On Aug. 18, Florence Graham of Ashland turned 90 years young. She said that reaching 90 was an accomplishment that she had always hoped to achieve, just to see what it felt like. And according to her, it feels pretty darn good. On her special day, she was visited by friends and family and received many cards, well wishes, flowers and thoughtful gifts.
A delicious luncheon was coordinated and put on at her home by her caregiver and friend, Sherri Scelza. Now, Florence says that she is just going to coast to 100. Way to go Gram!
Birthday thank you
Helen Beaulieu would like to express her sincere gratitude to those who attended her 85th birthday celebration. She appreciated the many cards, gifts and well wishes also. Most of all, Helen would like to thank her wonderful family for everything that they did to make her day so special.
Dyslexia walk scheduled
The 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Center for Dyslexic Children will be having a walkathon on Sept. 7. All money raised will go to benefit children with dyslexia. For more information on how you can participate or sponsor a walker, please call Bob Sawyer at 435-6931.
Group changes meeting location
Effective Thursday, Aug. 21, the Ashland Area Senior Citizens Group will now be meeting at the Aroostook River Fish and Game Club instead of the Ashland Recreation Center for its weekly meetings. The meeting time of noon will remain the same.
Portage Lake cookbooks for sale
The Portage Lake Centennial Cookbook Committee has collected the best recipes from group members, family and friends, and compiled them into an attractive keepsake cookbook. They will begin selling their one-of-a-kind cookbooks Aug. 26 for $12. They may be purchased from any member of the organization or at the Portage Town Hall. All proceeds will go to the Portage Centennial Celebration. The cookbook contains 390 well-loved recipes including appetizers, main dishes, desserts and many others. Recipes include the contributor’s name, enabling you to find the recipes of family and friends. For more information, contact Lou Sandy Boutot, P.O. Box 4, Portage Lake, Maine 04768 or call (207) 435-6016.
Bluegrass Festival
The Aroostook River Fish and Game Club is planning a “Bluegrass By The River” Festival for Saturday, Aug. 30. There will be FREE overnight camping in the rough on both Friday and Saturday. Gates will open at noon Friday, Aug. 29, and at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30. (Please note that musical performances will take place only Saturday, Aug. 30 beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m.). Bands and individuals scheduled to participate are: Aroostook County Bluegrass, Blistered Fingers, Borderline Bluegrass, and Randolph Michaud.
And do not worry about eating! The club will be providing fast food concessions the day of the event from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. At approximately 4:30 p.m., there will be a supper break. All you can eat beans and franks or spaghetti and meatballs will be available at a cost of $7 for adults and $4 for children. On Sunday, Aug. 31, the eating continues with a public breakfast. All you can eat – $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.
This is sure to be a fun and memorable event. Buy your tickets early and enjoy a great time with family and friends. Early bird tickets will be on sale until Aug. 15 – $12 per adult, children 12 and under FREE. Tickets after Aug. 15 – $15 per adult, children 12 and under FREE. Please send a self addressed, stamped envelope with a check or money order to: Aroostook River Fish & Game Club, P.O. Box 765, Ashland, Maine 04732. (Be sure to include the number of adults and children attending on your correspondence).
If you have any questions regarding the Bluegrass Festival or other events at the Aroostook River Fish and Game, please contact Lou Anne Deabay at 207-435-2931.
Ongoing Events
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens group meets every Thursday at noon at the Aroostook River Fish and Game Club. 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
FLORENCE GRAHAM of Ashland smiles as she sits behind the 90th birthday cake that her friend and caregiver, Sherri Scelza, made for her. Florence celebrated her birthday Aug. 18 at her Ashland residence.