ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
About 60 family and friends of the late John Gagnon of Portage Lake gathered at the Fish Lake Campsite Sunday, Aug. 2 to celebrate what would have been his 67th birthday.
To honor him and his love of the outdoors, upon his passing his family requested donations be made in his name to the North Maine Woods Co. with the intention of improving the Fish Lake Campsite, a place in which John treasured and spent a lot of time throughout his life.
With the over $3,000 donated, the family was able to construct new canopy structures, picnic tables and an outhouse (or as the family jokes “a john for John”) at the Fish Lake Campsite. In addition, they were able to repair the driveways into the campsites, and do some work at the boat landing before the campsite. Several engraved plaques were also placed at the campsite to commemorate the contributions in his memory.
Al Cowperthwaite, executive director of the North Maine Woods Co., joined the group for the dedication and a potluck picnic. Many took the day to explore the woods and to fish, just as John would have wanted.
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.
