Purple Hat Society
By Lois Downing
The Purple Hat Society met Sept. 9 at Smoki Haulers Clubhouse in Oakfield for its monthly meeting. The meeting was planned to be a cookout at Don and Charlotte Marley’s residence in Smyrna Mills but because of rain, everything was transferred to Oakfield and indoors. Plans were previously made in case of rain.
Marie Gillotti decorated the tables with purple hats and provided her Purple Hat Doll. Charlotte Marley, leader, was present to greet everyone. Wannetta Townsend asked the blessing before the meal. The menu was hot dogs, rolls, salads, fresh vegetables, potato chips, tea, coffee and a delicious dessert with ice cream.
Bunny Stewart, on the sick list of late, was present too and provided potholders. The potholders were given as the door prize; Doreen Messina was the lucky winner. Thanks, Bunny.
Peggy Sanders had a humorous reading about housework. September 9 was designated as Teddy Bear Day — Denise Kinney was named Teddy Bear of the Day as a poem was read. Thanks, Denise.
Attending from Cary, Joanne Scott; from Dyer Brook, Wannetta Townsend, Marie Gillotti and Sandy Wyman; from Hodgdon, Denise Kinney; from Houlton, Margaret Dudley and Gerry McAfee; from Merrill, Arlene Friel; from Smyrna, Charlotte Marley, Peggy Sanders, Bunny Stewart and Raeanne Bates; from New Limerick, Doreen Messina; and from Oakfield, Elaine Barrett, Ursula Levesque, Evelyn Burpee, Delores Locke, Helen Blois and Bernice Campbell.
Our thanks to the servers and cooks, namely Larry Sanders, Bob Locke, Don Marley, Joe Messina and David Barach from Fort Worth, Texas.
A voting determined the meeting place would be Taste of China, Military Street, Houlton on Tuesday, October 14. That gathering will be a Halloween costume one, optional, of course. Charlotte is asking us to please see how many combinations of colors one can come up with in costume.
If you have questions on Purple Hat, you may call Charlotte Marley at 757-8483 or any of the other ladies mentioned above.
Fall at the Bridgewater Historical Association
By Jann Bonkowski Votaw
Until the weather changes the Thursday Night Music Night continues with the sounds of Outside In. Music begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes.
The BHA will host a Game Night on Saturday, Sept. 20 beginning at 7 p.m. Bring a game to play and join us for a night of fun. There will a few games available to play at the hall including Scrabble, Pit, Yahtzee, etc. Snack foods will be available at the hall.
A Music Pot Luck Supper is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27. The supper begins at 4:30 p.m. and the music at 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share and enjoy the live music of Outside In.
Upcoming October events include a Harvest Pot Luck Supper and Game Night on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. Bring your favorite game to play and a dish to share. A Halloween Party for adults is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25. The party will run from 8-11 p.m. There will be door prizes, a 50/50, and a costume contest. A fee of $5 gets you into the party. There will be snacks and finger foods for guests.
The BHA extends a sincere thank you to all who support them. They look forward to seeing you all at the events. For more information please contact: Denis Gagne at 429-8290 or Jann Votaw at 425-7901.
Happy Losers
By Shirley Sides
The Happy Losers meeting was held Slept.10th at the Congregational Church vestry in Island Falls. We opened with our roll call and followed by our ups and downs exercise which everyone enjoys!
Fourteen ladies were in attendance. Jackie Pratt our leader conducted the meeting. and Hilda Clukey was our greeter for the week. Loser of the week was Jackie Pratt and runner-up was Dotty Rand. Happy Birthday was sung to Joanie Sides. Our weight loss for the week was great.
Reports for the week were given by our secretary and treasuer. Our leader led the program for the week. Her topic was an article on six easy ways to fat proof your life. One was to eat slowly and cut up some of your food, and use a small plate.
The next meeting is Wednesday, Sept 17 at the same time. Meeting at 9 a.m. after the weigh-ins at 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Call 365-4884 for more information.
Ricker Rumblings
By Lois Downing
Here I am again. Been watching the television and the devastation in Texas, after hurricane Ike. Some of the places I am familiar with having visited in Texas many times with my daughter Kathryn. Please pray for those who face the storm damages and aftermath.
Our electricity at Ricker Plaza was off for several hours early Saturday morning. Some of us rode in the elevator with no light and others had their microwaves unusable. Hope everything got back to normal. Makes us think how grateful we are to put up with small things.
Paul Armstrong and his daughter and grandson and friends entertained us again in the community room on Thursday of last week. I was late but upon entering the music room, Lillian Stairs was singing a solo. It sounded good Lillian. Roger was on the mouth organ and it was a familiar sound. Some of their numbers were: “Red River Valley,” ” I Need a Miracle,” “Summertime,” and “I Wonder Where You are Tonight.” Thanks Paul and friends.
Joyce Miller’s mother, Pearl Ruth, is a patient at Madigan. Pearl is better now, we’re told, having been at the hospital for a short time.
Linda Trickey, representative of the Cooperative Extension of the University of Maine, spoke to us again and very interestingly so. Linda said to watch for 100% whole wheat on your labels of bread, and other articles. Kids are taken in by the advertisements as they are directed to them–too much sugar in packaged cereals. Linda recommended whole wheat pasta–it’s on the market, ladies. Ask for half a serving when in a restaurant. She produced some papers showing us how to determine portion control. Thanks, Linda.
Bonnie, daughter of Althea Lloyd, was visiting her mother over Labor Day weekend. She has returned to her home. Althea is away at this time, a guest of one of her daughters’.
Here’s a tip from State Farm news: never drive when upset; don’t challenge an aggressive driver; avoid eye contact; wear your seat belt; if someone provokes you, take a deep breath and stay calm. I thought this was good advice since there are a lot of fast drivers on the road today.
Our recent mission at St. Mary of the Visitation Church and St. Agnes in Island Falls was a total success. The Rev. Gaffney, of the Redemptorist Fathers, stationed in New York, was the principal speaker. He performed and spoke to many children and they loved it. Thank you to Fr. Dave, our pastor at St. Mary’s, for bringing this mission to us.
Janice McCarthy is still on the sick list, with her foot and leg. If you need anything Janice, please let us know. I hope your surgery was more successful this time.
Elwood and Inez Scott are in the process of moving to Hodgdon as I write. As of this writing, she had some items for sale. We will miss you friends and good luck in your new environment.
Have you heard about the bogus phone calls? First, they call and pose as service technicians “testing your phone line.” The person on the other end, will request you to dial *72, 72# or 90# which activates your call-forwarding transaction, and then a phone number. Scammers can make long-distance calls from that number and bill them to you. Don’t fall for this line. Send queries to Ask Sid, 601 E St.N.W., Washington, D.C. 20049 for help.
I’m closing today with the thought of a prayer: Give me a sense of humor; things to laugh about; give me the grace to take a joke against myself and to see the funny side of things; help me to laugh, even in the face of trouble; with the love of Jesus, keep us happy forever.
Have a wonderful week and stay safe.
TOPS ME 233, Houlton
By Lois Downing
Take Off Pounds Sensibly 233 of Houlton met at the Aldergate building on High Street for its Friday, September 12 meeting.
Seventeen ladies were present and weighed in; 14 of this count were TOPS and three were KOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly).
Barbara Troy was the official greeter. Brenda Lacostic, co-leader, filled in during the absence of Joyce Estey.
After roll call, the skinny dish was awarded to Joanne Scott; Denise Kinney won the 50/50 drawing and the mystery gift went to Gerry McAfee. Denise Kinney was the loser of the week with runner-up Anita Nason.
No reports were given on contests; there are no contests at this time but Denise will head up another soon.
October 4 is the fall rally in the Bangor area and the ladies were reminded of that date.
Barbara Troy led the group in some exercises and we tried some new ones. Kathy Henderson noted that it is important for people to know that exercise is necessary, not only for their neck, arms and legs but joints in other areas too.
Brenda’s topic was focused on sodium and its input. Sodium is good for us but it needs to be used in moderation. Sodium or salt can create an imbalance in the system if not taken properly. Too much or too little can also be a detriment.
TOPS meets every Friday at 9 o’clock for its weekly meeting. Weigh-in time is 8-8:45 a.m.
Everybody is welcome. For further information on Chapter 233, you may call Charlotte Marley at 757-8483 or Betty Ivey.
Surprise birthday party
Sherri Allen was recently guest of honor at her parents’ (Linda and Brian Wing’s) home in Crystal on the occasion of her 40th birthday. Dinner was served, gifts opened and cake and ice cream enjoyed during the celebration. This was also Grandparents Day so the Wings were blessed with the presence of their three grandchildren — Kristin, Kelsey and Matthew.
Also in attendance were Sherri’s sister, Marcy; and her brother-in-law Tom.
Island Falls news
Gary Webb, son of the late “Bucky” Webb, has arrived from South Carolina to spend some time here with brother, Roger and to visit his mother, Gertie Webb, in Houlton and other relatives in the area.
Joyce and Diane Curry have recently spent a weekend at the Curry homestead here and visited with their relatives while here. They have since returned home to Portland.
Clayton and Charlene Webb have returned home after spending the weekend in Dexter with Charlene’s sister and husband, Freela and Clayton Lancaster. While there they attended a beano game Saturday night, but haven’t heard if they were lucky!
The Agape Food Pantry sends sincere thanks to Bob Smith who donated money in memory of Ray Brooks from the coed horse shoe tournament held during the Island Falls Summerfest; and also to John Walker, who donated the money raised from the walk-a-thon and pie auction, also held during the Summerfest.
Also, many thanks to the ladies who took the time to make pies for the auction. The Agape personnel appreciate so much the donations that are given to help families that are in need.
I am real glad to have my old furnace removed and a new one installed this past week as the weather has turned quite cool. Was only 32 above one morning and frost was on my car. Rushed out with sunflower seeds for all the birds that are at my feeders and they sure flocked around to get at it.
And the other day, about noon time, looked out my picture window and there were three does and two fawns busily eating whatever it is they find in my lawn. They all stayed there for quite some time, with the fawns playing tag with one another and generally having a grand time.
And on inspecting the back lawn again found much fewer skunk holes — hope this cold weather keeps them far away. Saw one ambling up the street to someone else’s house the other morning and maybe he will keep on rambling.
