Writing students honored
At the monthly meeting March 17, the Woman’s Literary Union, during its membership luncheon at the Woodfords Congregational Church, awarded prizes in its annual creative writing contest to these students: first prize, Lyle Hemes, South Portland High School; second prize, Neil Pearlman, South Portland High, third prize, William Querry, Deering High.
Honorable mention: Rachel Friedlander, Greater Portland Christian School; Chelsea Johnson, Deering High; Emma Judkins, Scarborough High; Christy Alvord, Deering High; Jenna Beaulieu, Catherine McAuley High.
At the luncheon there were two tables of students and their guests, 42 in all.
Ruth Hathaway of the Woman’s Literary Union was committee chairman. High school teacher Suzanne G. MacArthur guided the students in their writing project during meetings in the Woman’s Literary Union headquarters at 904 Washington Ave., Portland.
One of the suggestions of writing topics was: “Relate an actual event from your own life or from history, or create one from your imagination. Make the event come alive through your writing.”
The top three winners read their entries after the luncheon.
The Daily Thymes again catered the delicious luncheon, and (how clever) the menu was corned beef and cabbage, with large slices of carrots and boiled potatoes, and slices of Irish bread. The centerpieces at the tables carried out the St. Patrick’s Day theme, too – dainty vases contained a white daisy, two green daisies (tinted?) and a pussy willow branch. Shamrocks cut out of green paper were included in the decorations around the hall.
It was a festive occasion, and made members proud of these talented high school students. We marvel at the many hours they must have spent on their projects.
Correction
In the March 15 Ramblings column’s lead article, “Firsthand View of the Tsunami,” the lecturer’s name was spelled wrong.
He is George Friou, not Priou. In a note to myself, after his speech, I had written that it is pronounced “Free-oo” Mr. Friou told me that it is a French name.
So, apologies to George Friou, whose account of his time volunteering in Indonesia we all appreciated.
Group reads “Kite Runner”
The book discussion group of the Woman’s Literary Union met March 15 at the conference room at Alexander Hall, Westbrook campus of the University of New England. Their instructor, Roberta Gray, the reference librarian there, had an interesting and detailed report on Khaled Hosseini, author of “Kite Runner,” the book which members had all read. Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. In 1973, when he was in the fourth grade, he had read widely. His father was an ambassador. The family was in the African embassy, then in 1976, in the Paris embassy. In 1980, they came to the United States, to San Jose, Calif., where they unfortunately had to live on welfare. The had lost their property in Afghanistan.
Khaled graduated from high school in 1984, and received his medical degree from the California School of Medicine. He then had a medical practice.
In 2000 he wrote the novel, “Kite Runner,” which was published in 2003. It was and still is a best seller, and is listed in last Sunday’s Maine Sunday Telegram list of best sellers.
Martha Saunders and Virginia Wintle are co-leaders of the discussion group. Present at the March 15 meeting were Florence Day, Alice Allen, Pat Allen, Ann Dox, Nancy Boyce, Arla Cohen, Helen Anderson, Betty Lones, Mary Jean Pearce, Anne Foote, and the leaders, Martha and Virginia. The members all enjoyed “Kite Runner,” and several commented on it. They also discussed with Roberta Gray, suggestions for next year’s book selections.
Hosseini’s next book is due to be published soon.
After the meeting several of those present had lunch together in the college’s cafeteria in the building. The buffet luncheon was excellent, with a large bowl of tomato soup, a variety of sandwiches, including chicken salad, ham and cheese, on both wheat and white bread, a salad, and bunches of grapes. For dessert, cookies and large servings of brownies were popular.
Both the book discussion and the buffet luncheon were appreciated.
RECIPE
Today’s recipe is from Marye Dahnke’s “Salad Book,” 1960. Can you imagine a small paperback book with 290 pages of salad recipes? Since we’re soon coming into warmer weather, this might interest you.
DATE-NUT SALAD
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped, peeled apples
1 cup chopped dates
1 tbls. lemon juice
mayonnaise or salad dressing
lettuce
1 cup shredded American cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped nutmeats
Combine the celery, apples, date and lemon juice. Add mayonnaise or salad dressing to moisten. Chill. Serve on crisp lettuce garnished with the cheese and nutmeats.
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