100 Big Ones!

Mary Kautz recently celebrated her 100th birthday at Country Village Residential Care in Casco. A large room with birthday balloons, Christmas decorations, and many smiling faces greeted me as I walked in to meet Mary Kautz. She was full of giggles and sharp as a tack. While getting ready to cut the beautiful birthday cake, Mary said, “That’s some cake” and proceeded to youthfully lick her finger clean from frosting.

Mary’s family is from The Lakes of Killarney, Ireland. Her father, Maurice, was the country doctor there. She has lived in Maine for three years. Prior to moving here, Mary lived in New York City. She was married for 45 years to George, whom she met on the subway in New York City. She was working on Wall Street and shared the same subway with George for a year before he got the courage to talk to her. They had two sons: George Jr. who lives in California and Maurice who lives in Harrison.

After her days of working on Wall Street, Mary became head of the school lunch program in New York City. Mary loves living in Maine and remembers spending summers here in their camp on Frenchman’s Bay near Ellsworth when her children were young.

Among the people celebrating Mary’s birthday were her son, Maurice, friends and staff from the residential care. Maurice stated, “Thank you to the people here. They’ve made her stay very special. It shows in this celebration. She loves the people here. This place has made her live longer I think.”

Mary likes Bingo and used to quilt blankets. She likes all kinds of music and ballroom dancing. She doesn’t watch a lot of TV. I asked Mary, “Is there anything special you eat that you think has helped you live a long life, like leafy greens?” She giggled and said, “No, I’m picky.” I guess that after 100 years, she has earned the right to be a picky eater. Sorry folks, there’s no magic answer to the age-old question of how to live a long life. My suggestion is, “Just Live.” Mary says,”It’s wonderful.”

The Annual Reindeer Auction Review

The Vendredi Club, founded in 1944, recently held its most successful Reindeer Auction. More than $1,500 was raised for local charities. All year long, busy Vendredi members have been making crafts, knitting and sewing to bring items to the auction.

Charlotte Seckler, auction chairwoman, is to be congratulated on a well-planned event. Auction Room decorations designed by Pat Blake and Holly Ihloff were exceptional this year and the refreshments were, as always, a feast for the eyes and delicious for those not on a diet!

Auctioneers Anne Miller, Holly Ihloff and Charlotte Seckler kept the items moving with great description and persuasive rhetoric with a few laughs here and there!

The lucky winners of the two L.L. Bean large Tote Bags that Vendredi members filled with “Made in Maine” products are Christy Trapp of Annapolis, Maryland, and Ralph Davis of Portland.

This was the first year Vendredi came up with this idea. Sharon Yackley, Vendredi treasurer came up with a sure winner with this idea. It was a very popular item, especially displaying the Tote Bags when our summer visitors were here.

Vendredi members wish to thank all who came to our Reindeer Auction. We really appreciate the support. Money raised will help provide help to many local non-profit organizations.

SAD 61 Late Bus Notice

As of Jan. 7, there will be no late bus on Mondays.

Crooked River Elementary School Notes

Dec. 22-Jan. 1: No School/Holiday Break

Jan. 18: Teacher Workshop Day, No School

Jan. 21: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School