‘Demonstration Day’ a success at Oxbow business
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
On Saturday, Dec. 3, Deep In The Woods Gift Shop, located in Oxbow Plantation, hosted a “Demonstration Day” for crafters from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. On hand were artisans Nancy Paradis of Cross Lake and Susan White of Mapleton.
Paradis, a woodcarver, carved a softball and two “wood spirits” from a piece of Allagash Balm of Gilead and began carving a Santa out of pine. Along with her teachings, Paradis is quite a storyteller! A lot of laughs were heard throughout the day. Nancy has assured she will return to Oxbow again and is willing to do so at any time of the year!
Photo courtesy of Judy Sherman
THE DEEP IN THE WOODS GIFT SHOP in Oxbow Plantation recently hosted a “Demonstration Day” allowing local artisans a chance to exhibit their unique crafts during the gift shop’s active Christmas shopping season. Here, artisans and shoppers spin yarns and sit a spell. Pictured are, clockwise from left: Joan Johnson and Ann Currier, both of Oxbow, artisan Susan White of Mapleton and woodcarver Nancy Paradis of Cross Lake.
Artisan White did glass etching demonstrations. Shoppers had the chance to choose what design they would like for their ornament and once a design was chosen, White would begin the process of etching on the beveled glass ornament. Everyone enjoyed having something “so handy” to bring home.
The crafters and visitors united in laughter, told some of their own stories, and learned a craft or two at the same time. It was a beautiful day for folks to be out and about. The artisans were busy and the gift shop was full of activity with holiday shoppers.
Shopkeeper Judy Sherman would like to thank her mother-in-law, Rita Sherman, for helping out in the gift shop and for making her famous “scotcharoos.” Judy also wishes to thank friend, Dean MacDonald, for helping with the set-up of the food and for his homemade cookies. There was quite a menu of sweets and coffee/teas for folks to choose from. Most importantly, Judy and her husband, Steve, would like to give a “big thank you” to all who came to the gift shop and to the artisans who made this special event possible. They are “already making plans for another fun day,” said Sherman.
Deep In The Woods Gift Shop is open Friday through Tuesday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment. You can reach Judy at 435-6171 or check out the latest on Facebook. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year from “The Bow.”
Ashland high-schoolers participated in this year’s All-Aroostook Chorus Festival
ASHLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL high-schoolers who participated in this year’s All-Aroostook Chorus Festival in Presque Isle included, from left: Shea Craig, Brooke LaBelle, Gabrielle Cyr and Kali Pelletier. The Festival’s concert was held Dec. 3 at the Presque Isle Middle School gymnasium.
Ongoing events
The Portage Lake ATV Club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Office. All are welcome to attend. Contact Rena Belanger for membership or more information at 435-2780.
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens meet every Thursday at noon for a potluck luncheon at the LeBlanc Junkins VFW Post 9699 on the Portage Road. This active and growing club of senior citizens also takes trips to various restaurants throughout The County, hosts cookouts, enjoys guest speakers and entertainment such as musicians. For more information, contact Roberta Savary at 435-6422.
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.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 435-8232 or Feenhop@aol.com.
