Houlton Council of Catholic Women held its Feb. 7 meeting after the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass at the parish center at St. Mary of the Visitation Church.
Twenty members with moderator Rev. David Raymond, Deacon Albert Burleigh and guest Bill Roach attended and were welcomed by co-president Mary Grant.
Prior to the business meeting, members packed Valentine bags for shut-ins. The ladies brought the treats for the bags, including candy bars, fudge, cookies, wrapped candy, fruit and other goodies. The ladies left for the evening with their Valentine bags to deliver to the various recipients.
Prior to the meeting, Fr. Raymond led the group in the blessing and then they consumed a delicious luncheon; the tables were decorated in the Valentine motif.
During the meeting, Janet Barker, chairman of the Valentine bags, gave an overview of the people in the community who will receive the packed bags: private homes, Houlton Regional Hospital, various nursing facilities.
Betty Ann Childers reported on the fund-raiser at Pizza Hut. She thanked all those who participated and said, perhaps Pizza Hut will be the restaurant for another fund-raiser in the spring.
Lois Downing will be the person to keep the Web page updated. Co-president Grant reminded the ladies of the upcoming appreciation dinner at the Year of the Priests event Feb. 13. The local Knights of Columbus will be the sponsor with the Houlton Council of Catholic Women.
Mary told us of her attendance at the state meeting in Hallowell Jan. 23. Forms were distributed to be filled out for volunteer hours.
Janet Mitchell reported on the end-of-the-year banquet May 17, to be catered by Cathy Bither and her culinary arts students.
At the March meeting a shower for the local animal shelter will be featured. Items for the food pantry can also be brought at that time.
Cruz-Cruz spoke on the annual St. Patrick’s Bazaar and stated she needed help. Some of the ladies will prepare tickets Saturday, Feb. 20 at St. Anthony’s Hall. Council will donate a boys and girls bicycle for the bazaar. Jane Mitchell will coordinate the cakewalk.
Margaret Casey and Judy Reid will prepare the dinner for the Umbrella of Care event on Sunday, Feb. 28.
Bernette Roach read the prayer for priests. Birthdays and anniversaries were recognized and the seminarian fund was taken up. Brenda Commander, Maliseet tribal chief, will be guest speaker at the March 1 meeting.
Molly Bailey won the door prize. Many members attended the anointing of the sick in the church by Father Raymond.
At the end of the meeting, the song “Christ Circle Around Us” was played. The next meeting is March 1.
The Mars Hill Community Cupboard will raffle two $50 gift certificates to the Mars Hill IGA. Ticket prices will be one for $1 and six for $5.
Volunteers will sell tickets at Mars Hill IGA on Friday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Friday, March 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets will also be on sale at Central Aroostook High School during Saturday’s Winterfest activities from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The two winning tickets will be drawn at CAHS. Please use this opportunity to support your local food pantry.
By Lois Downing
Take Off Pounds Sensibly Chapter 0233 of Houlton met at the Aldergate building on High Street for its Friday, Feb. 19 meeting.
Nineteen ladies were in attendance; four were KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly). Joyce Estey, leader, was in attendance and introduced two prospective members, Barbara Hogan and Dale Holden.
Loser of the week was Joyce with runner-up Sharon Martin.
The skinny dish was taken home again by Barbara Troy. Barb also led us in 10 minutes of exercises. Janette Nelson will lead the exercises the next program when Barbara Troy is absent.
Elinor Harvey was the official greeter.
Charlotte Marley spoke on the current contest, “Back to Basics.” Everybody gave a short resume of what they did during the week relating to the contest. Charlotte read a mailing from Barbara Grant, who is away for the winter.
Melva Folsom had charge of the program, a story about Winnie and Lizzie, taken from a TOPS magazine.
Weigh-in time on Fridays is at 8-8:45 a.m. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and usually runs an hour.
If you desire more information on the chapter you may contact Betty Ivey at 532-9653 or Charlotte at 757-8483.
Everyone is welcome.
The Oakfield senior citizens held their February meeting at the Smoky Haulers Snowmobile Club with 29 members and two guests. After a nice lunch, we had the Lord’s prayer and the flag salute.
The secretary’s, treasurer and card reports were read and accepted. The next meeting will be held on March 3. If you would like to join us or if you would like more information, call Peggy Sanders at 757-8634..
Ginny Garrett from R.S.V.P. spoke about the commodity program, it is a variety of health foods and vegetables. The papers are available to sign up for this program.
At the meeting on March 3, the club will buy the hot dogs and members will bring salads and food to go with hot rolls and dogs. The 50/50 was won by Linda Bartlett. We played a Valentine game called right left game. It was fun to see some of them get mixed up.
Attending was Linda Bartlett, Martha Chapados, Tessie Barrett, Kathleen Boutlier, David Burpee, Merle and Evelyn Burpee, Bernice Campbell, Thelma Flowers, Arlene Friel, Mildred Gagnon, Marie Gillotti, who did a great job decorating for Valentines Day, Sandra and Wendall Holmes, Ursula Levesque, Wanetta Townsend, Bob and Delores Locke, Charlotte and Don Marley, Peggy and Larry Sanders, Roger Ethier, Gini Garrett, Shirley Smith, Pete Peters, Geneva Bell, Charlotte Lowell and guests Connie Berry and Fred Felch and Albine Fox.
