Ricker Rumblings
By Lois Downing
It happened early this year, the frost. It was Thursday night and Friday morning of last week. There was enough frost to clean the windshield off and other parts of the car. But the days in between were nice and the foliage is changing. Isn’t it beautiful too?
Donna Burns had company from Connecticut one day last week. Her name is Dorilda Boutot from Plymouth accompanied by two daughters. One daughter lives in Connecticut and Donna hadn’t seen them for several years. Needless to say, they had a great reunion.
Leona Clark, living at Century House on North Street, was treated by a surprise party on her 90th birthday. The ladies at Century House surprised her with a party. In the mail was a card from President and Mrs. Laura Bush, one from Governor John L. Baldacci and a nice letter from Most Rev. Richard Malone, Bishop from the Diocese of Maine. Next day’s mail produced a card from Senator Olympia Snowe. Mary Grant, her daughter, and her son-in-law David hosted a potluck and all 30 family members were present on Sunday, September 7. To quote Leona, “I have so much to be thankful for, God has blessed me with wonderful family, friends and very good health.” God bless Leona and may you have many more years of birthdays. We love you.
Alice Boyce has moved to Madigan facilities; I’m not sure what department. Alice was a patient at Houlton Regional Hospital before after departing Ricker Plaza. We wish you well, Alice.
Barbara Spellman had a visit in Bangor one day last week and has another scheduled for this week. Good luck to Barbara.
Our Bingo ladies began their games this week with Charlene Henderson, our liaison, the caller. We are a small group but we have fun and that’s what it is all about.
Peter and Christine Loiselle from the Ellsworth area were visiting her parents, Armand and Anita Blanchette on Sunday. Christine was recently hospitalized in Bangor as the result of an arm injury. She is still wearing a brace. Peter, a former teacher at the now defunct St. Mary’s School, was sporting a nice orange shirt. Chris will have to return to the hospital for more treatment. Good luck to Chris and Peter.
Althea Lloyd is home after two weeks with her daughter Bonnie in Connecticut. Althea reports she had a nice time.
Marcia Thomas from Smyrna area with her husband Gerry attended the International Dinner at St. Mary’s Church on Sunday. Marcia has been in the hospital for many weeks so we were so happy to see her and her smiling face. She will enter a hospital in the Pittsburg, Penn. soon for further treatment. God bless Marcia.
The International Dinner was wonderful. The menu consisted of French, Irish, Portuguese, Italian, Philippino and other cuisines with many desserts. It is an annual event.
My thought for the day: … my Lord, in whose presence I have walked, will send this angel with you and make your mission successful … (Genesis 24:40)
Happy Losers meet
The Happy Losers meeting was held Sept. 7 at the Congregational Church vestry in Island Falls.
We opened with our roll call and the ups and downs exercise. Fifteen ladies attended our meeting.
Loser of the week was Hilda Clukey and runner-up was Lois Green.
Reports were given by our secretary and treasurer. Our leader, Jackie Pratt led the program for the week.
Please feel welcome to our group. We meet every Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 8:45 for weigh-ins and meeting starts at 9 a.m. Call 365-4884 for more information.
TOPS ME 233
By Lois Downing
Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Chapter 233 of Houlton, met at the Aldergate building on High Street for its Sept. 19 meeting.
Fifteen TOPS and five KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) were weighed. Kathy Hutchinson was back after several months’ absence. Pounds lost for the ladies at this weigh-in was considerable.
Joyce Estey was the leader in charge. After roll call, Vicki Little gave the minutes of the previous meeting. Then it was Joanne Scott’s turn with the weight recordings. Loser of the week was Denise Kinney with runner-up Anita Nason.
Barbara Troy led the ladies in 10 minutes of exercises. Kathy Hutchinson gave some input as did Anita Nason. We really had a good workup and cool down with the exercises, thanks to Barb. Anita Nason and Melva Folsom each have birthdays in September. We sang “Happy Birthday” to each.
Denise Kinney read a story called “Going to the Gym,” which drew a lot of laughs. Lois Downing also read a short joke.
Drawings were next on the agenda with Denise Kinney taking charge. The mystery gift and the 50/50 money was won by Kathy Hutchinson. Debbie Ball took home the skinny dish. Denise Kinney, in charge of the contests, took some information on the fall rally scheduled in the Bangor area October 4. The theme for the rally is Western.
Leader Joyce explained new rules on TOPS and KOPS, in effect since January, 2008.
Weekly weigh-in is at 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., then the meeting starts at 9 and usually ends about 10 o’clock. Everyone is welcome to come to TOPS and take off weight. If you want more information on the chapter, you may call Betty Ivey or Charlotte Marley at 757-8483.
