Community Notebook

12 years ago

Dance For The Dogs is a success
by Jann Bonkowski Votaw

    The Bridgewater Historical Association would like to thank all who attended their second “Dance For The Dogs” on Sept 19. Folks came from all around the area, Haynesville, Littleton, Houlton, Oakfield, Smyrna, Westfield, and Bridgewater to support our efforts to aid the areas canine officers. Thank you to Terry Bradstreet for attending the dance. It was Terry’s late wife Gloria who gave us the idea to help the areas canine officers. We thought it would be a great way to give back to the community. These canine officers can not go out and get what they need so we are trying to help them out. A special thank you to Maine State Trooper, Chad Fuller for stopping by with his canine partner, Gleni. Gleni is the beneficiary of this year’s dance. He is trained on aggression and needs a place where he can relax when not on duty. It will also give peace of mind to trooper Fuller to know Gleni is in a safe environment. The dance raised about half of the funds needed to purchase Gleni’s pen. When the time comes that Gleni no longer needs the pen it will be passed on to another canine officer. Another thank you goes out to the awesome crew of the BHA for working hard to make this event possible. Last but not least, thank you to the members of “OUTSIDE IN” for volunteering to provide music for the dance.
We are holding a raffle to help raise the remainder of the funds needed to get the pen for Gleni. The first prize is a handmade quilt by Shirley Drew of Oakfield. The second prize is a woodcarving by Dee and Phyllis Cote of Littleton. The third prize is a food basket with items donated by various BHA members.  A huge thank you to all who have donated. Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. To purchase tickets come to any of our events, contact any BHA member or call 425-7901. The drawing will take place sometime in December.
Upcoming BHA events include our Thursday night music by “OUTSIDE IN” from 6-9 p.m. There is no cover charge, however donations are greatly appreciated and go towards hall projects. We will be holding our final yard sale of the year on Friday and Saturday Oct. 19-20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Table rentals are $10. Our final event of the year will be our annual Halloween Dance on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickets for the dance are $7.00 if you come in costume and $9 if you aren’t wearing one. Don’t be afraid to wear a costume as 99 percent of our attendees wear them. Once again, “OUTSIDE IN” will be performing.
For more information, become a member, or to purchase raffle tickets call Jann at 425-7901.

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, October 12 meeting. Roll call was given and 13 TOPS  and five KOPS (Keep Pounds Off Sensibly) were in attendance.
Leader Diane Folsom led the meeting. Secretary’s report was given by Barbara Grant, in absence of Brenda Lacostic, who is out of town.
Janette Nelson read a Dr. Donahue story about water that appeared in the Bangor Daily News recently, advising not 8 glasses of water is always necessary for daily intake. Joanne Scott gave the weight recorder’s report and Barbara Troy led the ladies in several minutes of exercises.
Loser of the week was Betty Wyman with Shirley Ethier and Betty Ivey as runners-up.
The skinny dish was held over for another week.
Charlotte Marley read a report on the recent rally in Brewer, highlighting the important parts of the rally. Diane also gave information on the rally, the theme being ‘’Race for Finish.’’ Certificates were distributed to Betty Ivey and other members who were absent at the rally.
Denise Clark had charge of the weekly program. Her choice was ‘’Maintain function in your hands.’’ Members will bring in next week charms for exchange — that is duplicates they may have accumulated in the past in exchange for another charm.
Plans were made for future programs. The next meeting is Oct. 19. If you wish more information on the chapter, please call Charlotte Marley at 757-8483 or Betty Ivey at 532-9653.
Each meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. and weigh-in is 8-8:45 a.m.; the meeting lasts about an hour. Come, enjoy, meet new people and take off weight. You will be glad you did!

Ricker Rumbings
by Lois Downing

    Another Sunday with a little snow early morning—it was mixed with rain but it was definitely SNOW! Several of our ladies attended the last rites for Aaron Henderson, the fallen and well liked soldier from Hodgdon. Services were packed for the Green Beret comrade and my condolences to the family and friends he left behind. War is hell, as often quoted and my sentiments as well. Our flag was half-mast to denote his death.
Read about ‘’Great Jobs for Everyone 50+’’, an AARP book now available. Sounded like good reading for those out of work or those who wanted to change careers. One is available by ordering at aarp.org/Great Jobs or in bookstores.
Paul Armstrong’s great-nephew Jon Rula and his bride Britney from Oklahoma spent a week here with Paul and Jeannie. Jon and Britney were spending their honeymoon here with relatives and friends. I wonder what featured most in Paul’s mind to take them to – lots of interesting things to see in Houlton and surrounding areas, some well known and some not so.
Thomas Suitter was in Bangor fulfilling a follow-up appointment for his recent surgery. Another beautiful snapshot of Lavina Byron’s great-grandsons is on the bulletin board. They certainly are identical twins, Beckham and Bentley. It’s fun to see the next picture, thanks to Lavina.
We were shocked to learn of Carol McCarthy Blake’s death in the Pioneer Times recently. Carol lived in Gorham and she and her husband Rick were frequent visitors to Ricker Plaza and friends including the writer after her mother’s death. Our sympathy is extended to Carol’s family and friends.
Our liaison Charlene Henderson had granddaughter Maddy here one day last week. Maddy is walking now and is such a beautiful granddaughter.
Betty Britton’s relative Marion London was a caller this past week with a nephew from Connecticut, another sister’s son. Nice to see both of them.
The angel verse for today is: My angel is like the mighty oak: staunch and strong, loyal and true. My angel is like the mighty wind: bold and brave, courageous and free.
Have you purchased your candy for Halloween yet? Not many takers here unless accompanied by an adult. Several doors and windows are decorated though. Come by and see for yourself.
Great pictures on the bulletin board of the park, Highland Avenue and elsewhere. Thanks for sharing the foliage with us. Bible verse is taken from Luke 19:47: ‘’And every day Jesus was teaching in the temple area.’’ Dress warm and have a good week.