The annual Portage Lake Town Christmas Party will be held Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5-8 p.m. at Dean’s with a dance following. As is customary, there will be a “potluck” dinner (so if you’re coming, bring a dish!) and a Yankee Swap for the adults. Santa will be making a special appearance between 5-6:30 p.m. this year, so he has the kids covered for gift swapping.
The winner of the carved Centennial Christmas Ornament will be drawn once everyone has eaten. Tickets are still available at the Town Hall, Dean’s and Coffins, and will also be available the night of the party. The Snowmobile Club will also draw its winner for the Club 100 tickets. DJ Julie Rae will be spinning Christmas tunes throughout the party and at the dance following. Every family attending will also receive a centennial ornament courtesy of the Portage Lake Centennial Committee. What a great time to get out and see your neighbors and friends. Hope to see you all there!
Special Town Meeting – Nashville Plantation
Voters will meet at the Nashville Plantation Town Hall Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. for a Special Town Meeting. They will consider two articles to transfer funds from surplus. The funds will be used for a residential valuation and to upgrade the fire pond and install a dry hydrant. Grant monies will help with the hydrant project.
Portage Lake 2010 Calendars On Sale
The Portage Lake Recreation Department will be selling 2010 calendars in support of the Portage Lake Playground Project. The calendar will feature photos highlighting the town and its residents participating in a variety of different activities that take place in our beautiful town. What a great Christmas gift this will make for residents and far away friends! It’s a nice reminder of home and will leave them longing for their next visit to Portage Lake! Best part? You will be supporting a worthy project. To get your copy, you must pre-order at the Town Office (435-4361).
Church News and Notices
There will be practice for the St. Mark’s Children’s (Christmas Eve) Mass Friday, Dec. 11 and Friday, Dec. 18 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Parish Hall. The kids will be leading three songs during the Mass. They are still looking for children to participate up to age 18. The Children’s Mass will be held Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake in Portage Lake.
There will also be a Kids Christmas Party at the St. Mark’s Parish Hall Sunday, Dec. 20 at noon. There will be games, pizza, and ornament decorating. For more information, call Corrine Routhier at 435-6854 or Linda Milligan 227-9135.
Service of Light
When Christmas hurts … St. Mark’s Church in Ashland will be holding a non-denominational service of healing to acknowledge the pain and hurt some people may be experiencing during this holiday season. Whether it be through the loss of any kind, illness, tragedy or hardship, you are not alone and may just find the comfort you need during this service. The Service of Light will be held Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church. Snow date will be Saturday, Dec. 12. The service is open to all!
Christmas Concert
Just Folks Singers will be doing their first Christmas concert at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Bobby Goding Memorial Gym in Ashland. Donations will be accepted, with all proceeds to benefit the Ashland Alumni Association. For more information, call 435-6015.
First Ashland PTO Movie Night a Great Success
It was a night not soon forgotten. Friday, Nov. 20 marked the first family event sponsored by the Ashland Area PTO this school year. Kim Holmes, president of the group, explained the reason for the event as the PTO’s way of thanking parents and students for their continued support during the first quarter.
Approximately 100 movie-watchers showed up for a fun-filled evening, completely free of charge to them. Students in pajamas – with pillows and blankets – descended on the Ashland Central School gymnasium and chose the perfect viewing spot, as the smell of popcorn filled the air. Steady lines for drinks, popcorn, and healthy snacks continued until the show started, then picked back up again during intermission. At the end of the movie, a raffle drawing was held. The winning ticket, entitling the holder to the DVD used for the evening, was held by Taylor Morton. Watch for more PTO events throughout the year and remember, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” If you’d like to be a part of this growing group, as a member or as a volunteer at a sponsored activity, please contact Kim Holmes at 435-6043.
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.
