By Shirley Sides
The first meeting of the Happy Losers was held May 7 at the Congregational Church in Island Falls.
We had 11 members weigh-in and nine attended our meeting.
Our persons who lost the most weight for the week were Hilda Clukey and Shirley Sides and runner-up was Riva Hawkes.
We had a great loss for the week.
The secretary report was given for the week. Our treasurer was absent because of family matters. It is reported that we will give money for the food pantry.
Our leader Jackie Pratt led the program for the week. Her topic was an article on healthy eating. We should be eating a variety of foods, like fruits and whole grains. Meetings are always interesting.
Please feel free to attend our meeting every Wednesday; weigh in is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and the meeting starts at 9 a.m. Call 365-4884 for more information.
By Lois Downing
The Purple Hat Society met at Tang’s Restaurant in Houlton for its May 6 meeting.
Leader Charlotte Marley was present to greet everyone with their purple hats.
Twenty-six ladies were present for the meal.
Each lady gave her name and Purple Hat name.
Lois Downing offered grace, after the meal since the ladies ate first.
Denise Kinney acknowledged birthdays as Helen Blois, Ursula Levesque and Cora Clark. Only Helen was present and we all sang “Happy Birthday” to her.
It was voted to meet the second Tuesday of each month, instead of the first, from now on. Absentees please take note of this change.
A get-well card was signed for Charlotte Short, a hospital patient. Carolyn Gilson was presented the potato head doll from Charlotte Marley, who made it.
Distributing May baskets was Helen Blois, made by Charlotte Marley.
“Being a Mother” was read by Sandy Wyman. Reading comical stories were Lois Downing and Bunny Stewart.
Arlene Friel told about her upcoming trip to Alaska and of her plans.
Attending were: from Cary, Joanne Scott; from Houlton, Lois Downing, Margaret Dudley; from Hodgdon, Denise Kinney.
Also, from Dyer Brook, Marie Gillotti, Wannetta Townsend, Sandy Wyman; from Oakfield, Velma Cale, Alma Clark, Elaine Barrett, Evelyn Burpee, Sandra Holmes, Mildred Gagnon, Bernice Campbell, Evelyn Johnston, Helen Blois, Shirley Drew and Delores Locke;
From Merrill, Arlene Friel; from Smyrna, Bunny Stewart, Peggy Sanders, Charlotte Marley and Cindy Gray; from Monticello, Carolyn Gilson.
Gemma Bartley and Odette Ouellette were Red Hat ladies and were guests.
By Lois Downing
Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Chapter 233 of Houlton met at the Aldergate on High Street for its Friday, May 9 meeting.
Nineteen ladies were weighed; 18 stayed for the meeting including three KOPS.
Joyce Estey, leader, was in attendance.
Loser of the week was Betty Marley with runner-up Anita Nason.
The skinny dish went to Brenda Lacostic; Barbara Grant received the mystery gift and Denise Kinney won the 50/50 drawing.
Denise, in charge of contests, said she is working on a new contest.
Reports were given by Vicki Little and Joanne Scott.
Mystery gifts are needed. Please bring a wrapped gift if you are able.
Denise presented a Chapter Merit certificate to leader Joyce Estey for losing the most poundage during 2007. Joyce was certainly pleased with the certificate.
Linda Trickey, of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, was then introduced by Joyce. We each were given a folder and questionaires to fill out and give back to Linda. She explained the food pyramid and answered questions. Linda will be with us again next week and talk on portion control and suitable snacks.
If you need questions answered by the chapter, you may call Charlotte Marley at 757-8483 or Betty Ivey.
Meetings start after weigh-ins which are at 8-8:45 a.m. every Friday.
Everyone is welcome.
By Lois Downing
Over 20 people and guest, Rev. Ron LaBarre met at St. Anthony’s Hall for the May meeting of the Houlton Council of Catholic Women.
President Betty Childers started the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and thanked the committee for setting up tables in the hall.
Kristy Corey, executive director of the Pregnancy Care Center of Aroostook, spoke on the center. They are affiliated with Care Net and have been providing service to Aroostook County for over 20 years. Houlton has a satellite office and has been in service for five years; 554 clients were served in 2007 by the two offices.
Kristy related how she loves her job providing a positive approval to a negative message. Her office provides education, prayer, counseling, bible study and layette products. They are non-denominational with funding providing by fund raisers and donations.
She thanked council members for the baby shower gifts provided by them in a bassinet, overflowing with dresses, diapers, blankets and especially a handmade quilt by Alta Reardon.
Reports were given by Ethel Mersereau and Bernette Roach and Lois Downing read correspondence.
Gail Schools reported that the long-awaited tables for the hall will be delivered in two weeks.
The Pizza Hut night was reported by the president and a final report will be given when the proceeds come in.
Louise Guillette and Lynette Dobbs accompanied president Childers to the state meeting. Lynette distributed a newsletter, compiled by her. New pins were circulated to be available at the state meeting in July.
The June meeting will be cooked by Kathy Bither. Guests are welcome. President needs to know how many will attend by Memorial Day.
Houlton unit will host the state meeting July 26. Starting time is 9 a.m. with coffee, juice and morning food. A Mass will be celebrated.
A sum of money will be donated in Council’s name for the Fort Kent flood victims and damage.
Betty acknowledged birthdays and anniversaries. Fr. LaBarre thanked everyone for welcoming him to the parish.
A collection was taken up for the Seminarian Fund. The date for the June banquet is Monday, June 5.
The evening ended with many people in the community being prayed for.
On Wednesday, May 7, the Sherman Senior Citizens Club met for potluck lunch with 14 members attending. Welcome back Teresa Albert from her Florida stay of several months and welcome to new member Esther McNally Gernier.
Present were: June Gagnon, Eva Perry, Bonita Staples, Mary Dickinson, Margaret Duff, Sam Guiggey, Annie and Fred Atkinson, Paul and Sandra Qualey and Dean and Frances McKinney.
Several projects were discussed to be decided upon at our next meeting, which will be May 21. Come and enjoy our fellowship and potluck lunch!
