On Sunday, May 4, Henry “Hank” Milligan joined an elite group – he became an Eagle Scout.
Obtaining the highest level in scouting is no small feat. It takes years of dedication, hard work and perseverance to advance through the many levels of the organization.
Since its founding in 1910, it is estimated that over 100 million Americans have been members of the Boy Scouts of America, but of those members, fewer than 4 percent ever reach the rank of Eagle Scout.
To begin the event, emcee and Committee Chairman Ralph Dwyer officially opened the Eagle Court of Honor and gave recognition to special guests in attendance. He then introduced Father Dave Raymond who delivered the Invocation. Afterwards, members of Ashland Boy Scout Troop 179 each took turns reading the qualities that make up the Scout Law. Before they read, each Scout lit a candle to symbolize each quality. To truly follow the way of scouting, one must demonstrate through their everyday actions that they are: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
Following this, the official Eagle ceremony started, and Hank was brought forward by honor guard Steve Farnham to be presented as an Eagle Scout candidate. Eagle Scout Rick Hoppe became the “voice of the eagle” and explained the journey that a young man embarks on when he decides to become a Boy Scout. During this time, Troop 179 displayed the many badges that Boy Scouts must earn if they desire to progress to Eagle Scout status.
Next up was the history of the Eagle Candidate, and who better to give this history than Scoutmaster and Hank’s mom, Linda Milligan. Linda recalled that when she first asked Hank if he would like to join the scouts that he had politely said, “No thanks.” It was a little later on when a friend of his, Conner McFarland, sparked his interest and Hank decided that he would give scouting a try after all. Linda spoke about many of the activities that Hank had done up to this point, some serious and others quite comical. Like the time when the Webelo troop entered into the “anything that floats race” and they came in second … out of two! This and other stories that Linda shared drew many a laugh from the audience. To end, Linda commended her son for remaining diligent, no matter what, in his desire to become an Eagle Scout. Following her speech, Scoutmaster Milligan and Assistant Scoutmaster Polly Libby presented Hank with his Eagle Award. As is customary, Hank then presented his mother and father each with an Eagle Pin, which they may wear with pride as an outward symbol of his achievement.
Hank was recognized by Gov. John E. Baldacci, Sen. Susan Collins and President George W. and Mrs. Bush for his Eagle accomplishment. Maine’s District Boy Scout Commissioner was on hand to present Hank with the prestigious Joshua Chamberlain Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars Award and to extend some words of wisdom to the new Eagle Scout. He explained that being prepared (which is the Boy Scout motto) means more than having a sharp pocketknife. He reminded Hank to always give thanks to those who help him and how he could help others by continuing his involvement in scouts throughout his life. Finally, he told Hank to expect nothing less than great things for himself. Hank also received many wonderful accolades about his character, ambition and citizenship from his football coach, Dick Engels; teacher, Patricia Rafford; and friend, Eric Hoar.
As the ceremony was nearing its end, Hoar gave the Eagle Scout Charge and Hank responded by thanking the many people who had supported, guided and taught him along the way. Scoutmaster Milligan then asked for all the Eagle Scouts in the audience to stand and take the Scout Oath. Following this, Father Jean Paul Labrie gave the Benediction and Committee Chairman, Ralph Dwyer officially closed the Eagle Scout ceremony.
Thrift Store
The Good Shepherd Thrift Store is now open. Hours of operation are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Items to be donated need to be dropped off during open hours please. The $2.50 bag sale starts in June, and the end of the season clearance sale will be held Sept. 3-5.
Centennial Cookbook
The Portage Centennial Cookbook committee is offering the opportunity for you to honor a loved one by purchasing a “Memory” or “In Honor Of” line in the back of our cookbook. Send your one-line submission and a check for $15 to: Town of Portage Lake, P.O. Box 255, Portage Lake, Maine 04768. Please make checks out to “Town of Portage Lake” and write Centennial Cookbook on the memo line. You will need to have your submission in by May 24.
Portage Lakers ATV Club Raffle
Members of the Portage Lakers ATV Club are currently selling raffle tickets. The grand prize will be a mini ATV, second place will be a $25 gift certificate and third place is a $20 gift certificate. Certificates were donated by The Sled Shop and Harry’s of Presque Isle. The winners will be drawn after the Memorial Day Parade at the Portage Town Hall. Tickets can be purchased from any club member. For more information, please contact Kathy Gagnon at 435-4361 (work) or 435-6223 (home).
Ongoing Events
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens group meets every Thursday at noon at the Ashland Rec. Center. Any senior citizens wishing to participate in the potluck lunches and meetings are always welcome.
The Portage Lake Seniors’ Lunch is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. at the Town Hall. All seniors are invited to attend and can bring a potluck dish to share or give a cash donation. For more information, contact Wilza Robertson at 435-6211 or Grace Nason at 435-6373.
The Red Hat Loonies of Portage Lake meet the second Thursday of every month at Dean’s Motor Lodge. Membership dues are $2. Come and have a great meal and a great time, too! For more information, contact Rachel Stevens at 435-6358.
If you can help plan for Portage Lake’s Centennial Celebration, please contact Barb Pitcairn at 435-2368 or Grace Nason at 435-6373.
Ladies, are you interested in crafts or have some that you’ve started and just can’t seem to finish? If so, take yourself over to the Portage Lake Municipal Building for Girlz Night every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the company and the satisfaction of finally completing a project!
(Julie Graham-Berry is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-7137).
Photo courtesy of Julie Graham-Berry
EAGLE SCOUT HANK MILLIGAN takes the Scout Oath at his recent Eagle Scout ceremony. Displayed on his sash are the 28 merit badges that he earned during his scouting career.
Photo courtesy of Julie Graham-Berry
EAGLE SCOUT Hank Milligan’s younger brother, Malcolm, recites one part of the Scout Law during his brother’s recent Eagle Scout ceremony.
Photo courtesy of Julie Graham-Berry
SCOUTMASTER and mom Linda Milligan happily looks on as her son, Hank, attaches the Eagle pin, a symbol of his accomplishments, on his father’s (Dave Milligan) collar. Linda also received the same pin from Hank.
Photo courtesy of Julie Graham-Berry
DAVE MILLIGAN congratulates his son, Hank, on receiving his Eagle Scout Award.
