For the past two years, Theresa Spooner of Ashland has participated in cancer walks in both Boston and Philadelphia. She walks in memory of her mother, Susan McIntosh, who passed away from breast cancer much too soon.
Whether it be a friend, acquaintance, relative or even yourself that is afflicted, breast cancer affects all of us in some way. And, breast cancer does not discriminate. Men and women of all ages and ethnicity can get it. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please get informed about this terrible disease. Early detection is the key.
Theresa joined thousands of other dedicated women and men at the Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust. After months of training and fund-raising, participants walked 60 miles during three days to raise awareness and funds for critical research and community outreach programs.
The Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3-Day began Friday morning, Oct. 17 and ended with the closing ceremony Sunday afternoon, Oct. 19. The walkers covered about 20 miles a day, traveling at their own pace. The walkers were supported by hundreds of volunteer crew members who provided meals, liquid and snack stops, gear transport, hot showers, portable restrooms, safety on the streets and 24-hour medical services.
The actual journey begins months in advance when walkers start training and raising the $2,200 required fund-raising minimum. To help prepare for the Breast Cancer 3-Day, each walker is supported by coaches and online assistance that aid in all aspects of training and fund-raising, while clinics, meetings, and training walks provide ongoing support. For more information or to make a donation directly to Theresa’s online donation page, visit http://www.the3day.org/goto/theresaspooner. To learn how to participate or volunteer with a Breast Cancer 3-Day, visit www.The3Day.org or call 1-800-996-3DAY. Proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Day are used for breast cancer research, education, and community outreach programs. As the primary beneficiary of the Breast Cancer 3-Day, Susan G. Komen for the Cure receives 85 percent of net proceeds and the remaining 15 percent goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.
PHLL ends season thinking pink
On Sept. 7, the Portage Hills Ladies League held their yearend scramble. They dedicated the day to breast cancer awareness by wearing pink and donating $200 to Theresa Spooner’s breast cancer walk.
Portage couple get fun send-off
Phillip and Janice Conley were feted at a going-away party Oct. 2 at the Ashland Motor Lodge. Residents of Portage Lake for 17 years, the Conleys recently sold their home to move to Virginia to be closer to their daughters.
Out-of-town guests in attendance were Marion Carlow, Jayce Bither, Christine Dicker, and Dwight and Gloria Wilcox. Guests from Portage and Ashland included Ella Stevens, Jim and Vickie Kelley, Anita Theriault, Ron and Sharon Chasse, Phillip and Chrystal Ouellette, Don and Sis Laveway, Marilyn Brown, Ken Hodsdon, Donald and Gloria Martin, Linda Lunney, Pam Hallett, Alison Moant, and Ray and Elaine Wakefield.
Phillip and Janice were presented with a money purse and several gifts from their friends.
The couple was also roasted by those in attendance and then given the official “BOOT” by Ray Wakefield!
Ashland Fish & Game to host Youth Day Hunter’s Breakfast
On Saturday, Oct. 25, there will be a Youth Day Hunter’s Breakfast from 5-8 a.m. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under. Tickets for a 50/50 raffle will be sold during the breakfast.
Benefit dance, auction and Halloween party scheduled
Darcy Pinette, 26, of Ashland, has been battling Fibro Sarcoma since November 2006. She has undergone three major surgeries and radiation since being diagnosed, and most recently finished a round of chemotherapy at Massachusetts General. Her mother, Brenda Pinette, along with other family members, are organizing a benefit event to help with various expenses. The fund-raiser will be Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Ashland Fish and Game Club. The night will start with a potluck supper from 4-5 p.m., then an auction. Following the auction, there will be a Halloween dance. Come as you are or dress in costume – the choice is yours. Music for the evening will be provided by long-time DJ, Gerard Charette, so come, have fun and BYOB. For more information, please contact Lori Cray at 435-8071 or Brenda Pinette at 435-1020.
Ashland Rotary Club Auction and Dinner
This year’s annual Rotary Club Auction will be held Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Ashland Community High School. A roast pork dinner and all the fixings will be prepared by the Ashland Eastern Star Chapter 99 and Pioneer Lodge Chapter 72. The meal will begin at 5 p.m. and the cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Following the dinner will be the auction at 6:30 p.m. Numbered ring boxes are being sold again this year and one lucky person will be announced as the winner of a sapphire and diamond ring (valued at $895) generously donated by Kathy Beaulier of Wilder’s Jewelry. Please see any Ashland Rotarian to purchase a number from one to 100 for $20 each. There is no limit to the amount of numbers you may purchase; however, it is best to buy early to insure that you get the number you want.
Come on out for a great dinner and night of fun. It is also a good chance to get a jumpstart on your Christmas shopping and support many local organizations, as well! Hope to see you there.
Ongoing Events
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens group meets every Thursday at noon at the Ashland Recreational 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).
