The Society rang in its 40th Anniversary with a well-attended dinner and dance on November 10.

More than 80 people were in and out for the evening of good food, great music and a lot of laughs.

President Doyle kept the program to a minimal during the dessert, citing the founding members Avis and George Widrig and their cousins Floyd Kent and Marie Kent Parsons, along with many key people who carried the torch through the years such as Mary White, Marion Gorman, Lottie Rudd, Lucinda O’Donnell, Dorthea Blodgett, Ruth Crossett, Bill Brosnan, Phyliss Grant, Eloise Jones, Jim and Cindy Wilson, Mary Yerdon to name just a few; and the current board of trustees and officer that Doyle called “first rate.”

The remarks were made after a meal that included London broil and roast chicken was served.

The officers and trustees present posed for photos by the cake.

The band “Still Kickin” played from 7-11 p.m. to the delight of the crowd that came from all parts of the Half-Shire region as well as beyond.

Thanks to Maggie Seeley and Sue Saucier for tending to the refreshments, and to Kathy Watson and her mom Erma Schroeder (who was supposed to stay out of the kitchen and enjoy the night!) for all their work.

Kari Bacon and others assisted with serving and cleanup.

Fresh from our banquet on the 10th we again cooked for guests on November 14 when the Parish Town Historical Society came for a visit.

The meal was served by Erma Schroeder and Shawn Doyle.

Doyle gave an overview of the society and its history.

It was good to see our Parish Trustee Mary lou Guindon healing well from her bicycle accident, and also to see so many other good friends from the past.

On November 24 the society will hold its Christmas party and luncheon from noon until 3 p.m.

We have opted to celebrate early to ensure decent travel weather (we hope!).

A light meal with be served at noon that will be heavy on the desserts!

The public is welcome!

Thanks to Trust Nursery who have donated a tree that we expect to have all decorated after Thanksgiving Day.

The second floor has been sealed off for the winter with limited access.

We will heat the new room, however to conserve on heat we are isolating the stairway with Styrofoam insulation and a makeshift door.

Research hours continue, and we are surprised by the number of guests that are still stopping in with “goodies.”

We encourage people to bring in photos to have scanned, and family histories that we can copy.

Half-Shire can be reached on facebook at “Half Shire” and by phone at 298-2986.

We also now have an answering machine at the site!

We continue to be behind in research requests and ask patience and pardon.