Take Off Pounds Sensibly ME 233, HOULTON
by Lois Downing
Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Chapter 233, of Houlton met at the Aldergate building on High Street for its Friday, October 28 meeting. Fifteen TOPS ladies attended and four KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly). Shirley Ethier was a guest. She will renew her membership next week. Leader Denise Clark led the meeting starting with our saying (To Success) and then our pledges were said. Roll call was given. Denise read two letters from Janice Cote, representative of our chapter.
Loser of the week was Barbara Grant; runner-up was Betty Ivey.
Charlotte Marley won the skinny dish.
Joyce Estey, in charge of our new contest, explained the rules: exercise 30 minutes three times each week (it can be broken up in several minutes), and lose weight among other requirements.
There will be no meeting the Friday after Thanksgiving.
The big news in this chapter this week is the engagement of one of our ladies.
Some of the discussion of the day was plan making for the Washburn workshop Saturday, November 5, the last workshop of the year 2011.
Denise’s program consisted of a reading from the TOPS magazine, the November issue. Last week’s program given by Barbara Grant was titled “Exercise, the Magic Bullet.” She displayed various items of exercise equipment used in aerobics, strength training, Core stability, flexibility and balance. A fun part of the program was when each member chose her own body shape from a table of “apples and pears.” Each lady took home an apple or pear, a very healthy snack.
Another date to remember is TOPS Christmas party Friday, December 2 in Oakfield.
The next meeting is Friday, November 4 at the same location.
If you need more information about the chapter you may call Charlotte Marley at 757-8483 or Betty Ivey at 532-9653.
Our chapter meets every Friday at 8-8:45 a.m. and the meeting starts at 9 o’clock and usually ends an hour later.
Come enjoy and take off weight. You’ll be glad you did.
Ricker Rumblings
by Lois Downing
Another Sunday, the last one in October, 2011. And it is snowing, snowing, snowing! A white Christmas we like (most of us), maybe Thanksgiving but for Halloween? That’s too early. As usual we can’t predict the weather. I heard it was coming but I am grateful to be inside where it is warm and cozy. Thank you, Lord, for big favors.
We were sorry to learn of the death of Morris Cassidy, a former math teacher at Houlton High School. Morris was a teacher for 37 years, kind and low-keyed. He was an Alzheimer’s victim. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
Brenda Kincaid has her Christmas tree up! She invited me to come and see it as it is a special tree. That’s what I’ll do when time permits. Thanks, Brenda. As the Christmas crafts and art shows creep up on us, please be thankful to God for His gifts, before we get too consumed with the busy time of Christmas. This thought was given to me by one of our readers and I agree wholeheartedly.
Jean Thompson, a frequent visitor at Ricker Plaza when her mother, Emma Sanders, lived here, died on October 25. I saw Jean a few months ago when we were holding classes in the community room. Jean was so good to her mother and I’m sure to other people too. She had a quiet countenance. My sympathy goes to her family and friends, of which there was many, I’m sure.
Priscilla Brownlow, second floor tenant, was very sick recently, hospitalized and came home. She is better now, I’m glad to report. Her recent visitors were: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Anderson of Island Falls; Mr. and Mrs. Alex Anderson of Smyrna and Mr. and Mrs. Alex Anderson, (her grandson), of Caribou with children Gwen, Blake and Luke.
Talking about Halloween, saw a vehicle in the former Radio Shack parking lot with a fake arm hanging out the side window. If one didn’t know it was Halloween season, he/she would wonder if it was a real person. That one gave me a laugh! Here’s some news on one of our school teachers: Tess Buswell is expected home the weekend of Nov. 5 after an absence of three weeks or so. She flew to Dallas, Texas to be there for the birth of her grandson, named Jason Robert Murray. Jason is the son of Jay and Laura (Buswell) Murray. He weighed at birth eight pounds. Other children in the family are three Murray girls and Laura’s son, Jonathan McGuire, age 15. Jay and Laura both work at American Airlines in Dallas.
I’m not sure if I mentioned the death of Marge Pannell or not. She died a short time ago. I only met her a couple times but she made an impression on me. She will be missed too. My sympathy is extended to her family and friends. We are all praying for Kevin Larson, brother to Barbara Spellman. He’s a young man, partially paralyzed and hospitalized at Houlton Regional Hospital. Here’s a few lines about angels: Hush! My dear, lie still and slumber; holy angels guard thy bed! heavenly blessings without number; gently fall on thy head. (Isaac Watts)
And now my Bible verse: “For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29). Keep your week healthy, and helpful! See you soon.
Molunkus SnoDrifters host Halloween Party
The Molunkus Valley Sno-Drifters held their inaugural Halloween party Saturday at their clubhouse. There was a great turnout. Games were played and enjoyed. Costume winners were Braden Burgess, first; Sam Allen, second; and Celina Bechard, third.
The hayride was a big hit. Thanks go to Rick and Jon. Thanks to all the members that made this such a great hit. We are looking forward to doing this again next year you can check us out on Facebook or email us at molunkusvalley@yahoo.com. New members are always welcome. We meet the first Saturday of the month at 5 p.m. with a potluck meal, unless there is a special event going on. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. You are only a stranger once.
Note of Interest
Former Houlton resident Ellen Cotton, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Cotton is a patient at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Room 975, Cardiac Unit, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115-6110. She is in need of a heart transplant. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
