On Nov. 20, friends, family and fellow Rotarians came together to celebrate Lester Junkins and his many years of service to the Ashland Rotary Club. After a delicious meal put on by the Ashland Motor Lodge, Ashland Rotary Club President Sarah Brooks opened the ceremony by highlighting points of interest about the rotary organization and Lester’s dedication to the Ashland club.
Rotarian Roy Clark offered some funny character descriptions of Lester, including how he starts off most every conversation with, “Well …” Next up was Betty Rogers, wife of current District Governor Rick Rogers. She talked about the importance of the rotary organization and how its members help those not only in their backyards, but all over the world. She also introduced her husband, District Governor Rick Rogers, who presented Mr. Junkins with a plaque and also a blue, team tie. The team tie holds a lot of meaning within the Rotary organization and was a befitting honor for Lester based on his many years of loyalty, devotion, and service.
Ralph McPherson, assistant district governor, extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of all the area district presidents. He also discussed the Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” and described examples of that happening throughout the world. He stated that it was an honor for him to see our local Rotary being active and involved, and that we must all honor one another for the things that we do both individually and collectively.
Lester’s nephew, Steve Sherman, shared some personal stories about his uncle, which made the crowd laugh. Like how he uses the catch and release method, not for fish … but for skunks! On a more serious note, Steve said that he believes his uncle’s faithful attendance to Rotary for the past 58 years was due, in large part, to its members and the friendships that he has with them. Following this, Lester graciously thanked everyone for their involvement in the evening and was joined by past Rotary presidents in attendance for a photo.
A cake displaying the Ashland Rotary’s 60th anniversary was cut and enjoyed by all.
Ashland correspondent thanks troop commissioner for recognition
Sgt. 1st Class Arelius “Catfish” Mayes of Colorado was visiting the county this fall. During his time here, he presented Ashland correspondent Julie Graham-Berry with a symbolic friendship stick, as well as a poem entitled, “A Soldier.” He instructed her to pass the poem on to a veteran. Julie had the occasion to do this during a program recognizing veterans at an Order of the Eastern Star meeting in November.
Written by George L. Skypeck, the poem reads:
“I was that which others did not want to be.
I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do.
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness … should I fail.
I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of moment’s love.
I have cried, pained and hoped … but most of all, I have lived hard times others would say were best forgotten.
At last someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was … A Soldier.”
The poem will be framed and displayed at the VFW Post 9699 in Ashland.
Thank you also Mr. Catfish for the wonderful friendship stick in recognition of Julie’s news coverage on scouting in the Ashland area.
Ashland Central School Holiday Show
The students and teachers of Ashland Central will be presenting their holiday show Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Students are to report to their classrooms at 6:45 p.m. As a result of this program, Kids Club at the Masardis Pentecostal Church will not be held that night. It will resume after the Christmas break.
Shop local for Christmas
If you are still looking for something to buy that special someone for Christmas, don’t fret. Just look to the Ashland community and all it has to offer: eating establishments, gas stations, convenience stores, small, large and specialized repair businesses; craft shops, beauticians, independent beauty consultants, tanning, financial institutions, and the list could go on and on. Please consider purchasing your loved ones local products and services. Doing so helps our community to prosper and frees you up to spend more time enjoying your family and friends. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Quilt tickets for sale
Tickets for your chance to win a beautiful “Star Sampler” quilt are currently being sold by the VFW in Ashland. The queen-sized quilt was donated to the club by Christine Murphy of Portage and can be used on a bed or hung for display. Please contact any VFW or Ladies Auxiliary member to purchase your ticket(s). Tickets cost $5 each, and they will be sold through the New Year. For more information, call Lawrence Michaud at 435-4351.
Ashland Motor Lodge events
During the month of December, the Motor Lodge will be having theme nights. Wacky Wing Wednesdays will feature all-you-can-eat chicken wings for $7.99. Thirsty Thursdays will be pizza night. Buy any one-item pizza and get the second one-item pizza half off. And, on TGIF Fridays, there will be special prices on select bar beverages. Stop in and check out these good deals and enjoy the ambiance that the lodge offers.
If you have not made your plans to celebrate the New Year, why not spend it at the Motor Lodge? Musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by DJ Julie Curtis. Julie played at the Lodge in November to rave reviews. She offers an amazing mix of country, rock and hip-hop – something to please everyone’s musical tastes. There is NO cover charge and FREE soup and rolls will be served at midnight. Special “stay and play” room rates of $45 are also being offered. So, book now and welcome the New Year in at the Ashland Motor Lodge.
Christmas puppet plays scheduled
F.A.I.T.H. Ministries Puppet Team will be performing the puppet play, “An Island Christmas” at the Celebration Center in Fort Fairfield. The play will take place at 10 a.m. during the morning church service. In the play, a little girl has moved to the Caribbean with her parents right before Christmas. She is upset and not happy to be there and she feels this is going to be the worst Christmas ever! Come see how a group of local kids cheer her up as she learns that Christmas is Christmas wherever you are.
Send an extra card this holiday season
Receiving cards at Christmastime is very heartwarming. When doing your Christmas cards this year, consider sending one to a recovering American soldier. Including a short sentiment and wishing them well would be a wonderful gesture.
Please send cards to: A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20307-5001.
Local cookbooks for sale for gift giving
Members of Tillikum Chapter 99, Order of the Eastern Star and the Portage Lake Centennial Committee worked hard this past summer to put together cookbooks. Tillikum’s is entitled, “Cooking With Love & Memories,” and can be purchased at the Ashland Food Mart, or from any Eastern Star member. Cost per book is $10. The Centennial Committee’s keepsake cookbook contains 390 recipes and can be purchased at the Portage Town Hall or from any committee member. Cost for the Centennial cookbook is $12 with all proceeds going to the Portage Centennial Celebration.
Portage exercise group
Providing there is enough interest, an exercise group would like to be started in Portage at the Town Hall. The class would meet on Mondays and would be free of charge. For more information, please contact Kim Holmes at 435-6043.
Project Graduation fund-raiser winners
Joel Hall was the lucky winner of a cord of stove wood, and Craig McManus, of Merrill, one ton of pellets as a result of the fall fund-raiser to benefit Ashland Project Graduation 2009. Another local, Phyllis Cloukey, won a complete turkey dinner. Congratulations to you all.
The committee for Project Graduation will have other events down the road, but for now there is a 50/50 chance drawing offered at every home varsity basketball game, as well as a chance to win $500. The $500 opportunity is generously sponsored by Katahdin Trust Co. and will be awarded to the individual who can make a basket by shooting the ball from half-court. The $500 chance will be offered until there is a winner – good luck and keep buying those tickets!
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 11:30 a.m. at the Town Hall. All individuals 50 and over are invited to attend and can bring a potluck dish to share. 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 2009 Centennial Celebration, please contact Corrine Routhier at 435-6854. Your help is both needed and appreciated.
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).
