News Progress

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
You may not know Peggy Booker, but you know those sweet creations.

•January 11, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for there News Progress

We’ve all been to the local IGA to shop. We enter, turn right and amble toward the deli section and then, in the corner of our eye, there it is. That hulking white case with the slanted shelves filled with THEM.

Some are round and glazed or with sprinkles, some are square or twisted and sugar coated. You salivate at the sight of those that ooze of vanilla pudding that mingles with haunting dark chocolate in every bite, and Lord have mercy!

Some are even drenched in maple glaze and bacon. Yes, it’s the doughnut case. On a full stomach I’m probably safe from their siren call but on an empty one I am doomed.

And who is responsible for these delectable, delicious pastry treats? She is a tiny lady with the merriest blue eyes and someone you should know if you don’t already.

Peggy Booker is in her eighties and arrives at IGA at 1 a.m. every morning Monday through Saturday. Yes, while you are snuggled down dreaming of doughnuts, she is wrangling some 20 dozen donuts into the wonderful creations that make your dreams come true. Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Above are winners of the ugly sweater contest. Pictured left to right are Peggy Booker (most creative), Shirley Devore (most flammable), and Pam Mann (overall ugliest).

•December 28, 2016•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Nearly 50 senior citizens filed into the Senior Center Thursday, Dec. 23 for the 14th annual Christmas party.

First stop was the treat table which was laden with delicious, decorated Christmas cookies, fudge, snack mix, cheese balls and crackers, fruit tray and other temptations. No sugar plums, however!

Games were next in order, and a Christmas word scramble was completed in about three minutes. The next game required one person with a pair of dice to try and throw doubles while another person put on heavy oven mitts and tried to open a large package which was actually a lot of packages down to a small gift card. As soon as the person rolls doubles, the person unwrapping stops, the person throwing dice puts on the mitts and another person comes up to roll the dice. Normally this would go through several shifts, but Kathy couldn’t roll doubles to save her life, and Janet ripped through all that wrapping like Grant through Richmond to claim her gift card, and the game was over almost as soon as it started, but everyone had a good laugh watching the antics. Read More

Tyler Mosier at Astoria

•November 30, 2016•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Christmas is coming and never mind about that fat goose. It is time for the annual trek to find unique and original gifts and stocking stuffers - but where?

Enter the Find the Elf contest sponsored by the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development agency.

I visited seven participating stores and was amazed at what beautiful and whimsical gifts may be found right here in Sullivan and at very reasonable prices, thanks to remarkable entrepreneurs.

First stop - Astoria (204 W. Harrison) housed in an old mansion where I once stayed when it was a B&B. A brightly painted red door bids you enter the two-room shop choc-a-block with aromatic soaps, lotions and hand creams.

My favorite find was a soap called May Bailey’s Soap for Loose Women - perfect for the guest bathroom!  Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Senior Center staff Alicia Moyer(l),Vonnie Lee, Kathi Shackles and Mary Flint preside over a groaning treat table!

•November 9, 2016•

By Ellen Ferrera
For the News Progress

The Sullivan Senior Center was the place to be Monday afternoon as nearly 50 seniors attended the 12th annual Halloween party. “It’s the most anticipated party of the year. They love the food but really enjoy the games we create for them,” said executive director, Kathi Shackles.

The staff prepared a buffet of holiday treats, but the fun began with the games which included guessing the number of m&m’s in a jar, a word scramble, a stack the cups contest and the ever popular wrap the mummy contest which involved two teams of three racing against time and shredding TP to wrap a fellow senior. Golden witch trophies were awarded for three best costumes.
Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
American Legion Post 68 had a successful first car show Sunday. That was because of the efforts of the American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion and American Legion volunteers working in cooperation with the Sullivan Street Machine Assn.

•October 26, 2016•

John Upton from Flora had parked his 1969 Chevrolet Impala SS in the barn when gas prices jumped to 83 cents a gallon in 1975.

On Sunday, October 23 Upton and that restored big block Chevy won best of show at the inaugural Sullivan American Legion Post 68 car show.

The Sullivan American Legion with the help of “Sullivan Street Machine Assn.” held their inaugural car-truck-motorcycle show on a warm sunny Sunday on the south lawn and parking lot at the East Strain Street Post.

Registration was 10 a.m.-noon with judging shortly after registration. Awards were announced at 3 p.m. The first 25 entries registered received dash plaques. Top 20 entries received a plaque.   Read More