In
this Issue
July 2005
BROOKFIELD
SENIOR CITIZENS
Seniors celebrate
moms and America
By Bertha Nolan
On
Tuesday, May 17, 2005, our members gathered once again at Wagon
Wheel Hall for our meeting. The hall was decorated with white
vases of real, pink Azaleas on each table. A sky-blue poster with
puffy clouds indicating “Mother’s Day 2005”
was attached to the head table. Yes, today we honored our mothers.
Members brought in photos of their mothers, and they were displayed
on a special table.
At 1:30, President Marge welcomed all and called our meeting to
order. Prayer and Pledge were followed by songs “Ma, He’s
Making Eyes at Me” and “M-O-T-H-E-R.” Roll call
revealed 50 members present. Secretary, Treasurer, Sunshine and
Entertainment reports were made. Ticket Lady Gerry was busy selling
Picnic tickets. Travel Lady Betty reported on a recent trip, and
the Boston Duck Tour coming up on June 16. There are many “adventures”
in the planning stages. She announced that a mystery ride discussed
at a past meeting could still be held. Private cars are to be
used by whoever wishes to go. There will be more on this when
it happens.
President Marge announced that Barbara Clancy from the Council
on Aging would talk to us briefly at our next meeting. The Money
Raffle was held, and the Hanneford (Victory) certificate was won
by Jeanne Servant.
Isabell Fogwill was the Chair Lady for today’s celebration.
She was assisted by Joyce Latino, Gladys Whitcomb, and Norma MacDonald.
The beautiful Azaleas were from a bush in Isabell’s garden.
Several readings about “mother” were read by Bertha
Nolan, Joe Miner, Marion Lessard, Jeanne Servant, Loretta Richford,
and Jackie DeFranco. It was a great day, and everyone enjoyed
the photo display. Thank you Isabell, so much. Several door prizes
went to lucky members.
Refreshments and Bingo were enjoyed.
Tuesday, June 7, 2005, was another special day for us. Today we
celebrated Memorial Day and Flag Day. The hall was an array of
red, white, and blue. The white table vases on round red doilies
held a small American flag. A red, white, and blue centerpiece
with a candle adorned the head table. At 1:15, Barbara Clancy
from the Council on Aging spoke to us about ongoing activities
available for our participation. Tai Chi classes are held from
8:30 to 9:30 on Thursdays in the Banquet Hall. On the week between
our regular meetings, the Drop In Center would encourage us to
meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or noon to 3 p.m. with lunch included
by the Tri-Valley Services, on a day to be chosen. She said the
Medi Car is available to anyone by calling 508-867-1407. On next
Monday, June 13, a Bladder Health Program will be held at the
West Brookfield Senior Center at 1 p.m. On Wednesday, June 15,
there is a breakfast for “care givers” at 8:30 a.m.
at Sturbridge Village. She hopes we will try to get involved and
take advantage of these programs, and there are many of them.
At 1:35, President Marge announced the Patriotic Program would
be held before our meeting. Marion Lessard was Chair lady. Her
program: the history of Patriots Day by Joe Miner, “In Memoriam”
prayer by Bertha, Pledge of Allegiance, song “America the
Beautiful” by Pearl Crevier, the presentation of State Flags,
where each flag was placed in a display board by several members.
As the flags were placed, the state and its adoption date were
read by Marion. Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts,
North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island,
South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. Also, a special Betsy
Ross flag. “God Bless America Again” was sung by Roland
at the piano and narrated by Doris Leasot. Closing prayer was
given by Eileen Lemay, and closing words by Marion. It was a beautiful,
impressive program, and once again, a special day for us. Thanks
to Marion and her committee, Doris Leasot, Jane Piette, and Eileen
Lemay.
Following the program, President Marge called our meeting to order.
Birthdays and anniversaries for June were announced, and roll
call revealed 52 members present. We had two guests with us: Josephine
Whighan, sister–in-law of Arlene, and Jackie Haslam, a friend
of President Marge. The Secretary, Treasurer, Sunshine and Entertainment,
and Ticket reports were made. Travel Lady Betty gave her report
on upcoming trips.
Our next meeting will be a choral group musical from a past Spring
Show. Roland will be in charge.
A motion was made, seconded, and voted with all in favor to change
a bylaw to begin our meetings at 1 p.m. instead of 1:30 p.m. We
will vote on it again at the next meeting.
The Money Raffle was held, and a 50/50 drawing was won by Vicki
Czaja. 20-Club Chair, Al held the big money drawing. The winners
were Betty B., Joyce Latino, Loretta Richford, Marge Van Lare,
Gert O’Coin, and Marguerite Desmond. Al will start another
20-Club in a few weeks.
Before I close this writing, I wish to say how much our club appreciates
the efforts of Brookfield’s EMTs who come to this hall before
our meeting on the first Tuesday of each month to do blood pressures.
Almost all our members take advantage of this. We are always hearing
great things about the capabilities of our Emergency Squad. Brookfield
is truly fortunate to have these caring people. Thanks from the
bottom of our hearts!
Refreshments and Bingo completed another memorable Senior Day.
‘Till next time.
Read
previous columns by Bertha Nolan