jan. 2 for the first meeting of 2013 at the Smoki-Haulers Snowmobile Club in Oakfield despite of the cold and windy weather. A potluck luncheon was enjoyed followed by the business meeting called to order by President Bob Locke.
Reports of the Treasurer, Secretary and Card Secretary were read and accepted. Jeanne Clements was the winner of the 50/50 raffle. Taylor Locke, Oakfield Selectman was the guest speaker updating us on several things going on in Oakfield.
There is a new policy concerning use of the Community Center regarding obtaining the key to the building and cleaning up the building when you are done. The Windmill project is ongoing and there are several other projects proposed for the town of Oakfield.
The Secret Pals of Grade 4 at Southern Aroostook School will be meeting with the Oakfield Senior Citizens on Wed. Jan 9 at the SnoClub and everyone is excited to meet their “Pal.”
Attending were: Tessie Barrett, Geneva Bell, Wannetta Townsend, Bernice Campbell, George Barrows, Jeanne Clements, Arlene Friel, Bonnie Pratt, Naci Fowler, Don Marley, Mildred Gagnon, Charlotte Marley, Marie Gillotti, Bob Locke.
Our next meeting will be on Wed. Jan. 16, 2013 at the Snowclub. For more information about Oakfield Senior Citizens call Delores Locke at 757-8478.
Ricker Rumblings
by Lois Downing
Happy New Year everyone! And many more in store for you with good health, love, joy, peace and happiness.
I spent Christmas away with my daughter Kathryn. The bus was busy, Going to Bangor, we had to turn around at one point, wires in the road. Coming back, the bus was full again. I got a charge out of a couple young ladies (they departed in Sherman) who didn’t like the language of someone in the back and asked them to stop swearing! Good for them, it was peaceful from then on. Question: Do you dare speak up when one is against your morals? It reminds me of the television program, ‘’What would you do?’’
Snowing hard today—lots of places closed for the day. But it’s a Maine winter with lots of snow.
Ruth Ercolani fell in the parking lot and reportedly broke both arms! Ruthie, we are so sorry. Ruthie, commonly called, moved here from Florida several months ago and loves her apartment. For those who don’t know Ruth, she is a sister to Shirley Nason. Better days in 2013, my dear.
Thanks to all who sent me Christmas cards and notes of cheer. Your kindness is remembered.
Barbara Ganem, an ex-Ricker tenant, came by before Christmas. Barbara was written up in ‘’Pet Talk’’ for her endeavors in the recent dinner for pets’ benefit. I could not make it that time as I’m not a night driver.
We were treated to a wonderful luncheon before Christmas in the community room, courtesy of Ricker Plaza. Charlene, Brian Henderson and their daughter Christy were hostesses. We had eggnog, sandwiches, crackers, cheese, and Brian’s delicious seafood chowder topped off with a Christmas cake. Thanks loads to everyone involved.
Evelyn Callnan’s son Dennis and daughter-in-law Lynn from Connecticut were here recently visiting Dennis’ mother. It’s the first time I have seen Dennis in a month of moons. Dennis is the oldest of the Callnan sons and a ‘’stocky’’ man, he is! Great to see you, Dennis and to meet lovely wife. Nothing like being home for Christmas.
Daniel Thompson of Winterport and Leanne Thompson Harvey of Brewer visited with their parents Donnie and Sylvia Thompson.
I had a note in my Ricker file, Pearl Harbor Day! (December) I remember I was working in Connecticut. Do you remember what or where you were on that date?
Jenny Lawlor and Ben Henderson are the parents of a new son, Evan Dana Henderson born Nov. 21, 2012. I’m anxious to see Evan. Ben is Brian and Charlene Henderson’s oldest son.
Peggy Robinson is back from Florida. Many missed her, like her sister Maureen. Maureen posted two Happy Birthday balloons on the bulletin board for Peggy to witness when she came through the Ricker Plaza door. Peggy was gone six weeks and we are glad she is back.
My wish for everyone is good health, joy, peace and love for the new year. Thoughts on angels: ‘’The golden glow of an angel’s love warmed the Christ child in his slumber in a manger long ago.”
Peace, love one another.
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 first meeting of the new year, 2013. Fifteen members were in attendance, four were KOPS (Keep Pounds Off Sensibly).
Loser of the week was Diane Folsom with Betty Ivey and Joanne Scott as runners-up. The skinny dish was held over. Janette Nelson gave a monthly financial report.
Leader Diane Folsom distributed copies of a new contest. Barbara Whited will be chairman of this contest, which starts this week and ends Feb. 15. All are asked to participate. The winner will have free dues for a month.
Diane read a letter from Janice, our area representative. She will have surgery Jan. 8. Next week we will have a silent auction. Members are asked to bring items, more than one if you can.
For the program, Charlotte Marley had a quiz on calories. Several instances of different foods containing calories were read; our responses were which answer was the right answer. Then she had a song about diet and the debate room, meaning the weight room. The song was to the tune of ‘’Glory, Glory,’’ (And the Truth Keeps Marching on). It was fun and Lois Downing led the singing.
Barbara Whited distributed charms to Joanne Scott, Mildred Gagnon, Cheryl Driscoll, Lois Downing, Shirley Eithier, Diane Folsom, Betty Ivey and Charlotte Marley. The next meeting will be Jan. 11 at the same location. If you wish more information on the chapter, you may call Betty Ivey at 532-9653 or Charlotte Marley at 757-8483.
Weigh-in is at 8-8:45 every Friday morning; the meeting starts at 9 a.m. and usually ends an hour later. Come, enjoy and take off weight.