Ashland boy earns Arrow of Light badge
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney-Hopkins
On May 30, 2013, a crossover ceremony was held for Graham Berry to recognize his successful completion of the Cub Scout program. Berry joined Cub Scout Pack 179 in the summer of 2007 prior to beginning the first grade.
During his Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelo years, Berry learned many new skills and participated in various scouting activities such as camporees, pinewood derbys, daycamps and community service projects.
Berry was the top popcorn seller every year that the Pack participated in the fund-raising activity and continues to be a great salesman for the Boy Scout troop. Prior to crossing from the Cub Scout ranks into the Boy Scouts, Graham received the highest distinction in the Cub Scout program — the Arrow of Light badge. The only badge from the Cub Scout program allowed to be worn on the Boy Scout uniform, the Arrow of Light badge features an arrow (which points the way toward the new adventures that the individual will have in Boy Scouts) and seven rays of light from the sun with each ray representing a great virtue — wisdom, courage, self control, justice, faith, hope and love.
Since becoming a member of Troop 179, Berry has earned five merit badges, and will soon complete his Tenderfoot rank. Berry ultimately aspires to become an Eagle Scout.
Contributed photos
ARROW OF LIGHT — Ashland’s Graham Berry participated in a crossover ceremony last May which recognized his successful completion of the Cub Scout program. Prior to crossing over to the Boy Scouts, Berry received the highest distinction in the Cub Scout program — the Arrow of Light badge, which is the only badge from the Cub Scout program allowed to be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.
GRAHAM BERRY, left, receives his official Boy Scout Troop 179 neckerchief from Eagle Scout Malcolm Milligan, right, as part of Berry’s crossover ceremony. Looking on is Boy Scout Peng Cheng.
VFW upcoming events
There will be a special Bingo Saturday, Jan. 11 from 12-2:30 p.m. A steamed hotdog lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase. Get out of the house and come try your luck.
A sing-a-long jamboree will be held at the VFW Post Saturday, Jan. 25 from 1-5 p.m. Steamed hotdogs and refreshments will be available for purchase. There will also be a cover charge of $3 for this event.
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 the first and third Thursday at noon for a potluck luncheon at the LeBlanc Junkins VFW Post 9699 on the Portage Road with a meeting to follow. 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 Jean Clark at 435-8034 or Donna Martin at 435-7108.
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 227-7760 or Feenhop@aol.com.
