Sampson honored on 90th

Dorothy “Dot” Sampson of White Rock, born in 1917 in North Windham, turned 90 on Oct. 10.

As a 3-year-old, Sampson moved to a farm in White Rock with her parents, Willie and Annie Lamb, along with her sisters Viola and Elizabeth. Later, another sister, Helen, joined the family.

Sampson and her late husband, Alden, were married at the farm where she was raised.

Family members gathered from around the country to help celebrate her birthday. On Oct. 4, her youngest daughter, Janet Shepherd, arrived from Sun City, Ariz.; and on Oct. 8, her niece, Priscilla Simms, and her husband, Jerry, came from Sacramento, Calif.

Sampson’s special day began with breakfast served in bed by daughters, Linda Bushey, Northwood, N.H., Janet Shepherd, and Carole, who lives with her mother. Shepherd did the cooking and the three daughters sang “Happy Birthday.”

Priscilla and Jerry Simms treated Sampson and family members, including Sampson’s son, Ron and his wife, Nancy, to a dinner at The Landing Restaurant in Windham.

Before the meal began, Wallace “Al” Kelley and his friend Joan Close of Santa Rosa, Calif., arrived, surprising Sampson. Following dinner, her son and daughter-in-law served a birthday cake, which was baked by Carole, and ice cream with coffee at their home.

Then, Sampson received many gifts including a quilt made by Janet, money and flowers. On Oct. 10 Priscilla and Jerry treated Sampson and Carole to lunch. But, before they flew back to California, Priscilla took photos of the Windham home where Sampson was born and Babb’s Covered Bridge before stopping at the Lamb farm in White Rock.

Sampson asked to stop at the White Rock Community Club, a former school she had attended. She was surprised to see the yard full of cars and to see family members. She then realized the party was for her.

The gathering included 100 guests. Children and grandchildren helped decorate, all in pink and white. Her granddaughter, Gale Sampson, and three daughters, Allison, Kayla and Emily catered the event. Rep. Gary Plummer of Windham, Sampson’s nephew, presented her with recognition from the 123rd Legislature.

Garden club reminder

The Gorham Garden Club will meet for its harvest supper at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the First parish Church. The public is welcome. Contact Linda Frinsko at 839-3878 or e-mail lfrinsko@maine.rr.com

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of Public Debt reported on Oct. 19 that the U.S. public debt was $9,053,884,694,839.99.

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