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, June 29 meeting. Sixteen members were present; four of this number were KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly).
Loser of the week was Marsha Reed with Diane Folsom as runner-up. Reports were given by Joanne Scott and Brenda Lacostic. Copies of the new bylaws were distributed by Barbara Grant.
Charlotte Marley in charge of the flag contest reminded everyone that next week is the last week of the contest. The winner of the skinny dish was Joanne Scott.
Diane Folsom, leader, was present and read a letter from representative Rick Danforth. Barbara Grant read a story entitled ‘’I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter!’’ Diane introduced Bonnie Pratt, speaker, from Oakfield who is a RSVP representative since last July. She had Margaret Cameron with her as a guest. Bonnie spoke on ‘’A Matter of Balance,’’ and distributed information on the class. She asked for volunteers and ones who would attend a class. Those interested signed a sheet denoting the same and she will notify them of a class when it is set up.
For more information on the chapter you may contact Charlotte Marley at 757-8483 or Betty Ivey at 532-9653. The chapter meets at the same location every Friday morning. The weigh-in time is 8-8:45 a.m. and a meeting starts at 9 a.m. and ends an hour later.
Come, enjoy and take off weight.
Ricker Rumblings
by Lois Downing
We’re well into the month of July, the seventh month, named after Julius Caesar. It is the hottest month of the year and usually the greenest. The ruby is the gem, with the water lily the flower for July.
It is nice and sunny as this is being written. Rain, rain, go away, come back some other day, was the thought when the heavy rains of last week were so frequent.
Paul Armstrong and Joe Garnett have been preparing a float for the Fourth of July parade. They will perform on this float as hillbillies so we are looking forward to seeing them. We had a nice gathering on Saturday to celebrate the June birthdays, with only one honoree, Thomas Vasko who turned 79. We had salads, chips, iced tea, cake and other food dishes. We had a nice time and some of the ladies took pictures. Happy Birthday to Thomas.
There will be no Bingo on the Fourth of July. Last week we were treated to tea breads, pumpkin and sesame. Very good and thanks to the cook!
On the bulletin board is a request for aprons, all types and designs. Barbara Grant of the Red Hat Society is asking for these to display them at the Potato Feast Days in August. She promises that special care will be provided for these aprons and will be returned after the showing. If you have an apron to lend to Barbara you may call her at 532-2501.
Have been enjoying the band concerts with Dot Campbell. Last week we sat in the rain for 15 minutes but we were prepared for the rain. Have enjoyed the balloons, red and orange, provided by the banks, also the chips and popcorn. The band is wonderful and it’s nice to see all the people there enjoying it. Thanks to the band and those involved.
My neighbor, Barbara Ganem has acquired a new puppy. The puppy named ‘’Princess’’ has a pink stroller and all kinds of outfits. She is the belle of the building! Hello to Lillian Stairs at the hospital and Dot Weston, wherever you are. You are missed by Ricker community.
Our office will be closed Monday through Friday, July 9-13. About angels: The only way to see an angel is to look with the eyes of the heart. The only way to hear an angel is to listen with the ears of the soul.
The Bible verse is taken from Matthew 17:20: ‘’Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘’Move from here to there,’’ and it will move.’’ See you at the parade!
Happy Losers gather
By Shirley Sides
The Happy Losers held the weekly meeting June 27 at the Congregational Church vestry in Island Falls. Jackie Pratt, the leader opened the meeting with the usual pledge and roll call.
Ten ladies were weighed-in and attended. Cecilia Brown was loser of the week, and Shirley Sides was runner-up Great job ladies!
The secretary and treasuer gave reports for the week. The leader led the program for the week. Her topic was on an article from the Prevention magazine. Add color to your meals.
Please feel welcome to our group every Wednesday, 8 to 8:45 a.m. weigh-ins and meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. Call 365-4884 for more info. See you there.
Island Falls News
Peter Connelly and his son, Jamie, have returned to Florida after spending a week here and getting the summer camp on Mattawamkeag Lake open for the season. He and wife, Cheryl (Sewall) Connelly and family members plan to arrive soon, hopefully with lots “bug dope” to ward off the mosquitos.
Alan Chamberlain has arrived from his home in Virginia to spend several months at the Chamberlain camp on lower Mattawam-keag Lake. Shortly after his arrival the rain started and when he finally got a chance to come to town he found the loading ramp at the Fish and Game wharf completely under water and no way to get to the boats on the wharf unless you used another boat.
We received about 10 inches of rain and this certainly put a “damper” on activities. I am still enjoying swimming at the pool at Vacationland Estates with friends, Doris and John, and now we have been joined with Jane Fitzgerald, who will be spending the summer at her cottage on the pond. I saw the little fat brown woodchuck on my lawn the other day — he was flat on his belly and busily chewing the grass around him. There are not too many gardens in this area for him to attack. And I still have quite a few nuthatches, gold finch and chickadees around so I am putting out a bit of sunflower seeds for them — not too many as I don’t want the gray squirrels to hang around. Still have the flock of crows who appear about every afternoon but no deer yet. Hopefully in the fall.
