In this Issue
October 2005

BROOKFIELD SENIOR CITIZENS
Wagon Wheel Hall bustles with senior activity
By Bertha Nolan

On Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 1:30 p.m., President Roland O’Coin welcomed all and called our meeting to order. Prayer and Pledge were followed by songs, “Pennies from Heaven” and “The Best Things in Life Are Free.” Roll call revealed 41 members present. The Secretary, Treasurer, Sunshine, Tickets, Entertainment, and Travel reports were made. Barbecue tickets are on sale by Gerry. This meeting is our first without President Marge, but Roland took over and put all of us at ease.

Member Al Servant has donated his “Uncle Sam” outfit to the club, and Doris and Chet Leasot will donate their “Santa” suit also. I shall see that they are stored properly with our club inventory. Secretary Marguerite announced Tai Chi classes are about to begin at the Town Hall; call Barbara Clancy for information. She also announced that folding of the Citizen takes place the last week of each month. Folders are always welcome to get the job done quickly. Call Phil Peirce for the date and time.

President Roland announced we will have speakers before our next meeting begins on Sept. 6 at 1:30 p.m. That meeting will also be the day of our Annual Bag Sale. It was suggested, voted, and passed to send a monetary gift to past president Marge VanLare. A card was circulated and signed by all members. We wish her good health and happiness with her daughter in the state of Washington.

Travel Lady Betty has three great trips in store: Oct. 19 to the Salem Witch Museum and lunch, Nov. 16 to the Vanity Fair shopping and lunch, and Dec. 13 to the LaSallette Shrine and dinner. One does not have to be a senior citizen; call her at 867-9109 to reserve and make a meal choice. The bus leaves from Victory market in North Brookfield.

The Money Raffle was held and a Victory certificate was won by Norm Barry. Refreshments and Bingo completed our day.

Sunday, Aug. 28 at 12:30 p.m., our group gathered at the Brookfield Rod and Gun Club for our Annual Chicken Barbecue. In my absence, Marguerite gave the prayer. Our meal was tossed salad, potato salad, barbeque chicken, corn on the cob, pastries, and coffee and was enjoyed by all. Our thanks go to the Rod and Gun Club for another great day in the capable hands of Dave Terry and his staff. Thank you for setting up the tables and all the kindness you all gave to us. Following the meal, a 50/50 drawing was held and won by Lil Cockery. Several card games were enjoyed by our members for the afternoon. Another memory to tell about.

Tuesday, Sept. 6, before our meeting, the Wagon Wheel Hall was a busy place. EMTs Donna and Peter were with us to take blood pressures. Firefighter Keith Karrman was introduced to speak to us regarding the Monday, Sept. 12 vote on the new fire truck. He was assisted by Donna LaFleur. Next, President Roland introduced Ellen Clifford from the Shine Program (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) and Patrick Quinn from the Social Security Administration. They spoke to us about the upcoming issue of Medicare Part D (Drugs) cards. Many members had questions, and both agreed to pay us another visit. Thank you all.

Just before 2 p.m., President Roland called our meeting to order. He read a note from former President Marge Van Lare and welcomed all who have come back after illness, etc. Prayer and Pledge were followed by songs, “Pack up Your Troubles” and “When I Grow Too Old to Dream.” Secretary Marguerite took roll call with 41 members present, and read the birthdays and anniversaries for September. Secretary, Treasurer, Sunshine, Entertainment, and Travel reports were heard. My Sunshine report was a full one. We have had many members sick or distressed. Some were back with us today, others are still recuperating. We miss them all and wish them well. God bless you all!

Secretary Marguerite refreshed our memory on the By-Law #11 pertaining to our dine out or catered meals. Attendance is the key. She also announced that she will have a Jewelry Sale following our next meeting. Today was our Annual Bag Sale. Roland was chairman, and his helpers were Lee, Virginia, Gerry, Al and Millie. Members brought in non-perishable groceries, and the committee made up bags. Tickets were sold, and 17 bags went to lucky winners. Money realized goes to build our treasury.

The Money Raffle was held, and a 50/50 drawing was won by Jackie DeFranco.

Refreshments and Bingo concluded a very busy Senior Day. Such fun!!

‘Till next time.

Read previous columns by Bertha Nolan