Peterson celebrates 90th birthday
Louise Peterson of Monticello celebrated her 90th birthday at Grammy’s Country Inn with her immediate family. She was born in California Settlement, New Brunswick, on May 22, 1921, the daughter of John A. and Maria Doody. She moved to Washburn with siblings Warren, Herman, Marshie, Raymond and Edward at a young age. Louise married Harold Peterson on July 3, 1943, and moved to Monticello where she has since resided. She has served as pianist for over 75 years at several of the Aroostook County Pentecostal churches.
Ted and Marge presented her with a cake made by Grammy’s Country Inn, and Dixie pinned her with a pink carnation corsage. The waitresses graciously sang “Happy Birthday” as the family joined them. She received several gifts.
Those attending were: children Ted and Marge Peterson, Doris and Royce Sargent of Monticello, and Janet and Jeffrey Tucker of East Waterford; grand-children Annette Williams and husband Al Bernier of New Hampshire, Dixie and Bret Delong of Blaine, Stephanie and Mickael Dumais of Mapleton, Collin Tucker of East Waterford, T.J. and Cindy Peterson and Jennifer and David Johnston of Monticello; great-grandkids Erin, Cameron and Chase Williams, Dustin and William Delong, Emma and Mariah Peterson, Jessica and Jason Dumais and Dylan and Cody Johnston.
She received a phone call from Andrew and Paulina Sargent of Georgia. Unable to attend was Kara Tucker and friend Kris, also Hunter and Tyler Sargent.
Louise thought she was attending a celebration for grandson Collin’s high school and great-grandkids Erin and Cameron’s college graduations, but on arriving was surprised to learn it was for her 90th birthday. After many, many years the family finally pulled a fast one on her – actually two because – on May 22 a surprise Sunday morning honorary service was held for Louise at the Bridgewater Full Gospel Assembly where she has been pianist for 40 years.
Terry Finnemore led song service accompanied by Dawn Drost. Gabe, Maria and Jesse Gonzalez sang “Grandma’s Sweet Bye and Bye.” Sharon Boyd sang “Pass through Jericho.” Myreta Shaw played her harmonica. Emma Peterson played “Amazing Grace.” Dylan Johnston sang “Psalm 151.” Stephanie Dumais and Jennifer Johnston gave readings “Her Praying Hands” and “My Grandma” then sang “No Other Grace but Amazing.” Howard MacPherson gave an exhortation and church folks gave honorary comments. Great-grandkids presented her with flowers and gifts with an honorarium from the Church while Mariah Peterson sang “Happy Birthday.”
Doris read notes from former pastors: McIntyre, Mott, Ammuzini, Randall; and a poem she wrote about her mother’s life. Dixie gave her grandmother’s response by reading a poem called “Mother’s Promise – When I am Old and Live with My Kids.”
Louise was escorted to the piano to sing her trademark song, “Sheltered in the Arms of God” with granddaughters Dixie, Steph, Jenn and daughter Doris as back-up singers. Louise then thanked her family and Church family and said she would like to celebrate with them again on her 100th.
Her 98 year-old brother, Herman Doody of Washburn, gave final comments and closed in prayer.
Oakfield Seniors meet
A total of 22 members and one guest met at the Smoki-Haulers Snowmobile club on Wednesday, June 1. The members provided a great lunch. Bob Locke led the flag salute and Lord’s Prayer. The treasurer and secretary gave reports, which were accepted.
Wanetta Townsend gave the card report. Our speaker this week was Julie Codrey who spoke on diabetes. She spoke on the right foods to eat and the right portions; when to check your blood sugar; what your blood glocose number should be.
It was a very interesting talk because a few of our members have diabetes Attending were Tessie Barrett, Evelyn and Merle Burpee, Bernice Campbell, Doreen and Joe Messina, Arlene Friel, Mildred Gagnon, Ursula Levesque, Wanetta Townsend, Bob and Delores Locke, Charlotte and Don Marley, Peggy and Larry Sanders, Roger and Shirley Ethier, Romona White, Donna Furrow and special guest Julie Codrey.
Patten Seniors gather
Patten Senior Citizens met at Meadowbrook Manor on June 7 for its regular meeting with nine members and one guest, Jean Wiggins, present.
The blessing before the meal was given by Maxine Brackett and the Lord’s Prayer was said in unison by the members. After the potluck meal, the business meeting was opened by President Annette Noyes, who also led the Flag Salute. Secretary and Treasurer reports were read and accepted. Cards were sent to Pearl Grant, Pauline Nott, Barbara Wheaton and Rod Lyons.
Jean Wiggins from the Aroostook Agency on Aging gave a presentation on Medicare Fraud.
Readings were given by Annette Noyes and Jackie Palmer. The Game was played.
For our next meeting on June 21, we will meet at Meadowbrook Manor at 10 a.m. and carpool to the Elm Tree Diner in Houlton where we will have lunch.
Members present: Nettie Shorey, Annette Noyes, Joyce Harvey, Jackie Palmer, Mary Lawler, Gloria Noyes, Rubenia Botting, Maxine Brackett, Dot Binette, Pearl Grant and guest Jean Wiggins.
Ricker Rumbings
by Lois Downing
Another cloudy day here and there is a coldness in the air. Too cold to sit outdoors, I’m told. Been watching the Red Sox. They’re way in front, so it’s a pleasure to watch them. Hope they keep it up!
Just a reminder for those interested: funeral services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday, June 18 at 9 a.m. for Janice Brown, daughter of Molly and Chester Bailey. A brunch will be served at the parish center at St. Mary of the Visitation Church following the service. All are welcome.
We have two new tenants: Kenneth Thibodeau and Harriet Garnett. More will come later on the new tenants. I found this interesting news bit to pass on to you readers: outdated coupons may be sent to the families on overseas military bases for deployed service members. They can use the coupons up to six months after they expire so you can send them yours. To find out how you may click on couponmom.com/military.
Celebrating 65 years of married life are Louis and Jo Curry and 62 years for Armand and Anita Blanchette. Congratulations to these happy people and many more years of married life. Sylvia Thompson on Saturday visited a friend on Matagamon Lake. Said she had a good time but the blackflies were pesky.
Our flower bed looks beautiful. Our janitor, Mr. Tidd, has several yellow roses blooming nearby and they look very nice. Good luck to those who have planted veggies too.
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, etc. on Father’s Day, June 19. May your day be spent happily and with joy.
“Rivers of living water will flow from within him who believes in me. Jesus said this is in reference to the Spirit that those who come to belive in him were to receive.” (John 7:37b-39a.)
God bless and have a nice week.
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, June 10 meeting.
Seventeen ladies were weighed including five KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly).
Leader Denise Clark led the meeting. We all recited our pledges and weight recorder Joanne Scott gave her report. Also reporting were secretary Charlotte Marley. Later Charlotte gave an overview of the workshop on Saturday, June 4, hosted by our chapter. Sixty-two men and women attended.
Loser of the week was Donna Parent with Denise Clark as runner-up. The skinny dish was taken home by Brenda Lacostic. Denise reported that the current weight loss contest is going well.
A flower plant and pot was raffled off and won by Joyce Estey. The plant and pot was donated by Charlotte.
Denise spent the remainder of the time reviewing the workshop and many comments were made. Fourteen ladies from chapter 0233 attended and was given a certificate for most attending per chapter.
Weigh-in is at 8-8:45 a.m. every Friday. No weigh-in after this time. The meeting starts at 9 and usually ends an hour later.
If you have a question, you may contact Charlotte Marley at 757-8384 or Betty Ivey at 532-9653.
Come and take off weight!
Island Falls Happenings
Mrs. Janette Parady from the Agape Pantry would like to thank the United Postal Service and their customers for the very generous contributions of food again this year. It is all very much appreciated.
Mrs. Arletta (St. John) McGinnis has returned from Massachusetts to spend the summer at her cottage on Mattawamkeag Lake, which has been there since the 1930s and has been renovated by Arletta. Also, returning from spending the winter in Connecticut, has been Shirley (Wing) Dunphy who has the family home on Station Street. All arrived in time to enjoy the fiddleheads which abound here in the spring and if you are a fisherman, maybe a brook trout to go with them.
I have had a nice note from Clayton Varney and he plans to arrive here sometime in June to spend the summer months at his cottage on Mattawamkeag Lake. He now lives in Winterport and misses visiting with friends and relatives and plans to make up for it this summer.
Mr. and Mrs Martin Pankratz have arrived from their home in Kansas to spend the summer at their cottage on Pleasant Pond. They have been doing so since 1969 and really enjoy their months here, with the exception of the blackflies, of course.
I have two new bird feeders set out this spring to feed all the little feathered friends. These are squirrel proof, or so I thought, until the day I looked out and there was a gray squirrel hanging by his back feet on the limb of the cedar tree and busily eating away. I guess they are just too adept at doing this and I will have to live with it. The little red squirrel has tried it a couple of times, but he isn’t as good at it as the gray one.
I still have no deer around — no sightings anywhere I’ve been, either. I am keeping an eye out, nevertheless, in case one should decide to visit. I did spot a skunk one morning down back and I’m sure that they will soon start digging holes in my lawn once again.
