Winter is fully upon us now! It sure was a winter wonderland out there on Monday. I spent some time cleaning up after the driveway was plowed. I’m very grateful it was light and fluffy.
Owen Melville’s Celebration of Life was well attended on Saturday. People from many phases of his life were there to honor him. There was a military presence, and the American flag was passed to Charlie Paul, who presented it to Owen’s son, Dennis. A 21-gun salute took place outside the church prior to the flag ceremony.
Following the service, there was a bounteous buffet. After all, Owen’s favorite pastime was eating! Everything was delicious, and we are certain that Owen approved. Finger rolls, fruit, sweets, chips, chili, and mac ’n cheese were all plentiful.
It was a wonderful tribute. One notable thing was when Anna Sysko of The Gemini Cafe delivered a huge box of pastries before the service. Our friends, Amy Newman and Brent Noorda, of Florida, ordered “one of everything” to be delivered to the church in honor of Owen and his love to eat. We met Amy and Brent on a Carribbean cruise a few years back. We ended up going on a second cruise with them, and had a wonderful time. They had dinner with us several times and we established a real friendship. We have had a couple of visits from them here too! It was a very thoughtful and much appreciated gesture.
There was no church last Sunday. The decision to call it off was due to the extreme cold. Many of our members don’t enjoy going out in inclement weather, or the cold. It looks like there may possibly be more snow next Sunday, though it’s pretty early to be sure. Coming up is the Four Chaplains Sunday.
I recall the winter of ’69, and the incredible amount of snow we had. It was Telstar’s first year of operation, and the school year got off to a later start, due to the school not being quite finished. Then we had so many snow days! I really couldn’t see out the kitchen window because the snow was so high! That winter was very challenging. I don’t recall if or how many days we had to make up.
That also brings to mind a plan that my best high school friend, Cindy Russo, cooked up. The fashion of the late sixties was mini-skirts. That’s all well and good, but waiting for a bus in mid-winter with bare legs exposed was not so fun. One day, we wore pants to school (corduroys) and proceeded as usual. We were called down to the principal’s office, where we were questioned about our defiance of the school dress code. We explained, ever so politely, that it was most impractical to wear short skirts in cold weather. Our reasoning was heard, and it wasn’t long after that the dress code was changed so that girls could wear long pants to school! We remain very proud of our “resistance,” which paved the way for others.
The First Universalist Church of West Paris will be hosting a Cabin Fever Fun day on Wednesday, February 4, from 1:00-3:00. There will be a puzzle to work on, cribbage boards and cards, or bring your own game or craft. Join us for a social afternoon. Refreshments will be served. Snow date is February 5, same time and place. You can also mark your calendars for March 4, when another Cabin Fever Fun day is scheduled.
Please let me know of any events of news: lstowell@roadrunner.com