Plans taking shape for Ashland Summerfest

    The Ashland Summerfest Committee has chosen the theme for this year’s activities and it will be “Ashland – An All American Town.” Starting Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5, there will be lots of music, food and fun for people of all ages.
    So far, the schedule of events is as follows:
    • July 2 – There will be a girl’s softball tournament and a Little Miss Ashland Pageant.
    • July 3 – There will be an antique car show, bean supper, music at the bandstand, a 1960s themed dance and a drive-in movie.
    • July 4 – There will be a pancake breakfast, food sale, parade, pig roast and horseshoe tournament, truck pulls, music at the bandstand and a spaghetti supper with some excellent entertainment. Later in the evening there will be a street dance!
    The weekend will conclude with a barbeque hosted by the Boy Scouts, a beach ball race, a concert by the “Just Folk Singers” at the high school, as well as the heavenly sounds of gospel music at the bandstand. The festivities will conclude with a fireworks display.
    The committee extends a warm welcome to all and we hope to see you during the Summerfest!
Junior Olympic Winners
    Eleven young athletes from Ashland traveled to Old Town with the recreation department to take part in the state Junior Olympics. Medalists were as follows:
    Basketball – Marissa Chasse (first place), Malcolm Milligan (second place) and Cody Blair (third place). Savannah Flint also participated in this event.
    Soccer – Mark Chasse and Lucas Craig (first place), and Marissa Chasse and Brandon Condon (second place).
    Tennis – Mark Chasse (first place), Lucas Craig, Gabby Cyr and Marcus Tarr (second place) and Caitlin Paradis (third place).
    Track and Field – Marissa Chasse (first place), Lucas Craig and Mickenzy Ronco (second place) and Caitlin Paradis (third place).
    Congratulations!
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 to attend.
    The Kids Club will meet again Thursday, May 28 at the Masardis Pentecostal Church. If your child needs a ride, please contact the Rev. or Mrs. Donald Morton at 435-6983. The group meets every other Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
    The Portage Lake Congregational Church will open for summer worship beginning Sunday, June 7 through the end of September. Worship is ecumenically centered within the framework of a traditional Protestant service. Holy Communion will be offered on the first Sunday of every month. Church begins at 10 a.m. with refreshments following. All are welcome! For more information, please contact Wes Lavigne at 764-1630.
    Portage Lake Historical Society – Individuals from Portage Lake (and surrounding communities) are in the process of establishing a historical society. This group will meet each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Portage Lake Town Hall. Anyone who has an interest in preserving Portage Lake’s history, and becoming a charter member is welcome to join.
    The Portage Lake Over 50’s Club 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.
    There is an exercise group every Monday night at the Portage Lake Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m. There is no cost for participants. Just a group gathering to keep exercise motivating and fun! Please contact Kim Holmes at 435-6043 for more information.
    Portage Lake Centennial Celebrations – There are still events in the works and assistance is still needed to help plan and participate in the celebrations. Any help you can provide is both needed and appreciated. Please contact Corrine Routhier at 435-6854.
    Centennial Commemorative Items Available For Sale – Coins, key chains, slide show DVDs, calendars and cookbooks available at the Town Hall. T-shirts and mugs available only at Dean’s.
    There is a Centennial Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. on June 8 at the Town Hall.
    Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-8232 or feenhop@aol.com.