Houlton native Jean Pryor MacPherson, a longtime resident of Windham and Raymond, was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease in 2002.

In February of this year, she was placed on the liver transplant list at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston but, on the recommendation of doctors there, was transferred to a hospital in Gainesville, Fla., where on Sept. 19 she underwent liver transplant surgery.

Shirley Ward of Houlton told me last week that her sister’s surgery was a success, and the “doctors are all amazed how she is doing now.” MacPherson has suffered some serious complications and will remain in the hospital until her condition improves.

That means she will be there for the holidays, and hearing from old friends would certainly give this plucky lady a lift.

MacPherson’s spirits are very good, however, Ward said.

“I’ve been told that when the nurses need a pick-me-up they visit Jean,” her sister said, “but she did want to be home for Christmas.”

Home now is Ocala, Fla., from where her husband, Andrew, commutes daily to visit her.

If you would like to send Jean MacPherson a card or note, you can write her at 9455 S.W. 30th Terrace, Ocala, Fla. 34476.

In addition to her lengthy recovery, the couple (who were Houlton High School sweethearts) also face extensive medical bills unreimbursed by insurance. Her medication expenses are estimated to be in excess of $20,000 a year.

Donations to help with the MacPhersons’ expenses can be sent to the National Transplant Assistance Fund, Suite 230, 3475 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, Pa. 19073.

You should write on the memo line, “In honor of Jean MacPherson.”

A last-minute plea for donations has been submitted on behalf of the 19th annual Let’s All Have A Merrier Christmas Drive, a program begun in 1984 that provides new toys and warm clothing for needy children up to age 15 who live in Down East Maine.

Chairwoman Rhonda French reports that there are still children on the drive’s list, especially teenagers, who need to be taken care of. “The need is great,” French said.

“We are at a point where we have more children on our list than we have gifts for. Any help would be appreciated,” she said.

If you can help, you are asked to send your donation to Rhonda French, P.O. Box 35, Jonesport 04649.

If anyone has questions about this Down East holiday program, call French at 497-5490.

For the third year in a row, First United Methodist Church of Brewer is offering a free public Christmas dinner.

The organizers of this marvelous holiday gift are Gene and Edith More. Gene More wants readers to know that “if anyone needs a meal on Christmas Day, we’ll feed ’em.”

The dinner will be served from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25, on the lower floor of the church building at 40 South Main St. in Brewer, next to Brooks Pharmacy.

“I think we have more fun than they do,” Edith More said of those who attend this very special holiday event.

Crossroads Ministries of Old Town, which serves more than 900 needy families in 32 communities, recently received hundreds of Christmas gifts for adults and children thanks to the employees of St. Joseph Healthcare.

Through a program sponsored by the employees’ Mission Advisory Committee, more than 500 tags were placed on a tree, listing items such as food for children.

With the outstanding response of the employees, the holidays are certainly going to be better and brighter for those served by Crossroads Ministries.

The Bangor area recently lost two of its most distinguished ladies with the deaths of Helen Peabody and Ellie Diamond.

Helen was well-known for her long-term commitment to local organizations, and Ellie was a singer and a master at bridge.

Many of us learned valuable life lessons from each of them.

Helen was a model of decorum that many young people today would do well to emulate.

And Ellie was more than an entertainer; she displayed great patience trying to teach us the intricacies of the game she so loved.

To the families and friends of Helen Peabody and Ellie Diamond, I extend my deepest sympathies.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.