Ed Chase was the guest at a recent Tiger Cub den meeting. Mr. Chase showed the scouts and their parents some fossils including arrowheads and a rock with a very large Trilobite imprint in it. Ed explained how he had found the fossil, years ago, in a stream just below Masardis, and said that it is approximately 300,000 years old!
Being a “seasoned scout” himself, Ed held the young ones’ interest by having them clap and respond to a question with enthusiasm. Just when the cubs thought they had the answer to the question figured out, Mr. Chase would change it up, sending the boys into fits of laughter. He also discussed with the boys some of the great experiences that awaited them if they stayed in scouting like learning to make a fire, and rolling a canoe.
To end the session, Mr. Chase provided each of the boys with a section of rope and the scouts were able to have a hand at tying various knots. By far, the Tiger Cubs liked the slipknot the best. This knot was demonstrated around the boys’ waists. When they had done it correctly, Mr. Chase instructed them to all turn it around. “Now,” he said, “you all have monkey tails!”
Many thanks to Ed for agreeing to come and share some of his scouting knowledge with the first-grade Tigers and their parents. We look forward to more visits in the future.
Fun Fridays at ACS
For several years now, the teachers at Ashland Central School have arranged “Fun Fridays” during the month of March. March is when the students are busy taking MEA testing, and having fun activities planned for the end of a testing week seems to be good for everyone. So far, the children, parents and teachers have enjoyed swimming at the P.I. pool and sliding. Silly hat day and pajama/movie day are the activities planned for the two up-coming Fridays.
Portage Centennial Variety Show
Mark your calendars for this Saturday, March 21, and plan on attending the Portage Centennial Variety Show. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Portage Town Hall and will be a fun night of entertainment for the whole family. Hope to see you there!
Loon calling kids needed
What child doesn’t like making noise? Well, here’s a chance for your child to put their noise-making talents to work by participating in a loon-calling contest. The contest will take place during the Portage Centennial Variety Show March 21. If your child would like to take part, and possibly win the $10 prize, please contact Anita Theriault at 435-4311.
Portage Historical Society
Individuals from Portage and surrounding communities are in the beginning stages of forming a historical society. This group will meet each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Portage Town Hall until the society is up-and-running. Anyone who has an interest in preserving Portage’s history, and becoming a charter member is welcomed to join.
Tillikum News
Tillikum Chapter 99, Order of the Eastern Star, held a potluck supper, meeting and election of officers Tuesday, March 10. Elected officers for 2009-2010 are as follows: Worthy Matron – Irene Klei, Worthy Patron – Roy Clark, Associate Matron – Heather Clark, Associate Patron – not filled, Secretary – Frieda Dickinson, Treasurer – Artemas Coffin, Conductress – Rosemary Coffin, and Associate Conductress – Andrea White. Appointed positions for 2009-2010 are as follows: Adah – Julia MacDonald, Ruth – Sheila Buckingham, Esther – Rhoda Thombs, Martha – Jodi Reese, Electa – Janis MacDonald, Chaplain – Herb Klei, Marshal – Brenda Smith, Warder – Cheryl O’Clair, Sentinel – Patricia Rafford, and Organist – Rachel Stevens. The next slated meeting will be installation of officers Tuesday, April 14.
Rec Center activities
Wednesday, March 18: 2:30-3:45 p.m. – practice for the Sonics and Rockets; 4-5:30 p.m., open gym for grades 5-8; and adult volleyball at 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 19: Roller-skating for grades 4 and up. Leave the rec center at 2:45 p.m., return to the rec at 6:15 p.m. Cost per individual is $3.75, plus extra for snack bar and $2 for roller-blade rental if you don’t have your own. Karate at the grade school gym at 6 p.m.
Friday, March 20: Grades 3 and 4 basketball games: Sonics vs. Spurs at 5:45 p.m. and Sonics vs. Rockets at 6:45 p.m.
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.
There is an aerobics/exercise group meeting Monday and Thursday nights at the Portage Lake Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m. There is no cost for participants. Please contact Kim Holmes at 435-6043 for more information.
(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
FIRST GRADE Ashland Tiger Cubs Colt Ginn, left, and Graham Berry both participated in this year’s District Pinewood Derby race held at the Aroostook Centre Mall. It was a fun experience for the scouts, and all participants received a medal which read: Winner, Tire Warehouse Pinewood Derby. Pack 179 of Ashland would like to wish all those Cub Scouts who advanced good luck in Bangor!
Photo courtesy of Julie Graham-Berry
ED CHASE, right, lends a hand to Cub Scout Drew Doughty during the knot-tying activity that he presented to the den during a recent meeting.
Photo courtesy of Julie Graham-Berry
GARFIELD’S Ed Chase demonstrated knot tying to Ashland Tiger Cubs at a recent den meeting.
Photo courtesy of Julie Graham-Berry
WESTON ROBINSON proudly displays the knot that he completed successfully.
