ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
Ella and John Weeks of Masardis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sept. 30 with a gathering of 80 family members and friends. All enjoyed the afternoon at the Weeks’ camp in celebration of the occasion.
The Weeks were married Sept. 30, 1962 (which is also John’s birthday!) at the Ashland Congregational Church. They have two children, Todd Weeks of Masardis and Susan Cameron of Ashland, and one grandchild, Ava Cameron of Ashland.
Both Ella and John grew up in Masardis and were classmates throughout their school years marrying after Ella completed nursing school in Portland. Ella was employed as a registered nurse at The Aroostook Medical Center for over 40 years until she retired and enjoys quilting, painting and gardening.
John worked as a dairy farmer on the Weeks’ family farm on Sterling Ridge until 1988 and then took up carpentry; a skill he has mastered and is admired for. He enjoys carpentry, woodworking and raising hay. They both very much enjoy being grandparents to Ava and are collectors of antiques.
The couple, who claim to be retired, continue to stay active and busy working on the farm and by participating in many community and philanthropic activities. Congratulations to one of the nicest couples I know!
Halloween hayride
The Dubois family invites you to take a tractor-pulled trailer ride around the fields and forest of Portage Lake Saturday, Oct. 27. The festivities will take place at 109 Fox Hill Road in Portage Lake at the home of John and Marcelle Gagnon. Rides will begin at 2 p.m., and will be at your own risk.
There will be cider, hot cocoa and goodies provided. The cost is $12 per family, $6 per couple and $4 for singles. All proceeds will go toward the Dubois family reunion taking place during the 2014 World Acadian Congress. Family reunions are a significant and traditional element of the Acadian Congress celebrations and the hosting families need your help to raise the funds.
A hayride is a fantastic opportunity to spend some quality family time together creating memories that will last a lifetime. It’s also a great time of year to come out to Portage Lake and enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape.
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.
