Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the skiing is so delightful! At least that is what approximately 50 children that are taking part in the Healthy Home Town Skiing Program sponsored by Maine Winter Sports are talking about.
Around 45 families from the area rented equipment from MOJO’s for $40 for the entire winter season as a result of this program. A number of children have purchased their own equipment over the past few years. The children are skiing with adults from the Ashland Area Cross Country Ski Club each Thursday afternoon at the Aroostook Ski Touring Center in Wrightville or on Mr. Ed Chases’ ski trails in Garfield Plantation. Mr. Lendell Tarr, the recreation director, drives a bus full of boisterous, excited skiers and all their equipment out each week. The Ski Club is maintaining trails at both locations this year for public use. So come on out and enjoy the skiing.
We are very proud of a brand new groomer that was built by Scott Campbell of Ashland. We would like to say a big thank you to Scott as well as the following people for helping out the club over the past few months. Chris Bessey of Bessey Auto and Mike Bartlett of County Truck both donated parts for the groomer, Andy Tardie painted the finished product, Mark Clark of Clark Racing has also assisted the club by doing snow sled maintenance for us.
In addition to having a new groomer this year, the club also purchased a new trailer to transport the snow sled from Wrightville to Garfield each time the trails need grooming. We would also like to especially thank the three gals that groom for the club as it is a very big and tiring job. They are Linda Milligan, Amanda Barker and Arlene Carillo. They are responsible for keeping the trails maintained so that we all are able to ski without a care. There are trails for those that enjoy classic skiing as well as trails for skate or free-style skiing. Be sure to thank them when you see them.
It is great to see cross country skiing coming back in a big way to the county and we are excited to be a part of it. We occasionally hold potluck suppers at the ski hut in Wrightville and all are welcome. We had a good turn out for the last one and all had fun skiing with the full moon.
This Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. we are offering another Family Fun Ski Day in Wrightville. You need to follow the Wrightville Road to the very end and you will come to the parking lot and ski hut. There are eight miles of groomed ski trails for all to enjoy. Maine Winter Sports will be there with their trailer full of ski equipment for all ages to try for the day. We have a hotdog roast, games, races and this year we may have a laser biathlon gun for those that would like to try it. Come spend a great day out in the woods with your family and get involved in a healthy activity that is growing in the county.
If you have any questions regarding the club and our activities you may call Kim Haines at 435-6576 or Linda Milligan at 227-9135. See you on the trails!
8th Annual Mike Rhinebolt Winter Carnival
Oxbow will be holding it’s annual Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 24. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with sliding, snow bowling and many other activities. Lunch will be in the Oxbow/Masardis groomer shed beside the Oxbow Lodge. Everyone is invited to this fun day. Don’t forget to bring your sleds.
Portage Lake recreation news
Co-ed volleyball is under way once again. Open (and free) to anyone who would like to participate. It will be held on every Thursday evening starting at 6:30 p.m. and lasting until approximately 8:30 p.m. in the Portage Lace Municipal Building gym. Please do not wear street shoes while playing volleyball. Contact Roberta Belanger at 435-6155 for more information.
Ladies, are you interested in crafts? Every Thursday evening at the Portage Lake Municipal Building is Girlz Night starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring your crafts and enjoy the company.
Seniors Lunch is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. If you haven’t already been, come see what you have been missing. This is a potluck meal so bring your own dish or bring a cash donation. Need more information, contact Wilza Robertson at 435-6211 or Grace Nason at 435-6373.
Red Hat Loonies of Portage Lake meet the second Thursday of every month at 5 p.m. at Dean’s Motor Lodge. Membership dues are $2. Come have a good time and a good meal. For more information contact Rachel Stevens at 435-6358.
Portage Lake upcoming events
A kid’s movie day is being planned for Friday, Feb. 23, at the Portage Lake Municipal Building. The first movie is at 1 p.m., it will be “Cars.” The second movie of the day is at 3 p.m., it will be “Charlotte’s Web.” No admission; popcorn and beverages will be served. An adult should accompany children under the age of six.
Mark Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. on your calendar for the Portage Lake Sliding Party to be held at the Portage Hills Country Club. BYOS – Bring your own sled. Hot cocoa will be served after the sliding party at the Portage Town Municipal Building. Should be a flying good time; hope to see you there.
Portage Lake Selectman meeting – Feb. 21 at the Town Municipal Building.
ATV Club – Feb. 21 at the Town Municipal Building.
Centennial Celebration Planning Meeting – no date has been set at this time. If you are interested in the planning of the Centennial Celebration please contact Barb Pitcairn at 435-2368.
Playgroup members wanted, starting in March and meeting every Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the gym at the Portage Lake Municipal Building. Moms and Dads, if you would like to bring your child(ren), please contact Taunja Jandreau at 435-8277.
If you have any ideas on activities or events that you would like to see happen, please contact Taunja Jandreau at 435-8277 or send an e-mail to wildlife@ainop.com.
