Senior Luncheon in June 2018

Peoples UMC Senior Luncheon

June 14, 2018

In honor of Flag Day

Since September of 2017 Peoples has been sponsoring and holding a Luncheon for Senior Citizens from throughout the city of South Portland. Originally the Southern Maine Agency on Aging sponsored both the Meals on Wheels Program and a once a month luncheon at the Peoples Ellis Hall site. Since that came to a close Brad Morrison and Marlene Tordoff have worked together to provide at least one element of the older program, that being the once a month meal for seniors. Brad has been the chef of record and Marlene has put together a team of church members to make calls, provide wait service for the meals, and  develop programs for each occasion. Attendance each month has increased and the number of guests are well into the 60s while the folks from the church who have worked of this event has been as many as 21.

This month’s luncheon and program held on June 14 featured homemade Lasagna, Salad, and breads with a light but colorful dessert.

Rosemary and Brad in the kitchen

Shari and Pam the collectors

Rita and Mary arrive

Table Number 3

Table Number 2

More of the kitchen crew

Table Number 1

Table Number 4

Folding the American Flag

Marlene introduces Wes

Luke , Liam and Kristina

Kristina

Meaning to 13 folds of the American Flag

Luke and Liam perform the ceremony

According to the American Legion website and their flag etiquette the following is their 13 Fold meanings that the Sea Scouts presented to the audience:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

1. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
2. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
3. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
4. The fifth fold is an acknowledgment to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
5. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
6. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
7. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
8. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
9. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
10. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
11. The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
12. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Already for lunch

This luncheon for seniors is the last until we begin again on September 13. We look forward to meeting with and for all the seniors in providing the service we have been able to provide for the community.

May Senior Community Luncheon

May Community Senior Luncheon

May 10, 2018

All is ready

Becky, Pat and Carol are ready to serve

Are we ready with Chicken Pot Pie?

Michelle is ready to direct the choir

On the morning of May 10 members of the Peoples United Methodist Church began to prepare Ellis Hall for the largest luncheon of the year. Twenty three were representing the church in the setting up of tables and chairs with colorful table clothes, setting of silverware and eventually the meals that were dispersed among 67 guests. 16 of those guests had to sing for their meal as they included the director of the South Portland High School Jazz Choir and its 15 members.

Ruth introduces the SPHS Jazz Choir

Side view of the choir

Preceding the meal the Choir sang to the crowd of older folks. Many of the songs they sang were familiar to the listeners while others were modern versions of classic popular songs in the style of the Pentatonics, a rather well-known modern Acapella singing group. Ruth had acquired this program for which we all thank her. The meal, as usual, was prepared by our chef-in-residence Brad. The main course was chicken-pot-pie and the dessert was a chocolate square prepared by Rosemary. Coordination of the event is in the hands of Marlene assisted by a number of callers.

Some folks get there early just to communicate with others that may be friends or with folks that they might not have seen since the last luncheon.

The orange table

All who have attended seem to enjoy themselves and all seem to be anxious for the next luncheon which will be held on Thursday, June14 at the same time. Since it will be Flag Day the program will center on the folding of the American flag and what each of the folds mean. Sea Cadets will be involved in the program.

NO luncheons will be held in July or August but will definitely return in September

The Yellow Table

The Pink Table

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100th Anniversary of BSA Charter

100^th Anniversary of BSA Charter

Earle Harvey serves as MC

On Sunday afternoon, May 6 at 2 PM Peoples UMC and members of Scout Troop 23 gathered together in Ellis Hall for a rather unique and meaningful celebration. It was on May 6, 1918 that the Charter linking Peoples Methodist Episcopal Church of Ferry Village and Scout Troop 3 of South Portland was granted. The Sunday school of the church was the actual grantee for the charter. A few years later the Troop number designation became 20 and by the end of the 1920’s, 23 became the number where it has remained ever since. There was a break from 1943 to 1948 due to men being called into military service and Peoples moving from the village to the location it presently holds on Broadway.

Scoutmaster Joe Picoraro and former Scoutmaster Earle 

Harvey Woodbury became the Scoutmaster in 1948 and Troop 23 had a hardy rebirth. Camping experiences at Camp Hinds and elsewhere were looked forward to by members of the troop. Granville Nickerson was one of the leaders of the troop who later became a Commissioner for the Pine Tree Council. Stanley Nickerson and Ron Tripp were among the Scout leaders and Dick Miller and Art Tordoff were able to recollect some of those times. Among the memories was spending time at Bates Cabin during early springtime and camping at Camp Macmillan at Hinds. We also remember that getting camping equipment and uniforms was usually through the Scout Shop upstairs in Benoit’s clothing store.

Scouts of Troop 23 look over memorabilia

Senior Scout leader Ben Teague

Later when some of us had our own children those who were Scouts were now adult leaders of either or both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Some of the women present at this gathering had been Den Mothers for Pack 23. Wealthy Harvey and Marlene Tordoff were among those that served Pack 23 and Carol Bruneau had served in that capacity elsewhere. Art Tordoff served as Cub master and then as an adult leader of the Troop when Earle Harvey was the Scoutmaster. Another guest, Ray Mileson, was both a Cub and Scout in the 1970’s and today has served as Scoutmaster at Troop 37.

Rosemary Herd from Peoples was Scoutmaster of Troop 23 beginning in 1986. All told she dedicated 46 years of her life to Scouting in Germany, Texas and South Portland. She was one of the first women to have such a role in Scouting.

Camping in Ellis Hall

For the past 32 years Joe Picoraro has had an association with Scouting, first as a Scout in Massachusetts where he earned his Eagle badge. Joe has been associated with Troop 23 in 1992 when his children were at the age to become involved. He is the person who has served longest as a Scoutmaster of Troop 23.

Lynne Picoraro has served as the leader of Pack 22 which replaced Pack 23 when it left Peoples. She has also served admirably on the Troop Committee for as many as 23 years. She serves also as one of the Pine Tree Council Commissioners.  It was Lynne who was responsible for creating and producing a fantastic program distributed to those in attendance.

Earle Harvey served as the MC for the occasion and before the program was over, all of the Scouts that were present came to the mike and told a campfire story about real experiences.

The program was closed with a campfire and Scout Vespers.

All adjourned  to the tables to indulge in a special celebration cake that was adorned with Scout and church symbols that was provided by the Cookie Jar Bakery owned by the Piscopos whose own son, Nick earned his Eagle while a member of Troop 23.

We are blessed as church to sense the number of young men who have been members of Troop 23 and have used their talents gained through Scouting wherever they are today.

Telling camp stories

Another camp story for fun

Earle Harvey and Rosemary Herd former Scoutmasters

Art Tordoff and Pastor Tom give Certificate to Earle

Frank Maguire Commissioner gives new Charter to Rosemary and Pastor Tom

Lynne Picoraro has served Scouting for 23 years

Scoutmaster Joe has served Scouting for 32 years

Lynne, Rosemary and Joe together have served Scouting for 101 years

Ray Mileson a Scout in Pack and Troop 23 in the 1970's now Scoutmaster at Troop 37

Scout Vespers

Mark Tordoff was one of the many Eagles at Troop 23

Thank you Cookie Jar for helping us celebrate

Peoples Senior Community Luncheon

Peoples Senior Community Luncheon

Chef Brad

The latest Senior Community Luncheon was held on April 12, 2018 with the work staff reporting by 9:30 AM at Ellis Hall. We were blessed with the following folks who served in a number of capacities:  Susan, Kathy, Carol, Pam D, Len D, Dan, Ruth, Jody, Rosemary, Joanne, Pam L, Brad, Tom, Barb , Dick S, Keith, Becky S, Art, and Marlene . Duties performed include preparing the meal, setting up and taking down chairs and tables, waiting on the guests and greeting the guests. In order for the success of this activity it is important that those who serve as callers get their calls in before Monday preceding the event.

The tables are ready

Arrival at Ellis Hall is usually by 9:30 AM with guests arriving to simply talk or play games by 10:30AM.

Entertainment began by 11:30 AM with Heather and Mike putting on a musical performance by singing songs that would be familiar to many of the guests and workers

Pam's Spring creation

Heather and Mike

Brad prepared a very tasty meal for the 37 guests and 19 workers who were present on this occasion. The meal consisted of Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes au gratin, rolls, frosted cupcakes, coffee, tea and water. A very tasty meal once again with kudos to Brad for his planning and preparation. Some of the folks helped Brad in the kitchen plate the food that was then taken by a waiter or waitress assigned to specific tables.

The guests who attend we feel enjoy being together and often find new friends or bring with them folks that they have long associated with.

Plans are in readiness for the next two luncheons. The May luncheon will be on Thursday, May 10 and in June it will be on June 13.

End the Growling

And a Good Time was had by all!

The Outreach van arrives

During the weeks of the Lenten season all of the churches in the Casco Bay Cluster had the opportunity to assist in the collection of monies that would be dedicated to the “End the Growling” campaign through the offerings that were gathered at each Lenten Service. In addition each church was asked to develop teams that would seek donations of money that would be used to purchase the dry good ingredients to make packets of minestrone soup that would feed 6 people. Each team member had a goal of raising $45 per each member of a team.

Unloading begins

Ellis moves bins

Len with a heavy load

Keith helps with cases

On the day before the packing event a number of folks from Peoples showed up to help unpack the Outreach Inc. van of the dry goods, boxes and equipment used in the packing process. Additionally a team placed dated stickers on each of the thousands of packets that would be filled on Saturday.

Pastor Ami is precise

Add caption

Peoples sponsored three teams; Peoples Packers, Tuesday morning and Hunger Stoppers. In all 28 people from Peoples would volunteer to pack on one or more of the three teams. Other members of the church may not have been available to help pack but they did help to raise the funds. Peoples alone raised $1329.19 through the team method.

The ingredients for soup packets feed six

Peoples Packers work together

In all there were nine teams with three more from Thornton Heights and one each from Cape Elizabeth and West Scarborough. Another team, I believe, represented a Girl Scout troop. Over the three hours from 10 AM to 1PM the nine teams were responsible for filling 16,200 food packets. The age range of the participants ran from around 8 years of age to 80.

Thornton Heights kids

Tuesday morning group

These packets were packed 36 to the case and 36 cases. They will be distributed to local food cupboards and some will go to Millinocket to help refill their food cupboard.

We thank Janemarie of Outreach and Cori from Thornton Heights UMC, pastors Ami, Dodie and Tom for their presence and help supporting this effort. We also thank Rosemary and others for providing the snacks that were much needed before or after our duty time.

A little posing before we begin

Cori, Pastor Ami and UMW from THUMC

Randi and Marlene take a break

Rosemary and Pastor Tom serve snakcs

CEHS Crew

The last packet is filled at 1:33 PM

Janemarie helps pack West Scarborough

Ellis Hall at 2:30 PM

PUMC to celebrate 100 years of Scout sponsorship

Peoples United Methodist Church in South Portland to mark 100 years since the first sponsorship of a Boy Scout Troop

On January 24, 1908 the Boy Scout movement became official. A Boer War( South Africa) hero by the name of Robert Baden Powell, who later was knighted had come home to England after that war and was responsible for establishing impromptu Boy Scout Troops there. He was the writer of “Scouting for Boys” and later added “Aids to Scouting”. These were originally written for military use, but Baden-Powell adapted them for adolescent boys.

In this same year Baden-Powell and others set up a Boy Scout office and by the end of the year had records indicating that 60,000 boys were now members of the organization in England alone.

Baden-Powell also organized the Wolf Cubs in 1916. Cub Scouts of America followed shortly thereafter.

William Boyce, on a business trip to England, experienced the guidance of a Boy Scout while in the London fog. He came home to the Chicago area and helped incorporate the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.

Peoples Methodist Episcopal Church of Ferry Village began sponsoring Boy Scout Troop 3 of the South Portland  District  and  received a charter on May 6, 1918. At some time after this, documents indicate the number became 20 and finally in 1929 it became 23 as a member of the Pine Tree Council which incorporated more towns and cities, perhaps a major reason for the designated number change.

There was a break in the sponsorship by Peoples during World War II from 1943 to 1948 perhaps due to the fact that adult males were committed to the war effort. The other factor is that the church was in the process of moving from the village to a new church building on Broadway.

Since 1948, Troop 23 has continued to operate and hundreds of young men have had the opportunity to experience both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts through the Troop and Cub Pack.

As Peoples UMC has continued to be the primary sponsor of these Scout organizations we are humbled by the dedication of both the Scouts and their leaders.

To close out the first 100 years of sponsorship a committee consisting of Earle H, Rosemary H , Tom N and Art T with the help of present Troop leadership, are planning a celebration on Sunday afternoon, May 6, 2018 at 2 o’clock in Ellis Hall.

If you were a part of Troop 23’s life in the past and would like to help us celebrate with your presence please let us know when you were a member and any stories of Scout life that you would like to share either at the event or through an e-mail or letter to any of the folks that you see listed above. If you have Scout memorabilia that you are willing to display at this event please get in touch with us. You may respond with comments on this notice.