I have no idea what happened to my last column that I wrote and sent! Maybe I got the deadline wrong, because over Thanksgiving we had to get it in very early. Anyway! Here we go on a different journey and we shall see how that works out! I believe the Bethel Citizen has made a big mistake in eliminating the town columns.
I hosted Thanksgiving this year, with a total of thirteen. We had a delicious meal, with lots left over for sharing. Sarah and Colin, Tim, Rachel, and Ben, Josh, and Zack, Susan, Andy and Louise Frank, Deb Hays, and Dave Matthews all celebrated together. I used Chinet plates, because I refuse to have anyone be a slave to the kitchen after the meal. Yes, I have a sets of china, stoneware, and Corelle. I use it all but the china. If I were to use it, I’d have to wash it all first! It’s been sitting in the china closet for years, just collecting dust.
I attended the recent Mahoosuc Band concert at Gould Academy. I bought a song—Carol of the Drum—for the band to play in memory of my mother. As always, it was a wonderful performance! Susan went with me and we both enjoyed it.
Dave, Louise, and I went to the Rotary dinner at the Legion in Locke Mills. It was a sizable crowd, and the first dinner I have attended. Ham, mashed potatoes, peas, squash, rolls, and gingerbread for dessert—an excellent meal. Everyone received a scratch off ticket. My luck was missing that day!
My grandson Ben was recently named Tech of the Year at Charlie’s Subaru. He was surprised, but pleased. He has finally moved on from tire rotations and oil changes and is now an official tech, working on cars. His brother Josh has just started a new job at a machine shop in Augusta. Both boys have a great work ethic, which is very important! Zack will be preparing for the ski racing season soon, and I’ll be braving the cold to watch!
The Low Commotion performance at the Whitman Memorial Library was entertaining and uplifting. I did win a few things at the raffle. I was especially happy to win a pair of socks knit by Ruth Feeney. There were many great items and several multiple winners. A new shipment of cookbooks is in, and there’s still time to pick some up before Christmas!
On the same day as the concert/raffle, there was a lunch served at the town office for employees, and others who serve in various capacities. This has been happening for a few years, and is a very nice and appreciated gesture.
The Locke Mills Union Church will be holding a Christmas Eve service on the 24th at 4:00 P.M. The early hour ensures that everyone will be able to get home in a timely manner. Church meets in the Sunday School room now until warmer weather.
I’ve had a pair of cardinals visiting almost daily at the feeder. Just seeing the bright red color is a happy sight. The birds have sure been ravenous. I have two feeders that I fill every couple of days, and the chickadees will let me know if it’s getting low!
There is so much going on this time of year. Every weekend is packed full of activities and events to attend. I’m sorry to have missed the Mollyockett chorus on Saturday. I was very disappointed that there was no holiday concert at the high school. It’s a wonderful time of year to get out and hear the music of the season.
I’ve made several batches of Chex party mix. I don’t bake cookies, or make fudge, but I DO make a lot of party mix! I just sent a big bag out to my friend Lori Voornas——that’s when I tell her “the Chex in the mail” ! I do have my regulars I like to keep supplied with the stuff, so the containers find their way back to me, in hopes of being refilled.
Here’s some news that was in the column that wasn’t:
Marta Clements is happy to announce that the 3,000 piece Harry Potter puzzle that the family had a few friends have been working on since August, 2024, is done, and glued! The puzzle belongs to Marta’s grandson and will be put in a frame by Doug Vogel and delivered to Kyle in time for Christmas. It was a challenge. If you are attending craft fairs in the area, look for Renee Pietla and Doug Vogel’s work. Renee makes beautiful stained glass items that are very reasonably priced. Doug has lots of woodwork items from spoons, charcuterie and cutting boards to wood turned bowls and more.
On December 21, there will be no morning service at the First Universalist Church of West Paris. There will be a candlelight service at 4:00 led by Pastor Linda Couture of the Mission Congregational Church. No collection will be taken, but we will accept donations in the form of money or nonperishable items for the West Paris Food Pantry.
Please, if you have any news or events you’d like to share, send it to: lstowell@roadrunner.com!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
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